Digital SLR Reviews Blog

Posts Tagged ‘Professional Photographer’

Canon EOS 50D 15 1MP Digital SLR Camera with EF S 18 200mm f 3 5 5 6 IS Standard Zoom Lens

Canon’s new EOS 50D bridges the gap between the novice and the seasoned pro with a perfect combination of high-speed and quality. It features an APS-C sized 15.1-megapixel CMOS sensor, DIGIC 4 Image Processor for fine detail and superior color reproduction, and improved ISO capabilities up to 12800 for uncompromised shooting even in the dimmest situations. It features a refined 3.0″ Clear View LCD monitor, Live View Function with optional Remote Live View Shooting, Face Detection Live mode, and a number of new automatic Image Correction settings. White Balance – Auto, Daylight, Shade, Cloudy, Tungsten Light, White Fluorescent Light, Flash, Custom, and Color Temperature setting Updated EOS Integrated Cleaning System with a fluorine coating for better resistance to dust 9 cross-type high-precision sensors for accurate target subject acquisition and diagonal center cross-type AF point with f/2.8 and faster lenses EX-series Speedlites Compatible Flash Shutter Speeds – 1/8000 to 30 seconds ISO Speed – Automatically set, ISO 100-6400 (in 1/3-stop or 1-stop increments), Basic Zone modes ISO 100-3200 set automatically, Extension settable (with C.Fn.I-3-1) ISO 12800, and High Tone Priority settable ISO 200-1600 HDMI (High Definition Multimedia Interface) output for displaying full high-resolution images on a High Definition TV Next generation DIGIC 4 Image Processor for faster processing – Maximum Bursts JPEG (Large/Fine) approximately 60 (Up to 90 with UDMA), RAW up to 16, and RAW + JPEG up to 11 Dimensions – Width 5.7 x Height 4.2 x Depth 2.9 (145.5×107.8×73.5mm) Weight – 25.7 ounces (730 grams) body

User Ratings and Reviews

5 Stars New Amazing Product for Best Available Price
Bought for my wife’s Birthday (professional photographer), she loves it over the overpriced, under performing, Nikon that she was using in her 1 year professional photography program. Camera, lens and all accessories are high quality and in perfect condition, never been out of box, packaged excellently and arrived almost 2 weeks before the beginning of the estimated shipping time frame. Amazing deal especially considering that I had to cancel my order from a mainstream photography equipment company who said it was out of stock for over 2 months, and is now charging almost $400 more than Amazon.com for the same exact thing, even though it still says out-of-stock.

5 Stars How to make your wife happy.
I don’t know much about photography so you may want to pan this review but my wife loves taking pictures. Her rebel was acting up so we bought this beauty. Although a little costly it was worth it to see how excited my wife was when she got it.

5 Stars Completely Satisfied
The Canon 50D is great. I added the Tamron AF18-270mmm F/3.5-6.3 Di II VC LD Aspherical [IF} Macro (Model Bo003) lens from Amazon to this camera and I am extremely satisfied with their performance together. The quality of my pictures with the new camera and len are significant. I was using a Canon Rebel Xt with a Tamron 18-200 lens.

2 Stars You get what you pay for
I have a Canon 1DIII, and was looking for a more compact second body. I was not happy with the prospect of either the 50D or 5DII but decided to give the 50D a try first. It’s not that it’s such a bad camera, it’s just leagues away from the 1 series, and in my opinion, leagues away from the Nikon D300. Why do I say this?

First, it’s not at all weatherized, which does matter to me as I do mostly outdoor shooting, and there are competing products from Nikon, Pentax, Sony, that are pretty well weatherproof.

Second, the viewfinder is small and dark, and there’s only 9 AF points, compared to 50 something in the Nikon D300, and at least 11 in most other cameras. I don’t need 50 points, but the little rhomboid pattern in the Canon amateur and prosumer lines is really sub-par for the industry.

Third, there’s more pixels, but then there’s also more noise, and fewer pixels would have been just fine, along with less noise. What good does ISO 12800 do, when the pic is unusable?

In summary, Canon has been resting on their laurels, made mainly cosmetic improvements in each iteration since their 20D came out, and I sold the camera a month after I bought it at a substantial loss on ebay. Good riddance, money can be recouped.

5 Stars I love this camera.
I had dreamt of buying a good digital camera for a long time. I had been shooting films until now since I could not afford a digital camera that produced the quality I desired.

In short, this camera is worth every penny (in my opinion of course). I totally fell in love with it the day I received it. The picture quality is awesome. The pictures are both sharp and the colors are spectacular. It has all kind of great features but what matters most for me is the picture quality. I already have one of my pictures taken on this camera displayed on a wall in the living room, it is 5.2 feet wide and even despite of the size, the picture quality is good.

Buy/More Info

Joby Gorillapod Focus GP8 Flexible Tripod for Digital SLR Cameras

The Gorillapod Focus was built for the professional photographer. It can support an amazing 11 pounds, providing the stability of a standard tripod at a fraction of the size and weight. Sturdy machined aluminum sockets with an anodized gunmetal finish offer incredible flexibility while ensuring a rock-solid hold in almost any environment.Cleverly designed to help capture hard to get images like time-lapse, available-light, night-time or long-exposure, the Gorillapod Focus helps photographers refine their imaging skills. It is the biggest, strongest Gorillapod yet!Sturdy machined aluminum sockets, featuring an anodized gunmetal finish, allow flexibility over 360? of rotation while maintaining their stability and ensuring longevity. Rubberized ring and foot grips provide extra gripping power to grapple wherever you want to go.

User Ratings and Reviews

4 Stars Finally, a Gorillapod that will hold up my camera – usually
Gorillapods are great, but you need one thats one-model stiffer than what Joby says. For example, get this one if you have a D300, and dont expect it to hold it up very well with a 600mm/2.8 lens on it. But it will hold it up with medium size lenses. My previous one, one model down, was not strong enough for me to be comfortable putting a D300 on with anything heavier than the 18-200 mounted. Just be careful – its easy to dump your camera with this thing if you’re not.

3 Stars Current Reviews are not for Gorillapod Focus
FYI, all these reviews are not this model. The Gorillapod Focus has just recently been released. This is the pro model for pro cameras with long lens and holds up to 11 lbs. I have not tried this or any other model, but only noticed these are not reviews for this model. (Please disregard my rating as Amazon would not let me post without giving one.)

5 Stars Awesome tripod for SLR cameras
Watch Video Here: http://www.amazon.com/review/R2003A56BA7LHM The gorillapod foucs is a great tripod for slr owner’s with large zoom lens. I use a Nikon D80 10.2MP Digital SLR Camera (Body only) and have a Nikon 18-200mm f/3.5-5.6 G ED-IF AF-S VR DX Zoom-Nikkor Lens attached to it. Even with the lens fully extended the camera doesn’t shake or drop down. The tripod is also very light weight which makes it ideal for travel.

The only CON of the product is that the legs are a bit stiff and makes it a bit hard to wrap the legs around an structure. If you can live with that this is the best travel tripod for slr users

4 Stars Great Minipod, but mounting could be Improved
Pod works great, good for propping against rocks and trees,very stiff stays in place well . However screw mount needs much improvement . A very good pod to take along on hikes and had to get to areas like rocks and uneven terrains .

5 Stars Tripod Missing Three Legs
Sadly, It’s been over a month, and still no Gorillapod. Perhaps I should tie a banana to the mailbox? Picture on the website sure looks cool, though!!

Buy/More Info

Nikon 10 24mm f 3 5 4 5G ED AF S DX Nikkor Lens for Nikon Digital SLR Cameras

Accepts 77mm Filters / 35mm Equivalent 15 to 36mm / 2.4x ultra wide-angle zoom / Ideal for landscapes, cityscapes, interiors, architecture and more Close focusing to 0.8 feet for creative perspectives and shooting versatility M/A focus mode switch – Enables quick response to changing situations between manual and autofocus operation Internal Focus (IF) Design allows faster, smoother autofocusing and eliminates changes in lens barrel length for consistent handling Rounded 7-blade diaphragm renders more natural appearance of out-of-focus image elements Accepts 77mm filters Comes with HB-23 Hood, CL-1118 Soft Lens Case, 77mm lens cap, rear cap For Nikon DX or FX type cameras / DX DSLR optimized

User Ratings and Reviews

5 Stars GREAT Lens
I did my research on this lens from the day it was in talk of coming out. When it came out, daily I would look for reviews because I was planning to get the 12-24mm f/4. Manjority of the reviews were my amatuers or hobbyist (spell check).

In summary, they didnt know how to use a wide lens (that is the many problem for anyone that can’t use anything from 8mm-35mm). Other say the construction of the lens differ. Well that is true but for people that take care of their lens and not looking to drop it, you would be fine but still that reeason this dumb.

Here is my professional summary from a professional photographer. I brought this lens to complete my “all purpose travel kit”…lol. I have the 10-24, 24-70, and 70-300. What else do you need. besides for Nikon to come out with a lens that shoot 10-24 at 2.8 and lower.

For now with that, you can just invest in the 12-24mm f/2.8 if you can. I dont have that lens yet but soon I will but I dont really need it now with this 10-24.

People would say “what about low light?” I would say use a flash. Others would say “what about situations in which you can’t use a flash?” I would say use primes because with primes you can get f 2.8 to 1.4 autofocus and the results are great. I have a few primes and I am not selling them.

Anyways, 10-24mm….great investment. I shoot models with it, landscape, and soon other things. Great investment and it’s SHARP.

In final, If you know how to use a wide angle…..using this super wide lens will be a walk in the park. If you don’t, learn or ask a real professional the main reasons for wide etc.

5 Stars Pay the extra $ and get the Nikon over the Tokina
Why would I sacrifice the quality, accuracy and reliability and get an off brand? If you plan on keeping your camera for several years stay with Nikon. This is a great lens and the Tokina won’t be as sharp, reliable or accurate. My philosophy is to get the best I can and after some bad experiences with non Nikon brands I am just going to try my best to stick with Nikon since I have a Nikon camera. It will pay for itself after a year or two.

5 Stars This one is the best.
I read everything I could about wide zooms FX and DX. For DX, this one is the best. I bought it for a photo safari to New Brunswick and Nova Scotia, Canada, and another to Big Bend National Park.

The Tokina may be a good lens, but the zoom range is very limited. At 11mm by 16mm the Nikon is at least as good plus you still have range to use. That makes the Nikkor a no brainer.

10mm (15mm equivalent) is very, very wide.

Yahooooo!

5 Stars Sharp wide angle
I find the lense very usable. It’s a very fun lense at the 10mm length.

5 Stars Good WA range, nice weight, sharp
My husband purchased this lens from Amazon because of good service I received in the past. It is available from other online sources for slightly less. He reports that the lens arrived a day earlier than expected (thank you) and has been used for interior and exterior shots. On a d90, the built-in flash works from about 19 to 24 mm without lens shading. It focuses fast, balances well with the d90, and the pictures are sharp and have good contrast. At the 10 mm end, it gives great angle of view, with expected barrel distortion. Got sharper stopped down to f8. Distortion fades up to 15 mm and from there to 24 mm, it is a sharp lens for family and outdoor shots. This will be his main d90 lens. He was considering the Nikkor 12-24, but wanted the extra WA, considered the Tokina 11-16, but again wanted the extra WA and had concerns about availability and QC issues. Wishes there was more technical test data, but he needed a good WA lens now for upcoming vacations and is happy with this choice. Says Nikon has never failed him and Amazon was solid.

Buy/More Info

Professional Series Light Weight Aluminum Tripod for Camcorders and Digital Camera SLR

Pro Series Full Size Tripod combines all neccesary features for highest quality video /photo needs for either amateur or professional photographer. 3 Way panhead gives you flexibility to focus camera to any point you wish and quick release plate makes it easy to assemble your components in the quickest way. Two bubble level indicators- one for legs and one for tripod head will prevent any Level positioning troubles for maximum quality on any platform. Like no other tripods, the unit has many convenient features such as a hook to hang your carying bag and other belongings, built-in handle makes it easy to move to diferent shooting locations and a provided case will suit fyou great or storage, protection and transportation needs. INCLUDES Accessory Bag to protect and store additional accessories that could be easily damaged by scratches, dust or other conditions.

User Ratings and Reviews

4 Stars Right features, good value
I wanted a simple sub $50 tripod, not a professional investment. This product has decent build quality, good feature with the removable base plate so you don’t have to spin your camera around to screww it on the mount. stable enough and light enough to put in a pack.

2 Stars You get what you pay for…
I was looking or a tripod that would be solid and work well, with a good price to boot. Based on the above reviews, I figured it would be fine.

I guess I might be a bit more “hardcore” of a photographer than the average user. I’m using a Canon 500D/T1i, that might be a bit heavier than smaller cameras others are using.

On to the good. It comes with a convenient bag with a shoulder strap. It’s light. The feet swivel well. It has a handle right below the head.

On to the bad. It’s much too flimsy for any serious photography. If you’re trying to shoot something very precisely, there is no hope with this tripod. I ended up cranking everything as tight as possible, and I still had to force it against it’s settings to stay exactly where I wanted it. It doesn’t hold the camera up if you have a bigger lens on it, so it slowly droops. One time a mystery screw fell out from the head in the bag. I couldn’t figure out why nothing worked for like 20 minutes, until I found the screw in the bag and figured out how to put it back in.

Not recommended if you’re in any way particular about composition.

5 Stars Pretty good tripod overall!!
The product received was timely and in perfect condition. It is very reliable and light and sturdy. Has all sorts of features one needs for a camcorder and easy video recording. It is fully loaded in short.

Quick release plate in the tilting head, crank elevator with locking ring, sweet leg locks to its self leveling, gimbaled rubber feet. The tripod’s legs brace to the center post and lock. Two spirit levels one on the the head and other at the point where the legs meet. A hook for your camera bag or a weight for extra stability. A built in carrying handle and a carrying case.

5 Stars Good Tripod
I got this tripod for a Nikon D90. It is very compact and fits easily in the bag that came with it so it is easy to carry around. The tripod is very sturdy and definitely does its job. The quick release mount feature is so convenient because I don’t have to take the time to screw in the camera when it’s picture time. Pretty simple to use, I recommend it!!

5 Stars solid and sturdy this really does the job
This tripod is very sturdy and it is light weight. It doesnt come with a manual, but it is VERY obvious how to use the quick release screw to attach to the bottom of the camera. I also saw that a different reviewer didnt know how to lock the legs on place…hmmm All you need to do snap the lock on each leg and you are good to go

I have tried many other tripods and I agree with the other reviewers, this one really does the job.

It comes in a nice nylon bag and there are 2 bubble levelers, a hook to attached your camera bag. The tilt and pan functions are smooth.

it is light weight and folds down to a small space. When it extends it can go extend to be eye level even for a tall person like me

oh there is also a nice carrying handle built into the upright of the tripod so it is supper easy to move around

Buy/More Info

Nikon D300 DX 12 3MP Digital SLR Camera Body Only

User Ratings and Reviews

4 Stars Pretty good so far
So far so good. I think this may be the most reviewed camera ever so I’m not going to repeat what has already been said, both pros and cons. I will say that my experience has been over all positive although I haven’t used the camera much yet. I keep justifying using the D40 with the Nikon 18-200 lens. The shutter is a little louder than I would want it to be, not sure why more haven’t commented on this but it’s not a deal breaker by any means. Overall, I would recommend this camera to others.

5 Stars a dream camera come true
I am not a professional photographer or a techie, but I do appreciate good photography and good quality photographic equipment. I wasn’t that thrilled with my Nikon D80 and I was very pleased with my Nikon D200 which I was able to buy new for $720.00 (What a deal!.) BUT the desire for this Nikon D300 kept nagging at me as I read more and more reviews. The best review ever is from The Imaging Resource (google it). So, I sold my Nikon D80, Nikon D200, and 3 prime lenses to pay for this new camera. I also purchased David Busch’s Nikon D300 Digital Field Guide, which is very helpful. You will read all about this camera in many other reviews. I just want to say that color is accurate, Build quality is awesome, User friendly. Very little nose at high ISO. I think my favorite aspect is the four separate shooting menus. They are very user friendly (even for me), independent of each other, and you can always reset it to default if you think you are getting lost. I felt very safe navigating through all the menus. I use it with the Nikon 16-85mm VR lens (approx $600). Yes, you can take good photos with it right out of the box. Of course, you have more control over exposure, depth of field etc as you learn more about the camera. This is my advice. If you have the money, $1700 approx, buy this camera body! It is the finest camera body you can buy without going to full frame, which is immensely more expensive. Go ahead and buy Nikon kit zoom lens and upgrade to a more expensive lens down the road if you want to. In the digital world, it is the camera body that is crucial for accurate color rendition etc. As far as the lens goes, Nikon doesn’t make a crappy lens. I find the VR (vibration reduction) lens very helpful because I don’t like to use tripods. It is a bit on the heavy side compared to D80 because it is solid Magnesium Alloy body. If you want light weight, buy a compact. In the Nikon D300 manual, Nikon clearly states to never touch the sensor at all in any way. If you can’t get the sensor dust off by blowing or by the built in dust vibration system, than make sure that a very qualified Nikon authorized person does it. (this goes for all digital SLR cameras). My previous film cameras were Minolta SRT 102, Leica Rangefinder M2, Contax with Zeiss lens, so I have owned some of the best. This new Nikon D300 DX digital camera does not disappoint me. I am going to get a lot of enjoyment out of it. Jean

5 Stars Nikon D300
I have been waiting to write a review about this camera! Amazon does not always ask for a review on some items & others they ask for a revie before you get the product. I just can’t wait! I have several nikon cameras. N90 (Film) A Nikon Coolpic Nikon D2H & a Nikon D90! I’m so Happy with the D300 I find myself using this camera & not the others! I can’t wait to get to Jamaica again & start shooting. I recommend this camera to everyone. There coming out with a new D300 soon!

5 Stars Going from SLR to DSLR
Prior to buying the D300, I was very familiar with film SLR’s and had quite a bit of experience with digital imagery, but this was my first DSLR. I estimated that I was probably over the hump in the learning curve when I purchased this camera. BOY I WAS WRONG!

It turns out that wasn’t such a bad thing. I’ve enjoyed the challenge, and the more I discover about this camera, the more I love it.

Unfortunately the user’s manual that comes with the camera (400 pages), doesn’t do a good job of coalescing the camera’s individual features into useful information. There are A LOT of features and most of them have variable settings. Is it intimidating to think about all these variables every time you want to take a picture? You bet! Don’t worry, Nikon has thought of this. By selecting between Shooting Menu and Custom banks allows you to change dozens of settings all at once.

I eventually bought a book on the D300 which covers everything in the manual but makes all the necessary connections between features and gives you a thorough understanding of how to effectively apply them (the author’s name is Busch). I only wish I had bought the book when I bought the camera. It would’ve saved me a lot of time.

I’m happy to say that my D300 is now configured for nearly any photo situation I might encounter.

5 Stars Tanks to god I bought this camera…
Well Im from COSTA RICA, in the tropics the dream of any fotografer is to have a camera like this…it works fantastic… Wow!!!

Buy/More Info