What tripod to buy?

March into any photo supply shop and get the biggest and baddest one you can afford. Don't worry. It would be extremely difficult to find one that doesn't fit your camera.

Now you know!

Keerok

How to setup your camera the easiest way.

  1. Get manual. (optional)
  2. Locate mode selector.
  3. Set to Auto.

Now you know!

Keerok

Body vs. lens

I say either way. It's all about getting comfortable with your equipment. If you can shoot comfortably with what you have then you don't need to buy anything.

Lots of people only buy a new dSLR because it's there. They most often regret it saying they want their old camera back because they love using it more. If you are wanting a feature found on a newer model that you think can help you shoot much easier then by all means, get a new body. If not, you would be better off saving for a new lens instead.

As for lenses, you only buy if you find that your existing lenses are giving you difficulty on taking a specific shot. Let's say you only have the 18-55mm kit lens. It's good for almost everything but if you always want to get closer without leaving your spot, get a longer lens, longer than 55mm. If you continuously step back to get more of the scene, get a wider lens, wider than 18mm. If you are finding yourself shooting more frequently in low light conditions, get a faster lens, one that has a lower f/number than 3.5. If your interest is to make small subjects look large then get a macro lens, one that gets as close as you want to your subject.

Different lenses have different uses. You don't have to get them all. Some people actually believe in using just one lens ever!

You need more light.

You should realize that photography is nothing more than an act of capturing light. The more light you have, the better chances of getting a decent picture.

On the other hand, the less light you capture, the more noise or grain the picture will have, the more chances for blur to happen, and the poorer the picture will be. Bear in mind that what is low light to you may as well be pitch black darkness to the camera already. Learn to compensate.

If you are in the dark and want to improve your pictures, move to a better lighted area or turn the flash on. If flash is too strong, simply step back and try again.

Now you know!

Keerok