Advice needed on camera for Rolex shots...

[JBat]

Originally Posted by Speed

See, TRF photog Kyle agrees with me.

That's one of the reasons I love my bay window. Ten AM or even late afternoon on a weekend is a fun time to take some shots.

I would -as others recommended - get a Tripod and a cable or wireless release. I need to do likewise so I don't have to sift through so many shaky cam / blurry shots!

Window lighting is excellent for a lot of applications.

[JBat]

Most compacts are capable of excellent macro output. But like another poster said, manual focus can be wonky, if the camera has it at all. The DoF inherent to small-sensor cameras does mitigate this to a certain extent, but there's nothing like having the full manual control of an SLR and a dedicated macro lens. Still, I've had really good luck with a camera like my SD700.

Ideal? An SLR with a macro lens, a sturdy tripod and a little practice. I've also found the Liveview of my 40D to be a boon to my macro photography. It's amazing the precise level of focus you can get using it. Since manual focus is not the strength of the DSLR, it's a great feature to have.

The tripod is also critical because you will have to stop your lens down quite a bit to get a good amount of DoF, and that means slower shutter speeds. Coupled with the effects of extreme magnification inherent to close-in photography, you are going to have a tough time getting sharp shots without a pod.

[presario]

Originally Posted by JBat

Most compacts are capable of excellent macro output. But like another poster said, manual focus can be wonky, if the camera has it at all. The DoF inherent to small-sensor cameras does mitigate this to a certain extent, but there's nothing like having the full manual control of an SLR and a dedicated macro lens. Still, I've had really good luck with a camera like my SD700.

Ideal? An SLR with a macro lens, a sturdy tripod and a little practice. I've also found the Liveview of my 40D to be a boon to my macro photography. It's amazing the precise level of focus you can get using it. Since manual focus is not the strength of the DSLR, it's a great feature to have.

The tripod is also critical because you will have to stop your lens down quite a bit to get a good amount of DoF, and that means slower shutter speeds. Coupled with the effects of extreme magnification inherent to close-in photography, you are going to have a tough time getting sharp shots without a pod.

Excellent advice, John. Put into words brilliantly.

The only thing I'd like to add is make the background interesting.

Guys, your photos are amazing. Thanks for the constant inspiration!

[Jocke]

Nikon CoolPix's have never disappointed me.

[JBat]

Originally Posted by Jocke

Nikon CoolPix's have never disappointed me.

I think we would all attest to that, Jocke.

[JBat]

Thanks, Andrew, and great shot.

[MilgaussMan]

Originally Posted by JBat

Thanks, Andrew, and great shot.

Definitely!

[presario]

Thanks, guys!

Jocke, Nikon should hire you for their Coolpix campaigns.

[kyle L]

Originally Posted by presario

Thanks, guys!

Jocke, Nikon should hire you for their Coolpix campaigns.

Problem is the only thing Jocke can shoot is watches.

[Fiery]

Originally Posted by presario

Guys, your photos are amazing.

IMHO your photo is amazing One of the best GMT IIC shots I've ever seen. Please post more.

[omg]

Originally Posted by JBat

The tripod is also critical because you will have to stop your lens down quite a bit to get a good amount of DoF, and that means slower shutter speeds. Coupled with the effects of extreme magnification inherent to close-in photography, you are going to have a tough time getting sharp shots without a pod.

Very good information John!

Now I need a good tripod, can any one recommend one with a reasonable price?
I have Rebel T1i.

[omg]

Originally Posted by presario

Ah! I got it, my pictures suck b/c I don't have GMT IIc

I need to get one before buying more camera gear

In the serious note, this is the best picture of GMT IIc I have ever seen.
Good job Andrew!

[snow_rocks]

Used a Canon Powershot 1000 for this! Didn't clean up the image since I wanted only to crop the LEC! Can you guess the shutter speed?

[JBat]

Originally Posted by omg

Very good information John!

Now I need a good tripod, can any one recommend one with a reasonable price?
I have Rebel T1i.

Hey, Tommy,

You have to define what reasonable is for you. Like most photography gear, tripods and heads can easily go up into the thousands of dollars. Carbon fiber is great, but pricey. I have a Gitzo tripod and Really Right Stuff ballhead that I love. Great setup, light, rigid and very high quality, but I paid mucho dinero for it.

If you're looking for something more economical, an aluminum pod is a great value, and they work very well. Manfrotto makes good quality stuff, and you should be able to get into one with a decent head for around $200.

If you have your heart set on carbon fiber, this company makes excellent products at a much better price than Gitzo, and by most accounts they are very good tripods:

http://www.feisol.net/tripods-standa...ds-c-1_12.html

When shopping for a pod, keep an eye on any given models max height without its center column (if it has one) extended. It can be annoying to have to stoop all the time to look through your viewfinder. Also, make sure the max weight rating of the tripod (and whatever head you choose) is higher than your heaviest lens/camera setup.

[JBat]

Originally Posted by presario

Thanks, guys!

Jocke, Nikon should hire you for their Coolpix campaigns.

[nilomis]

I normally use the semi-pro setup (Canon 50d, 100mm f2.8 macro, Manfroto tripod, remote shutter) but it gives less mobility.

I went shopping for a small camera and got a Canon G11. The G11 can capture pictures in RAW and this is great for adjustments.

G11 - Not bad:



I'm imagine what this camera can do after I read the manual!

Of course, the semi-pro setup offers more options (50d):






Cheers,

Nilo

[JBat]

Nice shots, nilomis. A G series Canon is a good option. It gives you much of the manual control and SLR does, and IQ is very good. The only place is really lacks is speed of AF and high ISO performance. Many pros use them as portable back-ups.

[nilomis]

Thanks,

Since I only use manual focus and low ISO, I'm at home with the G11.
The only missing point, so far, is the lack of a polarized filter. I use this filter a lot with my 100mm.

Please notice that the last two shots were made with the 50d not with the G11.

Nilo

[Bullyterrier]

The quality of the lens is what makes the difference. So many times I have seen people buy top notch camera bodies and have cheaper tamron or sigma lenses.
You will need to have aperture priority as a minimum setting to control depth of field. A form of remote shutter release, a tripod and lighting, a light box will give evenly diffused light a spot light or two for harsh and or directional lighting.