[Sticky] Digital Camera FAQ

223,643 Views | 3079 Replies | Last: 11 yr ago by Ag CPA
3rdGenAg06
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6:16p, 12/16/10
Kardde,
That's something I hadn't considered when composing shots. What's the trick to adjusting for that angular distortion? Manual focus?


Caleb,
I'm not familiar with analyzing lenses. Can you further explain what the problem is with the focusing and how the test picture helps you determine if there is one?

[This message has been edited by bq06 (edited 12/16/2010 6:21p).]
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caleblyn
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8:55a, 12/17/10
I am focusing on the line which is basically zero.

When you view the result, the number 3 is what is in focus on the near side of zero which means "front-focus".
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labmansid
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9:06a, 12/17/10
What caleblyn is referring to is a phenomenom where the lens is not quite calibrated to focus at the proper distance. The lens and camera are supposed to communicate to each other when the lens is properly focused on the point chosen by the camera's focusing system. Sometimes the lens "thinks" it is focused properly, but in fact will consistently focus at a point either in front of the desired spot in the frame, or "front focus", or slightly behind the desired spot, or "back focus".
Many photographers will promptly check a new lens for this anomoly, among others, in case the lens needs to be returned/exchanged within the required period of time from the seller. Several versions of the co-called focus test chart have been devised for this purpose, and can be found on the internet. The lens can be sent in to the manufacturer for re-calibration, but if it is new, it can be easier and cheaper to just return it for another copy.
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caleblyn
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11:33a, 12/17/10
I will be returning it after Christmas when I have more time to wait for the replacement.
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3rdGenAg06
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1:28p, 12/17/10
Thanks for the explanation guys. I read something a while back about DoF - the DoF pane is supposed to be thicker in front of the point of focus or behind, I can't remember which. So when using that calibration image, I imagine it's not supposed to be EXACTLY spaced from the middle focus point?
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caleblyn
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3:26p, 12/17/10
I was shooting at f/1.4 from about 3 feet. The DoF was about 3 mm.
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Fly Army 97
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10:27a, 12/23/10
Seven thanks. Looks like this is my best option for a 200-300mm at my under $500 limit.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=30-995-862&SortField=0&SummaryType=0&PageSize=10&SelectedRating=-1&VideoOnlyMark=False&IsFeedbackTab=true#scrollFullInfo

We will see...I'm still gonna look for a used one, but may have to do this before too long.
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chopperdave06
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1:32p, 12/24/10
anyone in bcs have the canon 35mm 1.4L?

im trying to decide between replacing my 50 1.4 with the 50 1.2L or just keeping the 1.4 and getting the 35mm... any thoughts?
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Berlyman
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11:15p, 12/27/10
I got the 7D for Christmas!!!

My Father-in-law also gave me a lens so I could actually shoot photos. Canon EF-S 15-85mm f/3.5-5.6 IS USM.

So far, I'm having a blast. I've shot over 1000 shots (A lot of bad ones). Also, there have been quite a few Boston Terrier action photos...

I just finished Understanding Exposure by: Bryan Peterson. I feel like I've learned a lot since Christmas, and I look forward to learning more.
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Smokedraw01
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2:56p, 12/28/10
Jerk. No offense.
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ashleyschaeffer
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9:39p, 12/28/10
Does anyone do classes or seminars in the b/cs area?

I know Ritz does on occasion.
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Oh Four Five
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8:56a, 1/3/11
Anybody try a 365 day project before? I just started one on New Year's Day thinking that it would be fun.
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agracer
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7:49a, 1/7/11
The Nikon d7000 does not actually exist anywhere....Amazon won't even take orders for it right now.
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Guitarsoup
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7:54a, 1/7/11
Nikon always does that and it baffles me. They never have the production to meet demand.

You finally upgrading the D50?
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Naveronski
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1:03a, 1/9/11
I'm in the market to buy a P&S type camera. Currently doing research for both the Nikon and Canon lines.

I use a Canon (Rebel, two different flavors) for most of my actual pictures; this is just something to keep in my pocket.

Any pointers?
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Guitarsoup
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1:43a, 1/9/11
Depends on budget. The Canon G-series are pretty much the cream of the crop of point and shoots. If I was to buy one now, it would be a G-12 or a S95. My mom has the G11 and loves it.
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Naveronski
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12:07p, 1/9/11
I looked that one up... $500 is about $300 more than I'm looking to spend.

And ideas for a ~$200 camera?
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Guitarsoup
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12:31p, 1/9/11
Not sure about specific model numbers now. We have a Canon Powershot SD 790 IS. Great little camera, but I've had it a couple years. Find the newer model like that and grab it. Mine has 10MP and 4x zoom. Some other have a 5x zoom.
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agracer
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2:01p, 1/11/11
Even a Nikon guy like myself will tell you to get a Cannon P&S. They are just better.

Oh, and a new toy is on the way...

Nikon D7000 should be at the house in a few days!
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ThunderCougarFalconBird
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11:31p, 1/11/11
What is a good diffuser for a 580EX II?
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Naveronski
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12:15a, 1/12/11
I ordered a Canon PowerShot SD1400IS ELPH.

It'll get here tomorrow. I can't wait.
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rachag03
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3:59p, 1/12/11
I use a Gary Fong Lightsphere on my 580EX. I have the old one that did not collapse, the new one collapses flat for easier storage in your camera bag. I've used it second shooting weddings, for outdoor fill flash, and indoors...works great for me!
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Guitarsoup
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4:11p, 1/12/11
I don't use a diffuser at all. I bounce them off whatever I can - walls, ceilings, shirts, etc.
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chopperdave06
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10:27p, 1/12/11
im trying to ween myself off of diffusers. ive used the gary fong and the stofens.

i prefer the stofens because of their ease of use, but im really trying not to use them anymore. im trying to teach myself different ways of using off camera flashes.
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Guitarsoup
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10:37p, 1/12/11
The only thing Stofens do it kill 2 stops of light. You are better off taping an index card to the back of your flash head.

[This message has been edited by Guitarsoup (edited 1/12/2011 10:37p).]
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chopperdave06
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11:01p, 1/12/11
precisely why i dont use them anymore?

edit:i "substituted" the stofens for a wedding instead of the gfongs and was able to accomplish the exact same look on the few photos i thought i needed a diffuser. suffice to say, in my situation where i thought i needed to use a gary fong, i was able to capture and produce the same results with a stofen. however, i am learning that i dont need them at all.

[This message has been edited by chopperdave06 (edited 1/12/2011 11:12p).]
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labmansid
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10:01a, 1/13/11
I got one of those on flash diffusers a few years ago, and I can probably count on one hand the number of times I've used it. I just don't think the surface area is large enough to have much effect in most situations. Like GS mentioned, an index card probably performs as well. I have heard of people fashioning a larger and supposedly more effective diffuser out of such things as old milk jugs. I don't think I would show up at a shoot with one, though!
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flintdragon
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3:31p, 1/13/11
quote:
I ordered a Canon PowerShot SD1400IS ELPH.

It'll get here tomorrow. I can't wait.


Let me know what you think of it. I'm seriously thinking about getting it for the wife.
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rachag03
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5:08p, 1/13/11
I don't use my diffuser very much, either...I do like it for situations when bouncing is difficult, though.
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ashleyschaeffer
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5:28p, 1/13/11
If some cross posting with the Aggieland board is ok with you guys...

I'm trying to learn as much as I can about my camera and how to use it and photography in general. As part of that process I've read that it helps to be around others doing the same, or join local groups or clubs.

Any of those around town in B/CS? I'll even hang out with college kids with my old ass.

Young, vibrant, female college kids....what? I'm kidding honey if you're reading this.
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agracer
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9:31a, 1/17/11
http://strobist.blogspot.com/

I know it's been posted before but now is a good time to post the link again.
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StringerBell
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11:51a, 1/18/11
ordered the s95. should get here later on this week.

very excited.
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Josepi
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10:39a, 1/19/11
I want you guys opinions on a wide angle lens for my D40.

I am comparing the Tokina 11-16mm with the Sigma 8-16mm.

From everything I have read, the Tokina is the Cadillac of wide lenses. Everyone says that their quality is top notch. They are hard to find, but I can wait if they are that good.

I am also intrigued by the Sigma 8-16mm. While the quality of the Sigma is not as good, I am really intrigued by the 8mm. With my 1.6 sensor, that ends up being 12.8mm vs the Tokina 17.6mm. That is quite a difference.

Do you guys think that the extra width is worth it? The Sigma is $100 more, and it doesn't get the raving reviews (although the reviews are still good) of the Tokina, but the extra 5mm is pretty significant.

Thoughts?
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Rex Racer
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1:28p, 1/19/11
I have that Tokina for my Canon 40D, and it is excellent. LOVE it.

For some shots that I took with this lens when I first got it, see here.
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Whitetail
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11:39a, 1/20/11
Based on the recommendations by Guitarsoup, I first purchased the Canon S95, used it for a few days, then returned it to BB for the G12. Wanted a chance to use both for a few days before I settled on a model. We ended up choosing the G12.

Just picking up the G12 and using it, it had very little advantage over the S95, but once I spent some time with the manual and familiarized myself with the stuff it can do, I fell in love with it. From power on to adjusting a couple settings to shooting feels quick and best of all quality of photos almost always comes out great. Thanks for the advice Guitarsoup.

[This message has been edited by Aggie Guero (edited 1/20/2011 11:40a).]
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