Noob needing advice!

[Bassmaster2003]

I plan on getting the wife and I a new camera or Christmas. Don't want to spend more than $600 an looking for dslr. I really want the ability to manually "twist" the lens to focus and take those cool pics that look like you're underwater, if that makes sense. I also plan on gettin photoshop for my 21"iMac.

Should I look at canon t31 or nikon d3100? Is photoshop what u guys use to edit photos?

Thanks,
Aaron

[RoadrashPaul]

Check this thread out
http://www.bbcboards.net/zerothread?id=745262

I would personally go with the Canon but that is just my preference. Both are EXCELLENT cameras. Just make sure you read the bottom post. That would be the only difference.

As far as programs I use GIMP because it is free. It all depends on what you are wanting to do as far as "editing". That can entail a lot of different things. I believe a few use PS, a few use Lightroom, some use GIMP etc. etc. Would probably need to know what you want to do and how much you want to spend before we suggest anything to you there. Here is a good thread about software also
http://www.bbcboards.net/zerothread?id=734020

[Bassmaster2003]

Thanks for those links. I used to take a photoshop class and in there they bowed us how we can touch up a basic photo taken. Like adjusting the contrast, sharpness, removing red eye, heck I even changed someone's eye color! I like to be able to do that again. It was fun.

I'd also like to do color effects and those cool effects like in sneezys pics. The colors just pop out at you in a weird way. Uh let's see...that's pretty much it. Don't want to spend a truck note on software either.

I'd prefer one that has auto focus too. My wife will be using it and I'd like for her to pick it up, turn it on, point, shoot and still take wonderful pics. Then be nice enough for me to take portraits (focused on one thing in the fore or background and have everything else blurred). That's what I want to use it for.

[Mustang5ohhh]

The D3100 looks like a fine piece of gear. I've nver tried one but, have read great reviews.

I use photoshop for everything. I do know folks that like to use Aperture, Lightroom and some others but those 3 will do most of what you're looking for. I've tried all 3 and PS is the one that fits my workflow.

Hope this helps, and if you need help or any tips or trick in PS, hit me up on IM ... would be my pleasure.

Rich

[tshooter]

<table width="90%" cellspacing=0 cellpadding=0 align=center><tr><td>Quote, originally posted by Bassmaster2003 &raquo;</td></tr><tr><td class="quote">

I'd also like to do color effects and those cool effects like in sneezys pics. The colors just pop out at you in a weird way. Uh let's see...that's pretty much it. Don't want to spend a truck note on software either.

</td></tr></table>

I use PS Elements 7 (I believe they are up to Elements 9 now???) I picked it up for $99 at BestBuy. It can do everything you listed. If I had it to do again, I'd try out the Gimp for free before buying Elements. Don't get me wrong, Elements has done everything I've always wanted, except HDR.

[Bassmaster2003]

Thanks rich. I I can find PS for relatively cheap. I'll get it. I didnt take too many notes in that class so I'll definitely hit u up for some tips and tricks.
Here's a question. If I catch a 1 pound bass can I remove it and replace it with. 15 pounder!?

[RoadrashPaul]

<table width="90%" cellspacing=0 cellpadding=0 align=center><tr><td>Quote, originally posted by Bassmaster2003 &raquo;</td></tr><tr><td class="quote">Thanks rich. I I can find PS for relatively cheap. I'll get it. I didnt take too many notes in that class so I'll definitely hit u up for some tips and tricks.
Here's a question. If I catch a 1 pound bass can I remove it and replace it with. 15 pounder!? </td></tr></table>

Yes but we still wont believe it

[Bassmaster2003]

Crap!!


Getting back to my original post, I'm kinda torn between the T3(i) an the d3100. I'll do some more comparisons. I plan on buying the week of Christmas. I have a little bit of time left to decide.

Also, how do u guys feel about buyin used? Will it still have warranty? I know there are some places u guys have used in the past, but it'd be just my luck I get one where something's wrong with it. Just a little concerned with this.

[RoadrashPaul]

I don't have a problem at all buying used. Actually all the gear I am using right now was used. Just check it out real good and try everything out and it should be fine. Shouldn't be an issue if you buy from a good site like FM or here but there are great deals on C/L also. That is where mine came from. Just meet in person and try out everything. You can tell when someone is hiding something (most of the time).

As far as the two you are looking at, either will be great. If you buy used though I bet you can get an upgraded body for the same as those two new. .

Just looked on your C/L and found this immediately
http://batonrouge.craigslist.o....html

I can't find a price real quick for a new one but I think this is a decent deal. He would probably take a little less for it.

[Bassmaster2003]

Ok. Cool I just sent him a reply. We'll see if it's still for sale.

Thanks for all the help you guys have given so far. Hopefully in the next two weeks I'll post my(our) new camera!

[Bassmaster2003]

Okay, this is the reply I got back from him.

Hi Aaron,

Yes it is still for sale for price i have in the ad of 500.
The case pictured is a Pelican case. It is not included, these cost about 80-100 dollars.
I did notice a slight mark on the lens surround (not the glass) that was made from my polarizing filter.
I have included some higher res pictures and a pic of the mark i am talking about.

Is this a good price? I'm gonna try to get him to come down on the price or throw in the case for free. Is that a good move? below are some pics

[RoadrashPaul]

Here is a very good review of that camera vs a Canon 50D and a Canon Rebel T2i. Check it out first. I have never used a D5000 but would assume it should be a step up over the Rebel.
http://www.cameralabs.com/revi...shtml

The only thing I am not sure of is this camera is still being made. I can't find a new one (or price) on BH just refurbs. There is a D5100 but no new D5000. It wouldn't be a big deal to me but you might want to check into that.

[RoadrashPaul]

Here is a D5100 body only at BH for $649. If you could get this D5000 for $450 with the lens and maybe case, I would say go for it BUT I don't know Nikons very well. Just from my quick google research it would seem to be a very good camera.

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/....html

[Bassmaster2003]

Is this a good deal? What is this 75 - 355mm lens do for the camera? What kind of shots? Is that the fish bowl lens?

http://www.bestbuy.com/site/Ca...50010

[Bsktball55]

I prefer Nikons simply because of the ergonomics of them. They feel better in my hands than Canon. You can't go wrong with either one. Try them both out and go with the one that you like the most. Most of the lower end dslr's will have an auto setting that your wife can just set it on and use.

[Bsktball55]

the 70-300 lens is going to be your telephoto lens. It will allow you to take pictures from further out. It would be useful for sports and wildlife.

[RoadrashPaul]

<table width="90%" cellspacing=0 cellpadding=0 align=center><tr><td>Quote, originally posted by Bassmaster2003 &raquo;</td></tr><tr><td class="quote">Is this a good deal? What is this 75 - 355mm lens do for the camera? What kind of shots? Is that the fish bowl lens?

http://www.bestbuy.com/site/Ca...50010 </td></tr></table>

Yes I think that is a pretty good deal. The 75-300 lens is for longer distances. No it is not the "fish bowl" lens you are looking for. Is this the look you are going for?


If so you are going to need a fisheye lens. Give me just a sec and I will dig up some links and info that might help you learn a little and might help you decide exactly what you want.

[Bassmaster2003]

<table width="90%" cellspacing=0 cellpadding=0 align=center><tr><td>Quote, originally posted by RoadrashPaul &raquo;</td></tr><tr><td class="quote">

Yes I think that is a pretty good deal. The 75-300 lens is for longer distances. No it is not the "fish bowl" lens you are looking for. Is this the look you are going for?


If so you are going to need a fisheye lens. Give me just a sec and I will dig up some links and info that might help you learn a little and might help you decide exactly what you want.</td></tr></table>

That's the kind of pics I like!! I'm gonna stop at Best Buy tmw and hold it and try to snap a few pics. I like that price for what you get.

[RoadrashPaul]

I couldn't find exactly what I was looking for but here is a link to FroKnowsPhoto that is 18 pages and FULL of EXCELLENT videos that will help beginning shooters. I have learned a TON from this site and I have recommended it to a lot of people.

http://froknowsphoto.com/cat/b...ge/18/

Between the Canon and Nikon there is not going to be much difference. Basically from what I read between the two, from the link I posted on the reviews of both, the megapixels and video go to the canon. The autofocus, shutter speed and ease of use goes to the Nikon. Personally I don't think you can go wrong with either one. Maybe the deciding factor should be if you have any friends or family that shoot? If so I would get whatever they are using so you can use eachothers gear.

[Bassmaster2003]

thanks that helps a lot!!

I do have an uncle but he has one of those STUPID big DSLRs! I think it's a canon though. I'll read up on this info and make my decision.

Thanks fellas!