What camera ?

[zazen999]

Of course, a tripod would help but for moving subjects that's not so practical.

Has she thought of a mono-pod? Invalueable and can be used as a walking stick when not shooting. Also, if you go to NYC they let you take photos inside museums/galleries but not with a tripod - but a monopod they are fine with.

[northepaul]

I looked at an Olympus Pen too - nice looking little things, my friend has a Fujifilm X100 - that produces some stunning shots too....

[northepaul]

Has she thought of a mono-pod? Invalueable and can be used as a walking stick when not shooting. Also, if you go to NYC they let you take photos inside museums/galleries but not with a tripod - but a monopod they are fine with.

Same if you want to photograph in some churches and very handy if you arent allowed to use a flash.

[lettucegrow!]

Wow, you lot have been really helpful.I think I will look second hand as some have suggested as the cash goes further. Will have to go and play with some in a shop which is a really good idea as I haven't even held one yet!!

[hollychap]

i have the canon eos 500D and its exellent whichever you decide on get a good quality lens

[Capsid]

Actually, she could have just got a Canon or Nikon adapter and used old lenses. But they probably didn't mention that at the time.

Darn, didn't think about that. But the camera she ended up with wasn't a lot heavier.

Has she thought of a mono-pod? Invalueable and can be used as a walking stick when not shooting. Also, if you go to NYC they let you take photos inside museums/galleries but not with a tripod - but a monopod they are fine with.

Yes, we have a monopod, but it's still tricky getting the focus right for macro work.

[dogsbody]

With all these photographers around is there any mileage in us looking to set up something like a Grapevine flickr site?

Shoot me down if it is inappropriate or expensive - I don't know anything about them other than to look at the Springwatch pics once a year or so.....

[SarrissUK]

Flickr is free up to a certain amount of pictures I think. Maybe we could get an account each and post the links to them here? It's a fab way of sharing pictures

[Mrs Dobby]

There jave been a few piccy threads on the vine, most notably a wildlife pics one, Ill try n get the link if ya give me a minute!

http://www.growfruitandveg.co.uk/gra...ase_37659.html

[zazen999]

With all these photographers around is there any mileage in us looking to set up something like a Grapevine flickr site?

Shoot me down if it is inappropriate or expensive - I don't know anything about them other than to look at the Springwatch pics once a year or so.....

If someone has a Flickr account they can set up a group. And then they can add photos and join up so that Grapes can see and contribute - and it's free to join as well.

So once you've set all that up, give us a shout

[dogsbody]

OK I have set up a Flickr group called Grapevine Pics - if you would like to join (as it is by invitation only) please PM me. A grand total of 1 photo there so far as I am experimenting / learning with this.

[TEB]

I know there are some camera buffs here, sorry I can't remember who you are but can I ask advice? I have been tinkering with photography for a while and sold some images on dedicated sites and direct to card companies but want to upgrade to digital slr . Have done a bit of research and think I am going to go for a canon approx£500 range camera. Anyone any views hints or tips? I am a newbie with dslr but keen to master it and want to be able to master macro, landscapes etc and hopefully make a bit more money from this hobby. Any ideas anyone?

Ah its a bottomless pits in terms of money when it comes to DSLR, it all depends on how keen you are in the subjects that you mentioned, for instance if you want to get in Macro photography and especially insects then you will need a 1:1 lens around F2, you will probably need a tripod and may even need a flash and if you are really keen then stacking software also, for landscape a good wide angle len, probably a lens filter, tripod again, some sort of kit bag / rucksack. If you want to do birds/animals, a long lens is essential and fast as well. Be careful of second hand because shutter life is something you need to take into account especially on the older bodies (more used). Someone mentioned photoshop as you don't need to take a good picture - this isn't advice I would give, unless you want to spend 300 to 500 hundred pounds on CS5 (Elements is a lot cheaper but it wont make a good picture out of a bad especially if there is camera shake). My advice is to go to camera forums and ask around and then review and then always go to a shop and try it out and you can even hire some DSLR if you are still unsure.

PS once you have decided on a make remember its gets really expensive if you ever want to change to another brand as you find that lot of your lenses will not fit or if you can get a converter then you usually lose things like auto focus (not really a problem with Macro).

[Two_Sheds]

a Grapevine flickr site?

Flickr is free up to a certain amount of pictures I think.

200, or maybe 250 if I remember right. Then you just open another account for your next 200 pics.
Mine are in my signature (I just use my camera as a recording tool, not for art).

[salome2001]

I love my canon eos. I converted from a canon non-digital SLR and wanted to be able to use all my old lenses (most work, but not all, so beware and check if buying second hand- some older lenses won't work with your autofocus). I love that it is comfortable with a small hand grip (I'm "petite"). My DH stuck with Minolta/Sony and I hate his dSLR as it just all feels wrong. if you're used to a canon camera I'd stick with that brand. Don't forget that for lenses you might not use regularly (or are out of your price range) there is a resonable range of Sigma compatible lenses. Also that online photography shops like 7dayshop.com will often stock compatible batteries considerably cheaper than Canon branded.
(ps. also agree about not relying on photoshop. I am an old-school photographer that thinks you should get the image right when you take it, not tinker with it afterwards

[zazen999]

(ps. also agree about not relying on photoshop. I am an old-school photographer that thinks you should get the image right when you take it, not tinker with it afterwards

Get it right in camera - that's my motto. Hence all the weird lenses.

'If you are going to use photoshop, use it for a reason, not just to correct your own mistakes' is my mantra. Or it used to be, when I hung around with blokes that a phrase like that would annoy.