Jon Lee on sat 17 jun 06
Clay Artists and Camera Enthusiasts,
I have been a Canon guy for years. It seems that once you are with a system
that you like, you seem to stay with that system. I'll be coming at you from
a Canon perspective. I have little experience with Nikon cameras; however
some of my finest darkroom lenses are Nikkor lenses. These are great lenses.
Many people pay professionals to photograph their pots. This is often worth
the money that you pay. But, this can add up. If you are going to photograph
your own pots, pay attention to the lighting from your professional pot
photographs and try to recreate those.
Often when you buy your camera system, there are programs that come with the
system that you can use to take out unwanted aspects such as glare etc.
You'll also notice going through a sharpening routine is often helpful.
I have a total of 50 cameras. They range in negative size from 4x5, 2 1/4 x
2 3/4, and 35mm.
For the past four years I have been converting to digital cameras. This has
been an enlightening experience for the most part. However, I have taken a
fair number of out of focus images. This has often been on the EF setting
which simply is Electronic Focus.
Most lenses also have a manual setting as well and sometimes this is a
better option. One consistent problem on the EF setting at times is that the
system has a hard time determining what to focus on. Consequently, you'll
get the occasional out of focus images. This is even more true in lower
light situations as well. Try some photos on EF and some on manual.
Compare.
Many systems have a focus point adjustments. My 20 D has 9 points of
focus.This can be changed to whatever number of focus points you wish. I
often override my system. This is mainly in the exposure realm. Most systems
these days have manual settings as well as auto features.
Before you tear down your setting, download your images from your disk and
see what you have got.
Now for some recommendations. The Canon 10D and 20D are excellent cameras. I
will speak about these because I have both. The resolution is somewhat
better with the 20D @ 8.2 mp and it is newer than the 10D. And, for awhile
the 20D and 10D were priced similarly.
The latest prices that I have seen from CALUMET PHOTOGRAPHICS (reliable)
20D around $1,000 body only.
Lenses, lenses, lenses. Which to buy? I have an 80 year old photography
buddy who continually says that you are better to spend your money on a
really good lens and a cheaper body. If this is your case, get a cheaper
Canon body that will accommodate an EOS lens. (Apply this if Nikon is your
choice)
Without getting too technical, I will explain why some lenses are more
expensive than others.
Here are 3 examples. In this case, you are spending money for better glass.
The L lens series are examples of low dispersion glass . This means that
these is greatly reduced chromatic aberrations. (Less distortions-more
clear)
(Canon designates lenses as UD for low dispersion glass and Nikon lenses are
designated as ED)
Better glass=better pot pictures. And, trust me, you will see the
difference.
In addition, faster lenses are often more money. Note that an f 2.8 is often
higher priced than an f 4 lens. These smaller f-stop numbered lenses will
often be brighter and easier to focus as well.
A Canon EF 28-135 mm f 3.5 is priced at $424.99 (Very good lens)
A Canon EF 24-105 mm f 4 L is priced at $1249.00 (Great lens)
A Canon EF 24-70 f 2.8 L $1349.00
Go Canon USA, Inc then products, consumer, digital cameras/lenses or
Nikon Inc. (USA)
So, do some surfing and ask some questions.
If a $1,000 lens is not in your budget, you will do fine with some priced at
half that. I wrote about these aspects not trying to sell anything, but
because it is a noteworthy topic if people wonder why lenses are often
priced as such. The EOS system of lenses are great. Also, I am coming to you
from an investment standpoint. Spending money on a good photography system=
better portraits of your work. Often times I advise people to go with a
system that you will be happy with and use for the next 10 years.
I try not to cut corners in any work that I do. I tell my students that when
you cut corners-I will notice the difference; however, some people will not
notice the difference.
I talked to Tom Coleman and I believe he does his own photography and has
Canon as well.
I also like to see Ceramics Monthly pots and often use these as references.
The Canon system is not that complicated. They also offer quick shooting
guides for fast references.
My experience with the built in flashes on these Canon cameras is that they
are of little or no value. I found this out early on and bought a dedicated
speed light. Remember that a dedicated system is a system that does
everything for you. The camera and the flash work together automatically.
If I was buying a Canon, I would stay with the Canon lenses. If I was buying
a Nikon, I would stay with the Nikon lenses.
There are lenses that offer stabilization features, but you don't really
need this feature when you are photographing on a tripod. This is a great
feature for hand held work. Some lenses just come with this feature.
For those people that are thinking about getting into the digital systems,
remember that there are multiplication factors using digital equipment.
Generally speaking the multiplication factor is 1.6
Some are as low as 1.3 So, your 35mm lens will not be the same as in the
digital format.
In a couple years of doing your own photography, your system will pay for
itself.
I hope that some of this information may be useful.
Warm regards,
Jon Lee
| |
|
