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Step 1
Each time I teach the photography class, I have a blizzard of questions about various subjects that I cover. The last group that I spoke to was Canadian Stagers who again asked the most popular question, “What low-cost camera should I buy to shoot architecture?” This is the recurring inquiry that I get. As a professional architectural photographer, I use a $4000 Canon Digital Single Lens Reflex (DSLR). I am uncomfortable recommending that camera because of its high price, although it is effective for me.
Most people use a convenient point and shoot camera; they are compact, easy to use and affordable. But what if your subject is on the professional level like architecture? If this sounds like you, it may be time to consider a DSLR camera. They now come in an entry level model to provide professional results without the bulk, complexity and expense of the photojournalist’s camera. Like a point and shoot camera, DSLRs have fully automatic settings. But, unlike a point and shoot, the DSLR will allow you to create your own MANUAL settings, which permit you to adjust aperture, shutter speed, and ISO.
Because the lens on a DSLR is larger, more light is allowed to pass to the camera’s sensor, resulting in better colors, better low light performance (especially for interiors), and less noise. -
Step 2
A past member of the class doing some research purchased a popular DSLR and is using it successfully to shoot architecture. They recommended three cameras – the Panasonic FZ28 for $290, the Canon Powershot SX10 IS for $320 and the Olympus SP-565 UZ for $288. Of these three, the 10 megapixel Canon includes a wide angle lens (28 mm) and offers a 2.5” swiveling angled LCD display. It has an image stabilized lens with a 20X optical zoom. These are a few suggested cameras that are capable of doing this job for under $400. Before making a decision, I would read the Hands On Review (http://www.digitalcamerainfo.com/).
The Panasonic has a 1 mm wider angle than the other two cameras; however, there is some issue with color rendering which would interfere with advertising real estate. Of the three cameras, I would favor the Canon. I am sorry it is a little more expensive. -
Step 3
If you purchase a camera on the Internet, you can get CASH BACK from a new Internet Mall that launched today. You can sign up for FREE, get your own site and begin receiving cash back for online purchases. Check out Blastoff12.com. Using this site is similar to collecting air miles when using your credit card. This is a perfect way to add to your photographic equipment, if you need any, like tripods, filters, camera cases, and automatic flash. One of the available stores on this website is Wolf Camera but make sure and check their prices.
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Step 4
There are a number of free services available that I can recommend. If you have an old camera and are curious about how to use it, there is a site which will provide instruction manuals for over 2500 analog cameras. It also has manuals for flash, meters, lenses, and chemical formulas for developing. The site is called www.butkus.org/chinon.
If you use Adobe Photoshop, you can sort through hundreds of free filters in more than 50 different categories at the Filter Factory. See www.photoshop-filters.com.
If you want to launch your own website, Freewebs lets you choose from more than 300 templates that can hold photo albums, display videos and even post an online store. Freewebs when partnered with Picnik.com allows you to crop, color, resize, and rotate your images on your site - see members@freewebs.com.
For today, the last free website I will provide is like a personal trainer for your photography. If you need more technical information than I provided in the photography class, Photo Walkthrough shows you how to use several tools and techniques, explaining the rationale for each and walks you through with a step-by-step online video. See www.photowalkthrough.com.
Comments
kristinasan said
on 10/28/2009 http://www.4-less.biz