Official DTF Photography Thread

[Zydar]

Looks great!

[Azyiu]

So I did a walk around in the busy Mong Kok shopping district in Hong Kong.

[YtseCullen]

Sweeeet pictures man!

[lateralus88]

So I'm thinking of selling my D3100 in the coming weeks (probably when I'm back home for the summer). I plan on moving over to Canon, so that means starting over when it comes to lenses. The main reason I'm doing this isn't so much about photography but more so videography. The D3100's video feature is fairly gimmicky and you can't even adjust the shutter speed or ISO for video. I am fairly certain I want to stay on the DSLR route to continue still photography while getting use out of a relatively good video function since it's my main area of study.

What's the best way to approach selling my Nikon gear? Right now I have the body, the 18-55mm kit lens, 55-200mm telephoto and a 28mm prime (aperture is broken however). Along with that I have a case, cleaning materials, SD card I could include, two batteries along with the charger and a table-top tripod I probably am not going to need.

All together, I'd like to get around $700 for the entire package. Is that realistic at this point? I'm looking at saving the cash to afford getting a Canon 60D, Canon t3i (or maybe the t4i, still researching) or if I end up changing my mind (as in if the lenses aren't too ridiculous to afford) I'll just scrap the DSLR all together and pick up the Black Magic Pocket Cinema camera instead. Thoughts?

[Azyiu]

So I'm thinking of selling my D3100 in the coming weeks (probably when I'm back home for the summer). I plan on moving over to Canon, so that means starting over when it comes to lenses. The main reason I'm doing this isn't so much about photography but more so videography. The D3100's video feature is fairly gimmicky and you can't even adjust the shutter speed or ISO for video. I am fairly certain I want to stay on the DSLR route to continue still photography while getting use out of a relatively good video function since it's my main area of study.

What's the best way to approach selling my Nikon gear? Right now I have the body, the 18-55mm kit lens, 55-200mm telephoto and a 28mm prime (aperture is broken however). Along with that I have a case, cleaning materials, SD card I could include, two batteries along with the charger and a table-top tripod I probably am not going to need.

All together, I'd like to get around $700 for the entire package. Is that realistic at this point? I'm looking at saving the cash to afford getting a Canon 60D, Canon t3i (or maybe the t4i, still researching) or if I end up changing my mind (as in if the lenses aren't too ridiculous to afford) I'll just scrap the DSLR all together and pick up the Black Magic Pocket Cinema camera instead. Thoughts?

How urgent do you need to start shooting videos? IMHO, a more affordable solution would be going with the GoPro Hero 3 series. The silver edition costs just under $300 or so. Do some research, and see if it suit you, man.

[lateralus88]

I don't see myself getting a GoPro for shooting the stuff I am going to make. I need something with more range of options and capabilities as a camera. The GoPro's are cool for certain niches in videography.

[TioJorge]

Those are awesome, Azy. Pretty city pics.

[Azyiu]

I don't see myself getting a GoPro for shooting the stuff I am going to make. I need something with more range of options and capabilities as a camera. The GoPro's are cool for certain niches in videography.

I understand. In this case, I would say you are better off going for something better than a 60D. Say, either a used 5D Mark II, or a brand new 6D might be a better option for you. Both are full frame bodies, by the way.

Those are awesome, Azy. Pretty city pics.

Thanks for your kind words!

[the Catfishman]

I don't see myself getting a GoPro for shooting the stuff I am going to make. I need something with more range of options and capabilities as a camera. The GoPro's are cool for certain niches in videography.

I understand. In this case, I would say you are better off going for something better than a 60D. Say, either a used 5D Mark II, or a brand new 6D might be a better option for you. Both are full frame bodies, by the way.

and both are 3-4x as expensive..

[lateralus88]

My budget is probably going to be about under 2 grand.

[YtseCullen]

Some cool long exposure shots of a carnival that came through town! 

[DebraKadabra]

AWESOME shots, Azyiu and YC!!

[Zydar]

Wow, great shots!

[YtseCullen]

Had some fun helping out on a professional shoot today, I even got to bring out my camera and take a couple shots, I didn't get to use the pro lighting gear but I still am proud of this picture!

[Zydar]

As you should be!

[YtseCullen]

Thanks man! It's definitely one of my favourite pictures!

[YtseCullen]

Edited it a bit more and brought out the colours from the sky more! Love it! 

[lateralus88]

That is a beautiful car shot man. Kudos.


Speaking of cars, I did some post-processing on an old photo, I want to know if it looks good or what could be improved:

[YtseCullen]

Personally, what I would do, to give it more of a vintage vibe and look I would be to bring out a bit more blue in the shadows by playing with the curves. Hope that helps

[YtseCullen]

After all that drama surrounding my 70-200 I finally ordered a brand new lens from an online store in Canada. FINALLY

[Azyiu]

After all that drama surrounding my 70-200 I finally ordered a brand new lens from an online store in Canada. FINALLY

A brand new 70-200? f/4 or f/2.8? Good call regardless! 

[YtseCullen]

2.8!

[Azyiu]

2.8!

Right on! Very happy for you! 

[YtseCullen]

Thank you sir! It's not the newest model, it was the 1st model of the 70-200 2.8 USM that they released, but Id rather save $1000 and go with something that is still a huge step up from my previous lens, and I worked out a deal with a fellow pro photographer in town to buy his 5D Mk II in the near future. I'm shooting a wedding at the end of June and the money I make from that will be the down payment on it and I will pay it off over the next few months. I'm pretty excited to have pro gear finally!

[Azyiu]

Thank you sir! It's not the newest model, it was the 1st model of the 70-200 2.8 USM that they released, but Id rather save $1000 and go with something that is still a huge step up from my previous lens, and I worked out a deal with a fellow pro photographer in town to buy his 5D Mk II in the near future. I'm shooting a wedding at the end of June and the money I make from that will be the down payment on it and I will pay it off over the next few months. I'm pretty excited to have pro gear finally!

That is a very good lens, despite it doesn't have the IS feature. Hey, in fact that's my first L-series lens back in the day! And I think you are heading to the right direction in getting a 5D MkII. I am sure that lens + the 5D2 are only gong to get your more business, and better business = better chances in getting even better equipment down the road. Good job and I am happy for you. Plus, I am seeing some major improvement on your shots, man! 

[lateralus88]

Personally, what I would do, to give it more of a vintage vibe and look I would be to bring out a bit more blue in the shadows by playing with the curves. Hope that helps

What'dya think?

[YtseCullen]

Much better man!

[YtseCullen]

I played with it a bit, just for fun, and came up with this, whatya think man?

[YtseCullen]

It's HERE

[Azyiu]

It's HERE

And I see it THERE 

[lateralus88]

I played with it a bit, just for fun, and came up with this, whatya think man?

Maybe it's just me, but the remaining blue glow surrounding the car feels weird without the rest of the vintage effect to level it out.

[YtseCullen]

I totally see what you're saying, I tried to do that, but It just wouldn't exactly work that way for me.

[rumborak]

[YtseCullen]

Nice one Rumborak!

[Azyiu]

Took this one last Saturday, on a late afternoon with a very rare clear blue sky.