Wife trying to get into photography...What do I get her? Please help!

[Village Idiot]

Be careful. Amatuerallie's information "all Canon lens since the early 1900's are still compatible, whereas Nikon switched." is 100% wrong.

The Nikon F-mount has been virtually unchanged since it was introduced in 1959 with Nikon's first SLR the Nikon F - 35 mm camera, the first 'system camera' ever marketed.

In 1959 Canon was using their R-mount. Canon abandoned the R-mount in 1964 with the introduction of it's FL-mount.

The FL-mount was abandoned by Canon in 1974 with the introduction of the Canon FD-mount.

Canon abandoned the FD-mount, and obsoleted all their previous gear, when they introduced the EOS system and the EF-mount in 1987.

In 2003 Canon added the EF-S mount. Canon EF-S lenses cannot be mounted on Canon EF camera bodies.

135 format film (35 mm) was introduced in 1934, and the first commercially available 35 mm SLR appeared in 1937 (the Soviet Union's, Спорm (Sport). The technology of 35 mm SLR cameras did not really take off until the 1970's.

EF-S mounts are for the 1.6 APS-C sensor, which the majority of Canon cameras are. There's only a handful of them out of the 60-70 lenses in Canon's current lineup. All current new prices on non-APS-C sensor Canon cameras are well over $1,000

 

[mommy-medic]

Shot with my Canon:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/cokronk/4270822278/

A crisp, vibrant, outdoor action scene. Want to see more? I also do some good skin smoothing.

Please go back and READ what I wrote. First I clarified that it was *my* observations, and clearly stated that neither was incapable of what I stated- my point was that *to me* Nikon is slightly better at abc and canon is slightly better at xyz.

I reread my post and think I did a pretty good job of conveying what I meant. I'm sorry I wasn't more clear.

 

[nathula]

Why is canon v/s Nikon brand war going on here?

If your wife is interested in photography get her a entry-level dslr (if she is new to photography)
or else a mid-level dslr like nikon d5100 or canon 550D

and invest well in lenses which will be important for her typer of photography
Like,if she likes potraits get her 50mm f1.4 or f1.8
or telephoto lens with IS if she is into wildlife photography.

buy a dslr which suits your need not the brand.

 

[jake337]

Im still not convinced about the flash, I mean, you said you got sick of holding that paper infront of the pop-up flash. But don't you think you have learned something along the way? You learned a lot from it right? And if you wouldn't have had that problem you wouldn't be as good as you are? or maybe as good, but you wouldn't have gotten this experience? And in my opinion experience is a lot, and even more now when it's down to the very basics of photography. But, it's not me you should convince, it's the guy who is buying his wife a gift, but is a flash such a good idea after all?

Blog; www.ottobergmark.wordpress.com

Not trying to convince, just putting up options. I learned how much a pain it was to hold a card in front of my pop-up flash forcing me to autofocus. It did teach me about light falloff, color cast, how light bounces and how to create the shadows I want, where I want. Many new users use AUTO and if the lighting isn't sufficient, the pop-up flash usually comes up automatically. So really its just my opinion that I would rather throw a cheap hotshoe strobe on their and bounce it than mess with the weak pop-up flash unit.

I truly do understand your POV though.

 

[Village Idiot]

Shot with my Canon:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/cokronk/4270822278/

A crisp, vibrant, outdoor action scene. Want to see more? I also do some good skin smoothing.

Please go back and READ what I wrote. First I clarified that it was *my* observations, and clearly stated that neither was incapable of what I stated- my point was that *to me* Nikon is slightly better at abc and canon is slightly better at xyz.

I reread my post and think I did a pretty good job of conveying what I meant. I'm sorry I wasn't more clear.

I'm sorry my point wasn't made.

Your observation is a figment of your imagination.

There's too much variable to say that one brand of camera has a certain look to it. The OG 5D was popular because of it's week AA filter and how incredibly crisp it's photos were in comparison to other cameras. Guess you've just never seen any photos from a 5D, huh?

 

[Infinite_Day]

It's really sad that this guy's thread asking for help turned into a brand tug-of-war. Let me see if I can possibly right this ship some. First, I think the one of the first replies was correct that you should probably involve her in the decision if you aren't dead set on it being a surprise. Second - it may help to know what your wife is shooting with currently. I'm going to assume it's probably a point & shoot. If that's the case, a kit lens (the lenses you typically see sold with the camera as a bundle) will probably work just fine for her to begin with and she can then acquire better glass as her skill grows. I might suggest that you get her a gift certificate/card from either Adorama or B&H and include it in a nice card saying that you will help her pick out the camera she really would like to have. That way you're still the originator of the camera idea and you get to spend time together going to camera shops, etc. trying out different models. Don't let anybody sway you about brand - Nikon, Canon, etc. all make good cameras and you can't really go wrong with an entry-level dSLR. It depends more on your wife and if she likes the way the camera handles. I would also not exclude used bodies - Adorama and B&H both have pretty good used stores as well. Good luck and I hope I helped you out somewhat.

 

[jake337]

Im still not convinced about the flash, I mean, you said you got sick of holding that paper infront of the pop-up flash. But don't you think you have learned something along the way? You learned a lot from it right? And if you wouldn't have had that problem you wouldn't be as good as you are? or maybe as good, but you wouldn't have gotten this experience? And in my opinion experience is a lot, and even more now when it's down to the very basics of photography. But, it's not me you should convince, it's the guy who is buying his wife a gift, but is a flash such a good idea after all?

Blog; www.ottobergmark.wordpress.com

Not trying to convince, just putting up options. I learned how much a pain it was to hold a card in front of my pop-up flash forcing me to autofocus. It did teach me about light falloff, color cast, how light bounces and how to create the shadows I want, where I want. Many new users use AUTO and if the lighting isn't sufficient, the pop-up flash usually comes up automatically. So really its just my opinion that I would rather throw a cheap hotshoe strobe on their and bounce it than mess with the weak pop-up flash unit.

I truly do understand your POV though.

Good I got you on my team (experience!). And as you said, it's getting more and more auto. But that is better for us other photographers who will have evolved alot more than the auto comunity.
And i would use a flash anyday over the pop-up. I seriosly hate the pop-up. And it's not that useful, it makes your pictures go bad by automatics.

But seriously, what do you think, should he get her a flash or not? And stop saying cheap flash because cheap flash is just as good as a 1000$ for a beginner (don't mean to be aggresive by the Stop saying...) She wont notice any difference accept that the 1000$ one is harder to get. So there is only one alterative and that maybe a yn flash. Im actually going to start a thread about flashes. Please join as I have gotten the image of that you are expirienced with flash photography!

I just mess around with the photgraphy stuff, I would definitely not say experienced. My only point with buying the flash is truly the ability to easily swivel/tilt bounce it. Which is, was, and will be a huge plus to anyone trying to take pictures of their young children indoors. Maybe it's just me though. My son started walking at 8 months and hasn't stopped running since! The flash has proved itself at helping me freeze moments of him clearly.

If I had a D3s I probably wouldn't have used it as much, lol.

 

[Ron Evers]

Gaud, the Canon/Nikon fanboys/girls are out again.

Whatever happened to Pentax (lenses from the sixties can be used on today's cameras), Olympus, Panasonic & Sony.

I would not rule out a micro four thirds (M4/3) camera with the ability to use quality legacy lenses from all makers that can be had for very little money.

 

[jake337]

When did it turn into some sort of tug-o-war? Everyone that gave up some ideas at what the OP could look for stated any brand will work equally.

I corrected a statement that was completely wrongs in terms of lens mounts for two companies. A few came in and agreed then KMH spelled it out more specifically(thanks!).

Then someone made following statement, which is completely wrong because the post lighting/proccessing one does that decides those factors, not the brand. Then someone stepped in to set them straight.

'What "look" does your wife prefer?

In my own opinion: Nikon is better at sharp, crisp vibrant colors, action scenes, and outdoor shots, and canon is better at indoor shots, soft smooth skin, and bringing out eyes in low light. To clarify- I'm not saying they can't do both beautifully, but from what I've seen this seems to be where one brand edges out the other. Again, canon CAN do vibrant crisp outdoor shots and Nikon CAN do soft smooth skin, but it just seems to be how their strengths lie. "


I see no brand tug of war going on.


​

 

[2WheelPhoto]

Be careful. Amatuerallie's information "all Canon lens since the early 1900's are still compatible, whereas Nikon switched." is 100% wrong.

The Nikon F-mount has been virtually unchanged since it was introduced in 1959 with Nikon's first SLR the Nikon F - 35 mm camera, the first 'system camera' ever marketed.

In 1959 Canon was using their R-mount. Canon abandoned the R-mount in 1964 with the introduction of it's FL-mount.

The FL-mount was abandoned by Canon in 1974 with the introduction of the Canon FD-mount.

Canon abandoned the FD-mount, and obsoleted all their previous gear, when they introduced the EOS system and the EF-mount in 1987.

In 2003 Canon added the EF-S mount. Canon EF-S lenses cannot be mounted on Canon EF camera bodies.

135 format film (35 mm) was introduced in 1934, and the first commercially available 35 mm SLR appeared in 1937 (the Soviet Union's, Спорm (Sport). The technology of 35 mm SLR cameras did not really take off until the 1970's.

LoL she was funny before she got all mad and left.

 

[jake337]

Be careful. Amatuerallie's information "all Canon lens since the early 1900's are still compatible, whereas Nikon switched." is 100% wrong.

The Nikon F-mount has been virtually unchanged since it was introduced in 1959 with Nikon's first SLR the Nikon F - 35 mm camera, the first 'system camera' ever marketed.

In 1959 Canon was using their R-mount. Canon abandoned the R-mount in 1964 with the introduction of it's FL-mount.

The FL-mount was abandoned by Canon in 1974 with the introduction of the Canon FD-mount.

Canon abandoned the FD-mount, and obsoleted all their previous gear, when they introduced the EOS system and the EF-mount in 1987.

In 2003 Canon added the EF-S mount. Canon EF-S lenses cannot be mounted on Canon EF camera bodies.

135 format film (35 mm) was introduced in 1934, and the first commercially available 35 mm SLR appeared in 1937 (the Soviet Union's, Спорm (Sport). The technology of 35 mm SLR cameras did not really take off until the 1970's.

LoL she was funny before she got all mad and left.

LOL, yeah, she was pretty hillarious. I wonder how she is going to react when one of her clients doesn't like her work that she's being paid to create.......Because it will happen, there's always someone who is never satisfied, even with the best.

 

[mommy-medic]

I apologize if I upset anyone. I wasn't touting one brand over another, I was stating my opinion and never attempted to pass it off as fact.

Anyway, I digress.

I also agree with the suggestion of a gift card (or letting her get the feel of a couple cameras and see what she prefers, what feels natural to her). I think the OP is going to get some major brownie points with whatever he chooses!!! Good luck.

 

[BigLebowski]

Holy crap! Guys, thanks tons for all the insight. I read the first page, perused the second, and now posted - I've got to run back to work. So I'm thinking the t3, possibly, and the 50 mm, or simply the gift certificate.

You guys are all right.