Beginner, 450D, guidance needed

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Click_Blue

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Daniel
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Hi,

I have just up-graded from my bridge-camera, a Lumix DMC-FZ8, to a Canon 450D, with the 18-55 kit lens. I feel I am leaning more towards landscape photography, however, several things are preventing me from getting out on the field. 1) the feeling that the 18-55 lens wont bring me the results I am hoping for 2) the urge to get filters in hope of improving the results for the current lens and 3) the worry of damaging or getting the equipment stolen or lost.

If anyone can help direct me in the right direction, much would be appreciated.

Daniel
 
Would suggest for Landscapes your first purchase should be a sturdy Tripod with a decent head, would improve things far more than any filter

Have a go with the kit lens and see what sort of focal lengths you are using before rushing out to buy a new lens

No point having the camera unless you use it, if you didn't break or have your Lumix nicked no reason this one should be any different
 
1) The 18-55 will be fine, look at some of the pictures here:
http://photography-on-the.net/forum/showthread.php?t=185522

2) If you want filters, get them. Loads of threads here on them, do a search. If you replace the lens at a later date or buy others the filters will still be usable, just might need a different adapter ring

3) Theres always a risk, but IMHO you're more likely to be mugged for your mobile phone. Get a decent bag and only have the camera round your neck/in hand when you are shooting. If you are feeling very paranoid I have seen a backpack (cant remember the manufacturer) that can only be opened from the back, you have to take it off to get inside. May be a bit of a pain but would be pretty safe.
 
On a similar note to the one above, take a look at - http://www.flickr.com/groups/eos450dkitlens/pool/

Your camera may be covered by your home insurance, if not you can get insurance. I have it and it gives me that peace of mind as I wouldn't be able to afford to replace even my very cheap gear. Google/search the forum and there are a few companies out there.

And have fun :)
 
Maybe there's a local camera club you could join? You might find someone local you could go out with if you feel a bit vulnerable.

If you want to give filters a try you could have a look at Cokin, they're cheap enough to experiment with, you get a holder and slide in filters. You could start with a circular polariser and a graduated filter. Filters could bring your shutter speed down though so a tripod might be a good idea.

Good luck with it.
 
I've got a really cheap tripod :S....I'm talking really cheap. However, it is really really light weight and does the job. Is this enough, or would a new one be advisable?

By the way, thanks for the links to the photos! They have certainly boosted my confidence! Unfortunately, I'm not confident enough to go out without insurance. Done a quick search and it works out at £35 for the year! I would rather pay that than pay for a new lens or body lol
 
Get Adobe Lightroom (trial available) and some good books on pro photography (not beginner guides). Books don't have to be new either, but well written. Then have a think about a proper lens couple months later when you have a better feel for it.
 
I have the 450d with kit lens and i also have a 70-300mm lens. I find i use the 18-55mm more often so it's probably all you'll need for your pictures at the moment. I have had my kit 2 weeks and haven't found a real 'use' for my longer lens.

About the safety, i felt a similar way so i took out camera insurance. It's costing me the tiny amount of £5 odd per month. Look into that if you're worried.

Good luck :)
 
or look at the "find a tog buddy" thread in "meeting place", there might be someone near you.

With the bright skies we have at the moment you might try a circular polariser filter, I found it helped settle exposure a little with the kit lens, this is the one I've got http://www.crookedimaging.co.uk/product_info.php?cPath=24_200_239&products_id=104

on my flickr is a set called walkabouts - it was a bit of a dumping ground for virtually everything I took when I first got the camera, most of them are pretty naff I think! we all have to start somewhere.

If you feel a bit overwhelmed by it all stick it in P mode, fix the ISO and work on composition, then have a play in Av mode.
 
Thanks for helping! I've recently took in my 55-200 kit lens and got a credit note as I really wasn't using it and saw no purpose in keeping it when I could be using the money to get better equipment.

This probably sounds a bit silly, but does anyone know how to OPERATE a polarizor? Brought one the other day and I don't get why you have to turn the end.
 
Click_Blue said:
Thanks for helping! I've recently took in my 55-200 kit lens and got a credit note as I really wasn't using it and saw no purpose in keeping it when I could be using the money to get better equipment.

This probably sounds a bit silly, but does anyone know how to OPERATE a polarizor? Brought one the other day and I don't get why you have to turn the end.
Click to expand...

Check this out... http://www.great-landscape-photography.com/polarizing-filter.html


You can get perfectly exceptable images from your kit lens...
as you will be shooting at F16...

Kit you will probably want..

Decent waterproof camera backpack
Tripod
Remote shutter release

:thumbs:
 
click_blue you don't need a tripod, nor a cable release just yet - get out there and go for a walk, climb a local hill (plenty around Derby - get on up to stanage or burbage, climb lose hill near hope on a good day) then when you can see the picture forming or the clouds about to part, whip out the camera stick it on auto and start shooting. Learn to support the camera with your body, a dry stone wall, a tree, etc You only need a tripod if you are shooting in low light and need a slower shutter speed or a smaller aperture.

Only when you start visualising how the finished image will end up in your head will you start to understand...... as time progresses, play with your camera settings.

If you are new to photography, read a few bits on the net about shutter speeds and aperture, ISO settings, depth of field.

For starting out though, just get out there and shoot - the great thing about digital cameras is that when you are starting out, you can shoot as many images as your memory card will hold and then just save the "keepers" - the shots you nailed or are pleasing to you. Don't make the mistake of keeping everything though!
 
The 18-55 kit lens will be fine, it'll be far wider zoomed right out than your P&S was. OK, it's not as wide as the 10-20mm lenses, but you'll still get good pictures with it.

Filters are a bit tricky to use on the kit lens (CPL's especially) as the front element rotates as you focus. You can get around this though my focussing, switching the lens to manual focus and then very carefully aligning your filters correctly, taking care not to move the focus ring.

The main thing is getting out and taking the shots. And FWIW, I've not met many people who've been mugged while out walking in the countryside :D

Oh, and a good bag should be first on your list. I went for a Lowepro Primus AW as it's got a waterproof cover, and a section at the top for my walking kit & lunch. Only cost me £50 too :thumbs:
 
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