Hello from Oklahoma

[TimeLapseTulsa]

Hello everyone. I'm in Oklahoma, Baja Canada.

I've been using a Canon P&S, with CHDK, for the last year, and am thinking about getting a "real" camera. The primary use of my A590 has been to make time lapse videos of artists painting pictures. These were done at a local bar that invites artists in to do "Live Art" while the bar patrons watch. Lighting is just terrible. :-) The videos are on Vimeo under the same name if anyone's interested.

I've done photos of an artist friend's paintings, which turned out pretty well given the camera's - uh - limitations. And I'm now in the middle of a photo study of my piano - inside and out. This is pattern wonderland - everything repeats 88 times. :-)

I've listened several times to Marko's advice in podcast #75 about what camera to get, and am really discouraged at the expense - not the body, but everything else. And by the way, Marko, you can't get a 30D on Ebay for $200, even C$. Well, not one that works. In fact, cameras in general seem to be very expensive there compared to prices of current models at Amazon. Why would someone pay more for a used, no-warranty, XTi with the old non-IS kit lens than for a new, warrantied XS with the new kit lens from Amazon? Oh, and with live view too. Still trying to figure that out.

Well I have another issue that may just be a deal breaker. I have a mild tremor in my right hand. Bummer, as we used to say back in the day. Still thinking about how that might be dealt with. Cable release on everything? Or wireless? Rig up a brace? Well, who knows.

One other thing - do people who wear glasses shoot with their glasses on? The diopter adjustments on the models I've seen don't go far enough negative to see anything without my glasses.

Well, this is too long already, but any advice would be appreciated. It's nice to be here. And thanks very much for the podcasts, Marko.

[Marko]

Hey Time Lapse and welcome to the forum!

When i looked at the prices for the 30D I was blown away because I have one and it has lost 1000. of value in the few years I've had it.
This listing on ebay... looks good at 246. (now) Canon EOS 30D Digital SLR - eBay (item 170435276163 end time Jan-27-10 16:15:18 PST)

When I looked I saw a few, but selection changes.

I guess my main point was at the beginning, don't spend the cash on the body, spend it on the glass. The body you'll change, good glass you'll keep. Learning on a cheap body but splurging on the glass will be the best investment in the longterm. JMO, though.

That said the Canon Eos Rebel XSI at 589. or the Nikon D3000 with a kit lens at 449. (on special now) from the link in the shownotes at 75 – How to buy your first DSLR is hard to beat as a starter camera with the lens included. You'll likely upgrade the lens but who cares..it rocks for learning and taking great shots. You'll definitely notice a big jump in quality over what you have now.

I really have no input on the tremor but hopefully someone else can help...maybe a custom battery grip with a shutter release on the opposite side, just thinking aloud.

- Welcome again! - Marko

[Fortytwo]

Hi, Welcome to the forums.
I agree with Marko, if you are going to spend a lot of money, spend it on glass, not a body. But there's nothing wrong with going for a nice budget kit, like the Nikon D3000/Canon 1000D etc. Photography is an expensive hobby.

As for the diopter problem, you can get tiny lenses you can shove in front of the viewfinder to extend the diopter range in your direction. You've got several to suit your needs:
diopter
This is Nikon, but all brands have em. That should solve you problem for just $13.

As for the tremors, you might want to try something like a flash bracket:
Custom Brackets | CB Digital-S Flash Rotating | CB-DIGITAL-S
Even if you don't put a flash on it, it can still serve as a strong handle on the left side of the camera, letting you hold your camera firmly with both hands.

Hope this helps, and again: welcome on board...

[TimeLapseTulsa]

Hey Time Lapse and welcome to the forum!

When i looked at the prices for the 30D I was blown away because I have one and it has lost 1000. of value in the few years I've had it.
This listing on ebay... looks good at 246. (now) Canon EOS 30D Digital SLR - eBay (item 170435276163 end time Jan-27-10 16:15:18 PST)

- Welcome again! - Marko

I agree that it looked good at $246, but the auction has ended now, and it sold at $460 including shipping. Well, Marko, your 30D may be more valuable than you thought. :-)

Thanks for the welcome.