Journalist seeks advice

Oh, my portfolio gallery URL is: http://www.photo.net/photodb/member-photos?user_id=4600453

for a cropped body, indoor grip & grin 16-35 2.8L, 70-200 2.8 IS L and a 50 1.4 or... if you dont need real wide or get a FF

24-70 2.8 L and 70-700 2.8L and 50 1.4

You'll want to add a fast wide prime maybe 35 1.4L and a long tele later

that second zoom should be 70-200 2.8 IS L sorry not 70-700

Thanks Bruce. I just looked those lenses up, the prices are way beyond my budget ($500 - sorry I should have mentioned this, the paper won't contribute towards any of this). In South Africa we pay a lot more than in the US.

The idea of a fast wide prime appeals to me: either 28mm or 24mm. I have a 50mm and it's kinda tight.

What do you think of the Tamron 19-35 (which seems to be a similar focal length to what you mentioned)

I've also seen a 70-200 L for $550 (used) is that good; it doesn't have the IS designation though.

-- "While in Israel I used a Canon EOS 300D "

The pictures in your portfolio are all taken with a Fuji FinePix S5500 ... I hope you're sure about the 300D. Assumed that's the case, and indoors is your main use, I recommend to have a look on the Sigma 30/1.4. Eventually add a EF85/1.8 and a Canon 430ex flash.

Rainer, I used a friend's a while back but have had the EOS since 05 so I presume I got them confused. How would I confirm the camera data? In any case I still have the EOS so thanks for the suggestions.

-- "How would I confirm the camera data? "

Most digital images contain (besides the image itself) some descriptive data. (Usually called EXIF data.) Your images also contained this. EXIF data can be viewed with a lot of tools. There are even plugins for internet browsers that allow to inspect this data (if available).

I though I look into the EXIF data of your images in order to find out which lens you use. You didn't mention the lens you have, and knowing it would allow to give better advise. So I just assumed, you would have the EFS 18-55/3.5-5.6 that came with the 300D. If thats the case, teh Tamron 17-50/2.8 or the Sigma 18-50/2.8 would also be candidates. (One of these can replace the kitlens).

Hi Rainer

If that's the case it begs the question, "Do I need to use an SLR?"

-- "Do I need to use an SLR?""

This is a question only you can answer. P&S cameras are convenient, and (within their limits) produce reasonable results. SLRs are more flexible and will produce better quality (if used correct) but are also more costly and heavier as well as bigger. For you as a jounalist, the question is, does you paper require you to use an SLR, or would images taken with a P&S also be acceptable to them. Also, will a P&S be flexible enough to get the images you want, it produce sufficient quality.

You did not state budget or weight restrictions. You also did not state if you intend to keep the 300D or move to another body. This is important both in the format (1.0, 1.3, 1.6) aspect i.e. the "length" of your lenses and in the EF-S compatibility aspect. The sizes of the rooms and typical lighting conditions are is also of importance.

I also must say that I can not think of any reasonable amount of money (that is, in the range of pro photographers budget) that would lure me to go to the Gaza strip. I'd rather get shots with my camera, not to get shot myself.

Happy shooting, Yakim.

Rainer, thanks for the insight. Yes, the lens is an 18-55mm.

As the paper I work for is a community paper they don't really care what I use as long as I don't charge them too much; if there's a photo to accompany an article it gets prominence.

Of course I want to move on from there at some point. As I said, most of what I do is take shots of "Veeps" at events although I actually have some projects I'd like to pursue - photographing African refugees in Israel when I visit there again in Feb 09, for example. I'd write the article and beef it up with some photos.

Budget wise I'm looking at spending around $400.

Hi Yakim - LoL, I wasn't intending to get shot at either - I was on a PR trip for some organization when all of a sudden rockets started hitting around us. Hardly my style.

I intend keeping the EOS for now. If money comes in I will upgrade it but reading some of the posts here they seem to emphasise lenses over bodies.

Thanks for the suggestions - the Sigma 30/1.4 and the EF85/1.8 look fine and affordable - although one at a time. These two zooms are also attractive Tamron 17-50/2.8 or the Sigma 18-50/2.8.

> Canon EOS 300D . . .Any thoughts on what other lenses I should use with this camera? Most of the events I attend are indoors, usually a speaker or 6, usually a large get together around a buffet afterward. Canon EOS 300D . . . my budget $500 <

I think you might not be asking the most appropriate question to best suit the outcomes you require.

Also, it is still unclear to me what lens(es) you have, and, are presently using with the 300D?

***

So, ASSUMING you have both a 300D and the EF-S 18 to 55mm F3.5 to F5.6 ``kit lens`` and you asked me:

``I am a journo and I want make better pictures and easier, for inclusion in a local paper. Most of the events I attend are indoors, usually a speaker or 6, usually a large get together around a buffet afterward and I have the camera and lens described above, and a budget of US$500. What do I need to buy to improve these types of shots and my capacity as a newspaper photographer, generally?``

I would answer:

1. Buy a 530EX MkII

2. Learn the techniques to use it properly inside, (Bounce card; Ceiling / Wall bounce; Diffuser) and outside, (Flash Fill).

***

-- "Do I need to use an SLR?""

I have two Canon Powershot P5 IS in my kit, and these have been used for Head and Shoulders grab shots, and group shots all subsequently used in local papers.

IMO, the main issues (generally) using this type of P&S camera for reportage are: shutter delay; poor viewfinder; poor ISO range; manually focussing is poor; the cost is equivalent to a reasonable consumer DSLR, to get reasonable any ISO range or RAW capture.

If you do choose a P&S for newspaper reportage, get one which ``talks`` to a dedicated flash: flash is still the main issue for you, IMO.

(The Powershot P5IS, is dedicated to the EX Canon Flash series, as one example).

But why buy another camera when you have a working 300D, that seems silly, to me?

WW

WW -- "1. Buy a 530EX MkII "

I assume a small typo here ... this is either the 430ex MkII (the flash) of the 580ex MkII (THE FLASH).

ha HA !

Nice one!

Thanks, Rainer.

Yes. I meant ``1. Buy a 580EXMkII``

***

To be frank: I first wrote 430MkII or 580MkII, and then I thought . . . ``keep it simple get THE FLASH`` . . . hence my typo :)

Cheers,

WW

I also must say that I can not think of any reasonable amount of money (that is, in the range of pro photographers budget) that would lure me to go to the Gaza strip. I'd rather get shots with my camera, not to get shot myself.

BRAVO Yakim, good point !

>> Hi Yakim - LoL, I wasn't intending to get shot at either - I was on a PR trip for some organization when all of a sudden rockets started hitting around us. Hardly my style.

You mean you did not know in advance you are going there?

Happy shooting, Yakim.

William, thanks for your input. I've no intention of getting a P&S, have no fear. My 300D will do me just fine. I will look at getting a flash alongside a small prime and a telephoto based on your adn Rainer's suggestions.

Yakim, I knew I was going to Gaza, to cover the close of the "Palm Beach Hotel" and the Jewish community that once lived there, but that doesn't necessarily guarantee a day of death and destruction. Such, however, is the nature of terrorism.

>> Yakim, I knew I was going to Gaza [...] but that doesn't necessarily guarantee a day of death and destruction.

Well, actually it does. You haven't been watching the news much, have you?

Happy shooting, Yakim.