Thread: dSLR Cameras

Funny.

Lots of things to keep us on our toes. The lens stuff is the worst, just when you think you understand it all - you get lost.

Here is where I get confused - say a 50mm 1.8 Lens. Canon's site says maximum aperture 1:1.8 - well what is the minimum aperture?

Now THAT is confusing. There's a dSLR discussion group on Flickr and someone was asking why the minimum aperture is so large anymore and this was one guy's answer:
It's a different format. The f/64 folks were working in 8x10, so they were working with focal lengths of around 8 times what a 35mm camera uses. As a result, an aperture of a given diameter (in mm) had an f-number 8 times the same diameter for the equivalent lens in 35mm.

Specifically, f/64 on a 320mm lens on an 8x10 has the same aperture as f/8 on the basically equivalent 40mm lens on a 35mm camera. Namely, 5mm diameter.




So I guess the answer to your question is, both.

Being a Pro I do have a regular DSLR. I take it on vacations and leave the 5D at home. I have a 6 mgpxl Rebel and LOVE IT (got it back in 2004 and not thinking of upgrading. why should I. The camera isn't broken and still produces amazing images that I have entered into pro competition (printed up to a 16x20) to get my Master of Photography Degree.). Also have a 75-300 Zoom lens for it.

Don't have time at the moment to read the whole thread but will try and get to it this weekend. Any questions just ask! I'll be glad to answer.

Thanks Cruise Princess, I have a new question. Was in B&N today looking for a book about the camera I am interested in (Canon Rebel XSI), a book about RAW editing, and a book about CS3. Once I found these books I put them back on the shelf do not ask it is what I do... It takes A LOT for me to stick to a book about using software because there are so many ya know...

Okay -

So in the book about the Canon Rebel XSI it was saying that "normal" is not 50MM but 85MM. They were saying that normal to a 35MM is 50MM so normal to the XSI with its 1.6 is 85MM. Is this true, because if it is, then buying one of Canons "famous" 50MM lenses would be a waste, no? Because it sounds like it would be out of that "normal" range.

Also, another question both Sonja and I had was... Why do you lose Depth of View when you open the Aperture more, seems like you would be increasing it...

Oh, and for newbies like Sonja and I, what do you suggest as far as a basic setup... Here is what I am thinking to get at first.

XSI W/ Kit Lens
50MM 1.4 or 1.8, most likely the 1.8 due to it being 90 bucks.
either 55-200 or 70-200 or 70-300 one of canons lenses around that range. I kind of liked the 55-200 IS Lens by canon that is around 2 or 3 hundred, seems like a good lens to learn on... And I was thinking I would have 18-200MM Range between 3 lenses...

You think replacing the kit lens is something to do right away or wait a bit?

WOW - I think I will stop now because I can keep going.... THANKS FOR HELPING!!!!

Originally Posted by sk8erguy1978

Also, another question both Sonja and I had was... Why do you lose Depth of View when you open the Aperture more, seems like you would be increasing it...

Nope it's the opposite. Strange I know. The Higher F stop (11 and so on and the lower shutter speed will give you lots more depth of field than a lower F Stop.

Have to go shot a wedding will answer more hopefully later and find a more indepth answer for ya.

Oh an example! If I want to get a close up shot of the cake but have the couple kissing in the background. I open up as far as I can (2.8) on a 15th shuuter speed get up close to the cake and then the couple will be out of focus. On this one the white is in focus and the chocolate one is out of focus.

Thanks Heather, I guess it's one of those concepts I'll have to memorize and accept without thinking too much on the reason behind.

I'm jealous of your 5D, it's such a great camera. But the new XSI will be all the camera that I need for a while. I'm looking forward to (OK, I lie. I am simply giddy with excitement) for all of the time I will spend shooting with it when that beautiful day comes.

Sonja - I am with you as much as I would love a 5D or similar camera, I think an entry level is all I need. After all, I am not shooting for money, just want good shots. Took a picture at the Bronx Zoo today that I cannot get over... It is of a Peacock super close up, opened the aperture as much as it would let me... I was using AV mode. Anyway, when I take it off the camera, I will post it...

I noticed everyone with nice semi-pro to pro cameras, were all taking 3,4 or 5 shots and then reviewing, so it seems like you said before, you just shoot and shoot and keep what you like...

One thing I noticed some had large Tele Lenses and some just had the basic zoom. One guy looked like he had the normal 50MM lens. That is the Lens I want for vacations, museums and other indoor things... Mainly because the Aperture goes so low - 1.8/1.4/1.2 (depending on lens) it can practically see in the dark.

Thanks for all your help Cruise Princess. Good luck with your wedding shoot!

Also keep in mind you don't need a lot of different lenses. I only have 2 for my rebel and 2 for the 5D (the studio camera). The second lenses are zoom lenese that are greater than the 28-80 (rebel) and 24-105 (5D). I rarely use them.

Another trick to blur out the background when using your smaller lens. Take a few steps back. Yep zoom in all the way and step back until what you would have seen not zoomed in is all in the frame. Your background will blur.

A good Depth of Field website -

Depth of Field