CameraPorn

Finally, I’m back with part 2 of our “Ultimate Guide” where I will begin to break down three different kit suggestions spanning three different affordability levels. Originally, I planned on presenting all three kit options in one post, but due to the ongoing harassment from readers to get Part 2 posted as well as the surprising amount of time it takes to put these posts together, I decided to go ahead with the post to include only the first of the three kits, focusing on a low price range option to start. To make sure everyone has a good fix of CameraPorn, I’ll include a list of the items to be included in the next two posts. Parts 2 and 3 will focus on a mid-range and high-range priced photo kits. If you havent read “Part 1: Getting Prepared” we suggest taking a look before continuing.

Before I begin, I will again reiterate that no one, not even the gear-obsessed wackos that run this site would expect the average DSLR newbie to buy everything we suggest for a kit all at once. What I’m suggesting are well rounded kit options that contain items that cover the needs of most hobbyist photographers. In reality, all you need to get started is a camera, a memory card and one lens. You will also notice, all the cameras and lenses are from Canon. There are off-brand lenses such as Sigma and Tamron that offer quality and sometimes lower-cost alternatives to what I will be mentioning below, but what can I say, I’m a brand-whore. No, but seriously, aside from off-brand lenses Canon is not your only option. Nikon offers perfectly suitable alternatives to the DSLRs and lenses below at similar price points, but personally I love and use Canon gear, so thats what I’ll be suggesting.

Continue reading ‘The Ultimate Guide - Part 2: Getting Equipped - The Po’ Man’s Dream Kit’

After multiple suggestions from friends and readers in combination with the fact that today a friend joined us in our DSLR obsession with his own shiny new 30D and corresponding accessories, I was inspired to share my thoughts on the most effective ways to get started on your own fanatic DSLR journey. Being that my goal is to make the the “ultimate” guide, this post will be part one in a series of three. I’ll start out in part one by discussing what it takes to get started as an educated DSLR consumer, including shopping and research resources. In part two, I will discuss different equipment options broken down into three categories, corresponding to small, medium and large budgets. Part three will focus primarily on getting the shot, mentioning basic tried and true techniques as well as an outline of the best sites and blogs I frequently use for learning and reference.

Before jumping into it, I’d like to preface the whole deal with the statement that these are merely suggestions, and come from my own experiences becoming a DSLR-aholic. As much as I wish I was, (Canon, where you at?) I’m not being paid, endorsed, yadda yadda yadda for any of this. The choices I’ve made are the choices I feel I would or should have made if I was properly educated prior to jumping into photography. I’d also like to say that it is no coincidence it’s all Canon based. I happen to be a “Canon guy” only because its where I started based on suggestions from friends and it is the realm in which I can most effectively make suggestions. At this point I’ve used both Nikons and Canons, and though I definitely have no ill thoughts toward Nikon, my preference is generally with Canon products. Why? I think we should leave that one for a whole other post. All that said, lets get to the cameraporn… Continue reading ‘The Ultimate Guide To Starting Your Own DSLR Obsession - Part 1: Getting Prepared’