[Araveug]

(05-16-2017 12:26 AM)CaptainChardonnay Wrote:  

First of all, shoutout to Araveug for taking the time to answer everyone's questions.

I'm trying to take photos similar to the ones in these people's instagram, specifically the first guy.

https://www.instagram.com/followtheraven/
https://www.instagram.com/levitatestyle/?hl=en

Right now I have a Gopro Hero 4 Black, a Leica X2 and my daily Samsung S4 camera. On my last trip I used my Gopro a lot with a selfie stick however you could tell I was using a selfie stick. Now I want to learn how to use a dedicated tripod to up the photo quality. I figure a camera on a tripod with a remote would be the best way to go to achieve the photos above.

With the Leica, I always found that the photos I took had a weird look to them. It's probably because I don't know how to use the lens. I was thinking about just selling it and using the money towards a Sony RX100 which looks like it has more features in a more compact package which would mean I'd carry it around more.

Another alternative would be to get a screen for the Gopro and to compose the photo that way and then remove the fisheye afterwards however the quality wouldn't be as good I'm thinking.

How would you take photos like those examples above without a photographer following you around?

I have a basic understanding of composition, aperture, shutter speed, iso, etc. For the latter 3 my sticking point would be how to work all 3 together better. With the Leica since the shutter speed and aperture have their own dials, I would play a lot with different combinations of the 3 to see what the camera did. Getting a solid tripod I think would really make a big difference in my photography to begin with. I have a very cheap and thin aluminum one I got from amazon for my Gopro and already see the immediate results however I wouldn't put a more expensive camera on it.

You are correct on trying to remove the distortion on gopro after the fact - if those IG images are your goal, don't use gopro at all. That leica seems like a decent cam, you should be able to get what you are after with it + tripod/remote + basic processing software.

From my perspective, which is way diff than yours, I would not buy a rx100 if I am willing to shell out nearly $1k, I would buy a canon 6d (full frame and built in software for remote shutter from smartphone) then go for a cheap 50mm lens, eventually upgrading lenses if desired.

How to take those photos?? Either tripod or another person. Other person does not have to be a photographer, you just have to know what you are after and set up the camera then have them click. Both good options.

[CaptainChardonnay]

Yeah I started looking at the 6d because of the full frame. Also checked out the a7. Those cameras would definitely achieve what I want however I'm not sure if I would actually lug them around. Will do more research. I'm thinking I can sell my X2 and finance one of the above cameras with that money.

Will try getting those shots with the Leica first though. Just not sure if it can be used with a wireless remote or even has a time lapse feature which is the big reason I want to ditch it.

[TheUsual]

(05-16-2017 12:15 PM)CaptainChardonnay Wrote:  

Yeah I started looking at the 6d because of the full frame. Also checked out the a7. Those cameras would definitely achieve what I want however I'm not sure if I would actually lug them around. Will do more research. I'm thinking I can sell my X2 and finance one of the above cameras with that money.

Will try getting those shots with the Leica first though. Just not sure if it can be used with a wireless remote or even has a time lapse feature which is the big reason I want to ditch it.

I've lugged a 6d with a battery grip and a 35mm lens around the desert a little bit it's not bad, certainly better than the 5d2 with a battery grip but would still get tiring after a while. If you want to use a camera extensively while traveling I would lean towards a mirrorless at this point.

[CaptainChardonnay]

Heres a good one, what tips would you have for someone looking to buy a used camera?

Does shutter count matter?

I negotiated a RX100 iv down to $300 USD which is really good. Most of the used 6Ds I see online are around $950 but I haven't negotiated with anyone yet.

[CaptainChardonnay]

For anyone wondering about the rx100 compared to a full frame camera, heres a good video with examples of both around the 5min mark.

Another thing that stood out to me was at the 3:34min mark, I guess he was comparing the background blur.

[TheUsual]

(05-16-2017 04:04 PM)CaptainChardonnay Wrote:  

Heres a good one, what tips would you have for someone looking to buy a used camera?

Does shutter count matter?

I negotiated a RX100 iv down to $300 USD which is really good. Most of the used 6Ds I see online are around $950 but I haven't negotiated with anyone yet.

What's the shutter count on the 6d you're looking at? Try and keep them under 100,000 if you can, find one between 50k and 100k you'll still get a lot of life out of them.

[Araveug]

(05-16-2017 04:04 PM)CaptainChardonnay Wrote:  

Heres a good one, what tips would you have for someone looking to buy a used camera?

Does shutter count matter?

I negotiated a RX100 iv down to $300 USD which is really good. Most of the used 6Ds I see online are around $950 but I haven't negotiated with anyone yet.

Shutter count is a big factor when seeking out a used camera body. For example, if a camera is rated to 150,000 shutter releases, that is a guideline. It could flop out at 120k (rare) or get to 300k. If you find a great deal on one with a high shutter count, just do some research on cost of having a new shutter put in (assuming it is a camera worth bringing back to life). Set aside a bit of cash (mentally), and maybe you don't need a new shutter for years. It's a gamble. Shutter ratings on different models should be available online.

Also, I suppose travel is a factor. Not every location across the globe will have a camera shop ready to turn around a shutter install in a reasonable amount of time. Shipping time, etc.

[CaptainChardonnay]

I've seen around 10 or so with under 20k for $950. Going to try to bargain one down for around 300 USD and leverage the 6D mark 2 about to come out.

[brick tamland]

Hi Araveug. My question is what is the best way to get started with post-processing?

I'm a relative photog newbie who has done a paid-for basic course and some outdoor shoots under instruction. I'm using a cropped sensor Nikon, and have a 50mm prime lens.

So, your post-processing guide for the uninitiated? Thanks.

[Araveug]

(05-16-2017 06:55 PM)CaptainChardonnay Wrote:  

I've seen around 10 or so with under 20k for $950. Going to try to bargain one down for around 300 USD and leverage the 6D mark 2 about to come out.

If you are confident that you will get something from $1000ish down to $300ish, then please PM me - I will immediately hire you as my broker...for everything.

Seriously, let me know how low you get someone down. Where are you looking?

[CaptainChardonnay]

I mean I talked down the RX100 iv from $1100 down to $300 so I'm just hoping for someone similar to bite for the 6D. For the 6D also I can leverage the fact that the 6D mark 2 is expected to come out this quarter.

Ideally, I'm looking for someone who invested big into a hobby that it turns out they weren't really into.

The biggest thing would be to not be afraid of starting low, because as I see it, I might have been their only offer. Ultimately it's up to them to decide if they want to take the deal.

I've just sent out a bunch of messages over Craigslist for used 6Ds. Most of the shutter counts were also around 1 to 6k.

Crazy but I saw one ad for a new, unused 5D Mark 3 with 3 lenses, tripod, and a shit ton of other gear for $1k but it was posted a month ago. That one really hit the scam alarm in my head but if it's legit then that would be a hell of a deal.

[Araveug]

(05-16-2017 09:44 PM)brick tamland Wrote:  

Hi Araveug. My question is what is the best way to get started with post-processing?

I'm a relative photog newbie who has done a paid-for basic course and some outdoor shoots under instruction. I'm using a cropped sensor Nikon, and have a 50mm prime lens.

So, your post-processing guide for the uninitiated? Thanks.

I use adobe lightroom for 99% of my post-processing. If I could give myself some advice 8 years ago, it would be to download lightroom (if $$ is tight, get that 30 day trial first) and google some free lightroom presets that you like the look of. Once you apply said presets to some decent images (use fundamentally correct images) you can pick them apart by examining each setting (contrast, clarity, vibrance, etc.), where settings are, how they impact photo - you get the idea.

My temptation, at first, was to be really heavy handed with many of the specific settings in LR. Once I started to show my work to others, I had to rein it in quite a bit. There is a time for everything.

[Araveug]

(05-17-2017 12:42 AM)CaptainChardonnay Wrote:  

I mean I talked down the RX100 iv from $1100 down to $300 so I'm just hoping for someone similar to bite for the 6D. For the 6D also I can leverage the fact that the 6D mark 2 is expected to come out this quarter.

Ideally, I'm looking for someone who invested big into a hobby that it turns out they weren't really into.

The biggest thing would be to not be afraid of starting low, because as I see it, I might have been their only offer. Ultimately it's up to them to decide if they want to take the deal.

I've just sent out a bunch of messages over Craigslist for used 6Ds. Most of the shutter counts were also around 1 to 6k.

Crazy but I saw one ad for a new, unused 5D Mark 3 with 3 lenses, tripod, and a shit ton of other gear for $1k but it was posted a month ago. That one really hit the scam alarm in my head but if it's legit then that would be a hell of a deal.

What is keeping you from A7 at this point?

[samsamsam]

Check out canon refurbed stuff. That stuff is usually pretty good if you are uncertain about a used camera. I started off with a T3i and it has been pretty rock solid (I still have it).

[CaptainChardonnay]

(05-17-2017 11:01 AM)Araveug Wrote:  

(05-17-2017 12:42 AM)CaptainChardonnay Wrote:  

I mean I talked down the RX100 iv from $1100 down to $300 so I'm just hoping for someone similar to bite for the 6D. For the 6D also I can leverage the fact that the 6D mark 2 is expected to come out this quarter.

Ideally, I'm looking for someone who invested big into a hobby that it turns out they weren't really into.

The biggest thing would be to not be afraid of starting low, because as I see it, I might have been their only offer. Ultimately it's up to them to decide if they want to take the deal.

I've just sent out a bunch of messages over Craigslist for used 6Ds. Most of the shutter counts were also around 1 to 6k.

Crazy but I saw one ad for a new, unused 5D Mark 3 with 3 lenses, tripod, and a shit ton of other gear for $1k but it was posted a month ago. That one really hit the scam alarm in my head but if it's legit then that would be a hell of a deal.

What is keeping you from A7 at this point?

I haven't actually searched for the A7. Will check it out also now that you mention it.

Edit: oh yeah the A7 has a EVF instead of a optical viewfinder which would be pretty cool.

[CaptainChardonnay]

Found a Canon 5D Mark 3 body with around 10k shutter count and just got the guy down to 1100 USD. Also looking at Nikon D750 but I think I'm going to stick with the Canon. Any thoughts Araveug?

Not sure if I should just grab one or wait until the 6D Mark 2 comes out.

[Araveug]

Just saw this, I did respond to your pm the other day.

[brick tamland]

Okay, so post processing is a whole new ball game. I foresee a steep learning curve. For better or worse I've undertaken to start learning using Gimp and Raw therapee which I've already downloaded, because, well they are free. Now I'm reading a 700+ page book about Gimp. My former instructor (an award winning photog) said don't use the free stuff, use light room because it's what the pros use. But at my level of competency (and going weeks without touching my camera due to work and studies) would the $10 per month subscription be justifiable.
All in all it seems it will take months to reach beginner level.

[Ringo]

(06-26-2017 02:18 PM)brick tamland Wrote:  

Okay, so post processing is a whole new ball game. I foresee a steep learning curve. For better or worse I've undertaken to start learning using Gimp and Raw therapee which I've already downloaded, because, well they are free. Now I'm reading a 700+ page book about Gimp. My former instructor (an award winning photog) said don't use the free stuff, use light room because it's what the pros use. But at my level of competency (and going weeks without touching my camera due to work and studies) would the $10 per month subscription be justifiable.
All in all it seems it will take months to reach beginner level.

Ditch those.

Lightroom for 99.5% of editing, Photoshop for the .5% other specific fixes.

If you're gonna have to spend time learning how to use a tool, learn how to use the ultimate ones instead of having to relearn the interface and controls when you eventually switch to LR or PS.

Don't read books - watch YouTube tutorials and experiment. Remember that less is usually more, so try to get the pictures right straight out of the camera - ideally you should do minimal editing.

[Araveug]

Good answer Ringo.

@Brick, you should be able to buy Lightroom 6 for a one time fee of $149, or less if you 'are' a student/teacher. Don't know your location, but there alternative ways to acquire software.

[CaptainChardonnay]

Just picked up a Canon 24-70mm f2.8 L Mark 2 Lens for 1000 USD!

Btw I never realized how much camera lenses hold their value until I looked on here. Shoutout to Araveug!

[Sebastian]

The more I get into photography/cinematography, I realize it's not about the gear. It's more about Lighting. If you know how to utilize the light, you can shoot nice photos in any environments. If you don't know those, even your Hasselblad or Phase One won't do any good.

[Araveug]

Sebastian this is absolutely correct - good point, no one here is asking me about lighting (natural or otherwise). I am assuming if they are asking about specific hear that they have a basic understanding of light (perhaps I should not).

That being said, better gear makes better photos, all else equal.

@captain nice find man! That lens is legit for sure. You could sell it for more than you bought possibly.