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[Tywais]

Since I have started looking at buying a dSLR and am spending a lot of time researching info I thought perhaps a Q&A topic may be useful for those going through the same process.  I came across this site which I found quite useful dSLR Camera Buying Guide - CNET.  If Kan Win thinks the topic is useful perhaps it can be pinned later.

My first question:  Using histograms.  Both my last P&S cameras have histograms but I never paid much attention to them.  What is the best way to use/interpret them?  Should you aim for a flat one or do you need to adjust the valleys and peaks to highlight regions?



I'm starting to look at it now, but personal experiences and techniques would be helpful. Understanding Histograms

[The Vulcan]

"Peaks and valleys" are the tonal range. i.e. flat = lifeless; (atmospheric, might need flash etc) whereas lots of valleys and peaks = full tonal range.
                                                            
What is most important is to not allow clipping. i.e. the scale running out or bunching up either side

If the histogram bunches up to the right = overexposure, To the left = Underexposure.

Underexposure is the worst as the noise in a digital image will be very obvious when you attempt to increase the exposure in your editing software

Slight overexposure is actually accepted as beneficial! It keeps the noise levels down and is recoverable in software.

Next Question?  

[Tywais]

The Vulcan, on 2009-06-02 13:25:49, said:

What is most important is to not allow clipping. i.e. the scale running out or bunching up either side

If the histogram bunches up to the right = overexposure, To the left = Underexposure.

Great simplified explanation in a nutshell.  Thanks for that.

So, how does one normally correct it?  White balance, target position adjustment, etc?

[The Vulcan]

Tywais, on 2009-06-02 14:32:19, said:

The Vulcan, on 2009-06-02 13:25:49, said:

What is most important is to not allow clipping. i.e. the scale running out or bunching up either side

If the histogram bunches up to the right = overexposure, To the left = Underexposure.

Great simplified explanation in a nutshell.  Thanks for that.

So, how does one normally correct it?  White balance, target position adjustment, etc?

HDR.

When the dynamic range is too great then HDR is the answer. i.e. combining several shots to create one via a sequence of the exposure adjustments. You don't have to create an HDR image. You can go tone mapping or blending to get a more realistic look.

If this doesn't appeal you need to look at filters i.e. ND (neutral density) or polarisers.

White balance relates to the image colour and has no influence on DR.

[Tywais]

Using a real world image, your image Vulcan from another topic, and used photoshop to get the histogram It piles up on the left and right meaning very bright and very dark fractional ranges?  I thought your photo would be good to show the extremes.

 post_a84922_P9071740.jpg   486.57K   10 downloads
 Histogram.jpg   32.67K   11 downloads

[The Vulcan]

That's correct but achieved in the post processing rather than the camera histogram.

The essence of the camera histogram is to achieve a full tonal range containg all the shadow and highlight detail.

What you do in post processing is your interpretation.

I went for this extreme deliberately

[Tywais]

Some useful links.

Finding the best dSLR lens
How to choose a dSLR (Video)
How to Choose a dSLR - Digital Photography School
Digital SLR Superguide Choosing a dSLR
Factors to Consider when Choosing a dSLR

What is the rules of thirds?  Answered here.

[Tywais]

Should you buy a DSLR or Point and Shoot Digital Camera?

Quote

“I’m using a compact point and shoot digital camera and i would like to ask it is worth it to upgrade to a DSLR camera? How huge a difference do DSLR cameras make compared to compact point and shoot digital camera?”

Read more here > Digital Photography School

[Tywais]

What is DOF (Depth of Field) and how to control it?  Applies to both non-dSLRs and dSLRs.

Quote

Depth of field is the amount of distance between the nearest and farthest objects that appear in acceptably sharp focus in a photograph. A preferred selection Depth of field ("DOF") in a focused subject in an image can be quite subjective. Remember this, adequate selection of DOF for one situation, application may be unacceptable for another photographer. It is all a matter of personal preference when trying to determine the appropriate use of DOF to enhance an effect in a photograph.

DOF - a brief primer
DOF - one of the most important elements of photography

DOF Calculator from DOFMaster
DOF Calculator from Know Your dSLR

[The Vulcan]

Good links "Tywais"

Knowing the depth of field limitations and applications is one thing. The hyperfocal distance is also to be considered especially for landscape workers.

http://www.dofmaster...hyperfocal.html

One of the reasons I shoot 35mm film is the "advantage" I have in limiting the depth of field over my Dslr. I also use MF film which is even more limiting!

[Kan Win]

Tywais, on 2009-06-04 12:51:35, said:

Should you buy a DSLR or Point and Shoot Digital Camera?

I have both Oly 8080 and the E-3  

Yours truly shoots with both on me trips around Thailand. Why? always like to 'Bank' a few photos with the 'Point and Shoot' and then go to work with the E-3 RAW+Jpg.

Kan Win

P.S. 'Tywais' great idea of yours for this thread and pinned. Thanking you

[Tywais]

I put the links from my pinned topic in the computer forum on cameras here now.  If you have more you can PM me or Kan Win and  will add it to the list.

Are there on-line camera stores/sites in Thailand?

Cameras:
http://www.fotofile.net
http://www.meecamera.com
http://www.worldcamera.co.th
http://www.viewfindercamera.com
http://www.avcamera.com
http://www.thaicameracafe.com/
http://www.photobugonline.com/
http://www.niksthailand.co.th/
http://www.digitallifethailand.com/
http://www.tohome.com/
http://www.bask1.com/
http://www.seedcamera.com/
http://www.thaicamera.com/
http://www.zoomcamera.net/

Camera review sites:
http://www.steves-di...re_reviews.html
http://www.dcresourc.../cameraList.php
http://www.dpreview.com/

Edited by Tywais, 2009-08-22 20:19:56.

[Kan Win]

Nice one 'Tywais'. Thank you for your support in this forum.

One thing that always puzzled me was the way Photographers 'talk' about

Camera System
Digital Imaging
Exposure
Optical
Storage

etc......

Below is a link that you should read and bookmark for refence :-

http://www.dpreview....arn/?/Glossary/

Yours truly,

Kan Win  

[Tywais]

Since The Vulcan brought up HDR (High Dynamic Range) photography, I started looking into it.  Interesting stuff.

So, What is HDR?

Quote

In image processing, computer graphics, and photography, high dynamic range imaging (HDRI or just HDR) is a set of techniques that allows a greater dynamic range of luminances between light and dark areas of a scene than normal digital imaging techniques. The intention of HDRI is to accurately represent the wide range of intensity levels found in real scenes ranging from direct sunlight to shadows.

WiKi

Learning HDR:

• 3 Step HDR Workflow
  
• HDR Tutorial
  
• Cambridgeincolor Tutorial
  
• Step by Step
  
• HDR Tutorial
  
• The Ultimate Guide to HDR
  
• HDR Tutorial Roundup
  
• HDR Howto Guide
  
• NatureScapes

Examples:

• 35 Fantastic HDR Images
  
• More Examples
  
• 85 Examples

Software:

• Photomatix
  
• Adobe Photoshop Tutorial
  
• HDR Software Review
  
• How to create HDR using Photomatix

Misc:
Anasazi Adventures - Digital Tours

[Tywais]

What is a Prime Lens?

Quote

In film and photography, a prime lens is either a photographic lens whose focal length is fixed, as opposed to a zoom lens, or it is the primary lens in a combination lens system.

Confusion can sometimes result due to the two meanings of the term if the context does not make the interpretation clear. Alternative terms primary and fixed focal length or FFL are sometimes used to avoid ambiguity.

Source: WiKi - Prime lens

Prime vs Zoom - Which is best?
7 Reasons to love prime lenses
Lens types explained
Why you should switch that zoom for a "Classic" lens
Photo Tip: Get a fast prime lens

[Tywais]

Where can I learn more?

A good place to learn about photography online and free > Michael's Photography School.  Has video tutorials.

Digital Photography Tutorials
Free Photography Tutorials
Digital Photography Tips

[Tingnongnoi]

Lighting

these may be of interest to those interested in playing around with and learning more about lighting

Light positioning 1
Light positioning 2

[svenivan]

This is a great place to read about lenses!

http://www.slrgear.c...views/index.php

It is organized by producer so one easily find all the Canon, Carl Zeiss, Nikon, Sigma etc etc.

The review for each lens is quite in detail and every review ends with comparing competting lenses of same type.
For many lenses there are also "users rewiev" following.

    

[quiksilva]

Thank you everyone, great links. Im thinking seriously about getting my first DSLR this forum has been a great resource.

[MJP]

Hmmmm . . . this photography bug sure does get expensive.

So I'm looking at DSLR's and have prepared the obligatory short list, including used cameras.




i. Pentax K-X. Cheap. Great reviews for an entry level. In-body stabilisation so increases lens option, thus reducing costs;

ii. Canon 500D or 550D. Loads of used about. Good reviews;

iii. Nikon D90. Loads of used about with lenses. Seems to be a step above the 500D/550D.




Budget 20 - 25k.




Does this list look right? I'm I missing something?

[astral]

Canon and Nikon probably give you the widest choice of lenses.

Have you owned a film SLR before, and have any lenses that may influence your choice?

I suggest you try to handle each of the cameras and see which is the most
comfortable in your hands.

[MJP]

astral, on 2011-01-05 14:26:13, said:

Canon and Nikon probably give you the widest choice of lenses.

Have you owned a film SLR before, and have any lenses that may influence your choice?

I suggest you try to handle each of the cameras and see which is the most
comfortable in your hands.

I have big hands.


My brain has settled on a used D90 with the 18-105 VR lens and a 50mm/f1.8 prime. An ND, a UV and a CPL filter for fun. Will do me fine. The LX5 does excellent macro.

[Tywais]

Camera Shutter Life Database

EOSInfo to check shutter life for Canon dSLRs

[astral]

You can use EOSInfo to update your own name inside the camera firmware.

[katana]

How do you use EOSinfo? Do you need to connect your camera to your PC? If so how?
Thanks in advance.