James RickardTrying out a new camera at my favorite spot
February 10th 2008 01:59
I wanted to kill two birds with one stone on this post. Aside from getting some material for my blog, I wanted to try out a new camera at the same time and today was warm enough that I could get out and put it through its paces.
Although I have no intentions of turning this blog into some sort of fisherman's diary, I will say that things went pretty well although there are some points I still want to work on. Newer cameras do so many things! The main thing I have to work on is remembering how to change settings. I guess that's not a problem if you always shoot on AUTOMATIC but, to really get good shots or anything very creative, you have to learn to shoot on MANUAL. Yeah, yeah! I know--that defeats the purpose of AUTOMATIC. Here's my take on that--AUTO is fine if all you want is a record of an occurrence. That way of thinking began with the Kodak Brownie. (Photography buffs will know what I mean!)
Anyhow--these are some shots with a digital Canon EOS Rebel. I was using the 18-55 zoom lens that came with the camera. When it comes to photography, I tend to lean toward a wide lens. The 18mm was better than I expected. Lots of wide angle lenses tend to "fish-eye" too much for my tastes but this lens held things together pretty well and I didn't experience any "ballooning" at the edges. Maybe I'm an old fart but I think I still prefer film!
I was a little put off by the camera's metering. I thought perhaps my hand-held Gossen light meter was messed up from non-use so I went with what the camera was telling me and then even tried to open up 1/2 stop to get more exposure but, it was all for not as these pictures show. Maybe it's just my camera. I have another Canon that is pretty well on the money. If the metering is consistent, even though it's off, I can adjust and learn to live with it.
I THOUGHT THIS BLOG WAS ABOUT FISHING!
So did I! It certainly appears to lean toward photography today! The reason I took these photos was to show how much your favorite fishing hole can change during the year.
Oh well--live and learn! This is another of those days when you don't post what you planned.
Although I have no intentions of turning this blog into some sort of fisherman's diary, I will say that things went pretty well although there are some points I still want to work on. Newer cameras do so many things! The main thing I have to work on is remembering how to change settings. I guess that's not a problem if you always shoot on AUTOMATIC but, to really get good shots or anything very creative, you have to learn to shoot on MANUAL. Yeah, yeah! I know--that defeats the purpose of AUTOMATIC. Here's my take on that--AUTO is fine if all you want is a record of an occurrence. That way of thinking began with the Kodak Brownie. (Photography buffs will know what I mean!)
Anyhow--these are some shots with a digital Canon EOS Rebel. I was using the 18-55 zoom lens that came with the camera. When it comes to photography, I tend to lean toward a wide lens. The 18mm was better than I expected. Lots of wide angle lenses tend to "fish-eye" too much for my tastes but this lens held things together pretty well and I didn't experience any "ballooning" at the edges. Maybe I'm an old fart but I think I still prefer film!
Although there is no snow to be seen, this is still February!
I THOUGHT THIS BLOG WAS ABOUT FISHING!
Right now, I'd say the river is running about 2-3 feet or so higher that it does in the summer.
Oh well--live and learn! This is another of those days when you don't post what you planned.
There's usually a place to walk here here. Remember, it is February!
Until next time--watch yourself and watch your line!
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Comment by Miswanderlust
Killer Beats
Ramble On
Hipnotherapy
It looks beautiful in your neck of the woods. Thanks for sharing your landscape with us
Mis
Comment by katyzzz
Photography Tips
MS Paint Art
Am I just delusional? I like film. Maybe, a dearer digital.
Comment by James Rickard
unlucky_ fishermen.com
Angling Fish
Check this out...
Well, if you're saying that it must be true. I thought the same thing! Maybe it's that megapixel thing! This is 10.1 and I used to shoot a 5 and I'm still not satisfied. It's so frustrating--I used to shoot 200 speed negative film, scan the shots, and they still came out better than these. I have to do some more playing--maybe it's me.
Comment by James Rickard
unlucky_ fishermen.com
Angling Fish
Check this out...
Out of the box Pennsylvania! *G*
Comment by Tracy
Movies and Life
Your pics are beautiful, what a lovely spot.
Tracy
Comment by katyzzz
Photography Tips
MS Paint Art
They are still pleasant pictures but not a patch on your banner.
Comment by James Rickard
unlucky_ fishermen.com
Angling Fish
Check this out...
When I get it down pat with the camera, you'll see it again!
Comment by James Rickard
unlucky_ fishermen.com
Angling Fish
Check this out...
I've decided to go with center weighted metering but it's too cold to get out there there today.
Comment by Chris 8
Pic Mad
What is it you're not happy with? Is it the colours? In my experience the digital Canons tend to give a very natural (some might say dull-ish) representation of colour, especially outdoors. Have you ever tried a poliariser?
- Chris
Comment by James Rickard
unlucky_ fishermen.com
Angling Fish
Check this out...
Thanks Chris. I tried the polarizer and I guess there was not enough sunlight for it because it didn't do what I expected. I think the REAL problem is just getting used to the camera and seeing what it does. I do know that I have a little Power Shot that did a slam bang job AFTER I learned how to use it.
Comment by lourensh
Comment by James Rickard
unlucky_ fishermen.com
Angling Fish
Check this out...
Thanks, I gotta figure this camera out. I can take darned good photos IF I know what I'm doing! You ain't seen nothin' yet!