Yup.
I'm on photography specific forums, and I did do a Google search, but thanks for the suggestions.
Since we have a photography specific thread in here, I though I would see what my Z brothers had to say on the topic.

IMO, UV filters are only good for protecting the lens from physical damage. If you buy a quality lens to begin with and you take care of it, you don't really need it to add additional protection from UV. It's still good to have. A lot of the people I know agree that they'd rather break a $40 filter than a $900 lens. Coupled with a good quality lens hood, its a small investment to keep your lens from being damaged. If you have a cheap lens that yellows easily, why bother. As far as image quality, it makes no difference and may even make it worst if you buy a cheap UV filter.

As far as destroying the sensor, that's highly unlikely. Your lens is essentially a UV filter and very little UV actually makes it to the sensor. It's not sensitive to UV. You're also talking shutter speeds of fractions of a second in bright daylight conditions.

Found this while on YouTube yesterday. This made me cringe every time he throws it. you can fast forward to the Mark III @7:40


Actually an entertaining YouTube channel if you've never checked it out.

This was exactly what I have heard over the years from professional photo magazines and forums. You gave my response the detailed version in depth, but this is how I feel. I have been shooting film (SLR) actually I preferred slide film (AgfaChrome) in the early seventies and always used a UV. Then about in the early 2000's, read in a magazine to the other side of the coin. Which was... why place another piece of glass (no matter what the quality over a $900 plus lens to just distort it? They basically said treat the camera and lens with the same way you would caress your wife (that's my own analogy) and if you scratch the lens then oh well TBSS (too bad so sad). Which got me to thinking, I do not have that kind of money to be tossing around on a new lens if I scratch it, not on a federal employee salary. So I still opt use either a UV or testing a new B&W Skylight filter. I also have a good lens hood too. Plus with photoshop or LightRoom you can remove the haze or whatever the choosen filter adds if it does suit your particular shot. And the sharpening tools in both s/w prohragms mentioned are great. Hell.. I still use ACDSee sharpening tool over PS. Although I just broke down and purchased Light Room ver 3 (still running WinXP) and Scott Kelby's book. :tiphat:

Thanks for the feeback very good info. :tiphat: :tiphat:

went to a studio lighting workshop this past weekend before shooting the G37, here's the results album and a few fav's:

Studio Lighting Workshop Results - 1/19/13 - JPMcG Photography

1. 5D2, 300mm, f/4.5, 1/200th, ISO100
http://jpmcgphotography.smugmug.com/...MG_2391-XL.jpg

2. 5D2m 135mm, f/2, 1/160th, ISO400
http://jpmcgphotography.smugmug.com/...MG_2532-XL.jpg

some other good ones in the album, just not worth a whole thread for a lighting exercise. it was good practice tho!

I really like the warm tones and shallow DoF in the second one. Nice off center composition as well.

:tiphat:

:iagree: Very good work.

Another bridge, this time with more mood applied.

http://www.modachroma.com/the370z/NYC-9674.JPG

:tup: :tup: :tup:

I really like that shot. :tiphat:

Saw this ginormus phallus and decided to whip out my own tripod for a long exposure:

http://www.modachroma.com/the370z/DC-9703.JPG

Bridges again:

http://www.modachroma.com/the370z/bridges-9723.JPG

http://www.modachroma.com/the370z/bridges-9726.JPG

Can you guys help me?

I am looking to get a camera. Either brand new or used on craigslist.

I am looking to take great photos without having to break the bank. I need to know which cameras to look into. Everyones got their own opinion about brand. I just want to know of 2 or 3 cameras to keep my eye on.

My budget is anywhere from $500-1000..

Thanks guys

I'm assuming you're just starting out, so the best advice would be to find out what you plan on taking pictures of. DSLR's are awesome, but for most people that never switch the camera out of "auto" you'll be better of with a high quality point and shoot. If you plan on getting a bit more serious with photography, a DSLR is definitely the way to go. The best investment in getting great photos is to take photography classes.....or read some books and watch some videos on the internet. Then take thousands of pictures.

What most people understand is that you can take a great photo with just about any camera if you have the skills for taking great pictures. Any DSLR from Nikon or Canon is going to be more than you need. I'd stick to the newer models because they have a ton of features that were reserved to the high end models a few years ago. For entry level bodies, the T2i or T3 from Canon is a great choice...so is the 3200 & 5100 from Nikon. I currently have a Nikon D90 and will probably stick with it for a while. It's more than I need for now. The body of ANY new DSLR's have more than enough capabilities for 90% of photographers. The lenses you use will carry the brunt of work in getting the picture you're after, so I'd say choosing the right lens for the job is the more important decision if you're doing something more specific.

The Nikon 1 and EOS M are also great choices if you want something more compact and don't want the bulk associated with carrying a DSLR.

I don't think you should buy it off of craigslist if you don't know the person, simply because at this point in the hobby, you don't know what to look out. I shop at B&H, Adorama and my local camera store, Cameta Camera (Cameras for Sale | Buy a Digital Camera from Cameta Camera). If you're looking to save, Cameta is close to the Nikon HQ down the block, so they receive refurbished camera stuff with 1 year warranties. It's basically new camera gear that's been tested and guaranteed to work. A lot safer than used gear. It's usually cheaper than new, but a bit more than used equipment. All three stores also have used equipment that are tested by pros before they sell it.

You can get a really nice brand used or refurbished setup for under $1,000. I'd personally go with the D7000 and a Nikkor 50mm f/1.8. Not a zoom lens, but I could do a lot with just those two pieces of gear. It's a lot of camera for someone starting out, but it will be a long while before you're need to upgrade to a better camera body. The same for the T4i if you want to go with Canon.

I've got a few month old Canon 50mm f/1.4 up for sale if anyone is interested. Awesome lens, just not the right length for what I shoot. $250 shipped.

:ugh2: I traded my 50mm canon many years ago and regretted it....you sure you don't want to keep it?

Im not sure yet lol

I'd keep it. I prefer the 28mm or 35mm on a crop body, but the 50mm is also a great all around lens.

I have a friend with a Canon 50D with CF Card, manual, cables, and charger. Camera shutter count is 4400... He also has a 50mm lens- he wants $500.

What do you guys think? Pull the trigger on it?

A used 50D by itself usually goes for $400-$500 by itself depending on condition. I'd say that's a "good"-"fair" deal... depends on condition and which 50mm lens it comes with. If it's a f/1.4, it's a really awesome deal.

Deal!

:tup: DEAL!
I just ordered a 7D but would have taken a 50d over a 60D:tup:

You'll love the 7D. At least I do mine. Especially awesome for sports.

I hate mine.

:eek: :confused: i thought you liked it! :icon14: omg.

How come?

Because it didn't make me an amazing photographer overnight.
Think I'm gonna buy a 1Dx.

:facepalm:

:bowrofl:

You had to buy that in a package deal. Came with an extra lens cap too!

I had similar experience buying the Z, but it worked for me. I'm a racecar driver now :tup:

Yeah, tried that, too.
GT-R is next on my list :bowrofl:

:iagree:

Waiting to see if the 70D or 7D Mark II is going to be my 50D upgrade.

Hey Guys-

Update: Ended up spending my money on a brand new NIKON D5100 from Best Buy. They were able to price match Walmarts Pricing online for $499. I also picked up a 32GB Extreme SD card that was $99 at best buy but got it for $31.

I took a bunch of photos with the camera. I am overall very pleased with it. I need to do more research on how to mess with the camera and settings...

Here are a couple of pictures that I took with the camera.

It was my first day ever shooting RAW, so be easy on me!

P.S I think I need to invest in a better lens or that could just be me...


This was edited with Lightroom
http://s9.postimage.org/xndsfzexb/Ni...der_garage.jpg


http://s7.postimage.org/8kwvftyqz/DSC_0416.jpg


http://s17.postimage.org/u7bslr5tr/DSC_0093.jpg