Did you do some HDR edits to those images? jw..
Thats what it looks most like to me.

The set up that you are looking at JDM555 looks like a good set way to get started and learn with, and eventually work your way up to different gear if you felt like it.

When you are learning, you dont need to have the latest and greatest gear.

Good luck and have fun with your photography. Another thing you might want to remember to invest in is a good photo website to upload your images.

 

yeah, those are hella HDR'd...

As far as the photo hosting, definately invest in that. My photos always look kinda hazey cuz photobucket and myspace downgrade the quality. The next thing I'm getting is a domain name to host my pics.

 

I went with the Canon XTi over the D40x because of the auto focus lens issue on the D40x, and that the Canon seemed to do a little better on images with strong highlights. Picked a slightly different mix of lenses to what you're going with; and though I started with the kit lens I sold it fairly soon afterward.

1. Canon EF-S 17-85mm f/4-5.6 IS (about $450)
2. Canon EF 50mm f/1.8 (about $85)
3. Canon EF 70-200mm f/4L (about $550)

I was torn on that first one because it's expensive, and you can only use it on a crop frame camera like the XTi or 40D which makes an upgrade much more expensive. It works well though and makes a great walk around lens for general shooting. Not hugely "fast" but the IS helps a lot for static subjects.

The 50mm is great -- it's a cheapo lens but a bargain for the sharpness of results.

The 70-200 L series is impressive. I only stretched to the the non-IS version but will likely move to the IS at some point to get a little more flexibility. It's a big honking grey lens but it's superbly sharp and nicely put together. Haven't got around to many Suby pics yet, but here are a few other examples.

I have a feeling lenses will turn out like WRX upgrades

17-85mm IS


70-200mm






50mm

 

^ goddamn! Nice pics bro!

 

dang, i looked at the price of the cameras you guys are talking about !!!!

HOLY MOLY they are EXPENSIVE!!!

 

bbaaaalllliiinnnnnnnn......

you think that's bad, start looking at some of the f/2.8L IS lenses and higher...

 

Yeah... what he said: $1,600 for one lens, on discount.

 

the one I'm buying is 1350 after rebate! (=

 

This is an amazing picture. I have tried taking it from this place you took it from, but I understand it is illegal to stand there. If you are caught, you are in big trouble especially after 9/11. Do you remember the settings for it?

 

GTFO

That is crazy talk.

I was sitting here telling my wife, "Hey Hun, Photography would be fun to get into wouldnt it!"

Then sticker shock!!! =O

 

20sec shutter, f/22, ISO100, 122mm length.

 

hehe, it's like moding a subaru vs. a honda, I can literally make honda parts...and suby parts are like 1000 a piece...

 

I'm not sure if it's illegal to stand there, though what with modern day DHS stuff I could imagine someone suggesting you're about to blow a hole in the Bay Bridge with your SLR or something. I didn't park there, though; parked in the lot down by the bus stop and walked back up.

And yes, I do have the settings. Which also means I lied about which lens took this (I'll edit above):

f/22, 122mm, ISO 100, 20s exposure (ah, someone already read the EXIF...)

There are handful of others from the same evening

 

I win! hehe

 

you make a very good point =)

Hey ive got a Kodak Z710

Ive always thought that it takes decent pictures, it just doesnt get as much color as i wish it would,

ANy opinions on things i can do to my existing camera to make it a little better?

Not looking at buying a new camera, what about a lens maybe?