As you may know, I recently purchased what i call a "fancy camera." When I use unnecessary quotation marks I like to envision Dr. Evil reading my blog posts firing the laser (he didn't go to 7 years of evil medical school to be called mister, thank you very much).
Ok, so back to said "fancy camera"... this thing is impossible to master. I took this class last weekend and now it's in manual mode. I know I'm supposed to move the Fstop in one direction and move the 1/250 thingy (can't remember what that is called) in another direction, in hopes of getting the light meter to be right in the middle. So I'm essentially just blindly clicking buttons back and forth until the mixture leads to an appropriate light meter reading. I kind of feel like I'm playing mortal combat with the camera.
That gif didn't work there, but I went looking for an overwhelmed gif... and this showed up and how could I not use that??
So I haven't mastered the camera, and I'm not going to return it, but I can't tell the difference between the pictures from my iPhone, and the pictures are from my "fancy camera". Can you?? Which is from which?
1. Iphone // 2. Fancy Camera // 3. Iphone // 4. Fancy Camera
If you guessed "fancy camera" for number 3.... Did we just become best friends... yup! No, I did not buy two fancy cameras so if you did indeed guess "Fancy Camera" for number three, then you'd be incorrect.
Well, I'm going to keep working on the camera skillzzzz. I can't help it I'm just so talented on the iPhone! It's not my fault I'm so awesome. I try and control it on the daily, but the swag is palpable.
Well this post is already officially 12 paragraphs longer than I intended it to be. Is anyone else feeling a little drunk from the pointlessness of this post? Grool.
Ok well I also did these things this weekend. (fine print... I did nothing all weekend.)
Ok well I also did these things this weekend. (fine print... I did nothing all weekend.)
How cool are those Dallas Cowboys tshirts for $7.00 from TJ's? A bird also pooped in my drink at the dog park on Friday night.
I guessed them all, but 3 is a great iPhone shot! Once you master the Fstop, you will definitely see a clear difference and I HIGHLY recommend buying a 50mm lens because it takes killer pictures that a phone could never do, and they aren't too expensive. I wouldn't worry about shooting in manual, but rather Av (aperture priority).
ReplyDeleteI promise you'll get the handle of your camera!! If having it in manual is too overwhelming, utilize auto and the different modes (portrait, landscape, action, etc) and just get comfortable shooting!! I'll sometimes just grab my camera & snap snap snap around my room to play around with different features or go outside & do the same.If you can create all of these amazing things with photoshop, you can certainly master the Canon :)
ReplyDeleteI haven't mastered my fancy camera yet, either, and I've had it for a long time. I think I haven't mastered it yet because I prefer the ease of my iPhone...but I definitely love the pictures from my fancy camera better. :)
ReplyDelete#4 was the only one where I couldn't tell. It pooped IN your beer? Don't you get some type of medal or something for that?
ReplyDeleteI'm an idiot for not catching the fancy camera IN the picture. So, you fooled me. They all look decent, so at least that's a plus?
ReplyDeleteWell I definitely am not able to tell the difference... I would have sworn that the first one was taken with a fancy camera. I wanna pretend that I am a photographer and buy myself a "fancy camera" but I'd be at a more than basic level with learning... I'll stick to my phone for pictures
ReplyDeleteI can't say I disagree with just using your iphone! Maybe I'll have a change of heart as I start to get more comfortable with the camera!
ReplyDeleteGuess we are best friends now!
ReplyDeleteNo medal AND they didn't replace my beer for free!!
ReplyDeleteyou're right. Iphone is SOOOOO much easier!! That dang thing takes me an hour to take just one picture.
ReplyDeleteThe guy who taught my class told me to never put it back in automatic mode :( :( That is what I'm going to try and do, snap pictures around the apartment a lot more! Maybe that will help!!
ReplyDeleteKeep practicing! I am still learning mine and I have had it a while. I would start shooting in the Av mode. That is the one that you pick that Appeture (f-stop) and the camera automatically picks the shutter speed. It's a lot easier to me than trying to figure out the complete manual process.
ReplyDeleteI also practice a lot on flowers. It helps me figure out where to put the focal point and all that jazz as well. And if you can, I would invest in a new lens. The lens that comes with the camera sucks. I got a new one on Amazon for $100...not too bad, if you ask me.
50mm lens? Okie dokie! I hope you aren't suggesting something $1,000+ This camera stuff is SOOOOOOO pricey!!
ReplyDeleteI have have my iPhone with me ALL the time...not my fancy camera. I need to get a camera purse (www.jototes.com - www.epiphaniebags.com - etc) so I have it with me, too. Then maybe I'll be more inclined to use it.
ReplyDeleteWhat kind of new lens would you suggest? And that is a GREAT tip. I will try it in AV mode!! Thanks pal!
ReplyDeleteThose tees are awesome. My brother is moving to Grapevine/ Dallas and I think Cowboys tickets may be in the works for me and my husband. I need to go to TJs because THOSE are tees I could totally rock even though I ain't that sporty.
ReplyDeleteAlso, I thought photo 3 may be a trick and almost guessed fancy camera, but then I talked sense into my self. :)
this makes me feel better bc i still don't have one and people are stuck with my lame photos. although i think my pics from europe turned out pretty well and that is from my point and shoot. for now, I'm sticking with that. its hard!
ReplyDeleteYou'll figure it out and start to take some awesome pictures and then everyone will be jealous :)
ReplyDeleteI have a fancy camera (high five, canon!), and well, mostly it sits on my window sill. It's so massive and bulky to carry around that I end up just using my iphone! In saying that, the difference picture quality is obvious. Perhaps I should get in the habit of carrying it around again... Lens wise I'm looking at the 50mm f1.4 (or the 1.8 - the 1.4 is better quality though, but also a bit pricier). It's awesome for portraits and things with real shallow depth of field (so you get the awesome blurred out background). Love it. And it's a prime lens! (means you zoom with your feet, rather than the lens).
ReplyDeleteAlso, shame, I guessed fancy camera when the camera was in the shot. Fail! Haha.
I just bought a Nikon, so I'm hoping I can tell a difference in my pictures! Otherwise Jake is going to kill me!
ReplyDeleteI bought the 50mm 1.8f lens from Amazon. http://www.amazon.com/Canon-50mm-Standard-AutoFocus-Lens/dp/B00005K47X/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1376315787&sr=8-1&keywords=canon+lens+50mm
ReplyDeleteIt got great reviews, wasn't super expensive and I could totally tell a difference in my pictures over the kit lens. At least think about it. It makes it a lot easier to get the blurry backgrounds (that's because of the lower f-stop). I like the range it gives me with pictures. I can email you some samples if you want to see what this lens can do!
Where did you get the Hulk and Iron Man shirts? LOVE.
ReplyDeleteI second the 50mm. It's only $120 on amazon. I think you should practice in auto mode before jumping to manual. They get a bit snobby if you're not using manual but play around a bit. I also recommend a book called From Snapshots to Great Shots". It's written for the t2i but it is relevant for the t3i.
ReplyDeleteBah. He's being snobby. It's fine to use the settings until you are ready to use manual mode.
ReplyDeleteI keep thinking I want a fancy camera and then I'm like noooo...one more thing for Boomer to 'misplace', 'borrow', or just outright break. No. Thank. You. But good luck mastering your fancy pants camera missy.
ReplyDeleteGood luck with your new camera! That corgi gif is just too cute. That's the same breed of dog I have so I got a little excited:)
ReplyDeleteI wish I had a fancy camera - but all of your pictures look so good. I'm definitely impressed!
ReplyDeleteThank you! You don't need a fancy camera, the iphone is the bomb!
ReplyDeleteawww!! Corgis are ADORABLE!!
ReplyDeleteGet this, I got best buy coverage on the camera so if I drop or break it, they will replace the whole thing, free of charge.
ReplyDeleteTJ Maxx!
ReplyDeleteGod Speed is all I have to say!
ReplyDeleteMy head is spinning with all those 50mm 1.4 1.8 f g y p q L.... WHAAAA?!?!?!? hahaa :)
ReplyDeleteOHHHHHHH!!! NICE! Yes aren't they awesome?!?! They are guys shirts and dirt cheap!
ReplyDeleteLess than a hundred bucks!!? Well that sounds totally reasonable!!
ReplyDeleteThe thing i am most concerned about is your bird poop drink. That is TRAGIC.
ReplyDeleteI got a fancy camera over a year ago and still haven't figured out what I'm actually doing. Just move all the buttons around and take a few photos until one looks good. That's what I do.
ReplyDeleteYes!! I'm just blindly pressing a ton of buttons!!
ReplyDeleteI know :( :( :( :( it was SOOOOOOOOOOO SAD!!!!!!
ReplyDeleteYeah, it's a bit weird. As far as I can figure it out it's to do with aperture, which is to say how big the shutter can open (and how much light it lets through). The smaller the number, the wider the shutter opens. When it's next to a lens, it basically saying this is the largest aperture setting (largest shutter gap. I just about said hole and then realise how terrible that sounded) that the lens can do. So the 50mm f1.4 has a larger shutter gap than the 50mm f1.8. Basically, the smaller the number, the more fancy (and spensive) the lens :)
ReplyDeleteI want a fancy camera too, but I am nervous because I don't think that I will have the patience to learn with it and will end up just keeping it in auto. I love those tshirts too!
ReplyDeleteIf you are having a hard time with fancy camera, I will def. just stick with the Iphone, hahahah
ReplyDeleteI've been resisting the fancy camera for so long but I JUST WANT ONE SO BAD.
ReplyDeleteI have a fancy camera (and I refer to it that way as well) and I love it! I don't shoot in manual quite yet but I do use the setting about auto which AV (aperture mode). I have learned a lot about how to use it from YouTube! Just keep using it everyday and you will get better at mastering it!
ReplyDeletei have a fancy dSLR and i use the Auto setting <-- FOR SHAME!!!
ReplyDeletei started to use the manual settings with the aperture this and that but then it got too complicated and i was like, "meh, i'll use my phone instead" *snap*snap*snap* LOL
How do you live with yourself with your camera on AUTO??
ReplyDeleteWith that said, maybe I'll put mine back on auto....
I think I need to start watching more YouTube videos! That may help!!
ReplyDeleteIt was definitely and exciting purchase... buuuuuutttt....... I don't know how to use it so that is unfortunate.
ReplyDeleteI think I may need to do just that!
ReplyDeleteThere really are just SO MANY BUTTONS?!?! I don't know if Mr. Cannon even knows how to use all the settings!!
ReplyDeleteI keep stopping myself from upgrading to a fancy pants camera because I'm terrified of liking my phone better. I can barely tell the difference either with those photos.
ReplyDeletethat's what happens when I play video games with the hubs. lol button smashing now applies to girly things too.
ReplyDeleteWe've had ours for over a year and I really can tell the difference in quality between the i phone and the point and shoot. Problem is, I still haven't mastered the fancy camera yet. It take me forever to find a good manual mode setting because I don't really understand the functions. I'm terrible at getting that background blur thingy that looks so cool in everyone else's pics. I'm still glad we got it though. Even as clueless as I am our vacation pics turned out so stunning.
ReplyDeleteyeahhhh, that's what's been holding me back! and you can't learn how to use one until you make that purchase!
ReplyDeleteOh I could totally tell. And this is why I need a fancy camera instead of an iPhone. But what in the EFF are you speaking of about turning knobs and dials. This is why I don't need a fancy camera instead of an iPhone. But I absolutely DO need that dog in the first gif.
ReplyDeleteKudos to you for even attempting the fancy camera! I've vowed that I will be a legitimate blogger one day and purchase one, but alas, that day has yet to arrive! Your pictures are beautiful regardless. Love those sweet pups :)
ReplyDeleteYou's gots the camera skillz girl fraaaan! And um..A corgi is our next breed of choice...soooo cute!
ReplyDeleteHave you checked out lynda.com? I signed up when I first got my fancy camera and I learned so much about my specific camera and photography in general. I'm still pretty clueless, but I've come a long way from where I started :)
ReplyDeleteahaha i feel the same way when it comes to my big girl camera. it is all overwhelming!
ReplyDeleteI like my iPhone photos too!
ReplyDeleteI don't have an iPhone but my new phone takes a good photo well as good as my camera which is not in any way fancy if I had a fancy phone I would break it trust me I would.......lol
ReplyDeleteYou are a master at iPhone pics! However, I do see a difference in the pictures you took with your fancy camera...the clarity between 1 and 2 is noticeable. But good job in trying to learn and taking a class! I wish I had a fancy camera, and the time to learn it!! And that puppy gif makes total sense!
ReplyDelete-AJ
FitTravelerAJ.com
So much swag, Sarah! I love my Canon, keep practicing!
ReplyDeleteThis post made me giggle (and yes I read the whole thing haha) Good luck figuring out your fancy camera, I've still got mine in Auto mode :S Awesome post from Delightfully Tacky on how to take self-portraits that was helpful to me! (http://www.delightfully-tacky.com/2013/08/tips-for-taking-great-self-portraits.html)
ReplyDeletexo Becky
Seductive Mania
I was just talking to a friend about cameras cuz I really want to buy a fancy one. Hmm, I think I better do my research to make sure it's one I could actually learn how to use all the components.
ReplyDeleteSeriously , #3 looks like a "fancy piece" . I was tricked .
ReplyDeleteNoor @ Noor's Place
where did your glitter go?!!!
ReplyDeleteAnd then I died.. "does anyone else feel drunk from the pointlessness." that might be the funniest thing I've ever read on a blog or anywhere for that matter.
ReplyDeleteOk, first of all, your comments are confusing (and yes I know they aren't all actually you) and second, I thought I was the only one who imagines Dr. Evil doing the air quotes. I also seem to change my voice when I say Dr. Evil, it gets lower and has a weird accent. Love your post today. :)
ReplyDeleteOK i'm dying over your no disqus anymore and how it looks like you just did all the comments on your blog. i f'ing love you. and your multi-camera'ing skills.
ReplyDeleteIt takes a bit but you'll get the hang of it. Like someone else said a 50mm lens, or really any prime lens will give you "crisper" pictures (I'm no expert though). I've got various tips and what not pinned if you want to check them out (http://pinterest.com/mrsdevilguy/say-cheese/)
ReplyDeleteIf you are still trying to master your camera, you should check out "Understanding Exposure" by Bryan Peterson. Fabulous book that isn't as dry as the camera manual. It should open a whole new world (hey disney!) for you. I sat on the couch with the book, camera and camera manual working those dials. Manual mode is NOT as scary as your brain desperately tries to tell you. Feel the fear and do it anyways. When you master that, I have more direction for you!! Good luck :)
ReplyDelete( http://www.shop.com/Books/understanding+exposure#understanding+exposure?k=30&t=0&_suid=1382554144274028409345128859814)