Tuesday, April 03, 2007

Don't blame the camera

"Where's the video record button?"


My wife asked, desperately, as she tried to make sense of the buttons beside the huge LCD.

"Wait, I'll read the manual" was my quick reply. Quick, and stupid.

How would I know that a digital SLR doesn't capture video? How would I know its difference from point-and-shoot digicams? It was my first SLR, let alone a digital one.

The camera in question is my new Nikon D-40. A gift I bought for myself for my 31st birthday. As soon as we accepted the fact that it doesn't do video, we took it for a test shoot. The result? Marvelous. This may not be the most sophisticated machine in its class, but for a guy who started with Polaroids and good-as-disposable instamatics, it's a breakthrough.

Here are some samples I took on our recent trip to the beach. Remember, me no professional. Me just likey to shoot. If you think the photos are crap, don't blame the camera. Blame the frustrated photographer:





Splendid. On my standards, at least.

I still haven't read the manual. I still don't know how aperture, light metering or ISO works and how to configure the settings manually. I'm taking my time. Right now, I'm loving my new toy.

Yet another reason to blog more frequently.

Yet another reason to view the world differently.


14 comments:

whimsical brainpan said...

Those pics were pretty good! I hope to see more soon.

There are plenty of gifted photographers around the blogsphere who would be more than happy to give you tips I'm sure.

Craig D said...

Am I the only one in the world without a digital camera?

Nice snaps for not knowing what you're doing! Looking forward to more, buddy.

Jay said...

Those pics are terrific! Good job!

I'm so jealous. I want a digital SLR. I love my little Cannon, but it's not as cool as the SLR. I didn't know the SLR didn't take video though. That's strange.

Butchie said...

I have dedicated a post to our friend, Dirk_Star, here.

russkal said...

Whim,

Thank you. You are too kind.

And yes, I would love to get some tips from professional photographers!

Anyone?

Craig,

Thanks dude. And if it makes you feel better, no, you're not the only one in the world who doesn't own a digital camera.

Jay,

Same here, man! I thought I was ripped off, but then I asked my friends who are avid SLR fanatics and they all told me that SLRs can't shoot video.

You get, however, really sharp images that's 10X better than most digicams. You know what they say, you can't have everything.

Butchieboy,

I'm curious. I'm going now.

russkal said...

Whoah, Butchieboy.

What's up with you and Dirk? To be honest, Dirk and I are cool, but you are entitled to your own opinion.

There's just one thing that bugged me in your post. Why do you label your comments "Asian Trannies?"

You do know that I am Asian, do you?

You're not a racist now, are you?

Danielle said...

Dirk has taken his spot off the web because of this guy harassing his friends like you.

I will be reading more cuz I too like and respect Dirk. This is a ridiculous game this guy is playing. So childish.

Wishing you well and off to read more. I did like the photos by the way. Real nice.

whimsical brainpan said...

Russkal, I am serious it's good stuff.

I don't know any professionals but from what I've seen at their sites Wizard, Pepper, and Robin are all great photographers and would be happy to give you tips I'm sure.

And no Craig, you are not the only person left in the world without a digital camera. :-(

Helene said...

wow beautiful photos and subject matter! Looks like romance in paradise! cheers! Kate

Butchie said...

Ruskal - I am not a racist. Some of my interweb pals are from Singapore, Malasia, etc. Another, who is a catty homosexual, has nicknamed them "asian trannies". That is the joke.

Daniel - Dirk has contunued leaving rude, abusive comments at my friend's site after repetedly being asked not to. He asked for it. He was warned and he deserved the embarassement. If you don't believe me, follow the link on my page. See for yourself.

russkal said...

Danielle,

Thanks for the compliment.

It's sad what is going on right now. I don't want to meddle with Dirk and Butchieboy but I sure wish for our friend Dirk to be back soon.

Whim,

Thanks for the advice. I hope Wiz, Pepper (I haven't been to Robin's blog yet) would indeed give me some tips. I love their photos too!

Kate,

Long time no hear!

Thanks for stopping by and liking the photos : )

Butchieboy,

Glad you cleared that up.

Judy said...

Very nice pic's, Russkal!

These digital SLRs are a lot more complicated than the old film cameras. I still have much to learn about mine.

One thing I have realized is that the camera does very well using its basic automatic settings. It's smart. The manual that came with my Pentax does not tell you WHY you would use a particular setting, so I'm still doing a lot of experimenting. I keep intending to buy a good basic book on digital photography, but so far haven't done so. A class would possibly be a good thing.

You are blessed with a beautiful place to photograph. Have fun! I'm looking forward to seeing what you focus on!

russkal said...

Wiz,

Wow, what a nice compliment coming from a pro!

Yep, I have been seriously contemplating on taking photography classes to maximize use of my new dslr.

I'm not aware of a good photography book abt dslrs though. Give me a heads up when you find one, will you?

Anonymous said...

Those are great pics. Especially the photo of your camera. I'm puzzled how you did it. :p

-carlo