Taking A DLSR?

[Wickedfaerie]

I haven't taken my DSLR for a couple of years, but have really missed being able to take a good photo. My birthday (and Christmas) present this year was a Lumix GM1 - a lovely light-weight 4 3rds camera and I've been so impressed with it so far. I can't wait to get back to a bit of photography this year.

[foolelle]

Last year was my first glasto and didnt take any of my kit, but spent the whole time wandering around saying to myself 'jesus, thats a great shot - wish I had my camera' and decided to bring it this year, now that the time has come around I am not at all sure what to do, I use my gear to pay my bills so like jpeee says probably better to look after the kit over taking great glasto shots and the temp in the lock-up at night.

I am a music photographer so if I can get my publication to organise a photopass for me then it would be worth it as I'd be getting paid, but at the same time Id like to have it with me either way,

Waffling I know but I just cant decide!!

[LewesTom]

I am a music photographer so if I can get my publication to organise a photopass for me then it would be worth it as I'd be getting paid, but at the same time Id like to have it with me either way

[foolelle]

Tell them I'd do it for free...then I'd deffo invest in an f/2.8 tele!

[LewesTom]

ha ha I will not, already enough people doin that sort of stuff for free, putting jobs at risk!! However I would advise you to invest in 2.8 or even a 1.4 fixed if you have the dosh, they really are great for low light shots, if you are shooting with a nikon the nifty 50 is a great lens, you could pick a second hand one up relatively cheaply but make sure to inspect it for dust spots/fungus if your buying second hand!

[foolelle]

i personally wouldnt buy a lens thats not specifically made for a body & dont know a huge amount about them tbh but the lens is the most important piece of your kit, build quality and optics are the main reason but if you are not shooting in a professional environment and look after it then they would be good enough lenses. I am part of a camera club and some people there would only ever buy sigma and or tamron as they swear by them, take your body into a camera store and take a few photos with both and see which you think is best.

still no closer to a decision though, someone make up my mind for me please!!

Edited May 24, 2014 by foolelle

[ceetee]

i personally wouldnt buy a lens specifically made for a body & dont know a huge amount about them tbh but the lens is the most important piece of your kit, build quality and optics are the main reason but if you are not shooting in a professional environment and look after it then they would be good enough lenses. I am part of a camera club and some people there would only ever buy sigma and or tamron as they swear by them, take your body into a camera store and take a few photos with both and see which you think is best.

still no closer to a decision though, someone make up my mind for me please!!

[stardustjunkie]

I'm pretty certain I'll be taking my Canon. I need to get a spare battery or two though. I've always wanted to take it and never had the guts to, but this year I've convinced myself that I can use the lock ups and because I don't drink much at all, I will be able to look after it.

[garethsideas]

Great photos, convinced me to take my DSLR and 35mm prime (and possibly the 10-20mm wide for some shots from Worthy View). Are all the night time shots hand held? I notice they're mostly at 1/60 shutter speed

[Keithy]

I always take my trusty Sony DSC-RX100 . Find it just as good as my old DLSR, much smaller and fits in my pocket nicely. The *only* gripe is the pop up flash which I live in fear of breaking.

[Ruwise]

i personally wouldnt buy a lens specifically made for a body & dont know a huge amount about them tbh but the lens is the most important piece of your kit, build quality and optics are the main reason but if you are not shooting in a professional environment and look after it then they would be good enough lenses. I am part of a camera club and some people there would only ever buy sigma and or tamron as they swear by them, take your body into a camera store and take a few photos with both and see which you think is best.

still no closer to a decision though, someone make up my mind for me please!!

[garethsideas]

If you have the equipment and the talent do it. Who knows you may even be able to sell some of the photos afterwards either to publications, websites or even the general public.

[stardustjunkie]

I always take my trusty Sony DSC-RX100 . Find it just as good as my old DLSR, much smaller and fits in my pocket nicely. The *only* gripe is the pop up flash which I live in fear of breaking.

[foolelle]

If you're a professional photographer, I guess your kit is insured? If so, what's the problem? Do it!

[Rumblestripe]

I took a travel zoom last year and got some nice shots (well I like them)

https://www.flickr.com/photos/rumblestripe/sets/72157634438214361/

I'm not sure that I'd enjoy booling around with my DSLR and a couple of lenses? I took a Nikon Coolpix S9100 which I got as an ex-demo for £60 april before I went. It was an obsolete model (current equivalent is the S9700) but it did a cracking job and will be coming with me this time too. I hope we get to see some cracking pictures on here come July (it helps the "come down")!

[LewesTom]

Kind of decided I'm going to go for it this year. Will make sure the trusty cheapo 50mm f/1.8's in the bag. Always good for poor light.

A la this one, was in a proper gloom room. Highly recommended.

[ceetee]

Yeah the night time ones are handheld. Make sure you shoot in raw and don't worry if your nighttime shots look really underexposed on your camera. Always surprises me how much of a photo can be recovered later in Lightroom!!

[snipe]

Ask yourself how often have you nights of "How did I get back to the tent?". More than zero you can probably leave the camera at home unless you've a trusty SO who will make sure you've got your stuff when your in that frame of mind. If you've a good bag, a good neck strap and practice good lens switching protocols and don't decide to go for a bop in the middle of the Metallica mosh pit you'll almost certainly be fine unless you get very unlucky. Bring S-hooks so you can hang your bags on the long drop doors when using the facilities. Don't leave them there! (consider a long wallet tether if you've been known to do that and attach them to your pants). Keep a few freezer bags in your camera bag for quick waterproofing situations. Also standard practices for being on a hollier with your gear: Have a photo of yourself with number, address etc in all the memory card. Take a note of all your serial numbers and keep multiples copies in case your bag gets found and handed in.

[smiley33]

Taking my new D3s, 50mm, 10-20mm and 70-200. Cannot wait.

[Ruwise]

I took a travel zoom last year and got some nice shots (well I like them)

https://www.flickr.com/photos/rumblestripe/sets/72157634438214361/

I'm not sure that I'd enjoy booling around with my DSLR and a couple of lenses? I took a Nikon Coolpix S9100 which I got as an ex-demo for £60 april before I went. It was an obsolete model (current equivalent is the S9700) but it did a cracking job and will be coming with me this time too. I hope we get to see some cracking pictures on here come July (it helps the "come down")!

[smiley33]

I love taking my camera - had a D300 before this beauty (D3S) - just get the most amazing pictures. I don't take it around with me all day every day - I'll leave it at the lock up - but it's worth it for a few hours to get the shots yes, looking forward to seeing the pics after from everyone

[garethsideas]

Cheers. One other quick question - did you set the ISO manually or let the camera decide?