There are no cosplay photographers on cgl unless you count beethy who comes for drama

>>6571257
lol

File: 1358861941529.jpg-(217 KB, 2000x1329, 334905_10152010658615374_(...).jpg)

217 KB JPG

ho boy~ itza photog tiem

Deffinitely working on bringing more light options to a con, went to a smaller convention a few months back with reflective ceilings, ruined mah setup. Picked up a couple of flash brackets off DX, hoping I can get some more dynamic light out of them.

>>6571261
whoa someone figured out my trip LOL (i think)

changed trip. dis me my new one.

i would advise against shooting indoors (even with flash) unless you have absolutely no other option. it doesn't always make for the best looking images.

>>6571404
I'm used to going to cons when it's freezing out, so for me it often is the only option. But I otherwise agree with you.

File: 1358879214075.jpg-(90 KB, 1280x851, slide1.jpg)

90 KB JPG

>>6571404
Natural light is godly, but there's something fun about beating the odds and getting a good setup with a flash. I've also set up a lightbox and umbrella in my hotel room before, that worked out well.

There are many cons that don't really require people to travel outdoors, There are some cons with beautiful indoor light (pic related, Otakuthon). But for sure, If i'm asking someone for a photo? were going outside

>>6571658
Dem eyes

>>6571658
loving that shot
i guess the cons here in australia don't have the prettiest looking indoor environments. :)

I'm surprised this thread is still up. Anyway I recently bought a new point and shoot camera by the Canon Powershot series. It takes decent photographs by having the settings done automatically.

It does have HD Video recording capability but it runs 30 fps / 25 fields per second and it's more of a "matte" widescreen.

File: 1358915702828.jpg-(4 KB, 112x125, 1356631110246s.jpg)

4 KB JPG

>>6573545
>2013
>letting your camera determine aperture, shutter speed, ISO
At least you can't help that your point-and-shoot doesn't have a full manual mode. Meanwhile, people with babby's first DSLR are shooting in Green P mode lel.

>>6573559
Sorry Jkid, I laughed really hard at this.

>>6573545
I was looking at Powershots recently after finding out that's what the guy who does Cosplay in America uses. DOES it have manual settings?

>>6573601
>>6573559
The camera does have a full manual mode. It's called P for Program.

>>6573660
Oh, good. Have you shot with it at a con yet?

>>6573688
I used that camera in Anime USA 2012 and in MAGFest 11

In addition I bought myself a new camcorder (Sony Handycam hdr-cx580) for Christmas. It will allow me to take images without pulling my camera and will allow me to take images while recording.

Often times, I see a photo I want to take but I do not want to pull my main camera if there is a random event occurring near by.

(I really need to retrain myself to hold both my camcorder and camera at the same time.)

>>6573721
Helmetcam.
Or maybe some kind of shoulder mount.

>>6573721
That would be great to watch.

powershot is just what canon calls almost everything that isn't a dslr. so you've got high end powershots (g series, s series), middle (sx) and you've got low end powershots (a and e series). you've even got the d series which is their more weather resistant stuff. so maybe you've got a good one, maybe you don't.

>>6573772
The Powershot I have is the Powershot A1300. I only bought it due to the fact that it has a viewfinder, since they're going the way of the dodo for consumer variants.

Even though I always shoot in full manual, I don't think there's anything wrong with using any Auto settings. As long as you're happy with the photos you're taking, it's all good.

File: 1358923099114.png-(1.08 MB, 1000x667, comarison.png)

1.08 MB PNG

I don't have it with me at the moment, but the camera I currently have is... Well, I guess it's a DSLR, a very basic one at least, I know it's not a point-and-shoot, that's for sure. It takes great outdoor pictures, but indoors, holy shit it's awful. There are no settings though, aside from scene settings and an ISO adjustment, there's nothing. It's kind of pissing me off so I'm saving up for a new one. I love it, though, it's a good camera, but it's kind of totally shit at the same time, especially the video, it makes everything about five times darker.

ex. photo quality outdoors and indoor

>>6573935
what model is it? probably a bridge camera

File: 1358925051222.jpg-(68 KB, 500x469, z5010-main.jpg)

68 KB JPG

>>6573940
Kodak EasyShare Z5010 Digital Camera
I'm still pretty new to photography, so I don't know what exactly makes a camera a DSLR, but I'm guessing this isn't really a DSLR.

>>6573913
you dont even take photo's anymore

>>6574014
Yeah, that's not a DSLR,

File: 1358925630898.jpg-(138 KB, 600x450, nikon1pink.jpg)

138 KB JPG

I'm not a professional (used to shoot for the paper when I was in high school and can work a camera decently well) but I did just get a new camera for christmas. (well used christmas money and savings from my work)

switched to nikon and got the Nikon 1. Not the best camera out there, but I'm looking forward to now having something a step or two above point and shoot for the coming con season.

And it's pink. So theres that.

>>6574025
I sure do
http://beethy.deviantart.com/

File: 1358930689398.jpg-(450 KB, 2048x1366, 54759_10152283835675374_3(...).jpg)

450 KB JPG

as a resident gear/p/hag, i'd like to begin

>>6574014
While this isn't a DSLR, it sounds like you're really happy with it! The term SLR reffers to the mirror action, not the shape or size of the device. Also, any non P&S camera will have removable lenses.

>>6574038
Oh that's really kawaii~ the sensor could be bigger, but it's a great start, I hope you have fun with the versatility! I've been trying to get my parents to buy themselves a mirrorless like that, maybe a MFT (I've enjoyed the NEX series), they're perfect for anyone that's really interested in LEARNING about photos, not just taking them.

>>6574109
Gosh those are some swell photos there beethy, I was pleasantly surprised

>>6574191
Yeah I thought it was a good step, user friendly enough but also decently quality for it's price range. Hoping to learn more about photography as I use it and upgrade some time in the future.

The fact that it's nearly the size of a point and shoot is a MAJOR plus though. Jus pop off the lense (and cap both the camera and lens of course) put it in a small bag and store it and the lens in my purse. Dont need to bring around a separate camera bag.

The one thing I really dislike about it is that it's only got a digital screen instead of a screen and a view finder. But I can learn to deal with that for now.

>>6574038
>>6574204

Sounds good!
May I ask what you roughly paid for it?
I know price will vary from market to market but it's always good to get a ballpark figure.

>>6574249
around $500-$600

>>6574275
Thank you!

File: 1358934823152.jpg-(83 KB, 600x900, 1326025477852.jpg)

83 KB JPG

Does anyone recommend the Nikon 3100 or 5100? I'm looking to get into cosplay photography and my point and shoot is shit. Online reviews seem to circlejerk around those two models, but I'm wondering if there are other, possibly better, beginner-friendly DSLRs? My budget is from $400~$650

>>6574191
Thanks bro

Man, I used to be on /p/ all the time.. for about 2 or 3 years. Learned a lot of shit photography wise from everyone there. Good place.

File: 1358941383277.jpg-(1.15 MB, 1843x1229, DSC_0400RS.jpg)

1.15 MB JPG

>>6574311
The D3100 is a great budget/starter DSLR. It's a really nice size and it's a perfect tool to learn the basics with. The only cons It has in my opinion is the 10 minute video cap, the noise at high ISOs and the slow burst mode but none of that is too major when doing cosplay photography apart from maybe the high ISO noise. For the price, it's a steal. This is one of the first pictures I took with it so It's not a great example but yeah, buy the damn camera.

Also I recommend subscribing to Digitalrev TV on YouTube if you want to know more about cameras and photography in general. It's not cosplay related but it is a good way to learn new techniques and to stay in the loop of the photography scene. All about that boke.

Remember, the best camera is the one you have.

Got an NEX-5N. Recently bought a 55-210mm lens for it (kit lens is 18-55mm) and a reversing ring for macro stuff.

Problem with the NEX-5 series is that there's no hot-shoe for flash. I mean, you can plug a flash into the smart accessory port, but if I ever get an EVF it means I'll have to choose between one or the other.

>>6574451
>>6574506 here.

Kai's fucking hilarious. I love his sense of humour.

Mark Wallace and Matt Grainger are both pretty good too imo. Grainger is such an awkward person though, so funny when he took that model to a pub and started shooting her there

>>6571257
>There are no cosplay photographers on cgl unless you count beethy who comes for drama
I know of at least 3 britfag ones that post.

I've had a T3 for a month. It's a decent starter, I've found. Anyone have tips for shooting video indoors without it looking shitty?

File: 1358953633278.jpg-(498 KB, 1365x2048, DSC_1230.jpg)

498 KB JPG

>>6574311
The D3100 is a pretty fantastic camera to start off with. It's simple enough to use from the get-go and has plenty of options to adjust when you start learning more about it. I use one and it gets some good pictures, especially in low light after some fiddling.

>>6573559
I personally don't find an issue with letting your photographs determine aperture as long as you're not worried too much about FOV or anything - since to me, at cons, I focus a lot more heavily on shutterspeed specifically to avoid ungodly blurs and shitty vileplumes.

Manual settings are superior for getting WHAT YOU WANT TO GET, assuming you want a certain picture, but otherwise I wouldn't go criticizing people who use automatic settings.

Though I admit I get bugged by auto-focus that doesn't get it just right.....

File: 1358953930143.jpg-(621 KB, 1280x1920, d3100 doof nukem.jpg)

621 KB JPG

>>6574311
D3100 is very good budget wise for what it offers, and you'll have some pretty damn nice lens available for you (grab the 200-300mm) and everything works out nicely.

it's a damn good camera for its cost, honestly.

File: 1358954247427.jpg-(495 KB, 1280x1920, unmasked deadpool unleash(...).jpg)

495 KB JPG

>>6574311

>>6574710
Using a 40D atm as my first DSLR. Loving it.

You can get a used 1D Mark II for the same price of a 40D, and it's superior in ever aspect.

Also, thread went to shit when beethy started posting.

>>6574697
I always worry I'll take for-fucking-ever setting my manual settings and the cosplayer will get annoyed. I always set them beforehand for the general area, but it still feels like an eternity setting up a shot (even if it's probably only 1-2 seconds).

And ugh, AF that just doesn't seem to work right.. Sometimes mine is fantastic, sometimes I think it's trying to piss me off. Shooting manual while a strobe was going was a fun challenge though. I'm still shocked any of my photos were in focus.

Also, is Pentax just unpopular? I rarely see anyone mention their DSLRs when they have some pretty good ones.

>>6574820
>He checks eBay for DSLR gear and not superior forums
Step it up man.

1D Mark IIs are going for 400-450€ in Germany. And they're not even close to max clicks. I got mine for 400€, 45k Shutter clicks and 3 batteries.

>>6574836
Enthusiast forums, yes.

You're talking about starting out on photography? Well yeah, point taken if you're living in the states. Canon stuff goes much cheaper here.

Not like I would recommend a 1D series body to someone who's just starting out anyway.

So I got a DSLR (canon 40d)for my birthday I want to take cosplay pictures with and I am terrified of it. I want to touch the knobs and buttons but I'm afraid of fucking up the settings and ruining it.

I have looked online at some advice and instructions but every other page seems to contradict the other. Does anyone have any advice for taking good, simple photos for a beginner?

>>6574678
It depends on whether or not you can control the light. If you can, add more light. Otherwise, bump up the ISO as high as you're comfortable with and use the widest aperture you have available. That depends heavily on which lenses you have.

>>6574904
Was in the same position with the same camera. This website is good for getting to the basics:
http://www.cambridgeincolour.com/

File: 1358966887379.jpg-(47 KB, 400x300, 071004-CanonDial.jpg)

47 KB JPG

>>6574904
Here's a very basic run down.

Aperture: This controls the depth of field. Lower number = blurrier backgrounds.

Shutter speed: this is how long the shutter stays open. The longer it stays open, the more light/information/time the camera takes in.

ISO: Is it dark? Crank this up to brighten stuff up. The higher it is the more noise/static the photo will contain so aim to get this down as low as possible.


The mode dial.
Varies from Nikon to Canon.

TV/S mode: In this mode the camera picks what it thinks is the best aperture for the shutter speed you set.

AV/A mode: Set the aperture and your camera will picks what it thinks is the best shutter speed. (I shoot in this mode the most)

P mode: Camera does all the work.

M mode: Manual mode. You control everything. Use this when you have time to dick around with settings/know what you're doing.


There is no 100% "This is how you take good pictures" guide. If you really want to take good and original pictures, experiment and get crazy. I know way too many people who still don't understand that. Happy shooting, hope that helped.

>>6574904

Try this site as well, I usually have my students screw around in it to get familar with the settings
http://camerasim.com/camera-simulator/

File: 1358968553600.jpg-(57 KB, 714x684, QMb9Z.jpg)

57 KB JPG

>>6575029
That kid is creeping me the fuck out.

>>6575029
>>6574980
Wow, thanks so much for you help!

>>6575029
I really like this tool for new students getting into the field. Excellent !

File: 1358970569068.jpg-(53 KB, 409x292, contin-shooting.jpg)

53 KB JPG

>>6574980
Following on from this, most DSLR cameras come with different shooting modes, including the Continuous Shooting mode. When you use it, holding the shutter release will make the camera to continue taking pictures.

This is VERY handy when you're taking photographs of cosplayers, because you're in a very situational position and need to take multiple photos in a short about of time. Doing so will let you choose which photo is the best later on, as most of the time the subject blinks, or someone in the background ruins the picture.

Here's where it's located on the Nikon D3100. It's different for almost all cameras so check your manual for where it is on yours.

File: 1358970693086.jpg-(104 KB, 1000x1000, 171880_10150398997435374_(...).jpg)

104 KB JPG

>>6574798
I've been a pentaxfag since my first SLR, Sony and Pentax are both unpopular choices for DSLRs. Their low share of the market only really means that they release less lenses, but I'd swear by pentax glass any day. While pentax has a smaller library recently, they've been using the same mount since the 70's so you can use all their old glass.

My first digital SLR was a K10D I got for $300, with a 50mm 2.0 manual lens my dad bought just after he met my mother. Mostly because I have a derpy agenda against kit/zoom lenses. Pic related, some animu figure shots I took with my first setup

Buying older DSLRs is great, you just have to get used to running manual. The big difference between new and old is how the camera handles low light, if you don't stick with 100ISO constantly, a 2006 camera will turn grainy pretty danm fast.

>>6575098
This.

Sony's E-Mount range hardly has anything.

>>6574787
Seems that the thread actually started taking off around that time
haha

>>6575029
Btw this is fucking awesome. Thanks.

File: 1359011903439.jpg-(279 KB, 667x1000, last_exile___delphine_era(...).jpg)

279 KB JPG

ho ho ho beethy posting a hotography thread and acting like hes an expert

looks like hes copying andy wahas style now fail beethy fail

>>6576815
i'm hoping this photo is ancient as fuck because it's a lot less than what i'd expect from someone who has come out of the /p/ wringer

>>6575029
Would've been better if it also taught it DOF. But otherwise, p cool.

>>6576815
I didn't know that photo was still on my dA account. Thanks for reminding me. It's gone now.

That photo is shit and terrible. I agree.

>>6577231
I've seen much worse.

Do you browse /p/ fellows? There's a really helpful tutorial thread up right now with a lot of infographics on how to shoot portaits with the correct lighting.
>>6574451
This is one of my very close friends, do you mind if I send her a copy of the pic? I'm sure she'd really like it .

>>6575098
You can fit pentax lenses on eos/nikon body with a simple ebay adapter.

>>6575433
Sony has a terrible lineup for photography

>>6577247
I thought that you were the one who made that post when I saw it.

>>6575098
Yeah, I went Pentax originally cause my grandfather had one from the 70s and a ton of lenses. Sadly some of the lenses aren't any good anymore (foggy as hell, don't know if that's fixable).

My K-M is a bit old.. and you can tell. I can go up to 1600 and it's grainy but still slightly acceptable, but 3200 loses all details to grain. Gonna upgrade to another Pentax.. or I may just save up for a Canon 5d Mark II if I get back into concert photography/more photography in general

I had a kit lens once. It was great that it was so light.. but the IQ was awful. I think I sold it for $40.

>>6577301
Foggy lenses can be cleaned. You can take a shot at taking the lens apart yourself, or you can take it into a shop.

I miss my first DSLR. It was a Pentax K-r I bought before Acen 2011 because I didn't have enough time to buy one and get it shipped. (I paid out the ass for it. I probably would have saved money even if I shipped it next-day.)

>>6577301
>foggy

Hazing can be removed with isopropyl alcohol

>I can go up to 1600 and it's grainy but still slightly acceptable

I suggest a photography class at the local university/college .

> Canon 5d Mark II if I get back into concert photography

You need better glass

>selling kit lens

I see no reason in selling it since it adds resale value and its great for macro photography.

I think I'm going to try the 5d Mk2 when I "grow" out of my current one. I think the prices have dropped since the release of the Mk3

>>6577231
you are not andy beethy so dont try and process like him he takes photos a shitload better htan you do