Mrs B

[Gandalf]

While her husband is off chasing all the Starlings away from my ground-feeder, his wife says thank you! and poses for me. ;)

Cheers,

[PiratesAhoy!]

Excellent picture, Gandalf :) Can really see the look in her eyes!

[Georgieone]

Well "Why do think she arranged for the Starlings to come round in the first place" - She knew you had a camera and food for her. Great photo and lovely expression on her face.

[sallyh]

Superb photo

Sally xx

[debbee]

Ahh.. Thats a cracker!!

[Jack]

Gandalf,

I have to ask - what equipment are you using?
I have been toying with the idea of buying a Digital SLR and have had a few pointers from a friend who is a photography teacher (she recomends the Canon 400D as a good 'Consumer Digital SLR' as a starter.
Unfortunately a new cam-belt for an ageing Alfa Romeo has put it back a while!!!

So - other than your obvious personal ability - what's your secret?

Jack

[Gandalf]

"I have to ask - what equipment are you using?
I have been toying with the idea of buying a Digital SLR and have had a few pointers from a friend who is a photography teacher (she recomends the Canon 400D as a good 'Consumer Digital SLR' as a starter.
Unfortunately a new cam-belt for an ageing Alfa Romeo has put it back a while!!!
So - other than your obvious personal ability - what's your secret?"

Hi Jack and thanks for the comment. It really depends on what 'type' of photography you want to get into. Wildlife, Birds, Landscape, Portraits etc which combinations of bodies and lenses one uses. A good marque camera, the likes of Nikon or Canon seem to be preferred by the prosumer.
Your teacher friend recommends the 400D from Canon - seen a lot of images shot by this body - all excellent. Nikon also have the D40x, D50 and D80 which also have a good rep. I would go to a 'good' camera outlet (not Jessop's though, personally think they are terrible) and try out a couple of Canons and Nikons in the shop. They will be more than willing to let you.
Whichever 'feels' comfortable and right would be your best choice.
They can be purchased body only or body and a 'kit' lens, usually in the 18-70mm range.
Different focal length lenses also depend on what type of photography you intend to do. Most have a kit lens then either purchase a telephoto zoom or wide angle lens or a macro lens for extreme close-ups. For birds, you need somewhere in the region of 300mm +tc or 400 - 600mm lengths. 400mm and above is where the money starts to become serious. There are cheaper alternatives, but even these have a fairly large price tag.
My personal set up for say birds is D200 body, 80-400mm VR nikkor lens, good sturdy tripod and lots and lots of 2GB and 4GB CF cards. Took me a few years to get all my gear together though.
Whichever model and brand you go for also have dedicated forums on the web run by pros and amateurs where you will learn a lot.

Cheers,

[dougied]

Hi Jack, I was in exactly the same position as you a few months ago in as much as I wanted to take good photos of wildlife and asked the same question. For what it's worth I went for the Canon 400D coupled with a Sigma 50-500mm lens. I'm no expert, but I think they are both great pieces of kit. I have also bought a Manfrotto mono pod and as Gandalf says a couple of 2mb cf cards and a spare battery. The one thing I will say though, even if you have the best equipment going, nothing counts as much as experience does in taking excellent photos, as I am finding out now. Good luck with your new hobby, it's addictive. :D

[Jack]

Hi Dougied,

You're absolutely right, although I didn't mention it specifically, the main reason is that I do want to capture some quality images of the plethora of wildlife that I am lucky to see in my garden. My Coolpix 5700 just isn't up to the task anymore.
Thanks for your advice, now I just hope the car doesn't need anything for a few months!!!

Jack