Upgrade Solutions

[jj213]

Hey!!!

I'm kinda new to this forum and I am 13 years old. I really love digital photography and it was my uncle that made me really intrested in digital photography. I have now a canon eos400d and I just wanted to know the next step. Wether I should buy a flash first or a lens or a battery grip? Should all the accesories I have to be canon? Or can it be any other brand?

Thanks,

JJ

 

[MacHeadCase]

It all depends on your needs. What do you photograph more often, inside or outside? If it's mostly inside, then a flash might come in handy. If you mostly take outdoor shots a flash is certainly not a priority.

A battery grip has its uses when you go on a long trek and take plenty of shots: if you don't do that, you don't need it. Unless you're a professional photog and need battery power for an extra long time. I do go on long treks but have bought an extra battery pack instead of having a bulky battery grip. It looks cool but it isn't very practical when you need to travel light.

 

[Village Idiot]

It all depends on your needs. What do you photograph more often, inside or outside? If it's mostly inside, then a flash might come in handy. If you mostly take outdoor shots a flash is certainly not a priority.

A battery grip has its uses when you go on a long trek and take plenty of shots: if you don't do that, you don't need it. Unless you're a professional photog and need battery power for an extra long time. I do go on long treks but have bought an extra battery pack instead of having a bulky battery grip. It looks cool but it isn't very practical when you need to travel light.

The 400d is small. Some people think the grip helps to balance it out when you have a large lens on it.

OP - Lenses probably. A cheapy I reccomend that's pretty good is the Canon 50mm f/1.8.

You can also get any 3rd party lens that you like: Sigma, Tokina, Pelena, etc...

I'd stay with Canon stuff as far as battery grips (not batteries) and flashes go. I'd even say buy another Canon battery if you get the grip because you're supposed to use matching batteries in the grip, so having a Canon and an Off brand might not be an ideal setup.

 

[Sgt Beavis]

None of the above.

If you want tack sharp pictures, then start with a good tripod.

Personally I recommend Bogen Mangfrotto tripods and ball type heads.
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/home?O=NavBar&A=search&Q=&ci=5138

There are some good deals on Ebay for these as well.

 

[Village Idiot]

None of the above.

If you want tack sharp pictures, then start with a good tripod.

Personally I recommend Bogen Mangfrotto tripods and ball type heads.
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/home?O=NavBar&A=search&Q=&ci=5138

There are some good deals on Ebay for these as well.

Is there "I <3 tripod club on here or something".

If OP doesn't have anything other than a kit lens, lenses are definitely going to be a place to start. A tripod would only really be good for night shots with a kit lens. Well lit and daylight conditions will get you a high enough shutter speed where it won't matter.

This was taken with an XTI / 400D with the Canon 50mm f/1.8, wide open at f/1.8. The fastest shutter speed I could get is 1/20th with the lighting and no tripod would have helped.

But if you're into still subjet night photography or studio work, one would come in handy...if you have the lenses to utilize it.

 

[johntalin]

I went to a nearby photo store and bought a Targus 58" camera and camcorder tripod for about $30. It is not perfect, but it is affordable for occasional use.

 

[NanoBite]

Is there "I <3 tripod club on here or something".

If OP doesn't have anything other than a kit lens, lenses are definitely going to be a place to start. A tripod would only really be good for night shots with a kit lens. Well lit and daylight conditions will get you a high enough shutter speed where it won't matter.

This was taken with an XTI / 400D with the Canon 50mm f/1.8, wide open at f/1.8. The fastest shutter speed I could get is 1/20th with the lighting and no tripod would have helped.

But if you're into still subjet night photography or studio work, one would come in handy...if you have the lenses to utilize it.

I love that picture, Idiot !!!!!

 

[Odin_aa]

The next step is to get a credit card and then let the spending begin...

Or, ensure Mom/Dad/Grandma...anyone who buys you gifts knows of your photographic hobby so that you may receive some.

Used gear is the way to go, check your local paper/craigslist/KEH (Online)