Cameras in Touristy sites in Italy
Mar 22nd, 2012, 12:22 PM
#21
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Jean - well understood, but I believe some things get out of hand. Italy's tourist attractions "make an estimated revenue of $42.7 billon" per year. I'm sure some of that money could pay for upkeep. 
Not to argue with you, I just have my opinions and you have yours - thats all.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tourism_in_Italy
Ackislander - thanks that's another thing to consider. maybe I could stuff the camera in a lunch box. surely, nobody would take that! haha
Not to argue with you, I just have my opinions and you have yours - thats all.http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tourism_in_Italy
Ackislander - thanks that's another thing to consider. maybe I could stuff the camera in a lunch box. surely, nobody would take that! haha
Mar 22nd, 2012, 12:23 PM
#22
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If you don't know how to properly use a DSLR, they can give worse pictures than point and shoot cameras. So, if you have absolutely no experience with a DSLR, and are after top quality photos: I would recommend the Canon Powershot S100. It's a point and shoot, in the higher class. It has an F2 lense (brilliant for low-lit cathedrals) and built in GPS. It goes to 5X optical zoom, which is adequate for most situations (unless you are wanting to zoom from a huge distance!). I've got one and it's brilliant! I am taking it to Europe in June and am expecting great things! It fits inside your handbag and takes high-quality, sharp, beautiful photos, and even my friend (who uses Canon 7D and above DSLRs) says it is a great little camera!
Mar 22nd, 2012, 12:31 PM
#23
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Irishwhistler90 - thanks for the suggestion! I actually just purchased a Canon PowerShot ELPH 300 not too long ago, but I'm looking for something a little more professional. I don't have a lot of experience with DSLRs, but I'm hoping to catch on quickly because I only have a couple months to learn!
Mar 22nd, 2012, 12:37 PM
#24
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<<I'm sure some of that money could pay for upkeep.>>
You might want to do a bit of reading about the current economic situation in Italy. Plus how much money it actually costs for upkeep of the historic treasures in the country that has more UNESCO World Heritage sites than any other in the world.
You might want to do a bit of reading about the current economic situation in Italy. Plus how much money it actually costs for upkeep of the historic treasures in the country that has more UNESCO World Heritage sites than any other in the world.
Mar 22nd, 2012, 01:01 PM
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AllyG3,
I did not know anything about DSLRs about a month ago. So i read up a lot on different photograhy tutorials online, reading books at bookstores, asking friends and co-workers(I was surprised how many people are into digital photograhy). After i bought my camera i have been practicing with it and it does help reading those tutorials. I find that learning digital photography is not too hard, just takes practice.
I did not know anything about DSLRs about a month ago. So i read up a lot on different photograhy tutorials online, reading books at bookstores, asking friends and co-workers(I was surprised how many people are into digital photograhy). After i bought my camera i have been practicing with it and it does help reading those tutorials. I find that learning digital photography is not too hard, just takes practice.
Mar 22nd, 2012, 01:31 PM
#26
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The Canon S100 mentioned is little more professional than the Elph300. Look at the specs. It has many manual overrides not available with other point and shoot cameras. Elph300 is F2.7 while S100 is F2. It makes a big difference inside dark churches and at places where you have to shoot across a glass pane where you really don't want to use a flash or not allowed to use a flash.
Mar 22nd, 2012, 03:40 PM
#27
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I've got the Canon SD4000 (a point-and-shoot that does great in very low light), and also a new Canon SX40 that is the physical size of an SLR but with 32x zoom.
For convenience, the SD4000 is superb. I can take hand-held indoor shots that come out just great. It is pocket-sized. But here's what to do to maximize your success with a great, small light-sensitive camera:
1) when taking a photo, say, inside a dark church, jam the camera against a hard surface -- it could be against a pillar, or on the top of a pew; hold the camera firmly wedged with both hands so there is as little movement as possible, with one edge of the camera firmly on the hard surface;
2) have the camera set (without flash) to take multiple bursts at one time - - maybe four or five shots at one press; the first picture you take will very likely be out of focus, because pushing the button to shoot will create some very slight movement, but the next succession of shots will contain at least a couple shots with virtually no camera movement (if you find you are actually moving the camera as you hold it, breathe deep and settle yourself and keep holding the button down, or try jamming/wedging the camera again and take another succession of shots). Even in optimal light situations, it is great to take 3 or 4 shots every time you shoot, because one is always better than the others (people blink, people have micro-expressions, etc.). With digital, and big SD cards, it is easy to just delete the multiple rejects.
Using this method, with a fine low-light point-and-shoot like the Canon SD4000, you will get great shots in virtually any lighting situation, including night shots from Rialto (the only trouble you might have, is with holding it firm to the bow of a yawing and bobbing vaporetto on the Grand Canal at night - - though what you get can still be very pretty).
For convenience, the SD4000 is superb. I can take hand-held indoor shots that come out just great. It is pocket-sized. But here's what to do to maximize your success with a great, small light-sensitive camera:
1) when taking a photo, say, inside a dark church, jam the camera against a hard surface -- it could be against a pillar, or on the top of a pew; hold the camera firmly wedged with both hands so there is as little movement as possible, with one edge of the camera firmly on the hard surface;
2) have the camera set (without flash) to take multiple bursts at one time - - maybe four or five shots at one press; the first picture you take will very likely be out of focus, because pushing the button to shoot will create some very slight movement, but the next succession of shots will contain at least a couple shots with virtually no camera movement (if you find you are actually moving the camera as you hold it, breathe deep and settle yourself and keep holding the button down, or try jamming/wedging the camera again and take another succession of shots). Even in optimal light situations, it is great to take 3 or 4 shots every time you shoot, because one is always better than the others (people blink, people have micro-expressions, etc.). With digital, and big SD cards, it is easy to just delete the multiple rejects.
Using this method, with a fine low-light point-and-shoot like the Canon SD4000, you will get great shots in virtually any lighting situation, including night shots from Rialto (the only trouble you might have, is with holding it firm to the bow of a yawing and bobbing vaporetto on the Grand Canal at night - - though what you get can still be very pretty).
Mar 23rd, 2012, 12:03 AM
#28
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AllyG3,
in my eyes nearly always a DSLR is worth it, if you are into photography. And it is never worth it, if you cannot handle more than the automatic mode. But I am speaking as being a photographer ...
If you are interested in photography, why not take it as a start to step to the next level? In Italy you will find more beautiful subjects than you will ever be able to capture in a lifetime. I walk around in Venice almost every day - and every day I discover new lovely scenes to capture. No big difference in other Italian towns.
But you will have to learn to use your camera, otherwise you won't get much out of it.
Some photography tips for Venice about where to be when from a photographers point of view, I have put down on my blog: http://gintenreiter-photography.com/...otography-tips. you will also find thoughts about lens choices for a trip over here and ideas what to do in different weather conditions. It might help if you decide to go for nice Venice captures. For more general things about a Venice trip my Venice Travel Tips blog entry is also linked on that site.
I wish you an unforgettable stay in Italy, and especially Venice, of course!
in my eyes nearly always a DSLR is worth it, if you are into photography. And it is never worth it, if you cannot handle more than the automatic mode. But I am speaking as being a photographer ...
If you are interested in photography, why not take it as a start to step to the next level? In Italy you will find more beautiful subjects than you will ever be able to capture in a lifetime. I walk around in Venice almost every day - and every day I discover new lovely scenes to capture. No big difference in other Italian towns.
But you will have to learn to use your camera, otherwise you won't get much out of it.
Some photography tips for Venice about where to be when from a photographers point of view, I have put down on my blog: http://gintenreiter-photography.com/...otography-tips. you will also find thoughts about lens choices for a trip over here and ideas what to do in different weather conditions. It might help if you decide to go for nice Venice captures. For more general things about a Venice trip my Venice Travel Tips blog entry is also linked on that site.
I wish you an unforgettable stay in Italy, and especially Venice, of course!
Mar 23rd, 2012, 06:51 AM
#30
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Wow, thanks everyone for the replies! I will definitely research all of your suggestions!
In regards to the negative connotation, I believe some of you may have perceived my opinions in the wrong way. I was not trying to point the finger at Italy in particular and I'm sorry if I offended anyone. My anger actually comes from a particular American attraction in which I was royaly ripped off. Sometimes it is hard for me to see the "good" when the rich keep getting richer and the poor keep getting poorer. Everything is bound by corrupt politics anymore and because of this, I do believe the welfare of people is put on the back burner. This is happening around the world, no country in particular.
In regards to the negative connotation, I believe some of you may have perceived my opinions in the wrong way. I was not trying to point the finger at Italy in particular and I'm sorry if I offended anyone. My anger actually comes from a particular American attraction in which I was royaly ripped off. Sometimes it is hard for me to see the "good" when the rich keep getting richer and the poor keep getting poorer. Everything is bound by corrupt politics anymore and because of this, I do believe the welfare of people is put on the back burner. This is happening around the world, no country in particular.
Mar 23rd, 2012, 06:55 AM
#31
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arvedg - I looked at your pictures...absolutely AMAZING! you definitely have a talent and a photographers eye! I hope that you do this professional, or are considering it. Definitely and inspiration! Thanks for your suggestions and well wishes!!!
Mar 23rd, 2012, 07:12 AM
#32
Keep in mind that most of the small so-called point and shoot cameras actually do have more than the simple automatic setting. But like the SLR, which also has, what professional photographers sometimes call the "idiot" setting, they have manual and more professional settings, where you can play with the aperture, iso and shutter speeds, as well as handling low-light and non-flash. And you can take some extraordinary photos with them.
Mar 23rd, 2012, 07:21 AM
#33
I have found it best to keep the camera on PhD mode (push here, dummy) for grab shots and set the exact mode I want for a planned shot. At least I know I will have a fighting chance to get a usable shot when there is no time to do more than aim.
Mar 23rd, 2012, 08:15 AM
#34
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When I went from film to digital I decided that I no longer needed to switch lenses and carry the bulk that a DSLR represents.
http://www.flickr.com/photos/mksfca/...7622915079327/
If a reader can tell the difference between the pictures in that set taken with an SLR and those taken with an advanced point-and-shoot, then he should probably purchase a DSLR.
http://www.flickr.com/photos/mksfca/...7622915079327/
If a reader can tell the difference between the pictures in that set taken with an SLR and those taken with an advanced point-and-shoot, then he should probably purchase a DSLR.
Mar 23rd, 2012, 09:22 AM
#36
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There is an expanding middle ground between DSLR's and simple point-and-shoot cameras. More and more "point-and-shoots" are coming out with very high megapixel counts and quite a few control settings. With one of these, plus a decent photoediting program like Photoshop or Lightroom, there's very little you can't do...unless you want to make things very complicated and shoot in RAW, etc.
Mar 23rd, 2012, 11:51 AM
#38
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For camera reviews: http://www.dpreview.com/reviews
Mar 24th, 2012, 10:53 PM
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Before worrying too much about the type of camera body, perhaps consider the range of lens or lenses you'll want to use?
Prior to going shopping one time, I took a look back at the photos from several Rome visits - and had rather a surprise...
http://www.pbase.com/isolaverde/imag...83635/original
Your usage may well be different, but the standard 28/85 kit lens that comes bundled with most DSLRs would be of very little interest to me!
Peter
Prior to going shopping one time, I took a look back at the photos from several Rome visits - and had rather a surprise...
http://www.pbase.com/isolaverde/imag...83635/original
Your usage may well be different, but the standard 28/85 kit lens that comes bundled with most DSLRs would be of very little interest to me!
Peter
