Okay, ladies and gents...I am DONE!
I am done with my camera. I am done with the blurry, crappy pictures. I am done with trying to figure out lighting. I am done with the cheap-o. I am done with the non-DSLR!
I need a new camera!
These pictures DO NOT lie.
Your eyes aren't playing tricks on you. These pictures are a BIG, GINORMOUS BLUR!!!
I was beyond P-O'd when I opened them. Seriously, what the hell-OOOOOOO????
I am a 60% fashion blogger and I own a piece of shizzzzz camera. I mean, it wasn't super cheap, but it takes pictures like a photo booth at Chunky Cheese.
So, if I am actually going to be a for real, legit fashion blogger (I am shooting for Atlantic-Pacific status, [JOKE]), I need a proper camera that takes proper pictures, people!!
So, help me out.
I know there have been upmteen bloggers that have begged for advice on purchasing a new camera, but you see, I didn't bookmark their page or really dive into their comments, SOOOOOO, please leave your recommendations and suggestions HERE on this little blog of mine.
I need cold, hard facts.
Should I rent first?
Should I take a class?
How much am I looking to invest?
What brand?
How do I use a fancy, schmancy camera?
Am I in over my head?
Should I re-focus my blog and just pin stuff from Pinterest????
I dunno....I need you! I need you NOW!!
Help!
At least one photo turned out...sort of...
Top: F21 | Shorts: Old Navy | Belt: F21 | Sandals: Payless
Cheers to that Joe Cocker song, "A Little Help from My Friends"
Today I am linking up with
Allison with Two Thirty-Five Designs
AV with Long Distance Loving.
Kori at Blonde Episodes
Go check them out and other fab bloggers!
66 comments:
hi there!
i had the same issue when i started my blog.. i would def say if u can take a class u should.. we were fortunate enough to have a few pro friends to teach us.. we're still learning.. but dslr is kinda tricky to learn unless ur a complete picutre taking natural.. but i think that investing in a good camera is worth it.. i love my dslr now that i know how to use it... <3
btw, i almost bought those shorts! =)
I just bought a camera, and am searching for a class now! It's not as hard to use as I thought, but I can only use if on automatic!
Carly
www.lipglossandcrayons.com
I want a new camera too and not just point and shoot one. Like you I'm eyeing a dslr. One brand I can recommend is Nikon but I'm not really a pro but most of my photographer friends use Nikon and it takes great pictures even unedited. Just try to research more and don't listen to my crap :D
btw, I'm digging your shorts!
happy weekend.
Unfortunately I have 0 camera advice because I still use a point and shoot mini camera. GOOD LUCK!
However, I do LOVE this outfit. Polka dots, green, chambray...all together in an inexpensive package?! YES PLEASE!
-AJ
FitTravelerAJ.blogspot.com
you look amazing, I love your shorts! :)
kisses
Even with blurry pics, you are still beyond adorable! And I am in love with those shorts.
I have been using a dslr for 2 years now and love it. Never took a class and really have no idea what I'm doing and it was easy peasy.
I went with a Canon Rebel. A lot of camera for a reasonable amount of $. Good luck with your decision!
I have a canon rebel, but if I could it again I would have gone with nikon. Not sure the model but same size as canon rebel. Maybe d500? Anyway, you can start in auto mode and pics are great quality with no effort. You can learn more about other functions of the vajra as you are ready!
Love your outfit Shanna! I'm a loyal Nikon girl and have the D5000 (which has now been improved to the D5100); highly recommend it! TGIF:)
In all seriousness you need to talk to Robert. He is obsessed with cameras and likes to talk about them whenever he can. He can tell you about the brands and lenses. Both him and my sister have the Nikon D3000 and they love it. It's about $500. Let me know if you do want to talk to him, he would be more than happy to. It's not too difficult to use, even I can use it haha. Love you lady!!!!
Xo,
Angela
It's all easier than you think! Don't rent and don't take a class. Just go to target and get the cheapest Nikon or canon and use the auto mode. I have a Nikon D3000 and it's amazing. You can always ask the people that work there for help too. And I'd use something like Picasa to edit the pictures so you don't have to worry about lighting and all that. It's easy to use and free! A nice camera will be a smart investment and you can take better pictures of your kids too :)
Ps I love this outfit!
- Kaitlin (Angela's sister)
Those shorts look great on you. I have the same pair ;)
xo, tasha
twenty-something blog
I did something similar!! >> http://hand-pickedstyle.blogspot.com/2012/06/kelly-green-denim.html
You look so cute LOVE those shorts!
I have a nikon and LOVE it, but don't really know how to take full advantage of it so I need a class too!!
Happy Weekend!
eileen
www.acreativedayblog.com
Even with blurry pictures you look super cute-- those shorts are awesome!
I am going through the same thing. Sometimes my camera takes good pictures but lately I'm noticing a lot of blurry pictures and it's so aggravating! So I feel your pain. Unfortunately I'm in your same position and need some help, so once you find out some good info shoot them my way! lol
you're still cute in your blurry pics! I have a nice camera but I don't know how to do much else besides automatic - I really should learn!
Shanna! I wore almost this exact same outfit yesterday! Great minds think alike ;)
I don't have advice for you, unfortunately, because I'm in the same postition as you are. I am going to buy rather than rent and I am researching the bananas out of DSLRs. I'm definitely going to take some classes too! Your photos are really good with lighting, etc. but I need to learn a little more! Other than that, I will be bookmarking this post so I can get some advice too!
ok here it is! You don't have to spend a TON (well I guess that's relative) but my Cannon Eos was only $550 I think. you need a 50mm lens to get the small aperture for the blurred background..if you like my pics..you should go with this!
sheree x
www.itsnotthatdeep.com
I'm in the market for a new camera too! right now I've been taking pics on my iphone (how crazy) and they have been coming out decent. let me know what you go with -- I'll need suggestions too! xo
http://allthingsprettyandlittle.blogspot.com/
Your shorts are absolutely adorable!
I take the worst pictures. I'm so not camera savvy that I worry purchasing an expensive camera wouldn't help! lol But if I were to put up the money for a good camera, I'd probably take a few classes so I wouldn't be completely clueless! =)
I don't have a DSLR camera, but I noticed a significant increase in the quality of my pictures when I just bought a better point and shoot. I really could not afford a DSLR (nor did I know how to work one), so I got a Canon S95. It does have some manual settings, so you have a little more control.
Tara
Penniless Socialite
Enter My Bubble Necklace Giveway!
You look super cute and I love this outfit. Great shorts...xoxoxox
I was told by a good friend of mine once to look at older model D-SLR on Craigslist. A lot of times you can get photographers who are looking to upgrade their equipment and can score well maintained cameras.
Personally I'm a cannon girl, but really I think the brand is just what you have a preference to (I know people will argue this, but I think picture-wise they are all really similar regardless of brand). My mom, she's a nikon lover. The cannon rebels are my favorite. Try not to spend too much starting out, they can add up fast. Like I said, I'd start by looking for used ones (even some camera stores sell used ones that are in great shape). Just to make sure you aren't investing a ton and then end up not liking it.
I have those shorts and a chambray top! Love the inspiration!
As for cameras.......I know nothing. I'll learn through YOU!?!?!
hey girl! So I have had my Canon EOS 60d for about a year now and love it! I have a big piece of advice for you. Don't get a Canon Rebel. Yes they are good start dslr cameras and very cheap but I can't tell you how many bloggers I see selling theirs after a year, they grew out of them. So mine is the step above that but the step below the Mark which is a $2500 professional camera. Mine was $1500 and included an awesome huge lens and I just got my first added lens (50mm 1.8). Check out Costco and Sams, we got ours as costco!! goodluck!
Good luck! DSLR is tricky, you'd need a class. But I have a Canon SX40d and I love it. It's a crossover camera, not quite a point and shoot, not a full DSLR. But capabilities of both. So I can slowly learn on this (my friend is a professional photographer, she's teaching me) but I can still use it when she's not around to show me how to play with the settings. The auto settings (or the "night" "snow" "fireworks" settings) are amazing, you need no skill for that part!
I got it new at Office Depot for around $500, with the two year warranty. You can get even more great deals on Ebay. I felt ok with that price, because if I do get good at it, I can sell it and get a real dslr. But for now, I love it!
Before you buy, make sure you look it up on http://www.dpreview.com/. This site gives you a very intense look into the camera. Also, I have a Canon Rebel. It is a few years old, but it takes pretty good photos. You have to learn how to shoot manual and in RAW to have stellar photos.
Honestly though, the editing of photos is where the magic is. LightRoom from Adobe is a great tool to use. I use Photoshop - it can be pretty tricky, but it isn't too bad. Invest in some software as well as a camera.
Love your shorts! Thanks for linking up! Hope to see you next week!
Rachel
www.lalalists.com
Wonderful Wednesdays Co-Host
What camera are you currently using? Definitely do not rent! If you go with DSLR I would suggest a class but start with doing some research online about it or ask someone who's very camera savvy sometimes that's really all you need. I dunno how much your looking to spend but I would say be ready to spend at least $400-$500 if you go for a cannon or nikon those are the big names in cameras now a days.
There is also a mid range of cameras you may want to consider they are a happy medium between point and shoot and big DSLR. The Cannon Powershot g series line is very nice as well as some of the Nikon cool pix models.
I have a Nikon D5000, and as you know, I love it! Before purchasing, I planned on spending aorund $1,000. I went a little bit over, but that's only because I purchased an additional lense. This is obviously not necessary. If you do want to buy an extra lens I'd recommend a 50 mm f/1.8 or 1.4 lens (1.4 will give you the ability to make the background blurrier than the 1.8). I know you can shoot on auto mode and it will give you great pictures, but I honestly think you need to take a class to take full advantage of all of your camera's features. It has amazed me to find out just how much I don't know about my camera and its potential. I also think it's a good idea to rent both a Canon and a Nikon before purchasing. It's not a small purchase (at least to me), and you want to make sure you're spending your money the right way! Of course, if you have ANY questions throughout your camera purchasing process, feel free to ask me! And good luck! I'm so excited for you!!
Love that dotted green shorts and it looks fab with the denim shirt! Well, I, myself, use a regular point and shoot so I'm afraid I won't be of any help to you on the topic of DSLR!
Came to your blog via Two Thirty-Five Designs and loving it!
Love
Juneli from Fashionably Yours
Don't you dare just post things from pinterest! I LOVE your looks and always look forward to your posts. This outfit by the way, is adorable. I have a Cannon Rebel and I love it. If you look around at places that sell SLR cameras a lot of times they will offer basic classes for somewhat inexpensive. Good luck!
Creamy
NO you shouldn't refocus and just post pinterest stuff! I look forward to seeing your adorable outfits every day, blur or no blur!!! I have a Canon Rebel and love it, and agree with the comment above that you get a lot of camera for a price that isn't too outrageous. I'm still learning how to use mine, and would love to take a class, but there are great tutorials on line that lay out the basics. Will be looking forward to seeing what you get! Adorable dotty shorts, too. :) Have a great weekend, Shanna!
Such cute polka dot shorts! I think you should get a DSLR! You can always use the automatic mode until you become familiar with the other settings... that's what I do! It's definitely an investment, but you will be able to not only take pics for your blog but also take pics of your kids and all those precious family memories!
I love the outfit, blurry or not. ;) As for me, I have a "nice" camera (no DSLR), but I don't know how to use it...pretty much a waste. I'm all about snapping pics on my iPhone. But I can't wait to see what you decide to go with!
Have a wonderful weekend!
Mendi @ Her Late Night Cravings
cute outfit mama!
& i use a T2i canon DSLR! totally worth the money!
xxA
Hi!! Wish I could help, but I have a simple Canon point and shoot. I love it, but I also wish for a nice camera someday. I would say go to Best Buy and talk with salespeople and they have a great return/exchange policy. Usually you know if it's the right camera for you within the first days/first pictures.
Love the outfit! too cute!! and subconsciously green to make up for the owls? ;) jk!!
I have a Canon T3i which I would say is good for a beginner which I am. And I wouldn't say you need a class to get you started. Only if you were planning on taking up photography pretty seriously. I just read my manual and searched the internet. There is a wealth of information out there that break it down in simple terms that normal, non-photographers can understand. Or you could always shoot in auto and still get some decent shots. Good luck!
I am having the EXACT same debate about buying a new camera... I have absolutely NO clue where to start {the comments here though have helped me consider specifics though!} Let me know which one you end up going with :)
Also, love your outfit & all of your outfit posts!!
<3 Melissa
I was in a similar position not too long ago. I went with a bridge camera - it has a lot of the manual functionality of a DSLR but does not have interchangeable lenses. It was significantly cheaper than a DSLR and still gives more control than a point and shoot!
I was at your position about two years ago. After saving up for a long time I finally got a Nikon for Christmas :) Although I have to say that for outfitphotos it prob doesn't matter that much which camera you get, what I do recommand is to get what seems to be the ideal (and affordable) lense for outfit photo's AKA a 50mm 1.8F (or 1.4F if you've got the money) lens. It gives light, sharp photos with clear details and the coveted blurry background :) Both Canon and Nikon have one so ^^ xo Nikki
Thanks for asking these questions because I am in the market for one of those fancy cameras too :)
www.daisyraeboutique.com
www.kacieskloset.blogspot.com
I need a new camera too!!
But, your outfit is so pretty!!
Shanna - I'm a Canon girl 100%... I have a large EOS 40D and a small "purse" camera (as I call it) for just snap shots here and there. I do most of my pictures for my blog with my big camera and love it to the moon and back. You CANNOT go wrong with Canon. You can take a class but why pay 100's of $$ when you can probably find tons of blog posts/free tutorials online about which ever camera you decide to go with. Oh and go to Best Buy - they've got great selections... and idk if ATX has "Wolf Camera Exchange" but that's another great place. Good luck! xoxo
I have the exact same camera as my photographer friend (a canon rebel) but her pictures look amazing next to mine. Mine are just mediocre. I think having a nice camera helps but I think you have to know what you are doing. She recommended taking a class, which I have yet to do. Good luck!
Amy
Fashion and Beauty Finds
its a little blurry but i still can see your outfit & how adorable it is. Very fun mixture. i am super excited for when you do the messy propject, i cannot wait to see what you come up with. i love your creative style! i wish i had a cool camera too...i do everything on my iphone! except when i can get my photography friend to do a shoot. how freaking amazing are atlantic pacifics pictures?! like seriously! TGIF!
xo Kelly
I have no camera recommendations because I know absolutely nothing about cameras or photography. The only thing I know is that I want a camera, I want to pretend like I'm a photographer.
And... you look freaking amazing even if it is a little blurry!
Your outfit is TOTALLY adorable! (blurry, or not) :)
http://shannonhearts.blogspot.com/
Love those shorts - you look fab as always!! :)
Have a great weekend!
First of all, CUTE shorts! I love the outfit. I have a canon rebel and i love it! I haven't taken much time to learn manual stuff though, but I need to stop being lazy and do it! Good luck!
You better not re focus your blog or I will kick your arse. Blurry or not you still look beautiful.
Hey, I can't help on cameras, but I can say that this outfit is awesome even if the pictures are blurry!
Clare
Understated Classics
Here's my advice:
1. Don't rent first. Buy.
2. I have a Canon EOS rebel T3i and LOVE IT. so easy to use.
3. Take a class. Normally you can find them for around $30.
4. Be ready to shell out around $500 after tax on a good one. Look for sales!
Good luck lady!
Thanks honey for stopping by and following!
Love
Juneli from Fashionably Yours
Love your blurry pics just as much as the others :) I have had a Nikon DSLR and love it! It is really easy to use. I took a class to learn the basics but you could definitely could get the hang of it on your own! Can't wait to see what you choose! Have a great weekend!
i love this look! those shorts are sooooo cute!!! :D
http://prattercat.blogspot.com
Love the top so pretty on you!
xo,
http://missmelissafashionandbeautyblog.blogspot.com/
Hi Shanna,
I'm sorry but I have no advice for you on the camera. I'm in the same boat. I need a new camera too. I adore these shorts. Great outfit! Hope you have a great weekend! :)
Cheers,
Sara
www.SocialSara.net
I have a DSLR....and shamefully mostly use it on automatic. My biggest advice is going into a store (best buy, whatever) and feel them out. The basic DSLRs all take pretty much the same picture. I bought the Sony because I liked the way it felt in my hand (and because it had a sunset setting...i know). I then ordered it on amazon because for the same prize as best buy i also got a SD card and camera bag.
Like the comment above me I have a DSLR camera and use it with aiutomatic, but I got it just 2 weeks ago and I'm positive about the fact that maybe I will learn to handle this lady soon! :)
Would you like following each other?
xoxo
eve
www.themefashion.blogspot.com
i have the same problem!! and i wrote about it too!
http://www.jessicawho.me/2012/07/a-camera-and-promise.html
let me know if you decide on a camera! i think i am leaning towards a canon rebel to start off with..
I so feel your pain! I just got a new camera (nikon) and I still have yet to use it for an outfit post bc I am so intimidated by all of its features haha I think I need to take a class. Keep my post on your search! I'll let you know if I find any cool tips or tricks. I usually find a lot of helpful info on heartifb.com :)
xo SideSmile,
Ashley
Ps. Don't forget to enter my
JEWELIQ Giveaway!
I don't know much about cameras so I'll tell you what I use. I have a Canon Rebel Xsi and then bought another lens (telephoto 70-300mm) in order to get the really blurry background (very technical, right?) when I take outfit photos. You should be able to find a good used camera for a couple hundred! However, if you want the "Atlantic-Pacific" style photos you will need to buy an additional lens than the standard one that comes with the DSLR. Good Luck!
~Jessica
http://jeansandateacup.blogspot.com/
I just bought the canon T3i. I just started my blog and at first used a point and shot. I felt it was important to have higher quality pics. We have a store called national camera exchange and classes come with your purchase. I would check to see if any business in your area offers that. Currently I just use the auto function, but plan on taking the classes.
I am going to have to come back and read through all of these comments.. I need a new camera desperately too! Let us know what you choose!
I have a Canon Rebel T2i and I am in LOVE! I am still learning the ropes of it but I love it and I think it takes fantastic pictures! I have the T2i for dummies book and it is helpful and I am also looking into taking a class. Bellapop (google it) has a nice online class and Jenni at Story of My Life has a great one linked on her sidebar as well.
Good luck! Can't wait to see what you get!
I'm in the same position as you Shanna. I still use a point and click and I get terribly fed up with the blurry photos. I'm looking to purchase one during the 'Black Friday' sales. Just reading through your comments has given me more than enough info.
http://thriftyandshameless.blogspot.com
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