Filters and you

It's been awhile since my last post, but I've been out playing with some new toys. I got a set of filters, so I set about trying them out and determining necessity. Below are my results.

I got this kit which has 3 filters, a Circular Polarizer, a UV filter, and a Florescent filter. So, let's look at what each of them and talk about their usefulness.

1. Circular Polarizer

Great for outdoor photography. It can make colors appear richer and darker. This works particularly well for taking normal blue skies and making them look amazing (See the example below). It also works great on water by reducing reflections (so you can see past the surface on a bright day). And, similarly, it reduces glares off of other surfaces like foliage. For a much more in depth explanation than I can provide, check out this site, which has a great explanation. This site has a good explanation with an interactive application that allows you to see what a polarizing filter does. In particular, check out what it does to the bird on the water.

An example of what the CPL filter can do to a sky. The picture on the top has no filter, the picture on the bottom has the CPL filter.

Notice how the lower sky is almost white without a filter, but is clearly blue in the one with it.

One word of warning on CPL filters, they aren't generally good for using indoors as it does reduce the amount of light coming in, making pictures darker. There may be creative ways to use it, but I haven't played around with this yet.

2. Ultraviolet Filter

The original purpose of these filters is no longer necessary. The only real use for this type of filter with a Digital Camera is to protect the lense. Which, isn't a bad idea. Think about it, a lense costs $100 to $1000 dollars (or more). A UV filter is less than $30. Let it take the scratches and then toss it out and get a new one.

3. Flourescent Filter

Again, this filter is completely uneccessary today. It used to be used with film cameras allowing for film designed to be used in natural light to be used under flourescent light. On a Digital Camera, you can just adjust the white balance on the camera and get the same effect. I have found that this filter does have a pink tint to it and could be used to make for some interesting colors in your pictures. The picture on top has no filter, and the bottom picture has the FLD filter. Notice the pink hue with the FLD filter.

So, those are the filters I've been able to play with. I'm still wanting to try a couple of the color correction filters, and an IR filter. I'll post on those if/when I get to use them.

In conclusion, it's not bad to have a UV filter to protect your lenses and a CPL filter is a must have for outdoor photographers.

Software

Alright, so now that I've covered the hardware, I thought I'd cover the software that I use to do edit my photos. I will say upfront that I'm a PC guy, so I am excluding the MAC exclusive software.

GIMP 2 (Free)
Pros: GIMP is a very good program, especially when you consider that it is free and can do just about everything Photoshop can do. There are many additional plugins that you can download for it since it is open-source and anyone can write code for it. Being free is really the only thing that sets it apart from programs like Photoshop or Fireworks.
Cons: It is a little clunky to use. I don't like how the menus are independent of the open images. They can get lost when you are working with several photos. I also don't like they layering system, it's not nearly as smooth as Fireworks or Photoshop (which create layers automatically). Finally, it's menus just take getting used too, especially if you've learned on another program.

Fireworks ($300 for current version, I have MX, which is pretty old)
Pros: Fireworks is another very good program. I can't speak to the latest versions, but MX works well. It's faster to work in than GIMP. The menu setup makes more sense to me than GIMP's does, and is very similar to Photoshop's.
Cons: Cost. Honestly, if cost was not an issue, I'd use this or Photoshop exclusively. Having said that, the only reason I'd choose Fireworks over Photoshop is that it's less than half the price.

Photoshop ($700 for current version, I had an older copy that has gone missing)
Pros: Photoshop is the best of the programs I've used. I've been able to test some of the newer versions and it is much faster now than it used to be. It also has the best layout of tools, and the menu system just seems more intuitive.
Cons: Cost, cost, cost. I don't see a need to pay this much money unless you are going to be doing professional work. Sure, it works great, but theoretically it's a $700/year investment (to stay up with the latest version).


Final Thoughts
For the normal person, I'd say GIMP is just fine. It takes some getting used too, but does just about everything Fireworks and Photoshop can do and the price is right. If you have the money and are not looking to make photography a full time job, you can certainly purchase Fireworks or Photoshop. However, if I had $300-700 burning a hole in my pocket, I'd purchase some new hardware, like a better zoom lense or flash and use GIMP.
I haven't really gotten into using any of the Photo Organizing software that is out there...if I do, I'll post a follow up reviewing the software. Below are a couple of photos so you can see some of the stuff a novice (like myself) can do with these programs. Both of these were done in GIMP (and can be done in Fireworks as well).

Tony

Hardware

To kick things off, I thought I'd go over the things I use and/or realized I need to do things right. Where possible, I have included the current price.

Camera:
Nikon D40 ($500)

Basic Stats:
Megapixels: 6.1 (Don't get too caught up in Megapixels unless you're making posters or very large prints)
Resolution: 3008 x 2000
Included Lens: 18-55mm f/3.5-f/5.6
LCD Size: 2.5"
Memory: Internal: None, Card Formats: SD or SDHC.
For Full Stats, go here.

By all accounts this is a pretty good entry level Digital SLR camera. The price is reasonable, and it will do just about everything you need (especially if you're not looking to turn photography into a career). It has some pretty good built in modes (like Landscape, and Portrait) that will do most of the work for you. However, as I have learned, you'll want to get into the more configurable modes if you want to take consistently great photos that turn how how YOU want them too. We'll get into those modes in future posts.

Lenses:
Nikon - Zoom-Nikkor 18-55mm f/3.5 - f/5.6 ED II AF-S DX (included with camera)
Nikon - Zoom-Nikkor 55-200mm f/4-5.6G ED AF-S DX Zoom Lens (Model:2156) ($200)
I got the 55-200mm lense as part of a package deal and paid half price for it. If money's not really a problem, spend the extra $50 for the VR model (2166) as it helps steady the image for you making for clearer pictures. I haven't had a chance to try it out, but I have had numerous pictures not turn out because I wasn't quite steady enough.

Flashes:
I'm using the stock flash which works well, but for better indoor photos, an add-on flash is key. I'm told the SB-400 is a good, cheap ($120) flash. This is a future purchase for me.

Other Accessories:
Camera Bag: Nikon - Digital SLR Accessory Bag w/ Training DVD ($60)
I really like this bag, and the DVD was nice. However, you aren't ever going to be able to carry more than 2 (maybe 3) lenses in this bag. As I go forward, I can see the need for a backpack bag instead.

Tri-Pod: Sunpak Platinum Plus 74" Heavy-Duty Tripod - Metallic Silver ($40)
Haven't had a chance to use this, it's still on it's way from Amazon. However, after taking photos at a Rotovox concert and on a recent hiking trip in the Smoky's, I realized I really need a tri-pod if I'm not using a flash. I chose this particular model for it's Heavy Duty nature (I'll be taking it hiking often) and, more importantly, it's price. I'll post more about this as I get a chance to use it.

Books/Manuals: Nikon D40/D40x Digital Field Guide ($12)
Being new to the D-SLR world, I felt the need to get a book that was a little more in depth than the manual (the manual is actually pretty good though). I picked this one based on the review compared to some other similar books. It's still on it's way from Amazon as well, and I'll post a review of it after I've had a chance to read it.

Warranty:
After dropping my camera from a couple of feet to pavement, I am a firm believer in purchasing an extended warranty for the camera and lenses. I was able to take my damaged (yet still functional) camera into HH Gregg and get a brand new Camera and Lense. It cost me ~$100 for 3 years, and saved me $700 on replacing the camera. Nuff said.

That's all for now, stay tuned as I use the equipment and (hopefully) purchase more add-ons. I'm looking at filters for the lenses and a new flash as my next buys.

Til next time,

Tony

Welcome!

Hey everyone, welcome to my blog.

I am new to the photography world. Until recently, I have been a cheapest camera possible kind of guy. I have entered the wonderful world of D-SLRs with a Nikon D-40. After using it like a $50 camera for the first couple of months, and being disappointed with all but a few of my photos, I have started getting really into the camera.

My intentions with this blog are not only to share my photos, but to share my experiences. Essentially, I'll be posting my growing pains. When possible, I'll post settings and conditions so you can see what went right (or wrong). Maybe they'll help you avoid the same mistakes I made. Again, welcome, and feel free to join in on the fun, posting your tips and experiences.

Tony