should we make a dSLR FAQ?

[FLECOM]

there seem to be a lot of questions lately about which slr is best for what, what lenses etc... should we maybe try to put a FAQ together about all the different (common) options etc?

would anyone be willing to help with this?

 

[SCiFiRE]

Im very new to this stuff, and im still trying to figure out what numbers mean what when relating to lenses and such, and then once i know what the numbers mean, its a whole new ball game trying to figure out what difference it makes to a shot!
an good FAQ would be great

 

[Kevlarman]

Sure, why not?

 

[Joves]

Sure I think it would be helpful. I will share what meager experience I have. A couple of Stikys' one for Cannon and, Nikon. Or just a general how to use might do the deed.

 

[FLECOM]

ok well I am going to see if i can get something put togehter next week...

if anyone has any suggestions please PM me or just post them here

 

[Grentz]

Sounds like a good idea.

There is TONS of information to be had though so sticking to the basics will be a must.

 

[who am I - I ask]

no, I dont think its a good idea. every person has their good and bad and the links to the other photo sites should be utilized.

there are too many choices and dedicated photo sites should be were we send them

ie dpreview, fredmiranda(allthough i think hes out just to line his pockets)

 

[Tim_axe]

We're probably in need of a couple of FAQs...here is what I think we need and what they could address...

1) FAQ teaching basic exposure concepts for cameras. IE, what is shutter speed, ISO, apeture, and what they change when you're taking photos. How to determine proper exposure, and things that can trick your camera's built-in exposure meter.
2) FAQ teaching some introductory photo composition and basic lighting techniques. How to compose photos to make the best use of what you have. Filling the frame with the subject, rule of thirds, how focal length (and your position) changes the background appearance, etc.
3) "Advanced" FAQ that goes into more depth on exposure and the type of photos you want to capture. IE, setting for sports, or landscapes, even tips on long-exposure photography, and some concepts for macro-photography. This could even introduce ND filters, creative lens apeture shapes, strobing effects, polarization, etc. Basically a reference FAQ that makes the first one useful/applicable as long as you have an understanding of exposure concepts and composition concepts from the other two FAQs. It could also point out practical limits..ie, how DOF increases inversely proportional to apeture size, but how resolution is ultimately limited by diffraction effects and where your camera's sensor and photo-site sizes fit into this mess so it is more applicable than broadly worded theory.


It really should be broken up into multiple FAQs because moving onto the next subject needs good understanding of the things before it. I think we should address any camera with manual controls, but with a focus on SLR cameras because they are the easiest to get ahold of camera that really shows the effects we're interested in.

I might work on a series of PDFs for distribution on [H] for these topics to keep our name with the work... (it makes me mad when people pick up work and don't credit the authors) But those things above are what I feel we need to do with the photo sub-forum to make it relevant to its topic, and fit in with the other sections advancing some of the collective knowledge in their fields...

 

[Grentz]

no, I dont think its a good idea. every person has their good and bad and the links to the other photo sites should be utilized.

there are too many choices and dedicated photo sites should be were we send them

ie dpreview, fredmiranda(allthough i think hes out just to line his pockets)

And one of my favs:
http://photography-on-the.net/forum/

 

[HAF72]

I'd say go ahead!