TA-DA!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! After saving up for a few months, the day has arrived. The DSLR is here!! After back and forth research at Consumer’s, photography forums, food blogger sites, etc, I decided on the Canon Rebel XSI 12.2 MP Digital SLR Camera. Did you know Best Buy will match Amazon‘s prices? I got a great deal!
3 generations of cameras. Still love my Canon P&S and will continue to use him for things like photos in class and rough events, but the new guy will take my photos to a whole new level.
A little around the house fun –
I still have a LOT to learn about photography (ISO, aperture, lens).
Photography experts: My plan is to get the Sigma 50mm f/2.8 Macro lens that a lot of the food bloggers recommend. But after doing research on aperture and more research in general, I’m wondering if the Canon EF 50mm f/1.8 II Camera Lens will do? Based on my goals of blurry-around-the-edges photos and my limited knowledge of aperture, it seems f/1.8 is pretty low already for the types of photos I take? And the camera does have a macro setting. The f/1.8 is so much less expensive. But obviously macros are designed for close-ups. OPINIONS? Also, do I need these filters and what do they do!?
***
I was so busy reading up on my camera and charging the battery that I didn’t really get hungry for lunch until 2PM. I broke for some leftovers from the tailgate.
Turkey + Hararti + Mustard Sandwich on Flax Oat Bran
Plus veggies + hummus + cocktail sauce and some Food Should Taste Good Chips on the side
Delicious drink.
I am VERY pleased with the new photos!!! I could tell a huge difference instantly.
Here are some comparison shots:
OLD SONY
CANON SD880
REBEL
OLD SONY
CANON SD880
REBEL (Didn’t get a comparable 🙁 )
CANON SD880
REBEL (BIG difference there!)
OLD SONY
CANON SD880
REBEL
The differential in some shots is greater than others. I need more things to photograph!
***
Thanks to CaSaundra for this sweet interview on KERF she did for a media writing class 🙂
And another nice post by Deanna of The Unnatural Mother 🙂
***
Off to be a jock!!
(Still dreaming about Nate….)
Healthy says
Nice Camera!
Help Meghan Run says
Pics look wonderful! Congrats and can’t wait to see more as you learn about photography.
Candice says
I am so.jealous.of.you. I need to start saving up as well 🙂 As for the lenses and filters, I have no idea. I was reading up on SLRs and macro lenses too and I was a bit intimidated, to say the least…
Meg says
Congratulations on the new camera! The picture quality is amazing. I’m sure you’ll enjoy it.
bitemecharlotte says
Wow, the right camera does make a difference! We have enjoyed reading your posts!
christie, honoring health says
Wow, and I thought you might be getting a new car 😉 I should have known it would have been something more blog related . duh.
Anyway, it takes awesome photos!!
Diana says
Yay! So glad you finally got your DSLR…your photos look beautiful! Now everyone in our little foodie group will have matching cameras…haha 🙂
lynn (The Actors Diet) says
congrats on your new camera! the shots look amazing.
by the way i made your oatmeal pancakes this morning for the first time – they were a huge hit! though i used whole oats instead of quick and they were watery – is that why?
http://actorsdiet.blogspot.com/2009/09/lynn-ahhhh.html
(scroll down to bottom of post)
Sarah @ The Foodie Diaries says
Completely jealous of your new buy. The photos look great!
Evan Thomas says
Ooo I love getting shiny new toys like that
Heather says
NICE!!! I used a Canon EF 50mm f/1.8 II Camera Lens for my Rebel XT for a few years and LOVED it, but that was because I could never afford a Macro lens. I suggest getting that first and testing it out, because most people consider it an essential lens anyway. Personally I think it will do what you want it to do, but I’m no expert.
sarah says
I have the f1.8 lens for my Canon – LOVE!! I highly recommend, it’s pretty cheap as far as lenses go, and I think would suit your needs. It definitely achieves the blurry thing – especially if you shoot in AV mode.
Meredith (Pursuing Balance) says
Congrats on the new camera!
Allie (Live Laugh Eat) says
SO COOL!!! I love all the comparison pics! Especially the soda can.
Kristin (Kristins Nibbles) says
Ahhh I love the Canon Rebel! So jealous! The pics look amazing!!
xo
K
katy says
Hi!
If you really don’t know much about aperature/shutterspeed/iso and are interested in a good book – look into “Understanding Exposure” by Bryan Peterson. There are also a lot of really good tutorials out there. (i think thepioneerwoman.com/photography – has some really good tutorials…
I think the f1.8 would be a great lens for you. I don’t think you would need the macro – if you wanted to get pictures of smaller things (insects, details in leaves, etc) the macro might be good – but the 50mm 1.8 still can get pretty close (and i think the price of the lens is really reasonable).
some people feel pretty strongly about filters, but I really don’t think you would need them. I’ve never used one and never felt the need to get one.
good luck! you are going to love having a dslr!
Kerry says
Great purchase, the difference in detail is amazing. I feel like camera-talk is a whole different language, and I am not comfortable at all with it (yet!)
Susan says
Lovely photos!! I can definitely tell the difference. Hope you got a chance to actually eat after all that picture taking 😛
Oh, and I’m more of a Dan girl myself 😉
Mara @ What's for Dinner? says
Congrats on the fab new camera!! I can’t wait to be able to afford the SLR I’m dying for 🙂
Rachel says
congrats! i also have that canon. i have the 28-135mm lens. it may not be exactly what you are looking for, but it is a great walkaround lens!
i think you should definitely get the 50mm 1.8 lens. it’s cheap and gets great reviews!
have fun!
Lindsey (Mrs. LC) says
Hooray for your new camera! While I have a Nikon and not a Canon, I love my DSLR. I can’t wait to get a mounted flash and a macro lens. 🙂
eliza says
barney butter, i need to order that, i only had a sample packet once and i loved it! wish they sold it in stores, atleast near me…
and congrats on the camere so gorgeous, and such a great camera!
xo
Eliza
Mel says
I second that the f1.8 lens would be a better buy, since it’ll do a lot that the macro lens will do. Check out the pioneer woman’s site for the easiest to read info on apereture and ISOs. As for filters etc. I don’t think their neccessary since if I want to use them I always apply them in the editing stage. I you’re interested in a cheaper editing program, check out picnik.com. Love it.
kay (eating machine) says
i want a digital SLR soooo bad. They do amazing things with light/color! love the new pics!
faith in food says
awesome slr! i’m very impressed with the difference of picts between even your sony and p+s canon! you will love your slr! aperture and such are easy to get a handle on, there is so much free info out there now too!
want to donate one of your old cameras to a cameraless poor barista in exchange for some naturally processed +rainforest certified decaf coffee? :p
if you do want to do the 50/50 you could get a basic decaf (like caribou decaf and mix it with your favorite flavor!)
Sammi says
Congrats on your new baby! I have the 20D and am so excited for the 7D’s arrival 🙂 Maybe for graduation?
Anyways if you have any questions about cameras let me know. I’m majoring in photography so i’d be glad to assist you.
As for your questions.. I would say go with the 50mm 1.8. I’m looking into buying that one myself! I don’t see you needing the capabilities of a macro unless you want to take photos of a grain or something really tiny. Since you photograph food mainly and want to get everything you’re eating into the shot you don’t need a macro lens; a fixed lens like the 50mm with the 1.8 should cover all your basic needs. Also i’m not sure if you’re aware of this or not but the lower the aperture the better it is.. so the 1.8 is actually better than the 2.8. The lower the number the more light your lens lets in, the faster it shoots, and the blurrier the background is.
As for filters I highly recommended getting a UV protection one. It not only reduces lens glare but it also protects your lens in case anything gets on it or knocks into it 🙂
Honestly unless you do a lot of macro shooting I wouldn’t recommend buying one because you waste money if you don’t use it often. I personally want one but I can’t justify buying one because most of the photo-shoots I do require a portrait type lens.
Let me know if you have anymore questions!
Jenna says
congrats on the new camera kath!
i can definitely see the difference in the photos, they look great!
jenna
Angharad (Eating for England) says
Hurray for the new camera! Very exciting. Taking photos is near the very top of my list of favorite things about food blogging so I hope you enjoy experimenting!
christina says
have fun with the camera, kath! I was told to check out this book: http://www.amazon.com/Photography-Bible-Complete-Century-Photographer/dp/0715318063
I think that was it, if I find out it isn’t I’ll comment with the actual link. anyway, it’s supposed to be a comprehensive book on cameras, how they function, basically how to work the features, and photography. sadly, I haven’t checked it out yet.. heh
Linda says
Wow, sweet camera. Your photos always look good no matter which camera you’re using.
andrea. says
That’s so funny, I just bought the same camera yesterday! Along with the 1.8 lens you were mentioning. So far I love it, but like you, I’m realizing I have LOTS to learn! 🙂 Looking forward to seeing all your new photos!!
Michelle-pure2raw says
Congrats on the camera. The new pictures are great. I am so jealous ; ) I do not have good picture taking skills, so I got a lot to learn too, but first I need a better camera. Good luck, look forward in to seeing more great pictures.
K says
Oh wow! Nice new camera – the pictures look great!!
Courtney Worthington says
Damn, that’s a really nice camera! I wish it would only take me a FEW months to save for something like that. Ugh. 😉
Camile says
Hey,
I am a professional photographer (www.exartephotography.com) and here is my opinion on the lenses.
The Canon 1.8 lens is much better than the sigma 2.8. Sigma is an okay company, but it’s lenses do not compare to the Canon ones. Also, a 1.8 lens is much faster and sharper than a 2.8 because of the amount of light it lets in. It is perfect for photographing food and many photographers (myself included) swear by a 50mm. It’s kind of the basis of photography. Good Luck and feel free to email me any questions!
Pam says
Hey nice camera….super!
Lizzy says
yay congrats! the photos look awesome!!!
Julie says
wow nice! That should take the blog to a whole new level. Happy shooting!!
melissa (fitnessnyc) says
congrats on thew nwe camera! jealous. I like my sd880, but it doesn’t handle bright daylight well!
MarathonVal says
Congrats on the new camera!! That’s very exciting 🙂 I’m sure you will have a blast learning how to use it!
misti says
I think I”ll repeat a few people’s sentiments, keep the 1.8. We have one that came with our camera and it is one of my favorites. Check out the group “Fiddy Whores” on Flickr. You will fall in love with 50mm.
Katie says
I use the f/1.8 a lot on my blog – I think it’ll be great for your needs.
Heather says
Your new camera looks like a lot of fun! It will be great to see as you learn all the new “tricks” the camera can do!
amber says
I have the Canon EF 50mm f/1.8 II Camera Lens for my Rebel and i love it. I think you would defiantly loveit for the kind of pictures you take.
I use filters to keep my lenses from getting scratched. If anything gets scratched I want it to be the filter not the lenses! Have fun with it!
Chloe (Naturally Frugal) says
Awesome new camera! I think it’s great that you’ll have the SLR for around the house, on family vacations, and other important events but are also saving your other cameras for day to day things where they may get banged up or stolen (eek!).
What a fun way to spend a Sunday!!!
Nicole says
I HIGHLY recommend the f1.8 50mm lens!! It’s great for close ups and is great for food photography. It lets in a lot of light (GOOD for indoor food photos) and is light and easy to take around with you!
I just have that lens and the kit lens, so if I want to get a little closer than the 50mm lens, I just use the kit lens and it works perfectly for me. I’m not big on expensive equipment because I think a good enough photographer can do without all the fancy, expensive stuff!
Have fun with the camera!! I am by no means an expert, but I do know a lot about photography so if you have any questions, feel free to email me 🙂
Hallie (Healthy Twists) says
Yay for the new camera! I need a new one so, so bad but I just can’t justify it right now…maybe once my blog starts getting tons of traffic (lol) I can call it a business expense? Anyway, can’t wait to see the new shots! Your photos are so lovely already.
Jenn (www. j3nn.net ) says
Congrats on your new cam! I was going to get the same exact one. I have a Nikon D40 (and several Sony digi cams), but wanted the Canon after I saw how much smaller it is than my Nikon. Must get! 🙂
Awesome pics. Sandwich looks yummmmmy
Jenn
Cynthia (It All Changes) says
Such a cool new camera. I love the detail in the new photos.
I dream of being an athlete but I’m stuck watching instead of playing. I can run but that’s about it. I’m not good at team sports. But I love to watch them all the time 🙂
Heather @ Health, Happiness, and Hope says
Wow, that new camera takes amazing shots!!! How exciting! Have a fun evening playing around with it. 🙂
Tay says
Ahhh so jealous!! That’s actually my next big purchase that I’m also saving up for. I did want to ask you though – the other day when you showed the difference between flash and no flash, you mentioned “macro setting”. I never use my flash (if I can help it), but I’ve never put my camera on “macro” setting. How would I do that (I also have a canon sd400) – if you know, and what difference does it make? I have a digital macro setting that I tried, but it just made my photos all super blurry! Any suggestions would help. Thanks Kath!
Paige@ RunningAroundNormal says
I’m so jealous of your new camera! Love the comparison photos:D Have fun with it!!
zestycook says
Yay Kath! We are twins now! I have the same one. I to have a lot too learn.
zest!
maria says
That is a nice camera! We used a SLR for my photojournalism course in college a few years ago and I loved it. J and I are both hoping to buy something similar once we have saved up some money, but that will be a while away! If you learn some tricks with aperture, lighting, f-stops, etc. you will quickly be able to do lots of fun stuff your other cameras couldn’t have dreamed of!
Pam (Highway to Health)` says
Wow! That’s an awesome camera! I love the comparison shots.
Adriane says
I can tell a major difference in your photographs! I am not an expert on photography, so I can’t give you advice but I can compliment your work. It is amazing!
I just started blogging and am using an old Cannon Power Shot SD30 Digital Elph (5.0 MP) and can tell it does not take the best photographs. Sadly it is not in my budget to get a new camera, so I just try to take the best pictures I can. It kills me to see the lack of quality in my pics though. I was a film major in college and am so used to having the ability to manually focus to create depth of field, so using this point and shoot is kind of annoying.
Oh well. Some day I will have a digital SLR. I have a non-digital one and love it.
angieinatlanta says
WOW! Those pics definitely demonstrate the difference and it’s incredible! Now I have camera jealousy…
Rebecca says
I needed that camera for my Photojournalism class but dropped the class because I couldn’t afford it. I’m getting a new, not as fancy, camera soon though!
If you get a chance, check out my Newman’s Own Organics giveaway http://roseyrebecca.com/2009/09/12/newmans-own-organics-giveaway/
MegaNerd says
Congrats on the new camera! I think it’s the same one my boyfriend has… (ahem… that I stole to take pics of my food with!)
It makes a huge difference! 😀
Nina says
Does Best Buy match Amazon prices plus waive the tax? We just got a tv from Amazon. The major selling point was no tax added. I’ve seen the same prices in brick and morter stores but when you have to add tax on that’s not chump change for a big purchase. Just wondering how Best Buy handles that.
Meghan@traveleatlove says
Haha Nate Archibald! I scheduled to go to a wine dinner with friends Monday night not realizing that GG was starting. . . ahhh! Thank goodness for DVR!
Love the new camera, everything is so life-like!
Liz says
Wow! That is quite the camera you got! Soo professional. I really can see the difference in some of those comparison shots. Fun stuff 🙂
Kath says
Thank you so much everyone!!!!!!!!! I’m getting the f1.8!!
Tay,
Look for the little flower and make sure it’s active. That’s macro. It shouldnt’ be blurry up close after autofocusing.
Nina,
No, they don’t waive tax. That is a drawback. But if you’re going to expense something, you need to report the tax anyways, so it was either way for me.
Kath
Sues says
Congrats!!! You must be so psyched and I can totally see the difference 🙂 Have fun with it!!!
Katharina says
Welcome to the world of the SLR camera! 😀
Morgan (lifeafterbagels) says
my bf has a cannon rebel, and obviously those are good for photographing bees on purple photos! (he took this photo – http://lifeafterbagels.wordpress.com/2009/09/07/ )
Jenn Eats Nutritiously Now says
I’m so jealous of your camera! I think I’m going to have to wait ’til graduation to get one. Point and shoot ’til then!
Ellen @ Peace in Motion says
SO JEALOUS of the new camera!! Looks like you’ve had lots of fun getting to know it
Amelia says
I knew it was a camera! I’m so excited for you. Can’t wait to see some great pics. 🙂
shawna says
Hey Kath!
DEFINITELY get the Canon 50mm 1.8. If you can afford it, go for the 1.4 or 1.2, but the 1.8 will give you great results on your camera. The “nifty fifty” is a great lens for the price!
I’m not sure if you know this but your xsi has a crop sensor. What that means is that you take the lens length and multiply it by 1.6. So, 50 x 1.6 = 80mm = your focal length on a 50mm lens. Has nothing to do with aperture (the 1.8), but just thought I’d mention it since you’ll be doing some lens research and something to keep in mind when you’re buying fixed length lenses.
I’m on my 3rd Canon DSLR right now, and they’re great cameras! I love my 5D MKII. It’s fabulous!! I also have the original rebel that came out 5+ yrs ago as well as the 30D. I have a bunch of lenses, and whenever I use my crop sensor cameras (original or 30D), the 50mm 1.8 lives on those cameras. It’s perfect for shots in the house, since the length is pretty short (meaning you can be in a small room and not worry about needing to back up), and it will let in a pretty good amount of light. I would highly recommend shooting it at 2.0 or 2.2, though, since that will give you a larger focal area and less of the “blur” around the edges.
“Understanding Exposure” is the best book to get your hands on to help get a feel for your camera.
I consider myself a semi-pro photographer (child photography is my little side biz), so feel free to ask any questions. I’m more than happy to help!
CaSaundra says
The new camera is soo exciting! I love the pictures that they take, but unfortunately it looks too daunting for me compared to my good ol’ Casio digital. I will have to see how you like it!
ps. Thanks for the shout out 🙂
Gillian says
Definitely get UV filters for ALL of your lenses. I have quite a few lenses for my DSLR and the first thing I do when I get them is toss on a UV filter. It will help water seal the lens a little, keep dust out and keep the actual lens glass free of scratches. 100% get UV filters!
Andrea [bella eats] says
CONGRATULATIONS!!! New cameras are so fun!!! 🙂 Looks like you already have tons of good advice, and here are my thoughts:
DEFINITELY try and stick with Canon lenses. Sigmas are great, I have two, but can tell a difference between them and my Canon lenses and am working on replacing them all.
I have the Canon 50mm f/1.4 and love love love it. I’ve heard great things about the f/1.8, especially for the price. The only negative I’ve heard is that it isn’t built as well, and you can expect it to break within a couple of years. If you can, I’d go for the f/1.4 for durability reasons, and it is a faster lens which means you can use it in even lower light. Someday, I’ll get the 50mm f/1.2L…maybe once I actually make money on photography. 🙂
That being said, I think its worth it to have a macro as well. But, I’d go with the 50mm first, as it is a more versatile lens. Save up for the macro eventually – I’ve read good things from food photographers about the Canon 60mm macro.
Oh! And definitely get the UV filter. It protects your lens from scratches and is TOTALLY worth it.
Have fun!
susan Nolan says
you got many good lens suggestions.. the canon f/1.8 would be a great start for you as the thing you take pictures of don’t usually move and you can get close to them..
my personal favorite is my canon 100mm macro .. but i shoot different types of subjects.
by all means get a uv filter for every single lens you own and put it on immediately.. it will keep your original glass clean and scratch free
Jessica says
woot awesome! i have a rebel.
the f stop on the canon is faster – something you want in a macro lens. I would go with the canon lens. 🙂
-muffy
Betsey says
Kath-
I’m no camera expert, but I did study abroad last year in Provence, France, for a photography course that used…wait for it…REBELS!
Frankly, the only reason I went was because I was the only one in the journalism school who could translate French, and while I didn’t learn much about the technical aspect of the Rebel (“this doe this, this does that”), I did learn that the most important thing about manual cameras is to PRACTICE, PRACTICE, PRACTICE.
Play with the ISO and shutter speed, and take so many pictures your clicker finger feels like it’ll fall off! You’ll be surprised at what beautiful pictures you can turn out just with a little goofing around and a lot of clicking!
Good luck!
Courtney B. says
Kath! That is the exact camera my boyfriend has been planning to buy for awhile. How did you get Best Buy to match the price? Their website implies that they will not. Just curious. Have fun with your new toy, I mean important blogging tool. 🙂
Jennifer says
I love Canons. They are the best cameras in my opinion. Their point and shoots are the best, too, but you will love the rebel. I have the 80 1.8 and if I could afford it, I would get the 80 1.4. I’ve heard it is a sharper lens. But the 1.8 will work and you will be amazed at the great food photos you can get while in a dark restaurant with that lens. If you really wanted a macro lens for food photography, I would get one with a wider lens. You will have trouble getting your whole meal into a 50 if you are close to the food (I always seem to be close to my subject), so no real need for a macro on that length, in my opinion.
Marcia Compton says
Tried Nicole’s Nutty goodness berry good bars, OH MY they are great, you taste so many different berrys nut, it was great!!!!! Thanks Katherine for the information about this bar. Marcia Compton
Kath says
Courtney,
I spoke with the manager. I was planning to just leave the store and order on Amazon if they said no.
Marcia,
Yay!
Kath
Jo says
swooooonnnnn – you’ve made my afternoon!!! thanks for the pics of Chase…. like you I’ve just discovered the amazing Gossip Girl and am working my way through series 1 at the moment… I think Series 3 has started in the States? So jealous, we will get in the UK EVENTUALLY!! Can’t decide whether I would rather be B or S.
Gosh, its amazing the difference the camera makes – despite the fact I’ve just had the most enormous lunch and feel so full, you made me feel peckish again!!