Equipment

Equipment

Equipment

Equipment

Equipment

1. Canon Point and Shoot “Power Shot A520” digital camera

  • 4 mega pixel
  • Lens – equivalent 35 mm wide (f2.6) – 140 mm telephoto zoom (f 5.5)
  • 9 point AF (auto focus)
  • 1.5 feet to infinity
  • Mechanical & electronic shutter
  • 150’ 50-400
  • Shooting modes; auto/creative zone: AE, TV etc./image zone: portrait, landscape etc./macro mode
  • Self timer

Note: I won this camera in a photo contest held by Cabela’s in 2006. Now in 2009 there are point and shoot cameras with all of my camera’s features priced at under $200 with more mega pixels. As time goes on I hope this trend continues: better electronics for less money. This camera sports more features than I’ve listed, but the mentioned ones are those used in this book.

2. Canon Digital Rebel XTI SLR Camera

  • 18-55 mm zoom lens
  • 10 mega pixel
  • 9 point AF (auto focus)
  • ISO 100-1600
  • Shooting modes: full auto/creative zone: AV, TV etc/image zone: portrait, landscape, macro, etc.
  • Rechargeable battery
  • Self timer
  • Mirror lock up
  • Remote control: either remote switch with 2’ of cord or wireless remote controller
  • Auto white balance enabled

Note: This SLR camera was obtained in 2007 at Costco for under $900. By now, 2009, there are updated models sporting 12 to 15 mega pixels. In the future updated cameras with more features at lower prices will likely be available. This camera sports more features than I’ve listed, but the mentioned ones are those used in this book.

3. Canon 75mm – 300mm Zoom Telephoto EF lens

I purchased this lens for under $200 several years ago for my 35 mm film camera. It is compatible with Canon’s digital cameras. I use this lens about 5% of the time.

4. Canon 70-210mm & Macro EF with macro setting

I used this lens to photo very small objects such as mosquitoes and wood ticks for my camping book. I also used it for my fly tying text. I use this lens about 2% of the time. I bought it used on e-bay for about $100 in 2006.

5. Canon 18-55 mm zoom lens

The lens came with my camera. I use it about 92% of the time.

6. Remote control with 2’ of cable

7. Canon Polarized Circular Filter

8. Canon UV Glare Filter

9. Lens Cleaning Kit

Lens cloth (never use if there is dust present) air bulb brush, lens cleaner fluid

10. Padded camera bag (stores and protects camera, lenses, and accessories)

11. CF cards: 2.0 GB and three 1.0 GB cards (with the above I can take about 1000 photos)

12. Photoshop Adobe Program

I started with Elements and after a series of updates, I have used CS, CS2 and CS3 Extended. The basic programs used in this text are found on all of these Photoshop programs.

13. Computer

Note: I store my photos on a separate removable hard drive. This can be easily moved to any other computer. All of my files are in one place. (Now if I was only better at remembering the names of the files.)

14. Manfrotto Tripod model 3021 with 330 head and a 701 RC2 head. (Costs about $200.) I also have a $30 lightweight tripod.

The equipment that I use is available at Costco or Wal-Mart at a very reasonable price. I’m not using professional grade cameras, lenses or equipment. The purpose of this book is to help you get the most out of the equipment that everyone can afford and own. With modest equipment you can learn how to take images that look professional. Improving your photography knowledge and skills are the goals of this book. With this book you can learn to become a skilled photographer.

Finally, I’m not advertising these products. They are the ones that I have purchased and used. There are other manufacturers that provide equipment that is similar to the items on my list. Perhaps these other brands may provide a product that is a better value.