Official RFD Photography FAQ

[TenzoR]

Product Reviews

Pixel-Peeper - Basically let's you view a lens from different body from different people: http://www.pixel-peeper.com/

Photozone - Canon, Nikon and other lens reviews: http://www.photozone.de/8Reviews/index.html

DPReview - Camera, lens and accessory reviews: http://dpreview.com/

Fred Miranda - Camera, lens and accessory reviews: http://www.fredmiranda.com/reviews/

Imaging Resource - Camera, lens and accessory reviews: http://www.imaging-resource.com/

DCResource - Camera, lens and accessory reviews: http://www.dcresource.com/

The Luminous Landscape - Reviews and information: http://www.luminous-landscape.com/

KenRockWell - Camera, Lens, and Accessory reviews (bias but amusing): http://www.kenrockwell.com/

Camera Labs - Camera, Lens, group test: http://www.cameralabs.com/

Photo.net - Camera, Lens, Accessory, Store, Community: http://photo.net/


Online Reseller (Reputable Canadian)

Price Comparison - http://www.photoprice.ca/

Henrys - http://www.henrys.ca (Various Location)

Vistek - http://www.vistek.ca (GTA/Calgary Store front)

Simon's Camera - http://www.simonscameras.com/ (Montreal Store front)

McBain Camera - http://www.mcbaincamera.com/ (Edmonton Store front)

Galaxy Camera - http://www.galaxycamera.com/ (Ottawa Store front)

DVshop - http://www.dvshop.ca/ (GTA Store front)

Downtown Camera - http://www.downtowncamera.com/ (GTA Store front)

Merkle Camera - http://www.merklecamera.com/ (GTA Store front)

Aden Camera - http://www.adencamera.com/ (GTA Store front)

Camera Canada - http://cameracanada.com/ (London Store front)

Lens Lender - http://www.lenslenders.com/ (Not a reseller)

Broadway Camera - http://www.bccamera.com/ (Vancouver Store front)

Don's Photo - http://www.donsphoto.com/

*NEW* The Camera Store - http://www.thecamerastore.com/


Online Reseller (US)

BH Photo/Video - New York: http://www.bhphotovideo.com/

Adorama - New York: http://www.adorama.com/

KEH - Georgia: http://www.keh.com

Ritz Camera - National: http://www.ritzcamera.com/

One Call - Spokane, Washington: http://www.onecall.com/

PopFlash Photo - http://www.popflash.com/

Calumet Photographic - http://www.calumetphoto.com/


Photography Clubs

Toronto Photography Meet-Up Group - http://www.tpmg.ca/

Toronto Urban Exploration Group - http://urbanexplor.meetup.com/12/?gj=sj5

Toronto RFD Flickr Group - http://www.flickr.com/groups/torontorfd/


Shooting Techniques/Tricks

General - http://www.canon.com.au/eos/tips/ or (not limited to Canon users)

Flash/Lightening - [url]http://www.strobist.blogspot.com/

Cheap DIY Lightbox - http://photography-on-the.net/forum/showthread.php?t=281524

Cheap DIY Bounce Card - http://www.abetterbouncecard.com/

Cheap DIY Ring Flash - http://www.motleypixel.com/forum/index.php/topic,80.0.html

RAW vs. JPG - http://www.luminous-landscape.com/reviews/raw_vs_jpg.shtml (RFD discussion http://www.redflagdeals.com/forums/showthread.php?t=536536)

Understanding Histograms - http://www.luminous-landscape.com/tutorials/understanding-series/understanding-histograms.shtml

A Tedious Explanation of the f/stop - http://www.uscoles.com/fstop.htm

Exposure/Manual Light Meter - http://www.uscoles.com/exposures.pdf

Photography tips and techniques: articles and guides - http://photo.net/learn/

Canon 50D/XSi Guide and FAQ - http://www.learnslr.com/

Confessions of a Photographer: Awesome portrait and commercial photographer - http://www.squeezethelime.com/workshops/

Squeeze The Lime: More videos and tutorials on portrait/commercial photography - http://www.bertstephani.com/blog/


Post Processing

HDR using CS2 - http://backingwinds.blogspot.com/2006/10/how-to-create-professional-hdr-images.html

Photoshop Tricks - http://www.photoshopessentials.com/photo-effects/

TiltShift Via Photoshop - http://www.tiltshiftphotography.net/photoshop-tutorial.php


Magazines/Recommanded Reading

DSLR Photography - http://www.digitalslrphoto.com/

Tripods and ball Heads by Thom Hogan - http://www.bythom.com/support.htm


Handy Freeware Software/Utility

GIMP - Similar to Photoshop but it's Open Source: http://www.gimp.org/

FireFox Extension - EXIF reader: http://ted.mielczarek.org/code/mozilla/fxif/

Noiseware Community Edition - Free Noise Reduction: http://imagenomic.com/products.aspx

Online Version of Photoshop - https://www.photoshop.com/express/landing.html


Online Photo Album Free/Paid

Google Picasa - http://picasaweb.google.ca/ (free 1GB)

Flickr - http://www.flickr.com/ (free limit?)

PBase - http://www.pbase.com/

Smug Mug - http://www.smugmug.com/

Zen Folio - http://www.zenfolio.com/

*NEW*Deviant Art - http://www.deviantart.com - Not limited to photography, but any art.

Please post more links that may help everyone. I'm probably missing a lot of good links other people will have. I will need lots of help in finding good reputable resellers in the other provinces and cities

[skanji]

very cool - we should add to this list on photography tips on shooting, and perhaps photoshop tricks...

[nahim.a.a]

Great idea, btw here is a fantastic site for Canadians which helps you find the best price: http://www.photoprice.ca/

[TenzoR]

very cool - we should add to this list on photography tips on shooting, and perhaps photoshop tricks...

I have a couple links at home but can't think on top of my head. One thing I'm trying to find was the video of an old guy showing you how to make a cheap white card/diffuser for your external flash which I thought it was pretty cool.

[PQpine413]

http://www.strobist.blogspot.com/

i have a huge list of photoshop links that i got from another forum, will post when i get home

EDIT: Here's the list, I honestly havent been to all of them a quarter of them, i pulled this from another forum where a member was asking for photoshop tutorials and this other guy just popped all of these on there, so i figured at least a few of them may be useful. If they're useless, my appologies. meanwhile..here's the list

Click here to download the text file with all the links (https://random-goods.sslpowered.com/random-goods.com/data/photoshop%20tutorials.txt)

[tienm23]

I've dealt with CanadaCamera.com, they have very good pricing and good delivery. I picked up a 70-200 F4L IS for $1320 and Henrys has it for $1499 and Vistek $1349. The even tossed in a free circular polarizer. They also have a bricks and mortar store in London, On.


http://cameracanada.com/

[PQpine413]

this thread needs a sticky

[videonerd]

http://www.onecall.com in Spokane, Washington


I've bought some Canon L lenses from them, they are an authorized Canon dealer and very fast at shipping. They will take a Canadian credit card and ship to a US address (provided you call Mastercard and put that address on your file)

[Little Dragon]

www.tpmg.ca - toronto photography meetup group
http://urbanexplor.meetup.com/12/?gj=sj5 - toronto urban exploration group

[TenzoR]

Thanks all I've updated the links again :)

Lots of great links. I'm sure lots you have some nice post-process tutorial for newcomers :)

[CSAgent]

Magazines too.

I recommend DSLR Photography, its a magazine based out of the UK. It has professionals as editors and contributors to the magazine for techniques, I buy each and every issue that comes out. Chapters carry these, I usually grab a cafe mocha, sit back and read it.. :lol:

[TenzoR]

Magazines too.

I recommend DSLR Photography, its a magazine based out of the UK. It has professionals as editors and contributors to the magazine for techniques, I buy each and every issue that comes out. Chapters carry these, I usually grab a cafe mocha, sit back and read it.. :lol:

Updated the post with new topics

[tienm23]

Some nice PS tutorials here:

http://www.photoshopessentials.com/photo-effects/

[KorruptioN]

http://www.cameralabs.com/

[nden]

One more thing you forgot:

RFD Flickr group: http://www.flickr.com/groups/torontorfd/

[TenzoR]

I've added a new heading for freebie software/utilties that you might use to either enhance your photos or help you sort them, etc.

Also added a new heading for web albums

[2000fordfocus]

Definitely need to add pbase.com, a lot of professional there which one can learn from!

[nden]

Just found out this Canon Australia website with some great photography tips

http://www.canon.com.au/eos/tips

I bookmarked it myself. :lol:

[volan]

Another reputable on-line US reseller is Popflash Photo (www.popflash.com).

My experience with them was very good. Excellent customer service and very knowledgeable.

There are only 2 North American resellers of Ricoh cameras and Popflash is one of them. The other is Adorama (already on list).

[geekboy]

www.smugmug.com

great site for photo sharing, you can even set prices on your pictures so others can buy it (pro account). Print quality is top notched!

Use this coupon code to save 5 bucks on an account: eXoHJgwK5VGYA

I;ve used this site over 1 year and have no complaints!

http://tdotho.smugmug.com

TH

[Newfie]

I live in London and have done business with them. Great folks, they take the time to deal with you and make buying a camera fun.

They're the best in the city.

Take care,
Craig

P.S. I just found this forum and luv it.

[Newfie]

This is a great site: photo.net


Here's feedback from the forums on various stores: http://photo.net/neighbor/subcategory-index?id=2

[TenzoR]

Thanks everyone, I've been updating the links :) keep it coming

[SHaFTy]

Under "freebie software/utilties that you might use to either enhance your photos or help you sort them", may I suggest the free standalone program called Noiseware Community Edition, from http://imagenomic.com/products.aspx


Helps out especially with those low-light high ISO shots.

SHaFTy

[TenzoR]

Thanks everyone for contributing :)

[slim_shady]

www.zenfolio.com is an amazing (pay) gallery. Their UI is great, especially for managing your gallery.

[sfu_engineer]

It is a pretty slimmed down version but it is easy to use:

https://www.photoshop.com/express/landing.html

[TenzoR]

Updated with new links thanks to a lot of people.

[MrDisco]

Can anyone recommend 'must-have' books for beginners/noobs?

[Blackmajik]

http://coopersmishap.com/bad/files/1/GoingManualPhotographyGuideFirstEdition.pdf

Good read for beginners...

[ActiveX]

I'm new to the DSLR world and came across a Canon tutorial site. I found it rather educational (for people like me). Enjoy!

http://web.canon.jp/imaging/enjoydslr/

[Blackfire]

http://lenslenders.com/

(Disclosure - I know the guy the owns it but I won't BS my fellow RFD'ers)

You can rent Canon or Nikon glass by the week or over the weekend. Very good service and selection.

[TenzoR]

Thanks, I've updated this FAQ with more things I found interest ;)

[tienm23]

I recently ordered a strobe kit from Calumet and found them to be excellent. Fast shipping and even change from UPS to Fedex so I didn't get hit with brokerage fees. They are out of Chicago I believe.

http://www.calumetphoto.com/

[TenzoR]

I recently ordered a strobe kit from Calumet and found them to be excellent. Fast shipping and even change from UPS to Fedex so I didn't get hit with brokerage fees. They are out of Chicago I believe.

http://www.calumetphoto.com/

Thanks updated

[nden]

Found this would be great project too.

http://www.motleypixel.com/forum/index.php/topic,80.0.html

[TenzoR]

Found this would be great project too.

http://www.motleypixel.com/forum/index.php/topic,80.0.html

Thanks updated the FAQ

[laflaque]

Good info and tips espacially if you`re using a Canon 50D or Xsi:

http://www.learnslr.com/

[TenzoR]

Good info and tips espacially if you`re using a Canon 50D or Xsi:

http://www.learnslr.com/

Thanks, updated the FAQ

[ihsn]

Great thread.

[sfu_engineer]

Confessions of a Photographer - Awesome portrait and commercial photographer, lots of good portrait videos - http://www.bertstephani.com/blog/

Squeeze The Lime - More videos and tutorials on portrait/commercial photography - www.squeezethelime.com

[TenzoR]

Thanks again, I've updated the links

[sfu_engineer]

Thanks again, I've updated the links

No. Thank YOU for taking the time to start and update this thread. ;)

[demi2004]

Broadway Camera. Last time I needed to buy a bunch of equipment, they were the cheapest. To the point where Canon CPS membership was more if I'd buy it from say Henry's!!
Great CS and fast shipping.
No GST for those outside of BC too!:)

www.bccamera.com

[SENSEI]

Broadway Camera. Last time I needed to buy a bunch of equipment, they were the cheapest. To the point where Canon CPS membership was more if I'd buy it from say Henry's!!
Great CS and fast shipping.
No GST for those outside of BC too!:)

www.bccamera.com

+1

McBain and The Camera Store are 2 other out of province shops I tend to check pricing regularly from...sometimes it works out cheaper than buying form the US.

I'm sure everyone knows about it...but anyone that wants to buy gear should always compare with www.photoprice.ca

[TenzoR]

Thanks I've updated. I've only bought stuff from McBain but definitely will look into the new one! keep these urls coming!

[Lil Big Mec]

Don's Photo (http://www.donsphoto.com/) Great prices, fabulous selection and super friendly and helpful staff (in the one B&M store I have visited). They will price match advertised prices, although they generally have the cheapest prices I have found in Canada. I've only been to the Regina, SK store but they have quite a few across the country.

[TenzoR]

Don's Photo (http://www.donsphoto.com/) Great prices, fabulous selection and super friendly and helpful staff (in the one B&M store I have visited). They will price match advertised prices, although they generally have the cheapest prices I have found in Canada. I've only been to the Regina, SK store but they have quite a few across the country.

Thanks, this has been updated!

[Mac10]

can anyone vouch for simonscamera.com? Thnking of buying a d90 from there.

[TenzoR]

can anyone vouch for simonscamera.com? Thnking of buying a d90 from there.

My friend bought a couple lenses from them and said they had good service. He lives in Montreal so can't really comment about online order/shipping.

[Mac10]

My friend bought a couple lenses from them and said they had good service. He lives in Montreal so can't really comment about online order/shipping.

thanks for the input.

[blackhawk]

Been on the site for a couple years and this is the first time I've looked at the FAQs and the links!

Excellent! Thanks for your work on this:)

When I reformat I always have a hard time finding my favourite links again and here they are!

[TenzoR]

Been on the site for a couple years and this is the first time I've looked at the FAQs and the links!

Excellent! Thanks for your work on this:)

When I reformat I always have a hard time finding my favourite links again and here they are!

No problem that's what the FAQ is for ;)

[CSAgent]

No problem that's what the FAQ is for ;)

I just wish more people would read the FAQ, it's there for a reason.

We get so many "what camera should I buy threads" or "Canon vs Nikon" threads when it could easily be answered by doing their own research based on this FAQ. :)

[TenzoR]

I just wish more people would read the FAQ, it's there for a reason.

We get so many "what camera should I buy threads" or "Canon vs Nikon" threads when it could easily be answered by doing their own research based on this FAQ. :)

True these links will help if you want to do research or shop for prices.

However, the forum is great if you have already narrow the camera choices down and have a feel of what you would like to accomplish with the camera.

I believe we have quite of few good amateur to professionals (like yourself) that can certainly chime in from their experience.

[sam-x]

Did anyone mention the camera store? www.thecamerastore.com

Free shipping anywhere in Canada, when you spend over $500. Great customer service.

[TenzoR]

Did anyone mention the camera store? www.thecamerastore.com

Free shipping anywhere in Canada, when you spend over $500. Great customer service.

I've added it to the list :)

[hdom]

Any suggestion for easy & free website builder to showcase photos, leave contact info for business use ?? Thx. ;)

[seangoesbonk]

Thanks for this thread!

I recently ordered from Don's Photo. They shipped out the order in less than 24 hours and it took only 2 days to ship (Edmonton to Vancouver). Order to delivery in 3 business days. I also sent a few emails in advance to ask a few questions, and they were very helpful and pleasant in their response.

By the way, you still get the VISA extended warranty and damage protection if you order via PayPal using your VISA as the funding source.

[TenzoR]

Thanks for this thread!

I recently ordered from Don's Photo. They shipped out the order in less than 24 hours and it took only 2 days to ship (Edmonton to Vancouver). Order to delivery in 3 business days. I also sent a few emails in advance to ask a few questions, and they were very helpful and pleasant in their response.

By the way, you still get the VISA extended warranty and damage protection if you order via PayPal using your VISA as the funding source.

That I didn't know, is it any VISA card?

[RatherBePerfin']

Has anyone purchased from Galaxy Camera before? I am currently watching the DSLR market and am having a really hard time deciding which mid-level DSLR camera and lense combo to start with (50D, 60D, D90, wait out the D90 replacement, ect). Despite being a touch out of my desired price range I am thinking of going straight to the 7D with the 15-85 lense, and galaxy has the best combo price I've seen by far (listed through e-bay). They look to have a store front as opposed to being a strictly online retailer, so I assume they are quite reputable.

[TenzoR]

Has anyone purchased from Galaxy Camera before? I am currently watching the DSLR market and am having a really hard time deciding which mid-level DSLR camera and lense combo to start with (50D, 60D, D90, wait out the D90 replacement, ect). Despite being a touch out of my desired price range I am thinking of going straight to the 7D with the 15-85 lense, and galaxy has the best combo price I've seen by far (listed through e-bay). They look to have a store front as opposed to being a strictly online retailer, so I assume they are quite reputable.

My friend got some stuff from them through their Ottawa store front. Nice people or so I remember.

If you are in AB, you can check out http://www.mcbaincamera.com/ as they do price match and just makes more sense :)

[puneet]

I'm new to the DSLR world and came across a Canon tutorial site. I found it rather educational (for people like me). Enjoy!

http://web.canon.jp/imaging/enjoydslr/

good one

thanks

[CJ TXB]

I'd also consider adding deviant art to the list of free sites. It's not great for mass uploading (like flickr) but there's no limit to how much you can upload (as far as I know)

[TenzoR]

I'd also consider adding deviant art to the list of free sites. It's not great for mass uploading (like flickr) but there's no limit to how much you can upload (as far as I know)

Added but with a note ;)

[pvp]

Hi. A DSLR newbie here. I just had an impulse buy of Canon T3 with 18-55IS @ Best Buy for 549+taxes. Is it a good buy? And is it a good camera for beginners? Or should I return and look for something else?
Haven't even opened the box yet.

[TenzoR]

Hi. A DSLR newbie here. I just had an impulse buy of Canon T3 with 18-55IS @ Best Buy for 549+taxes. Is it a good buy? And is it a good camera for beginners? Or should I return and look for something else?
Haven't even opened the box yet.

For pricing, there's a thread on the Hot Deals forum that should give you an indication of the current deals/prices.

http://forums.redflagdeals.com/dslr-camera-megathread-976343/

It's Canon's entry level dSLR so it's aim at beginners. I don't know your skill level nor your interest level so it's hard to gauge. I say give it a try and see. If you truly enjoy photography, it should be easy to pick up as all the new dSLR are pretty good.

[pvp]

For pricing, there's a thread on the Hot Deals forum that should give you an indication of the current deals/prices.

http://forums.redflagdeals.com/dslr-camera-megathread-976343/

It's Canon's entry level dSLR so it's aim at beginners. I don't know your skill level nor your interest level so it's hard to gauge. I say give it a try and see. If you truly enjoy photography, it should be easy to pick up as all the new dSLR are pretty good.

Thanks for the reply. I am a total newbie with SLR. Only used basic point and shoot before. But have always been interested in photography and would like to start with DSLR now. I am not sure whether to keep this one (T3) @ 549 or get T1i @ 100 bucks more.

[TenzoR]

Thanks for the reply. I am a total newbie with SLR. Only used basic point and shoot before. But have always been interested in photography and would like to start with DSLR now. I am not sure whether to keep this one (T3) @ 549 or get T1i @ 100 bucks more.

Do a search on the forum and I'm sure there are a dozen similar thread. Honestly, it really depends on your needs/wants. Most modern dslr perform pretty much the same, the pricier ones will no doubt have features that justify their prices but for now my suggestion would be just get something that will get you into this hobby. Learn the fundamentals and go from there. After a while, you should know what you want/need. Buying something futureproof isn't realistic as new dslr comes out every year with new and better feature sets.

[joker32]

haha, i just realized this amazing thread. :D Thanks, saw some of the links that talks about techniques. Awesome, I'm just beginning to do photography :D

[TenzoR]

haha, i just realized this amazing thread. :D Thanks, saw some of the links that talks about techniques. Awesome, I'm just beginning to do photography :D

Everyone is learning and I'm still learning. It's a never ending process to get that perfect shot.

[glover78]

hey I'm pretty sure this has been already answered but I really don't have time to sift through endless threads and posts to find the answer, which has probably been listed numerous times.

I was wondering what's the best setting to take a pic where for the most part the scenery is dark but the subject is in light ie WWE/UFC shows where for the most part it's dark in the areas around the ring, but there's a significant amount of light on the ring and the performers (subject). I was in a similar situation at nuit blanche where it was dark but I was in a spotlight and we had difficulties taking that perfect shot. So how do you do that perfect shot within those settings?

my cam is a Samsung point and shoot, 4.9-24.5mm 1:3.5-5.9 27 mm, 12.2 MP, 5x optical zoom

[TenzoR]

hey I'm pretty sure this has been already answered but I really don't have time to sift through endless threads and posts to find the answer, which has probably been listed numerous times.

I was wondering what's the best setting to take a pic where for the most part the scenery is dark but the subject is in light ie WWE/UFC shows where for the most part it's dark in the areas around the ring, but there's a significant amount of light on the ring and the performers (subject). I was in a similar situation at nuit blanche where it was dark but I was in a spotlight and we had difficulties taking that perfect shot. So how do you do that perfect shot within those settings?

my cam is a Samsung point and shoot, 4.9-24.5mm 1:3.5-5.9 27 mm, 12.2 MP, 5x optical zoom

I don't have any first hand experience but you should do a google search on ufc (or even concert) photography tips. This will give you an idea of how to setup your camera.