I finally took the dSLR plunge - Advice welcome

[Noel_Carboni]

I have archived all the original digital images - be they Raw or JPEG - that I've ever taken.

The reason I suggested shooting JPEG initially is that it does a lot for you and allows you to get familiar with the camera without getting bogged down in processing specifics. JPEG shooting is more dependent on getting the exposure right, and learning to do so will help in the future should you decide to shoot Raw. Raw + JPEG will give you both now - the convenience of JPEG with the potential of going back and converting your Raw files when you do settle on a workflow you like.

-Noel

[MJWeb]

Originally Posted by Noel_Carboni

I have archived all the original digital images - be they Raw or JPEG - that I've ever taken.

The reason I suggested shooting JPEG initially is that it does a lot for you and allows you to get familiar with the camera without getting bogged down in processing specifics. JPEG shooting is more dependent on getting the exposure right, and learning to do so will help in the future should you decide to shoot Raw. Raw + JPEG will give you both now - the convenience of JPEG with the potential of going back and converting your Raw files when you do settle on a workflow you like.

-Noel

Thank you so much for explaining it that clearly. Your answer makes perfect sense.

[Doug_Kerr]

Hi, Michael,

Originally Posted by MJWeb

I wasn't aware EF-S lenses were optimized for the Xsi

Well, optimized for (and only suitable for use on) the modern "1.6x" format size EOS cameras.

One feature of the EF-S lenses is that their rear element can (potentially) protrude further to the rear than is allowed in the basic EF series, possible because of the smaller reflex mirror in the smaller-format cameras. (Interference with the mirror is a major limitation on the extent of that protuberance.) This design consideration corresponds to a shorter back focus dimension, and the "S" in the designation reflects that. For lenses with a relatively small focal length, that simplifies the design.

The other design hallmark is that these lenses generate a smaller "image circle" than EF-series lenses, suitable to cover the smaller format size of the applicable cameras. This, among other things, gives the potential for the lenses to be smaller, lighter, and perhaps less costly than a lens of comparable focal length and aperture intended to cover up to a "full-frame 35-mm" format (36 mm x 24 mm).

The rubber bumper on the rear of the EF-S lenses is intended to prevent their inadvertent mounting on a larger-format camera - the modern larger-format EOS cameras have a feature on the mirror box into which the bumper will "bump" when attempting to mount an EF-S lens.

I share your distaste for the "Rebel" series of designations (not just for that name but also for the cryptic series of alpha designations). I always called my Digital Rebel a "300D".

Welcome to the wonderful world of Canon.

[MJWeb]

Originally Posted by Doug_Kerr

Hi, Michael,



Well, optimized for (and only suitable for use on) the modern "1.6x" format size EOS cameras.

One feature of the EF-S lenses is that their rear element can (potentially) protrude further to the rear than is allowed in the basic EF series, possible because of the smaller reflex mirror in the smaller-format cameras. (Interference with the mirror is a major limitation on the extent of that protuberance.) This design consideration corresponds to a shorter back focus dimension, and the "S" in the designation reflects that. For lenses with a relatively small focal length, that simplifies the design.

The other design hallmark is that these lenses generate a smaller "image circle" than EF-series lenses, suitable to cover the smaller format size of the applicable cameras. This, among other things, gives the potential for the lenses to be smaller, lighter, and perhaps less costly than a lens of comparable focal length and aperture intended to cover up to a "full-frame 35-mm" format (36 mm x 24 mm).

The rubber bumper on the rear of the EF-S lenses is intended to prevent their inadvertent mounting on a larger-format camera - the modern larger-format EOS cameras have a feature on the mirror box into which the bumper will "bump" when attempting to mount an EF-S lens.

I share your distaste for the "Rebel" series of designations (not just for that name but also for the cryptic series of alpha designations). I always called my Digital Rebel a "300D".

Welcome to the wonderful world of Canon.

Doug,
Thanks for bringing me up to speed! I've been reading some rave reviews on the new IS series of kit lenses. The 18-55mm and 55-250 mm look like toys to my eye but the glass is the thing -- not the cosmetics -- and they apparently take very good pics. Thanks again for your enlightenment.
Michael

[Noel_Carboni]

FYI, I have the Canon 10-22 zoom. It's rectilinear (i.e., it keeps lines straight) and outside of a bit of color fringing (also known as Chromatic Aberration or CA) that can be corrected digitally, it's simply a marvelous wide angle lens. I highly recommend it if you like wide angle shooting.

Here, for example, is a shot at 10mm I took with my 40D:

I have a vague thought I might have posted this shot before. If I've done so, please forgive me.

-Noel

[MJWeb]

Originally Posted by Noel_Carboni

FYI, I have the Canon 10-22 zoom. It's rectilinear (i.e., it keeps lines straight) and outside of a bit of color fringing (also known as Chromatic Aberration or CA) that can be corrected digitally, it's simply a marvelous wide angle lens. I highly recommend it if you like wide angle shooting.

Here, for example, is a shot at 10mm I took with my 40D:

I have a vague thought I might have posted this shot before. If I've done so, please forgive me.

-Noel

That's a great shot, Noel! Awesome lens, too. Thanks.
Michael

PS: My kit is coming tomorrow.

[MJWeb]

Got it.
Woot!