Maybe this is the wrong forum for this but I admire your guys work so much.  I assume you use SLRs...has dust ever been an issue?

I suppose we can keep this thread in this section. I use a Minolta Z6 (6mp, 12x optical zoom):

 

I'll usually use this guy.

 

EOS Canon Digital Rebel 6.3mp (SLR).  I primarily use a 28-200mm Tamron lens w/UV filter.  I just got this about a month or so ago...so most of my posts were with a much more rudamentary camera.

Thx guys,  Rando, I'm thinking of the Canon rebel Xti.  I would buy the body only and than purchase a nice lens ( ihead the kit lens is weak). i was also considering the Nikon D40 but I like that the Canon has a auto dust cleaner.

^ I have the XTi and yes, I'd recommend you get better lens.  The lens that comes with the camera is OKAY.  It's good to start out with.

The camera is amazing though.  I have heard a lot of good press about the D40 but the canon DOES have the dust sensor and it is less expensive... hope I could help.

Nikon D70

 

Nikon N80

 

Canon AE-1

 

If you are concerned about dust on a dSLR, do the following --

1. Clean the front and rear lens with some water on a handkerchief or special camera cleaning cloth (often times more expensive). Use an ear syringe (bulb) to blow the excess away.

2. Clean the sensor. Go to your camera's mirror lock-up mode, enable it, and then use the bulb to blow the dust away. Purchase special cleaning fluid and applicators, and swab carefully over the sensor. DO NOT use compressed air, DO NOT blow on it, or anything else for that matter.

3. See this page for more

 

Variable (zoom) lens will allow more dust to get inside the lens housing itself over time, especially if you shoot in dirty, windy environments a lot.

I really need to up my game on the camera front.

^ it would be nice if you even used your cell phone more!

 

 

I'll usually use this guy.

 

 

^ that's my camera too. previously, i had a little pocket canon elph.

Canon Rebel XT

Piece of crap 4 year old Sony Cyber Shot and lots of editing on Picassa.

Haha, pretty cool Mrnyc.

I have a Nikon D70, no serious dust issue despite almost daily use for 3 years, I've maybe blown dust out 5 times. The only time I got a lot of dust in there was when I changed lenses in the wind and a ridiculous amount of dust blew in there.  I've used canned air to blow out the dust with no ill effects.  However there are different qualities of canned air, if you get the higher quality cans you have a lot more control and there's much less chance of liquid blowing out.  These cans cost about $15.  But even the liquid probably doesn't cause any trouble because it evaporates.  I've had the liquid blow out on negatives and it's never caused any permanent damage.  It evaporates after a minute or two.  The cheap canned air sometimes blows the nozzle itself out like a blow dart and I've dented one or two negatives with it.  Get the cans with the metal nozzle. 

 

Overall dust is a vastly overrated problem.  It doesn't even show up in the same spot for long because the vibration in the camera moves it around from day to day. 

Nikon D80

 

Monte, I was waiting for your reply b/c I am such a fan of your photos.  The D80 is a bit over my budget.  Is there a reason you prefer Nikon over Canon, lets say?  Most people say I can't go wrong either way b/w the D40x versus he Canon rebel Xti but I am looking for any words of wisodom before I invest the money. Why did you chose Nikon?

 

And thx for all the responses.

I see your Viewmaster and raise you one camera obscura.

 

 

Seriously:

 

 

And it shows.

Monte, I was waiting for your reply b/c I am such a fan of your photos.  The D80 is a bit over my budget.  Is there a reason you prefer Nikon over Canon, lets say?  Most people say I can't go wrong either way b/w the D40x versus he Canon rebel Xti but I am looking for any words of wisodom before I invest the money. Why did you chose Nikon?

 

And thx for all the responses.

 

Thanks Lester, in all honesty you can't go wrong with Nikon or Canon but I wouldn't venture past those two brands these days and stay away from Sony.  You will have to hold both cameras and get a feel for which one feels right in your hands.  I preferred the feel and menu system of the Nikon coupled with a hell of a kit lens when I was looking.

I'd second what montecarloss said. Just look at the photo threads on the forums and you'll see a lot of excellent work done with both Canon and Nikon, and for that matter, with cameras a lot simpler and less expensive than either one of those. The camera is secondary to the photographer's skill and attentiveness and feel for appealing composition.

 

I started with a Zeiss-Ikon Contaflex, one of the early SLRs, in 1962. It was a gem, very sharp, and some of the older photos I've posted on the site were taken with it. It had leaf shutter built into the lens, though, and no lens interchangeability. I carried it until 1979 when I decided to spend some money and move up. I went with a Nikon FM after looking at and handling most of the other name brands. My first career was as a machinist/toolmaker and I still love mechanical things, and to me, Nikon's feel and apparent manufacturing quality seemed superior. I especially noticed the silky-smooth motion of the film advance when compared with any of the others.

 

It took me 25 years to wear that camera out, and by the time I decided to go digital, I had become a Nikon loyalist.

 

Don't rule out buying used if you have a dealer you know and trust or if you can buy from an individual you know won't cheat you. I've gotten some very good hardware that way over the years, often for about fifty cents on the dollar. I'd be wary of spending much with strangers on eBay, though.

Yeah buy used...  I will sell you my Nikon D80 in preparation for a Nikon D90 ;)

Fuck that. I'll take a Nikon D3 full-frame. :)

f$&k that. I'll take a Nikon D3 full-frame.

 

Why stop halfway to nirvana? I'd prefer a digital back for one of my 4x5 cameras.  :-D

 

It's only money; I've been told that I can't take it with me, and refusing to go is not an option. :wink:

^if that's the case then, I'll gladly take some of your money off of your hands.

Canon Digital Rebel XTi and Canon 28-135 IS USM lens.  I like it a lot. 

All right camera geeks.

I finally posted the cameras I have for sale.

What collection wouldn't be complete without these beauties.

 

They're posted onUrban Ohio's classified section under "goods".

http://www.urbanohio.com/class/index.php?method=showhtmllist&list=advertisement_my&fromfromlist=classifiedscategory&fromfrommethod=showhtmllist&clearoff=1

 

Minolta x-350 with 2 lens

Focal DT-5000 Zoom Flash Unit

General Electric Type 213 Light Meter

Canon Data Back A

Sigma 1:3.5~4.5 70 - 250mm Multi-coated Zoom Lens

Sigm 2x Tele-Macro Lens

Canon 50mm Lens

Vivitar 55mm Wide Angle Lens

Canon AE-1 35mm Camera

Try this link

 

http://www.urbanohio.com/class/index.php?method=showhtmllist&list=classifiedscategory&rollid=4&fromfromlist=classifiedscategory&fromfrommethod=showhtmllist&clearoff=1

 

or www.urbanohio.com/class

wel guys, thax for all the input. After a ton of research, I decided aginst the SLr b/c I just know myself that I won't like lugging it around.  I am getting the Canon g9, which based on reviews seems to be one of the best point and shoots on the amrket and is a great size.  I figure if I really get into many of the features (this thing is loaded) I can upgrade to an slr in the future.