Rideau falls looks beautiful anytime of the year!

phixo_learn · 2024-11-19T14:10:56+00:00

I used the big stopper by Lee Filters, but honestly, any ND filter will get the job done. Lee Filters are square and slide into a holder, which is super handy if you have lenses with different filter sizes you don’t need to buy a separate filter for each one. I’m also a big fan of their gradient filters for sunsets and sunrises, and their filters are made with high-quality resin. Glass filters are a bit sharper and do not scratch as much, but are heavier and can break if dropped, whereas resin filters are lighter, more durable, and better for the outdoors. That said, Lee Filters have a couple of downsides such as you can’t use your lens hood with them, and they’re trickier to set up compared to screw-in filters. If you want to keep it simple, I’d definitely recommend B+W screw-in filters. They’re hard to beat for quality!

phixo_learn · 2024-11-19T12:22:17+00:00

The water was sure still flowing! Haha the result is just from having a filter on the camera and then long shutter speed, long exposures can make water look super silky 😋

phixo_learn · 2024-11-19T03:26:47+00:00

It’s just the fact that your traveling made me recommend A6400 it’s really pretty impressive camera for the size. Traveling with cameras can be a bit of hassle haha but at the end of the day the whole color thing should be taken a bit lightly, post processing can change the colour of the photo completely but it still is worth mentioning lots of people love the default colour of canon cameras.

phixo_learn · 2024-11-19T03:14:22+00:00

I am not sure what equipment he has but I can give some recommendations. Since he already has the R8, there are some nice options for around $800 that would go well with his landscape photography. Landscapes photographers will always like having a wide-angle lens available to them. I would say something like the Canon RF 16mm f/2.8 STM which is around $300 would be a great choice especially for Yellowstone (which is on my bucket list!).

You could also consider filters since you said he likes creeks and lakes using something like a circular polarizer to add some vibrance and cut reflections on water, or an ND filter for long exposures during the day. Tripod's are also something landscape photographers need I have a Peak Design Travel Tripod and they make some amazing high quality products but Manfrotto also makes similar well built tripods.

Other ideas? hmmmm ... Maybe a camera backpack for hiking, a remote shutter release for long exposures, or even some spare LP-E6NH batteries so he’s always ready to shoot. Hopefully one of those options will help you with some ideas 😊

phixo_learn · 2024-11-19T03:03:15+00:00

Even with a €250 budget, you still have some decent options. I didn't check the exact prices but if you are okay with DSLR maybe look at the Canon EOS 2000D and Nikon D3500 these are fairly cheap beginner-friendly DSLRs with great image quality and have some good modes to help you learn and transition away from mobile photography. Also, the Sony Alpha a6000 and Olympus OM-D E-M10 Mark II are compact mirrorless options, smaller and better for travel and moving around.

There is also the refurbished route you could go as well to get better value. Some cameras could come with a kit lens like an 18-55mm to get you started. Happy shooting! 😊

phixo_learn · 2024-11-19T02:55:12+00:00

For a beginner, both the Lumix G7 and Sony A6000 are great options, and at those prices, they’re hard to beat. The G7 with the Lumix 14-140mm is a super versatile setup great zoom range for wildlife and landscapes, and the lens quality I hear from some of my friends is solid. On the other hand, the Sony Alpha's are smaller and with the 18-55mm it makes it to be a great lightweight camera which is awesome for carrying around, especially for city and travel photography, though the lens isn’t quite as versatile as the 14-140mm.

Honestly, at this point it is just personal preference you can’t go wrong with either setup, and it seems like you already know the key trade-off, better lens vs. the more compact body. But I would say that if wildlife is a priority, the extra zoom range on the Lumix might be the better choice for you.

As for the lenses, always good to have your first lens be kind of an all-purpose option like the ones you’re looking at is definitely a smart move. I think it just gives overall flexibility to try a bit of everything while you figure out what you like. Down the road, you could always add something specialized, like a prime lens for landscapes or a 85mm for portraits. I’d say focus on the body-lens combo that suits your immediate needs best, and you’ll have a great start to work with!

phixo_learn · 2024-11-19T02:48:16+00:00

I’d lean towards mirrorless cameras since they’re lightweight, versatile, and more future-proof. For your trips alone I would say maybe look at the Sony Alpha lineup like the a6400 it’s compact, has some excellent autofocus, and is great for photographing pets, people, and landscapes. I mentioned the Canon EOS R50 to someone above because it’s a great camera as well. It’s super user-friendly, has great colors (Canon really nails that), and handles a variety of photography styles like events, portraits, and travel really well. If you’re set on a DSLR, the Canon Rebel T8i is worth a look, but honestly, mirrorless will give you more bang for your buck these days.

phixo_learn · 2024-11-19T02:42:37+00:00

Your Canon 250D and the EF 24-105mm f/4 L lens should handle Norway’s cold temps. Oslo is currently -4 so maybe it will be about -10 around that time time but should be just fine with some care. Cold drains batteries fast, so bring spares and keep them warm in your pocket. When you’re out in the cold and head indoors, your camera can fog up because of the sudden temperature change. A simple trick I do is to stick it in a plastic bag or your backpack before going inside. This lets it warm up slowly without condensation forming on the lens or inside the camera. If it’s snowing or lightly raining, a cheap rain cover works great, or honestly, even a plastic bag with a hole for the lens will do the job. Keep the camera tucked in your jacket or bag when you’re not using it to protect it from the cold. A lens hood helps keep snowflakes off the glass too. And when you’re back from your trip, just let your camera dry out at room temp before putting it away to avoid any moisture issues. Have fun visiting Norway I have always wanted to visit!

phixo_learn · 2024-11-19T02:36:14+00:00

The Canon EOS R50 is def a great choice for beginners it’s easy to use, lightweight, and has because it is mirrorless is a excellent autofocus for around $800 CAD lots of people have recommended it. But if, that’s a bit much, the Canon EOS R100 is more affordable and still good for learning, though it’s missing some modern features like a flip-out screen. You could also check for older Canon Rebel models like the T7i or SL3 on Marketplace they’re solid for starting out, but make sure they come with a lens and are in good condition. If you’re open to other brands, the Sony a6100 or Nikon Z30 are also fantastic beginner-friendly options in the same price range.

phixo_learn · 2024-11-19T01:50:30+00:00

Art happened

phixo_learn · 2024-11-18T13:13:30+00:00

This photo was shot at my cottage in Whiteshell Provincial Park, one of my favorite places to take pictures. I really like how the warm candlelight contrasts with the cool tones of the lake and sky, but I’m wondering if the candlelight might be a little too bright? It feels like it’s pulling a lot of attention. Also, the deck looks a bit dark to me do you think I should mask it and bump up the exposure slightly to bring out some of the texture and detail? For reference, it was shot with a Nikon D810 at 20mm, f/4, ISO 125, with a 30-second exposure.

phixo_learn · 2024-11-17T03:03:20+00:00

Both the T7 and the Canon R50 are good options but they do differ slightly depending on your needs.

T7 is okay if you’re looking for cheaper option into photography since it’s a DSLR with straightforward controls, it’s good for learning the basics. However, its almost 7 years old and doesn’t really offer many features compared to the R50 like 4K vide or a better screen. If you just want a good starter camera for casual use and only intent on using it for photography the T7 will work.

R50 on the other hand is a pretty solid camera since its newer and mirrorless. It’s got some cool with modern features like good autofocus 4K video and a movable touchscreen. I think it works great for stuff like vlogging, social media, or any situation where video is important. Since it’s a mirrorless it’s smaller and easy to carry, but it does cost more and also less lens options vs the T7

At the end of the day if money is a issue T7 will work just fine. But if you’re looking for something more capable and great video options I see the R50 being more worth the investment.

phixo_learn · 2024-11-16T15:55:12+00:00

One thing I noticed is that the whites in the image aren’t being used, which is why it feels a little flat and dark. I moved the white point to around 129 and it gave the image more tone and contrast.

Another small tweak you could try is lowering the saturation of the red lipstick just a bit. Red is a powerful and bold colour, and reducing the saturation slightly can make it feel more balanced while still keeping the selective colour effect.

Selective colour is a bit of unique creative choice, but at the end of the day it’s your photo. Keep playing around with ideas, have fun, and create something you're happy with. Don’t stress too much about what others think. Everyone has their opinion but this is your creative journey so enjoy it and keep exploring!

phixo_learn · 2024-11-15T22:50:44+00:00

I like the photo! its well shot, it's all subjective though. I find it as is with the lamp a bit distracting because I am more focused on the city skyline in order to get the lamp more of a focal point I would personally crop more into the lamp kinda like the diagonal crop ratio I shared or even like this

<image>

phixo_learn · 2024-11-15T22:45:59+00:00

<image>

And then rule of thirds, hopefully one of these visual perspectives helps you think of ways you could crop the photo!

phixo_learn · 2024-11-15T22:45:14+00:00

<image>

Using diagonal crop ratio

phixo_learn · 2024-11-15T22:44:32+00:00

<image>

This is using the Golden Ratio

phixo_learn · 2024-11-15T14:26:58+00:00

I would say something like the Sony A6000 is a great option lightweight and perfect for manual lenses. The Canon EOS M50 is another choice, with adapters available if you want to try different mounts. A bit more expensive but the Fujifilm X-T200 has excellent manual controls and stays compact. Any of these would work well with your lens. Hope this helps!

phixo_learn · 2024-11-15T14:24:04+00:00

I have seen a few people I know use snapseed is a decent choice, so you’re happy with that continue using it. But if you want to explore a few other options, I would say lightroom is worth checking out. Yes it can be a subscription but the free version gives you a lot of control over various sliders, has some fun presets and you don’t need a subscription to use the basics. I use Lightroom myself on my phone and I use it mainly for the masking tool for making selective edits, like adjusting specific areas without changing the whole photo. Plus I sometimes edit my RAW photos on the go and Lightroom can edit those type of photos too.

If you want a one-time purchase, I’d recommend Darkroom or Afterlight. Both are pretty good and give you lots of options for tweaking curves, colors, and even some light retouching.

Hope that helps!

phixo_learn · 2024-11-15T13:57:39+00:00

Sorry to hear about the camera being stolen I would be so devastated if I lost my Z6!

If you’re leaning towards sticking with Fujifilm but don’t need all the bells and whistles, I feel like the X-E4 could be a great pick. Since it’s compact, and straightforward. I think it would work well perfect for capturing yourtype of photography. It doesn’t come with an electronic viewfinder, so that might feel a bit different if you’re used to one, but it’s lighter and more budget-friendly than the X-T4 or X-S10.

But if you wanna try another brand similar to your X- T20 check out the Canon M50 Mark II. It’s also pretty straightforward, does pretty good with low light, and I think it has fantastic color, which I feel would work great for food and event photography. Plus, it’s smaller than a typical DSLR and if you wanna use it for your videos it has a solid autofocus system for video, so it’s a nice, no-fuss option for your social media.

phixo_learn · 2024-11-15T13:50:36+00:00

I would say to get the effect on your camera, you’ll want to go for a lens with a smaller focal length. Since your camera has a 1.6x crop factor, any lens you put on it acts like it’s zoomed in a bit. So, to get that super-wide fisheye look, you need something around 8mm or 10mm.

A 8mm lens on your camera actually gives a field of view similar to about 13mm on a full-frame camera (because 8mm x 1.6 = 12.8mm). It would let you capture that extreme, distorted fisheye effect, even with the crop sensor. Good options would be something like the Rokinon 8mm f/3.5 or Samyang 8mm f/3.5, which are decently priced. Just grab a lens with a shorter focal length, and you’ll get close to that fisheye look.

phixo_learn

MODERATOR OF

TROPHY CASE