Canon EOS 350D

Ollie · #1 (**permalink**) 24-03-2006, 10:17 PM

I have just bought today a Canon EOs 350D. It came with an EF-S 18-55 lens.
I also bought a Sigma 70-300 F4-F5.6 lens. I know the Sigma probably isn't the best lens as far as capabilities are concerned, but it was the best my funds would run to at the moment.

Any general hints, tips, words of caution etc relating to this set up would be much appreceated. I am reasonably experienced with compact cameras using an S2IS, but realise that I have a pretty steep learning curve stepping up to the SLR

Cheers
Ollie

carlj · #2 (**permalink**) 24-03-2006, 10:24 PM

Not that steep Ollie. In terms of focal length, no difference from the S2IS but without the IS, you'll have to keep an eye on that shutter speed! And don't be afraid of upping the iso to at least 400 - noise is less of a problem with the ole dslr.

Get out there and enjoy!
Carl

Boddie · #3 (**permalink**) 24-03-2006, 10:47 PM

I have this camera with the Canon lens and a Tamron 28-300 lens also. It is well worth checking out the instructions, as you will get far more from the camera. I have been lucky enough to get an instruction video on a CD and that has really helped me to understand all of the settings. Really though the best tip is just to get out and use it, weather permitting.

digi · #4 (**permalink**) 25-03-2006, 04:24 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ollie

I have just bought today a Canon EOs 350D. It came with an EF-S 18-55 lens.
I also bought a Sigma 70-300 F4-F5.6 lens. I know the Sigma probably isn't the best lens as far as capabilities are concerned, but it was the best my funds would run to at the moment.

Any general hints, tips, words of caution etc relating to this set up would be much appreceated. I am reasonably experienced with compact cameras using an S2IS, but realise that I have a pretty steep learning curve stepping up to the SLR

Cheers
Ollie

Contgratulations Ollie. You have a decent set up there, at first you may not be happy with your results but stick with it and after a few weeks things will improve dramatically. Remember to keep a high shutter speed with the zoom lens, although I prefer to shoot in aperture priority with a setting of f7.1 or f8 this tends to be the so callled sweet spot of most lenses.

Set your camera to centre focus point only and continuous autofocus this will help keep the images sharp. You can easily get to iso 800 on the 350D with not too much noise.

Always change your lenses with the camera facing downward to reduce the risk of dust entering the sensor chamber.

Make sure you have two charged batteries and buy a couple of CF cards, don't put all your egss in one basket. You can email me for help anytime my email address is available on my website.

cheers

Ollie · #5 (**permalink**) 25-03-2006, 10:36 AM

Thanks Carl, Bodie and Digi for the advice. Am looking forward to getting to grips with the 350D and hopefully!! will have a few images from it good enough to post in the next few weeks. The one thing that has impressed so far is how fast it is to focus compared to the S2
Thanks Ollie

carlj · #6 (**permalink**) 25-03-2006, 10:45 AM

Glad you're enjoying the new adventure!
Like Digi, I tend to leave mine in aperture priority, sitting at f8 and even at 300mm, find it keeps shutter speed high enough to handhold, and depth of field still enough to obliterate most extraneous detail.
One thing Ollie, the compact sensors have a greater depth of field than the dslr, f8 on the s2 is more like f16 on the 350D - be careful with the close ups!
Carl