Canon EF 50mm f/1.8 II Camera Lens
Wow! My theory now is that Canon doesn’t put this baby as their kit lens because many people would decide that they DONT NEED ANOTHER ONE! And many of them would be right!

Like others, I bought the Rebel XT and the 28-135 IS lens. The 28-135 is heavy and priced like a gold brick. I guess it does OK, and I do keep it mounted most of the time.

And like others, I stumbled on this lens somehow, read the raving reviews, and for the price figured, “What the heck?”

This lens in tack sharp. It shows the fire in the colors you photograph. The wide aperture means candles can be excellent lights for portraits. Its narrow field is great.

There are pitfalls though. I snapped a pic of my face at arm’s length using autofocus a while back and (1) the focus locked on the tip of my nose and my face was already blurring (2) the lens was so sharp that I saw blackheads clearly on my nose tip I can’t really see in the mirror (doh!). I’ve read that dSLR images are slightly soft to aid in later editing. I can only imagine what it would do on a film camera.

Yesterday while camping I slapped this lens on. Unlike the 28-135, this one is light enough that I didnt notice I was carrying a camera everywhere. At night I put the lens on the top of the car pointed at the sky, set the shutter for 15 secs, and hit the button. Much to my amazement, the lens not only showed hundreds of stars that were invisible to my eyes, but it also found a galaxy. That pic is on the customer image section of this page. You can see what I saw, but the smaller size doesnt do the lens justice.

One quirk of Amazon is that this page keeps alternating pictures of lenses. This lens does not have the distance focus scales on the outside of it.

Zoom is nice for many things. But where zoom isnt necessary, performance is very, very nice. Performance at $70 is almost too good to be true.

Let me close by repeating what has been said elsewhere and will continue to be said here….IF YOU OWN A SLR, STOP NOW AND GET THIS LENS!

UPDATE 12/06 I have owned this lens for about a year now. Over that time I have immersed myself in photography, workshops, books, tests, etc. I have since upgraded to the 30D and a couple of L lenses, and now have a portfolio strong enough that I am now getting dollar signs thrown at me that I didnt even see coming. I say all this to give you some perspective on what I will write afterward.

Now that Ive really learned the difference, I can agree with others that it is a tad soft wide open, but that is to be expected. I read a lens test recently that put the 1.8 against Canons heavweight L glass, and, not surprisingly, the L beat out the $70 plastic wonder in most categories. What might surprise you, however, is that when the lens was tested at F 8 it BEAT THE L GLASS in sharpness! As one that has felt the pain of trading large sums of money for L glass, that still amazes me.

My 28-135 has since joined my kit lens in the garage. The 1.8 is still in my case with my newer 30D.

With some experience under my belt I now would make the following recommendation. Right now, as you read this, you may have an idea if you’ve been bitten by the photog bug. You may know that this beast is going to morph into something more than a simple pasttime. If you look inside the depths of your aspirations and you know that you are going to be a serious amateur, bite the bullet and get the 50mm 1.4. Trust me on this one. Eventually you’ll end up getting it anyway, so just apply the $70 to the 1.4 now.

If you’re just exploring different areas of SLR photography, you cant go wrong with this lens. Case in point- as of this writing the baby in pink in the customer images section of this lens is one of the top-ten rated images of all pics uploaded on Amazon! This lens will allow you to dazzle friends and relatives used to snapshots from point & shoots. It will be the start of what you upgraded to a DSLR for in the first place. For you, the 1.8 is still, by far, the best value in photography!
Best Value in Photography!:

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A wonderfully full-featured camera at an unbeatable price

I’ve had the T1i for about almost week now and after some extensive use, here are my thoughts:

1. 15.1 megapixel sensor. Yes, the high megapixel count is impressive, but keep in mind that, as you approach higher resolutions, you need to ensure the lens on the SLR can resolve that much detail. Sadly, the included 18-55mm IS lens is functional, but the high resolution really shows the so-so quality of the lens. Even if taken at the proper focus, pictures can appear soft with this kit lens. Shots I have taken with Canon EF-S 17-85mm and EF 70-200mm L lenses are crisp. I don’t have any gripes on image quality. There are some issues with noise on the higher ISOs that don’t seem to show up on the Nikon digitals, but overall, the quality is amazing for the price. Skin tones, textures, colors are reproduced very accurately.

2. Digic 4. The Digic 4 processor appears to process/save the 15 megapixel images in the same time (if not faster) than the Digic III processor on the XSi (even in RAW+Jpg mode). I have also noticed that at higher ISOs, the sensor and the Digic 4 produce images with less overall noise compared with its predecessors.

3. LCD. The 920,000 pixel LCD screen is large (3″), crisp, vibrant and fully visible even in bright sunlight. In comparison, the Canon XSi SLR (which the T1i replaces), also has a 3″ LCD, but with 230,000 pixels. The viewing angle is great as well and the LCD can easily be seen nearly 180 degrees around.

4. ISO 12800. Canon and Amazon are correctly identifying that the T1i maxes out at ISO 3200. Some less reputable dealers are listing an ISO 12800, which you should disregard. The ISO 6400 and 12800 settings are expanded ISO settings. The pictures taken on these two settings are ISO 3200 images pushed to ISO 6400 or 12800 by the Digic 4 chip before saving to the memory card. These pictures are extremely grainy and contain a lot of noise to the point of only being usable as for snapshots or adding an artistic effect to certain compositions.

5. Penta-mirror. That Canon is still using one in the T1i is disappointing. The penta-mirror viewfinder image is functional, but still noticeably darker than that of the penta-prism viewfinder in the Nikon D90 (which is the T1i’s main competitor). I really would have preferred if Canon had kept the XSi’s 12.2 megapixel sensor, forgone 1080p video altogether, and maybe upped the cost of the camera slightly to cover the production cost of using a penta-prism in the T1i. Honestly, unless you are massively cropping your images, or creating large photos, the difference between 12.2 and 15.1 megapixels really is negligible.

6. Size. This is the same body as the XSi, and therefore a bit on the smaller side compared to other digital SLRs. I have small hands, so the T1i is comfortable for me. If you have big hands, I can see this being a very difficult camera to use over an extended period of time. If you haven’t handled a Canon XT, XTi or XSi, I would suggest you go to a store and hold the T1i yourself before purchasing it online. (I will upload a picture of the T1i in my hands to the user gallery for a size reference.)

7. HD Video. Yes, the Canon marketing department made a horrible marketing decision and pushed the T1i onto shelves limiting the 1080p recording to 20fps (frames per second). Recognize this as a marketing gimmick that allows them put a 1080p sticker on the camera box. The 1080p @ 20fps is fine most times, but seems a choppy if you have a lot of action in the frame or are panning quickly. The T1i’s 720p video is recorded at 30fps and is clean, smooth, and sufficient for all but the most discerning consumers. One major criticism though is that the sound is recorded in mono, AND there is NO input for an external microphone.

A lot of pre-production reviews of the T1i criticize its inability to automatically autofocus while recording. I wouldn’t put much weight in this criticism, mostly because neither of the other two SLR cameras with HD recording capabilities (Canon 5D Mark II and Nikon D90) can automatically autofocus while recording either. What you can do with the T1i is pan/zoom the lens and then press the AE lock (*) button to make the camera autofocus on the new subject (all while recording). A problem with using the AE lock button to have the camera autofocus is that the microphone for the camera is on the front upper left of the body near the lens mount. Therefore, the lens motor noise is picked up just as much as ambient sounds. Even with my quietest Canon USM (ultasonic motor) lenses, this lens motor sound is pretty loud in video playback. Although, remember, you can always manually turn the focusing ring on the lens to get your subject back into focus. It’s not easy, but after a little practice, it’s not all too hard, either.

Ultimately, you shouldn’t let the HD recording limitations sway you one way or the other. This is an SLR camera — not a video camera. The HD video is a great feature, but if you’re looking for something primarily to take video, look elsewhere. There are much better, cheaper VIDEO cameras out there which can record true 1080p.

8. Record button. For some reason, the record video button is next to the LCD screen (the same button used for direct printing). The first few times you take video, you’ll intuitively find yourself using the shutter release button used to take pictures. The reason for this switch is that you can take a still picture while recording video, although, doing so will interrupt the recording.

9. Battery life. My first fully charged battery only lasted about 250 shots (no flash), but all charges since have given me in the range of 500-700 shots per charge. I’m guessing the first charge had such a short life because I spent quite a bit of time learning the camera, its menus, and settings.

10. Live View. I honestly can’t review this as I haven’t used it too much yet — I prefer using the viewfinder. One feature I can say is nice is that, on the LCD, you can digitally zoom in (up to 10x) on a section of your shot to ensure it is properly focused. This, and the fine focusing, can really help if you’re into macro-photography.

11. HDMI cable. The T1i has an HDMI Type C output on the body to allow you to directly display pictures and video on an HDTV. A minor criticism is that the HDMI Type C cable is not included in the box. You have to buy it separately. It would have been nice if it were included, as it’s not an expensive cable.

Conclusion. The T1i is a bit on the light end, yet the construction still feels solid. For the camera’s price point, you’d be hard pressed to find any digital SLR out there which gives you all the capabilities and growth range of the Canon T1i. The camera is intuitive enough for those new to photography to pick and learn easily, yet configurable enough for advanced amateurs. If video is not a big deal for you, then get the Canon XSi. There is very little the T1i has (other than ISO 3200 and a sharper screen) that the XSi doesn’t. Plus, with the release of the T1i, you can probably pick up a used XSi for a great price on eBay. My wife recently gave birth, and I’m not looking to record endless (never to be watched) tapes of video footage of our son, but I do want several minute clips of him as he grows through the years. I’ve always been more inclined towards photography, so this camera gives me a very versatile digital SLR that I need with the wonderful capability of recording HD video that I want.
Canon EOS Rebel T1i 15.1 MP

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Digital video cameras continue to grow in reputation as the number of functions increases and the price decreases. FOr an exciting digital video camera, check out vado hd. There are a number of digital video camera add-ons that can make these types of devices much more handy as well as useful. From tiny “flip” cameras to high-end professional digital video cameras, these types of technological wonders have grown to be almost indispensable to modern life. Digital video camera accessories may add substantially to your enjoyment of your digital camera.

One very popular digital camera accessory is a tripod. Regardless of whether they’re designed to stand on the ground, or on a table top, tripods make certain that any kind of video taken will be steady instead of jerky, and it makes it handier to take longer videos, since the videographer doesn’t have to hold the digital camera in place for long times. Tripods range in price from $10 to around $100, so you can find one in about any price range. Take a look at Gorillapod tripods, too. They have flexible arms that can secure your camera to almost anything.

One of the most useful digital camera accessories is an additional battery. Having a battery run-down at a crucial point in a video shoot can be quite a hassle, unless of course there are back-up batteries available. You will have to get one to match the precise model of video camera, because all of them require different batteries. By providing batteries to the video photographer in your life, you are really giving the gift of time savings. It’s a great accessory to treat yourself to as well.

Extra memory cards are very useful digital camera accessories. Several cameras can take more than one kind, nevertheless , you should check the model number to be certain. If you, or the person you’re purchasing for don’t have a built-in computer card reader, you’ll be able to buy card readers that attach to the USB port. These are extremely handy for transferring video to other people’s computers, where there might or might not be a card reader built in.

For around $20 you can get a power adapter for the hugely well-known Flip video cameras. These will charge up a flip camera in 2 to 3.5 hours, in addition they are compact and fold up more compactly so they will have absolutely no trouble fitting in a pocket, purse, or camera case.

One more fantastic tiny item is the Nikon 7072 Lens Pen Cleaning System. It is a pen shaped device which can be used to clean lenses on video cameras, telescopes, or binoculars. It contains a soft, retractable brush, plus a non-liquid cleaning compound on the tip created from chamois. It is perfect for getting finger prints, dirt, and also debris off a lens and costs about $10.

Attachable LCD shades are great digital video camera accessories. They come in sizes to fit 2.5 and 3 inch LCD screens and can be had for below $20. They make taking video outside in vivid conditions much easier on the eyes by shading the LCD screen to ensure that it turns up better.

Digital video camera accessories are more than fun little add-ons. They are able to truly make it more convenient to make use of a digital camcorder, and are welcomed by all digital video aficionados. Digital video camera accessories vary in cost from below $10 to around $100, so you are certain to get something in your favored budget range. They are actually excellent presents, even though the recipient is you! For more info regarding digital video cameras, go to cheap video cameras

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If you are buying used cameras and second hand camera accessories there are a few things you need to be aware of, and I will try to list and explain how to avoid getting stung by would be fraudsters that lurk in many corners of the internet.

Firstly, use a site that will give you access to a sellers details without having to be a member such as Cam-Trader for all Second Hand Cameras People intent on using fraudulent means to grab your money dont like these kinds of site because they cannot remain anonymous and therefore the risk of being caught by law enforcers is very high. People that are genuine sellers have no qualms about giving contact details. Make sure that to be a member of such sites, that the seller is validated and cannot place items for sale unless they are validated. This is a safety backup if things do go wrong and action needs to be taken against a seller.

Secondly, do NOT part with any money until you are totally satisfied that the seller is genuine, that you have the right answers to questions you asked, and that you are prepared to accept that the item IS as advertised. The typical fraudster will ask for money orders or cash transfers because they are virtually untraceable. Find sellers that have a proper outlet or have paypal accounts that are verified. Its easy to trace
these people if things do go wrong in the transaction and you will have a paper trail leading to the person should you need to take any legal action.

Ok, so now you can trust the seller, but, is the item he/she is selling exactly as advertised? Is it in the condition as stated, is the price a fair one for the item?

Don’t know? … well ask! Genuine sellers have no objection to answering questions about the item they are selling. Not sure if the images provided are of the actual item? Same answer, Ask! Watch out for the “stock photo” ads, they could just be lazy or they could be trying to hide a huge dent in the camera body. Ask for additional pictures if you are not satisfied. Ask if the images are of the actual item being sold.

Once you are happy that the item is as described, look at delivery costs. Some sellers will deliberately keep the item price a little lower and then overcharge for delivery of the item to make it appear a very good bargain. Again, if costs of delivery are not stated, ask before you commit yourself to buy. The ask yourself, could I go to my local outlet and buy this item for less than the total price including delivery?

Bear in mind that no person in business is likely to be giving an item away without making a small profit at least.

When buying Used Cameras or any other Photographic Item, there are a few direct questions you can ask the seller to determine whether it is a good buy or not.

1) Why are you selling it? (if an individual)
2) Are there any scratches on the glass of the lens?
3) Does the camera have a shot counter ?
4) What year was it made?
5) Does it come with a case or bag?
6) Is it refurbished and do you give any guarantees?
7) What are your returns ploicy, terms and conditions?

Of course, when you ask questions you will need to know the technical specifications to ensure that the answers are correct. You can look up camera reviews and read them carefully. Alternatively take some guidance from a friend who knows something about photography and camera equipment.

If you intend spending some of your hard earned cash on Used Cameras it is well worth taking the time to check out what you should be getting for your money. If you have doubts about a seller or the item they are advertising then walk away.

Remember this phrase… Buyer Beware, is the seller being fair?

There will be plenty of other items to choose from so whats the rush? If you believe that the seller is not
as he describes or his item is not described correctly, then look for a “Report this item to Admins” link like the one on Cam-Trader for all Second Hand photographic accessories

I hope that I haven’t put anybody off buying Used camera Equipment or any accessories, as this is a growing market where even the most basic amateur can get a lot of enjoyment from taking photographs.

Enjoy your hobby

John Jones
Joint CEO
Cam-Trader

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The photgraphy market has become huge over the last few years and now most people have a camera, or phone camera in their pockets on a daily basis. In fact I dont perdsonally know anyone now who can’t take a snapshot at will, albeit, some are very poor in quality. From the avid amateur to the consumate professional, they all have one thing in common, the need for cameras, camera euipment and camera accessories. That is an expanding market by any stretch of the imagination, somewhat akin to the TV revolution of the 1950’s and on. Everyine has a TV and everyone has a camera.

I will tell you a short story about my step-son called Jim who is an avid amateur photographer. Jim wanted to buy an additional lens for his Nikon D60 camera. So, he set about the internet using search engines and came up with lists of camera shops, traders and shop sites, BUT after 3 days of searching he gave up. He wanted a second hand lens of a specific type as his budget wouldnt alow him to buy new.

Very dissappointed, Jim approached me and asked if it was possible to design a site that would help with this sort of shopping. I could not believe how few sites actualy had adverts directly leading to a seller. Most were directories or lists of oputlets from here to Timbucktoo. I love a challenge and set about designing the site.

Well, to cut a long story short, I designed Cam-Trader.com, a unique site for the introduction of buyers to sellers of Used Cameras

After a couple of months developing a site that was easy to use, cheap to advertise and without any annoying final selling fees. Cam-Trader for 2nd Hand Cameras was born. At the end of January 2010 We launched Cam0Trader.com and already dealers have started to put items for sale on the site.

Thats the why, now let me tell you about Cam-Trader.com. The site is a dedicated classified ads site for Photographic Accessories The site is very easy to navigate and you can advertise Used Photgraphic Equipment from only 19p for 30 days. Higher rates apply to longer periods and there are additional features that can be added to make your item for sale stand out in the crowd. Renewal options are availbale, so no need to repeat the ad submission.

I initially thought that this was a good idea for the UK, but I was wrong. We are getting enquiries from all over the world even though the site is new. A person in Australia contacted one of our Dealers and wanted the item shipped out. An Amercian buyer placed a deposit on an item and is collecting it when he comes to the UK later this year. You could have knocked me over with a feather.

So, what about the UK ? Well, after the first week of trading we now have many members who are currently putting items on the site for sale. Dealers and shops love the site, because we gave them a facility to place a URL link directly to their site or item, which gives them free backlinks and helps with their SEO too. Joining is a breeze too. It takes one minute and is TOTALLY FREE. You join even if you dont have anything to sell. Of course you can see the items for sale and buy them, without needing to be a member. To advertise you must register as a member.

And finally, to show our appreciation to the dealers and traders and individuals that join Cam-Trader.com we are giving a promotional code of pb100 which, makes advertising, at least until the end of March 2010 TOTALLY FREE (even with added photos,extended periods, bold, italics, and highlighted features.

Have a look at the site, you have nothing to lose.

John Jones
Joint CEO
Cam-Trader.com

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