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1500 questions
31
votes
2 answers

What is a pancake lens?

I've read about a "pancake lens" but don't really understand what that means. What the pros and cons of having a pancake vs. another type of lens? I'm thinking of getting a Panasonic Lumix DMC-GF1 which comes with such a lens.
David Collie
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31
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11 answers

What do you do with your camera clock time in relation to time zones?

I live in the UK and spend most of my time here, apart from a short trip abroad once or sometimes twice a year. This Sunday just gone we switched from GMT to BST, so our clocks went forward one hour. I updated my camera clock to match the new…
Mark J P
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31
votes
1 answer

Why can't I see bokeh in the viewfinder?

I took this shot a few months ago, and something has been bugging me ever since. I was a bit surprised when I saw the image and saw the conspicuous "bokeh orbs". The thing is, I hadn't noticed anything of the sort when looking through the…
MikeW
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31
votes
2 answers

How does exposure fusion work?

I understand that "exposure fusion" is a method for combining different exposures into a single image. How exactly does it work, and how is it related to HDR?
coneslayer
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31
votes
9 answers

What are the best online photo classes?

I bought an entry-level DSLR at Christmas time (Nikon D3000 with 18-55mm and 55-200mm lenses) and have been figuring my way around the camera. I know the very basics, but want to take a class and can't logistically take one offered in my area. Are…
Sarah Haren
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31
votes
3 answers

Why do wide angle prime lenses have relatively small apertures?

I've noticed that many of the wide angle prime lenses (at least for Canon) have somewhat smaller apertures than their normal or telephoto counterparts. E.g. the regular Canon 24mm prime is f/2.8 while the 50mm prime is f/1.8. Theoretically, it…
ab.aditya
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31
votes
17 answers

What options do I have for GPS/Geotagging with a digital SLR?

I would like to track GPS points while I am photographing with my Canon EOS (5D) camera. What option do I have track them and what do you recommend?
Imageree
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31
votes
10 answers

What is an easy way to remember the full stop scale?

If you were teaching someone new to photography the full stop scales, is there a better way then flat out memorizing these values? Does anyone have an easy way that they remember the scale? Would it make more sense as a type of mathematical equation…
dpollitt
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31
votes
11 answers

Will a tilt-shift lens solve my 'leaning building' shots?

I shoot primarily with a Nikon D300, and that's not likely to change soon. The camera does everything I need it to do, but this. I also use a 17–55 mm lens, which I know that Thom castigates as being too expensive for not enough lens, but it's…
mmr
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31
votes
3 answers

Does changing the focal length change focus?

When using manual focus or back focus on D60, I sometimes zoom in the lens, set the focus, and then zoom out. Does changing the focal length (zooming out), also change the focus? In case the answer depends on the lens, I use Nikkor 55-200 and 18-55.
Aditya
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30
votes
4 answers

First paid gig as an amateur; do I need insurance?

I've had previous gigs for organisations on a very informal basis, and now one of them wants to book me for a higher profile event and has indicated they want to pay. The money really isn't the issue for me, as the organisation in question is a…
Dan
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30
votes
7 answers

Why is there "single" in the term DSLR (Digital Single Lens Reflex)?

I have been reading about lenses and I was curious to know why there is a term "single" in the abbreviation DSLR? As far as I have read, the modern DSLRs (for example, the Nikon 3200) come equipped with multiple lenses and there is an effective…
infoclogged
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30
votes
5 answers

What is the effect of a scratched lens?

I have a lens with a small but significant looking scratch near the center. But I don't see any difference in the photos. Where does the imperfection show up? How important is it to get the piece of glass replaced? (It's a Panasonic 14-45mm micro…
xpda
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30
votes
11 answers

Notes while taking photos

I bought a new DSLR and I'm trying to become proficient in using the camera. In other words learning what the settings do and understanding when to use certain settings and how the settings effect the photo. I'm starting to take a lot of pictures.…
Terry Diederich
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30
votes
9 answers

Can I leave the batteries in my camera?

I recently bought a Canon 1000d DSLR. I'm just an amateur and don't use my camera daily. I use it once or twice a week. Is it okay if I leave the batteries in the camera during this idle time?
Shoban
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