Yet Another noob...

[Alex Martini]

Hey guys/gals,
Before I ask my questions, I would like to say Hi and give a Quik Bio. I am currently attending college majoring in journalism. My main goal is to end up working for an automotive magazine. I know its hard, and I know that the competition to get into working for any automotive magazine is harsh, but why would I want to live my life NOT doing what I love? Im also working on getting into an internship working for an automotive magazine, so that should be exciting!
Anyway, Iv'e done freelance writing and such, I now want to move onto photography. Of course, I want to get into Automotive/Motorsports Photography. The only problem is that the topic of Cameras (i.e. terminology, etc.) is like Greek to me. So that's why I am here, to learn!
Now as for my question. The camera I was looking into getting was the Digital Rebel XT, I hear that its a great camera for regular use, but not so hot for professional use, is this true? How many photographers on a more profesional level use this particular camera, especial for motorsports?
But like I said, I am here to learn as much as I can before I make my purchase, and after.
Thanks everyone!
Alex

[Daniel Buck]

it's a big subject to cover!

First off, Megapixels. More isn't always better. But in terms of professional and semi-professional bodies, generally more is better. Megapixels is basically the number of pixels captured and outputted. More important than megapixels (in my opinion) is good quality lenses. I exchanged a few emails with the editor of Hotrod Magazine a year ago or so, and they were using 4 megapixel Canon and Nikon bodies for alot of images (accept for larger shots, like a cover or full page shot). 4 megapixel being somewhat small in todays terms, but it still gets the job done if you are good at your composition in-camera and not having to crop much after the shot is captured.

Aside from the digital chip, just about everything else is the same as film bodies.

I can't comment on the Rebel XT, as I haven't used one, but I suspect that it wouldn't quite be up to snuff for action shooting. Action shooting generally requires a larger lens, your setup would be very un-balanced I think, and the focusing wouldn't be as good/fast as a body higher up in the 'ranks'. For still shots, I think it would probably be just fine, though I still think most folks opt for a higher level body. For an introductory body, I would highly suggest getting a used Canon 10d (if Canon is what you want), it's a decently solid body, and you could probably get one for around $300? If you could find one that is. This would get into the world of digital on a used body, so that later on when you know for sure what *you* want, you'll be more informed because you already have experience under your belt, and you didn't pay to much for a body from the get go. The 10d would be more solid than an XT. (would also be cheaper, so you could afford to invest a bit more into good glass, which I recommend!) Though, I can't say for sure if the focusing would be any better or worse, my guess is that it would be about the same.

keep in mind however, I don't shoot for a magazine, just giving general input :)

[Todd Corzett]

The first thing to remember is that a camera is only a tool. While nice tools can make your job easier, it is the photographer that creates the images.

The Digital Rebel XT (or 350D) is a very capable camera. While the XT isn't the most "professional", but it is more than capable of taking great photos. The major advantage of the XT over the Digital Rebel is the ability to track the subjects using AI Servo. The "professional" aspects often refer to the number of shutter actuations that they are possible for, the speed of the auto focus, etc. While some of this helps when shooting motorsports, it's not a requirement (I would consider AI Servo the only requirement, but even without there are options).

Now... you have mentioned a camera, but what about lenses? For motorsports you often need long lenses because of the restrictions on where you can shoot from. A 18-55mm kit lens will not get you too far at the track. Lenses will be a factor of budget, but should be a consideration when buying a camera.

-Todd...

[Todd Corzett]

I suspect that it wouldn't quite be up to snuff for action shooting, as action shooting generally requires a larger lens, your setup would be very un-balanced I think, and the focusing wouldn't be as good/fast as a body higher up in the 'ranks'.
As for balance... you can put a grip on the camera (I believe)... and short of a 1-series you're not going to get the balance of a larger body. Yes, it will not be as good/fast as a higher-up body, but it doesn't make it unusable. The XT is a better camera than the D30 (I'm sure no one will argue that), and the D30 is more than capable:


http://www.unitonestudios.com/gallery/motorsports/2004/ALMS/searspoint/images/040717_10036.jpg

http://www.unitonestudios.com/gallery/motorsports/2004/AMA/searspoint/images/040430_30448.JPG

http://www.unitonestudios.com/gallery/motorsports/2004/AMA/wsbk/images/040709_10332.JPG

http://www.unitonestudios.com/portfolios/strip/images/040731_20029x.jpg


Selecting a lens is the next decision, and like Daniel mentions, nearly as important as the camera.

-Todd...

[Paul Hansen]

Get a good used 20D instead of the XT, and then concentrate on lens - that is where the major difference will crop up in many ways.

Cheers

[Daniel Buck]

Yes, it will not be as good/fast as a higher-up body, but it doesn't make it unusable.

just to make clear, I wasn't saying the XT isn't capable shooter, just that it might not be the most optimal tool for the job when using longer lenses. :) If someone is looking to shoot motorsports with long lenses, I would try to steer them towards a different body. I held an XT once for a few seconds, it's really pretty small. Sometimes small isn't as practical when other weight comes into play, like a large lens with out a monopod :)


On the subject of lenses, I think just about everyone will agree than the 70-200 2.8 is a very well rounded lens, it can be used for just about any type of shooting. If you were to start with one lens for shooting vehicles, I'd suggest this lens, it's well worth the cost. Though it may seem a bit expensive now, you won't find anything better unless you switch to prime lenses (no zoom in or out), and even then, it's not very far off! The focal length range is good for cars as well, and the zoom gives you alot of freedom where you stand, and how you compose.

[Alex Martini]

Hey guys,
First I want to thank you for all your responses, I appreciate it! I definetly have alot to learn. Also, I didn't realize I left this out, but I'll mostly be shooting still automotive shots. Like of peoples cars. But like I said I appreciate all your responses and will definetly take all your advice into consideration.

[Daniel Buck]

for stills, I'd say the XT would be just fine. A set of primes would be lighter weight than zooms, and since they are stills you don't really need the zoom. I shoot 95% of my stills with Canon's 135 f2.0 lens. check my gallery. I also bring along an 85mm incase there isn't alot of room, and then I have my 28mm for wide shots (usually thats only for landscapes).