Beginning Cemetery Photography: Cameras

I personally prefer the digital SLR type cameras. SLR stands for Single Lens Reflex. What makes it different from the “Point and Shoot” camera’s is that it has interchangeable lenses. It can function as “point and shoot” (with the automatic mode) but can be fully customized in accessories, lenses as well as functions. SLR’s give you the most control possible. I’m a Canon lover. I think that they have the best cameras for the best price – with the largest selection of gear for what I want to do. We could debate this all day with Canon v.s. anybody, but let’s not, shall we? I used to sell camera’s for a living so I’ve heard it all. That said, if you have  Nikon, Sony, Pentax, or any other digital SLR made within the last 3 years you have a good camera! (Really, anything 6 megapixels and up is plenty.)
Here’s my favorite Canon SLR and the biggest bang for the buck without a doubt!
Canon Digital Rebel XSi 12MP Digital SLR Camera with EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 IS Lens (Black)
This camera is chalked full of features and creates simply spectacular pictures! There are literally entire books written about how to use this specific camera that I won’t get into here. Later posts will contain information about what settings and techniques I used to get certain shots.

If you need help operating the Canon Rebel XSi here’s a link one of the best guides out there:

David Busch’s Canon EOS Digital Rebel XSi/450D Guide to Digital SLR Photography

That’s not even close to everything you will need.

For long exposures you’ll want a good tripod:

Sunpak 9002DX Tripod with 3-Way Quick-Release Pan Head

And a remote shutter release for use with the tripod:

Canon Wireless Remote Control RC1 for Digital Rebel

For sunny day’s you’ll need a polarizing filter for your camera lens too. This depends on the diameter of your lens. Most canon kit lenses are 58mm diameter.

Hoya 58CIR 58mm Circular Polarized Filter

And don’t forget a bag to carry it all in. Personally, I’m a Tamrac fan. There have a virtual TON of bags! I like the backpack style, but I have a lot of stuff, too. If you have just the camera and one lens, you can get away with a sling bag or holster style.

Tamrac 5767 Velocity 7x Photo Sling Pack (Black)

That’s the very very very basic setup if you want “pro” gear. There’s higher end and lower end stuff, too. I am good friends with another cemetery photographer on the east coast who shoots with the Nikon D300 setup. The body alone on the D300 retails for about $1,800 at the time of this post. That doesn’t include any lenses or anything else!

Now, what if you want a “Point and Shoot” camera that doesn’t require all this but still takes awesome shots? No problem! Big pool to jump into though. Canon, Nikon, Panasonic, Fuji, Casio, Sony, Olympus and Samsung are just a couple of the better names in the business. For the time being, I stay away from HP and Kodak cameras. They’re world renown for ease of use – but that’s it. Their pictures tend to stink and their gear falls apart worse than most 1980’s vintage Fords. If you have a kodak or HP and you think the pictures are good – then you need to start looking at pictures from different camera’s. You’ll be amazed!

I have some suggestions for versatile and durable cameras that take awesome pictures:

The leader of the pack in my opinion for in the $150 price range in the P&S (point and shoot) division is this:

(Note: This post has been exhumed from past records! The Fuji S700 isn’t widely available anymore as it has been replaced by newer models. I think the S700 is still far superior to it’s newer siblings. This will be updated sooner than later, however.)

Fujifilm Finepix S700 7.1MP Digital Camera with 10x Optical Zoom

If you think I’m nuts, read the reviews. I’ve personally used this camera and know you can print an 11×14 right off the camera (no photoshop or ‘nuthin) that will compete with most 12 megapixel p&s cameras.

Next up if you have a wad of cash you want to blow and get a little more bang for the buck feature wise (though the Fuji S700 is almost as good in picture quality) check out this tank:

Canon PowerShot G9 12.1MP Digital Camera with 6x Optical Image Stabilized Zoom

If I had $400 and change to spend on a backup p&s it would be this camera.
(Again, the most recent model is the G10. G9’s are kind of hard to come by, but are well less than $400 now!)

These guys don’t have a whole heck of a lot accessories available. However, the Fuji S700 (or S5700 if you’re a Ritz Camera customer) has a 46mm diameter thread with which you can mount small UV or polarizing filters since the lens doesn’t move in or out. (Cool!)

With the point and shoots a tripod is still required, though you can get smaller lighter tripods too. You can even get what’s called gorilla tripods that attach to almost anything!

Joby GP1-01EN Gorillapod Flexible Tripod (Grey)

So that’s it for the basics of the gear you might need! I’ll introduce more cool tools of the trade (and tips and tricks) as the blog continues. My goal is one post a night!

Until then, happy research, read reviews, be your own skeptic, don’t believe a word I say until you prove me right or wrong, and above all else: HAVE FUN!!!