Camera Labs

I went to my first class, DSRL 1, offered by my camera shop National Camera Exchange in Roseville, MN. It was mostly review for me, but not for the 20 other students there. I felt a little out of place. The instructor described shutter & aperture preference, hand-held shutter speed, format memory card in-camera, etc.; all of which was review for me.

But, I did learn a few things. It more or less backed up what I learned on my own about avoiding using multiple focus points for AF and just pick one...for most photos. Obviously, there are times when multiple focus points are required, like for sports. But, I found that by choosing just one focus point allows you the control your need.

But the most important thing I got out of the class is to purchase a polarizing filter and to use it at appropriate times. I used one in my youth when I shot B&W exclusively, but never considered it for color. After seeing the difference in color examples, I'm interested in buying at least one. I'd like some feedback from people here on polarized filters.

The instructor recommended a heavy duty tripod, but I'm a little short on funds for that now. I handed him my little one I strap to my camera bag: Targus® TG-5060TR tripod ($15). As soon as he grabbed it, his eyes grew big and he laughed at me and said, "You really don't want to use a tripod that's lighter than your camera." He pointed out a nice $156 tripod that would fit my camera bag.

Photography is an expensive hobby.

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-=- PalaDolphin
http://www.PalaDolphin.com
My equipment are:
Canon AE-1 Programmable w/55mm, 200mm, & 24mm lenses
Canon PowerShot G12
Canon Rebel T4i / EOS 650D
lens: EF-S 18-135mm 1:3.5-5.6 IS STM
lens: EF-S 55-250mm 1:4-5.6 IS II
lens: Quantaray Tech-10 CN AF 24mm 1:2.8 fixed
Canon Speedlite 199A flash
tripod: Targus® TG-5060TR
bag: Lowepro® SlingShot 202AW

Oh you're right, photography is a pretty expensive hobby.
Talking about tripods, I own a pretty basic Vivitar tripod, which cost about $35, obviously not the best quality, and I've really begun to notice that I should invest in a better tripod. I've broken mine twice already and I've had to glue it back in place. Also, with my SX20, the camera balanced pretty well, it was good enough. But now with my T3i, it feels unbalanced and pretty wobbly, and that's using the kit lens, I can't imagine it with a telephoto lens.
But honestly, I don't believe what your instructor said about the tripod being lighter than the camera. I once borrowed a carbon-fiber tripod, it was surprisingly light, but also very sturdy.

I think what you should look for in a tripod are 3 things: weight, sturdiness and durability. Oh, and also you need to buy tripod heads for the more expensive ones.

Why is it all so complicated?

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Gear: Canon SX20 IS, Canon Rebel T3i, Canon EF-S 18-55mm
Wishlist: Canon 50mm f/1.8 II, Canon EF-S 55-250mm f/4-5.6 IS II
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Surprisingly, this tripod does have a removable head; although it feels cheap. I should buy another one, since I carry two cameras with me most of the time.

As for the instructor's advice, I realize they're in salesmen mode most of the time.

I do know what it's like to work with a high-end tripod; I used to own a Bogen Manfrotto Wilderness tripod. I had to sell it unfortunately; hard financial times.

_________________
-=- PalaDolphin
http://www.PalaDolphin.com
My equipment are:
Canon AE-1 Programmable w/55mm, 200mm, & 24mm lenses
Canon PowerShot G12
Canon Rebel T4i / EOS 650D
lens: EF-S 18-135mm 1:3.5-5.6 IS STM
lens: EF-S 55-250mm 1:4-5.6 IS II
lens: Quantaray Tech-10 CN AF 24mm 1:2.8 fixed
Canon Speedlite 199A flash
tripod: Targus® TG-5060TR
bag: Lowepro® SlingShot 202AW