While I'm not a full time professional photographer, I do consider myself a semi-pro. Selling photos and artwork over the years makes 'semi-pro' a good title. Like most artists, I've always had a "real" job that prevents me from being a full time artist.
Fortunately, we needed camera gear for our company images at LiteSync, (my real job) and I was able to practice some photography with the company's camera gear.
After one click, I became addicted to the camera like I did the birds.
My primary camera was the Canon Digital Rebel XTi 10.1 MP SLR with EF-S 18-55mm f/3.-.6 Lens.
Fortunately, we needed camera gear for our company images at LiteSync, (my real job) and I was able to practice some photography with the company's camera gear.
After one click, I became addicted to the camera like I did the birds.
My primary camera was the Canon Digital Rebel XTi 10.1 MP SLR with EF-S 18-55mm f/3.-.6 Lens.
- 10.1-megapixel CMOS sensor captures enough detail for photo-quality 18 x 24-inch prints
- Large 2.5-inch LCD display; includes Canon's EF-S 18-55mm, f3.5-5.6 zoom lens.
- New self-cleaning dust function, plus Dust Delete Data Detection in included software.
- DIGIC II Image Processor provides fast, accurate image processing; Picture Style settings for added creative control.
This camera was a very good first dSLR body and it was just fine for practice with a Sigma 70mm-300mm zoom lens. The Sigma APO 70-300mm f4-5.6 DG Macro Lens for Canon Digital SLR Cameras is a telephoto zoom lens with tele-macro functionality.
But the lens finally gave out.
- Optimized for use with digital SLR cameras.
- Multi-layer lens coating and lens design reduces flare and ghosting.
- Minimum focusing distance is 37.4 inches at all zoom settings.
- Features 14 lens elements in 10 Groups.
- High-performance lens ideal for portraits, sports photography, nature photography.
But the lens finally gave out.
So it was time for an upgrade! We ended up buying the EOS Canon 7D.
- 18.0-megapixel CMOS Sensor and Dual DIGIC 4 Image Processors for high image quality and speed.
- Body only; lenses sold separately. Advanced HD movie mode with manual exposure control and selectable frame rates.
- Intelligent Viewfinder with 100 percent field of view; 19-point, all cross-type AF system equipped with dual diagonal cross-type sensors.
- What's in the box: EOS 7D Digital SLR Body, Eyecup Eg, Wide Neck Strap EW-EOS7D, Stereo AV Cable AVC-DC400ST,USB Interface Cable IFC-200U,Battery Pack LP-E6, Battery Charger LC-E6, EOS Digital Solution Disk, Great Photography is Easy" Booklet and "Do More with Macro" Booklet,Software Instruction Manual and 1-Year Canon U.S.A. Warranty.
And...with such a nice body it only made sense to get the L glass!
Canon EF 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6 L IS USM Autofocus Lens.
- 100-400mm telephoto zoom lens with f/4.5 maximum aperture for Canon SLR cameras.
- 2 Image Stabilizer modes make it easy to capture far-off action or close-in portraits.
- Flourite and Super UD-glass elements largely eliminate secondary spectrum.
- Compatibility with extenders 1.4x II and 2x II; 5.9-foot close focusing distance.
- Measures 3.6 inches in diameter and 7.4 inches long; 1-year warranty.
One downfall, it's heavy. So, we got a harness for me to wear when birding and that has helped a lot.
Looking back over the years photo folders makes me smile. I've sure come a long way. Practice does make perfect. Now, I just need a call from Audubon Society and I'll be one happy girl!