enJOY it

an archived personal and craft blog from Elise Blaha Cripe.

my camera.

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I decided to get a digital SLR ages ago. But then I got very caught up in the battle of what is best? Which is a lame battle with no winner. I went with a Canon because I have a Canon point and shoot (it's an old, discontinued model which is why it's so expensive) and because my film SLR is a Canon.

So basically, familiarity was key.

The Canon Rebel XSi was expensive, but not break the bank, which was huge for me right now. I bought it through amazon because I had some store credit and because it seemed to be the best deal.

As with all major changes, there is a learning curve. I am shooting exclusively in manual mode (with automatic focus) because with more control usually comes better photos. I have taken a few (film) photography classes in high school and college and have an understanding of aperture and shutter speed. Being able to see the results on the screen and then make appropriate changes is such a blessing compared to the wait and hope method that came with film.

I'm loving it.

In fact, I am bummed I waited this long. The quality of even my first few shots already seems much better than what I could capture with my digital point and shoot. These photos are closer to the film quality that I am obsessed with. If you are like me and caught up the what's best drama, I recommend just picking something in your price range and running with it. Your future you will thank you.

PS : I still do love my point and shoot and the fact that it fits in my pocket and can be dropped is awesome. It will continue to get a good workout as well.

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14 responses to “my camera.”

  1. Tanya Avatar
    Tanya

    I have a the Canon Rebel XT and am considering the XSi as the next upgrade. I love Canon and it’s ease of use. Good choice!

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  2. misti Avatar
    misti

    I started with an XTi and now have a T1i and loved them both. My first went to camera heaven after being murdered by dew. Enjoy and play with those manual settings!

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  3. donya Avatar
    donya

    Love the top-down photo of the sunflowers! Beautiful. Glad you are enjoying your DSLR!

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  4. margot Avatar
    margot

    so pretty! canons are the best!!!

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  5. Lucy Avatar
    Lucy

    It looks amazing – lucky you!! The first sunflower photo is lovely.
    I’m in desperate need of a new digital camera, but want something small to take on holiday with me. No idea where to start though.

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  6. Mariah Avatar
    Mariah

    I just purchased my first digital SLR as well (a Nikon D3000) and the quality contrast from my point-n-shoot is amazing as well. I hope you have fun!

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  7. Caroline Avatar
    Caroline

    ohhh… i want to buy a new one today! but maybe later this week. thanks for the permission to go ahead.
    xoxo

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  8. Lindsey Avatar
    Lindsey

    Wonderful choice 🙂 I have the XSi and love her so much.(Mine’s a her, and her name is Belle)I also know what you mean in your postscript – as much as I love my SLR I’ve often wished I had a P&S too, for ease of throw-and-go. I guess that’s where my little Smena 7 (film) camera fits in.

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  9. DianneT Avatar
    DianneT

    I love my digital SLR and the pictures are amazing.I’m in awe everytime I open a downloaded file! I went for the Nikon D90 and also have a CoolPix5100 point and shoot. Also have a very old Canon film which I haven’t used in about 15 yrs!

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  10. krystal Avatar
    krystal

    I have this same camera. What I loved was that I wanted to take pictures of EVERYTHING. It was really inspiring to have a new camera. Suddenly things in my house I wasn’t too excited about became beautiful to photograph.

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  11. creole wisdom Avatar
    creole wisdom

    I’m surprised you waited so long, but one of the things that I really loved about your photos was that you shot really well without having a SLR. It seems like all the crafty bloggers have them, and I know mine (a good old Canon 20D) not only helps me with my business but blogging also. I think using a smaller point and shoot offers a challenge, but also lets you capture without drawing attention- there’s nothing quiet about a huge SLR!
    I like that you’re not shooting in auto, and that you’re using manual focus. Again, really good. There are so many out there who don’t know how to use their fantastic cameras! A good friend of mine purchased a rebel last year and the store offered free classes. I don’t know if this is something that amazon offers, but it might be good to look into. Like you I had a film SLR Canon and a point and shoot, but getting that extra knowledge of digital SLR shooting would of been so helpful. Not that you need any instruction, your shots are great!
    Have fun!
    Oh- and I’d also suggest in investing in a 50 mm 1.8 lens- it’s fantastic and affordable.

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  12. Carrie Avatar
    Carrie

    I love my Rebel. I bought it a few years ago on a whim, and I am actually thinking of upgrading. You can never have too many cameras!

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  13. Sandy Avatar
    Sandy

    I love all of my Cannon’s. I have a very old 35mm, a newer 35mm, a Rebel and a P&S. I currently am shooting with a Rebel XSI and my husband has the 50D. I just got a Cannon Macro lense and can’t wait to use it. I took a photography class about a month ago from a local photographer and now shoot in Manual.
    So happy for you. Can’t wait to see your photos. All fo the photos you’ve posted previously were wonderful so I know the ones you take now are going to be great.

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  14. Becky @ Farmgirl Paints Avatar
    Becky @ Farmgirl Paints

    I’m just getting ready to buy the Canon Rebel T2i. It’s my first fancy camera and I’m tickled pink. I’ve signed up to take some classes for beginners. I am so not techy. I hope I can figure it out.

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