We will be using Digital Photography: A Basic Manual, by Henry Horenstein, for class. Go to the Colby-Sawyer Bookstore and search for ART260. ↑
For class you will need a digital camera with manual controls and the capability to change its lens. Point and shoot cameras, or other cameras with fixed zoom lenses (lenses that can't be removed), can not be used in class. (If you have a question about the camera you own, please email me.) Manual controls on a camera are also necessary, as is a digital sensor large enough to take advantage of those manual controls. This means you will need one of two kinds of cameras:
This is the digital version of the classic SLR film camera. These cameras have been improving for more than 15 years, by companies that have been making film and digital cameras for a long time. There are number of lenses available for these cameras. The only significant disadvantage to them is their large size compared to other digital cameras.
Companies that make this kind of camera: Canon, Nikon, Pentax
This is a new type of camera, developed in the last 5 years. They are made by companies trying to compete with the larger DSLRs. The image quality is the same as most DSLRs, and they also have manual controls and the ability to change lenses. But the autofocus tends to be slower than comparable DSLRs, and there are less lenses to choose from. Some don't have hot shoes, making it hard to attach an external flash. (We won't be using external flashes in Photo 1, but this may be a consideration for the future.)
Companies that make this kind of camera: Sony, Panasonic, Olympus, Fuji
Typically, when you are buying a camera, you are also buying into that camera company's line of lenses; Canon lenses only fit on Canon cameras, Nikon lenses only fit on Nikons, etc. There are third-party companies, like Sigma and Tamron, that makes lenses that will fit on some of the above cameras. One exception: Olympus and Panasonic use the same lens mount, and each companies' lenses can fit on the other companies' bodies.
If you are purchasing a new or refurbished digital camera, I also strongly recommend getting one made within the last 3-4 years. ↑
Students often come to class asking how they can make their pictures "better", which in very, very broad terms means an image that is sharp, well exposed and well composed. This takes practice, knowledge, and dedication. But a good lens makes everything easier.
Most of the above cameras come with a zoom "kit" lens: a relatively cheap lens that gives you the ability zoom in to and away from your subject. These tend to be the cheapest and worst lenses the camera companies make: the quality of the glass and the amount of light they can let in can't completely take advantage of the high quality digital sensor in the camera.
While I'll allow the use of these lenses in class, I strongly recommend purchasing a Prime, Normal lens for your camera. Prime, in that it does not zoom in and out, and Normal, in that it doesn't bring you too close or far away from your subject. These lenses tend to be much sharper than a typical kit, zoom lens. Their ability to let more light into the camera makes them better for shooting in darker situations. They are also much better lenses for beginners to learn with than typical kit zooms, which can often result in sloppy compositions.
For most of the above cameras, my best recommendation is to get a Prime (non-zoom) lens with a focal length somewhere between 24mm and 40mm. (50mm lenses are also an option, but on most smaller, modern DSLRs they tend to be a little too long for most beginners.) (Because the sensors in the Olympus and Panasonic cameras are slightly smaller, for those cameras I'd look for something between 14mm and 30mm.)
If you have a Canon DSLR, I'd recommend one of the several EF 24mm, 28mm, 35mm, or 40mm lenses Canon makes, many of which can be found for a decent price used. The Canon EF-S 24mm f/2.8 STM Lens is a great deal for cheaper Canon DSLRs.
(Make sure any Canon lens you buy for your Canon DSLR is an EF or EF-S lens; older Canon lenses (more than 20 years old) won't fit on modern Canon camera bodies.)
If you have Nikon DSLR, I'd strongly recommend looking at the Nikon 35mm f/1.8G AF-S DX Lens. Nikon makes lots of other great lenses within the normal 24-40mm range, but that particular one is a great lens for not a lot of money.
(If you have a Nikon DSLR, make sure you get DX lens; older Nikon lenses will fit on your camera, but the autofocus might not be supported.)
All of the other camera companies make similar lenses to the above Canon and Nikon ones, but the prices can be a bit higher. I recommend looking at some of the Prime lenses that Sigma makes for some of those cameras, which are still good and tend to be cheaper. ↑
Most modern digital cameras (aside from a few professional ones) use SD memory cards to store their digital photos. I recommend one that can store at least 16 GB. There are a lot to choose from, at a variety of price points, but the Sandisk Extreme cards have a good reputation.
It's possible that your camera might take a different kind of card, like a Compact Flash Card. If so, you might need to do a bit more research or spend a bit more money. Please email me if you have a question about this. ↑
You'll also need a way to get your pictures from your camera to the computer. I strongly recommend a USB card reader for an SD memory card (or whatever kind of card your camera takes). There are a number of different ones to choose from; I've had students have good luck with this one. Your camera probably came with a USB cord that will connect it directly to the computer. This will also work, but tends to be slower and requires your camera's battery to be charged. ↑
Finally, you'll need some way to back-up your images from the photo lab computers. At the very least, you'll need a USB Memory stick to transfer your photos to your personal computer. There are too many out there for me to whole-heartedly recommend one in particular, but I'd get one that can store at least 16 GB. You might also consider purchasing a portable USB hard drive. These are physically larger, but can store much more. I'd recommend getting one that is at least 1 TB; Western Digital and Seagate are both reputable brands. ↑
It's important to get some kind of microfiber cloth to clean your camera's lens without scratching it. There are a number of them out there, and an eyeglass store might be a good place to look for this. I recommend this one. ↑
Even in the age of digital photography, making prints is an important part of a photographer's work. To do this, you'll need inkjet paper that is compatible with the higher end printer we have for the class. I would like you to get one pack of letter-size Epson Ultra Premium Luster Photo Paper.
Depending on how much you print, you might need more than one pack (which contains 50 sheets). But one should be good to begin with. If you'd like to print larger, you could get paper that is either 11.7x16.5" or 13x19". But letter-size (8.5x11"), will be fine for the class. ↑
There will be one assignment that will involve the use of a film camera and the darkroom, with the opportunity to complete more assignments in a similar way. You are not required to own a film camera, but owning one will make it easier to complete the assignment. If you don't own one, you will either borrow one from a classmate or myself, making your time with the camera limited.
If you are interested in purchasing a film camera, I strongly recommend getting an older, used 35mm SLR Camera with a 50mm prime lens (see above for more on lenses). There are a number of ways of acquiring one of these, from borrowing one from a friend or family member, or purchasing one from a camera store's used department. I can recommend the used departments of Adorama and B&H Photo. If you do buy a camera from one of these sites, please make sure you are buying a camera body AND lens. ↑
Because of the above film and darkroom assignment, you will also need two rolls of 35mm film and a pack of Black and White Darkroom paper. Please get the Ilford B&W Glossy Paper and Film Value pack. If there's something else you'd like to purchase that looks similar, please check with me first. ↑