S3 Accessories for Dummies

[cane714]

I will be buying an S3 camera and have been pooring over this web site trying to learn what I can. I have always owned a cheap 35 mm point and shoot camera and don't reallly know about add ons except for what I've read here recently.

I'm interested in Adapters, UV filters, Polarizers, macro lens and possibly extra zoom. I know its a labor of love but would someone mind telling me very basically when to use UV filters and polerizers. Also any brands for the listed items would be much appreciated.

What I think I know is the adapter should be 52 mm and not 58mm to prevent possible corner darkening. A macro lens is for close ups and a UV filter is for bright outdoor light. Any quicks tips on when and where to use them will be much appreciated. I need a crash course becuase I'm taking my family to Disney in (2) months.

Thanks to everone who participates in helping all of us newbies.

cane714:rolleyes:

[truflip]

58mm - will not cause dark corners (recommend lensmate)
UV - useless in pictures. useful for protecting camera (use Hoya)
PL - usefull outdoors, useless inside. great for adding contrast and lifting some shadows (use Linear Hoya, u dont need CPL)
macro - for small insects, flowers etc..
tele - adds zoom power
wide - adds more picture in the lowest zoom (up to 30% more on the sides)

what else...
memory card... make sure u get a known good reliable brand.. dont cheap out n ebay it.. remember.. u wouldnt want whats holding your precious memories to crap out..

carry case.. this can be w/e u want..

this is all for now

[cane714]

Thankyou, I happened to notice what toys you had and started to consider them.

Have a good one.

[truflip]

You're welcome! :) for disney world, I would recommend these:

lensmate adapter tube and attach a telephoto lens to it. I would also suggest a wide angle lens :)

[XaiLo]

Niether the 58mm or 52mm lensmate adapters cause vignetting ( dark corners) 52mm filters are also cheaper.

Before you invest in adapters understand what accessories you actually want some are 52, 58, or come in both.

the quality range and type on linear polarizers seems limited but they are extensive in the circular variant.

stay off e-bay.

[cane714]

Xailo- Did you take all those photos with the S3? Nice shots.

* Circular Varient????

* Do I use polarizers only when facing the sun or if its generally very bright?

* Would I always keep the UV on and then put on the Polarizer?

Sorry for the lack of clues...I'm going to try and read some articles when I can but I thought I would try and tap a little more of your knowledge. I really appreciate everyones inpu,t because of this web site I feel I'm buying a decent camera.

If you guys know of any Sites that could give good shooting tips I would love to know. I hope I don't burn you guys out with questions the next couple of weeks. It is very much appreciated.

Regards cane714

[truflip]

XaiLo must be busy.. n i know i hate waiting for answers sometims as i can get impatient, so i will try and answer your questions :)

circular variant = just circular polarizer. there are only two, linear and circular..

using a polarizer against the sun is useless, generally you would have the sun behind you.. it works best.. make an L shape with your thumb n index.. so its 90 degrees.. face away from the sun, and make sure your thumb is facing the sun, then where your index points, thats the sweet spot 90% of the time.. you can point it a bit to the left and to the right as well..

lastly, dont use UV + polarizer, the more glass you put to block the lens.. the more artifacts you will get on your pics.. yout want the lens to be as bare as possible, kinda like your eyes... the more windows you look through to see an object, the less detailed it will be.. i think thats a good analogy lol

i tell you now, if you buy an S3, thers an almost unlimited support in this forum.. everyone in this canon are great and helpful so even if u get a lemon, keep trying to get a good one hehehe..

if you need a website with tutorials, try http://www.photoxels.com/ you can always google "polarizers" or "UV filters" and you will get some good results :)

[cane714]

Thanks Truflip its so much easier to get spoon fed sometimes. I love this website there is a lot of helpful people here.;)

[rocketball]

lastly, dont use UV + polarizer,

Truflip....wow great stuff. i just expanded my knowledge of lenses by 100%. :D

so if i am outside at any givin time during the day, weather it be sunny or cloudy, should i always have a polarizer lens on? while i leave the UV in the case. If this is the case, the only time a UV filter is neaded would be indoors...right? :)

cane714....:cool: thanks for starting this topic

[XaiLo]

Sorry cane714, I wasn't at the computer and I have a habit of leaving this site open.


Xailo- Did you take all those photos with the S3? Nice shots.


The pictures in my Photo Gallery were taken with both, all of the portraits were taken with the S2 and 98% of the balance are the S3.

On this site 99%+ are S3.

In either case thankyou very much on the compliment.

A polarizer offers a specific effect its up to you whether or not you want that effect. The optimum angle for using a polarizer in relation to the sun is 90 degrees. to make it simple stretch your right arm out in front of you and make an imitaion gun with your thumb and forefinger. forefinger pointed straight ahead and thumb pointing straight up. Now point at the sun keeping your arm parallel to the ground. Lastly rotate your wrist left and right where your thumb points are the optimum angle. Point your camera in the direction of your thumb and your good to go.

you can stack filters but be sure you have clean and good glass. all things considered though it's easier and quicker to get another adapter.

Pick this book up you won't regret it.
Understanding Exposure by Bryan Peterson (http://www.amazon.com/Understanding-Exposure-Photographs-Digital-Updated/dp/0817463003/sr=1-1/qid=1160249760/ref=sr_1_1/002-8160107-9863242?ie=UTF8&s=books)

hth

[steveLe]

i recently bought that book =) cant wait until it comes :D

and i never knew that fact about the polarizer, thanks for the tips!

[XaiLo]

No problem, steveLe...knowledge should be like an open faucet. ;)

And that book is fantastic.

[PaulG]

Anyone have a photo of the S3 with the wide angle converter attached? I just wonder how much bulkier it makes the camera? Do all the camera functions still work at wide angle? Video as well?

I'm on the fence about buying an S3 right now... Wide angle is something I really prize, and I worry the next Sx IS model may have 28mm built-in, and I'll feel stupid for buying an S3 with the converter right now. :confused: But so many nice S3 photos around this forum really make the camera tempting.

[XaiLo]

I would not count on an S4s range increase, it's already covering a heck of a range. If I were to pick up a wide angle today it would be the raynox 6600 pro and compared to my Canon tele it would be a compact. I don't have a problem ith the Canon so the wide angle would be a cake walk. but that's me. I would say adding this lens would add an inch to the total length. hth

[truflip]

Thanks Truflip its so much easier to get spoon fed sometimes. I love this website there is a lot of helpful people here.;)

cane714, youre welcome :)


Truflip....wow great stuff. i just expanded my knowledge of lenses by 100%. :D

so if i am outside at any givin time during the day, weather it be sunny or cloudy, should i always have a polarizer lens on? while i leave the UV in the case. If this is the case, the only time a UV filter is neaded would be indoors...right? :)

cane714....:cool: thanks for starting this topic
thanks rocketball, im glad i was able to help out more than one person..
to answer your question: use the polarizer if you want the effect it gives. for me, i always put it on whenever its sunny (and no clouds)to get darker skies, and to increase contrast.. :) you need to have it on though, only if you want it ;) as for the UV, i dont really use it much .. lol i use it indoors but then 10% of my shots are indoors :p soo thats why i dont use the UV much.. id like to use it at night to protect the lens, but sometimes it gets fogged up.. :( oh well.. good thing it was only $14 :D