Post 65: The Canon T5: The camera I'd consider buying if I were to start today

While browsing through my YouTube subscriptions, I saw there was a new video from DigitalRev on the new Canon T5. Honestly, I don't normally take the time to watch or read anything about Canon, unless it's bad or if I'm looking up something for a friend, but I had some time on my hands and I certainly won't complain about watching a DigitalRev video.

Since I don't pay too much attention to what Canon does, I had no idea what the T5 even was. After watching the video (which can be seen here: http://youtu.be/ik1OiWOQ13M) for a few minutes, there were a couple of things that jumped out at me about this dSLR.

First, the thing is tiny. I mean really small. Personally, I don't gravitate towards small cameras, but if I was in the market for my first dSLR, and didn't really know anything about dSLRs, I feel like this would be a strong positive, especially if I were used to taking photos with smartphones or point-and-shoots. The size of dSLRs is probably one of the biggest drawbacks for most beginners.

The second thing I noticed was the amount of buttons. There were barely any. There were about as many buttons as the Nikon Df should have probably had. This is fantastic for beginners, who can be turned off by the amount of buttons there are on dSLRs. Again, if I was in the market for a dSLR for the first time, I think I would like the idea of not having a lot of buttons. I would absolutely never consider something like that at this point, because I know the benefits of having a lot of buttons so I don't have to go digging through menus.

The thing that caught my attention the most was the price. In the video, Kai said that the camera was under $500. Ridiculous. That's nothing for a dSLR. Unfortunately, at least from B&H, the price is $550 (http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1030209-REG/canon_9126b003_eos_a_rebel_t5_dslr.html). Still incredibly reasonable, I think.

If I were in the market for a dSLR for the very first time, I think I would end up getting the Canon T5. The size, amount of buttons, and price are all very attractive. It is worth mentioning, though, that Nikon currently sells the Nikon D3100 for a measly $389. As far as entry-level dSLRs go though, the D3100 is a dinosaur. If I didn't know anything about dSLRs and walked into a camera store, all the salesman (or woman) would probably have to say is, "this Canon is brand new. It just came out. The Nikon D3100? It came out four years ago" to persuade me to walk out with the Canon over the Nikon.

The Nikon D3300, which was the replacement for the Nikon D3200, which replaced the Nikon D3100, is $100 more than the Canon T5. If I was going to recommend a dSLR to a beginner now, with what I know after a few years of shooting, I would definitely recommend the D3300 over the Canon T5, maybe even the Nikon D5300 if they could afford it. My first camera was a D3100, and I outgrew that within two months. Getting a more expensive dSLR doesn't mean better pictures, but it does mean more real-estate for the photographer's hands, and more buttons, which means quicker adjustments. With the limited amount of buttons and the size of the Canon T5, I know I would outgrow that thing within a matter of weeks.

Post 64: Why I hate Craigslist

Craigslist is great. I used to use it all the time when I was younger and spent my money recklessly on musical instruments. Of course, it was only natural for me to gravitate towards the site when I started my photography business. Posting an ad on Craigslist is free, after all.

I will admit, I have gotten a number of jobs from Craigslist, but I will also admit that it is probably one of my most frustrating things I've done related to my business. So frustrating, that I try to avoid the website like the plague when it comes to finding photography jobs, and here's why...

It only took me a number of replies to my emails to figure out that everyone who posts an ad on Craigslist that's looking for a photographer is looking for the absolute cheapest price possible. Trying to find a deal is understandable, but the prices the majority of the people from Craigslist think is reasonable is ridiculous, assuming they're willing to pay at all. I know this is due to dSLRs being so accessible now, but I also know "photographers" not knowing what to charge and asking for almost nothing to take photos certainly isn't helping...

Which brings me to the other reason I hate Craigslist. While searching Craigslist for anyone who is looking for a photographer, I happen across a lot, a lot, and a lot of ads from "photographers" who, quite honestly, have no business trying to make money by taking photos. I'm not saying my work is the absolute best, or even great, but the quality of work these fauxtographers are trying to sell is almost criminal.

"You get what you pay for" applies to many, many different items and situations, and photography is no exception. Do yourself a favor, and pay the extra money to have decent work done. Chances are if you don't you'll end up spending the $25 or whatever, and then whatever the actual photographer was charging when you have to go to them because your first photographer, unsurprisingly, failed.

www.danpomykalski.com

Post 63: The importance of a headshot revisited

I've talked about this before, but I thought I'd bring it up again. In this brief post, I'll talk about the importance of a headshot.

With the popularity of social media, it isn't uncommon for potential employers to search for applicants on sites such as Facebook, Twitter, or LinkedIn. Often, your social media accounts are the first time your potential employer will see you. With that in mind, would you rather have them see a low-quality photo of you and all of your friends at a party, or a high-quality headshot?

I may be heavily biased, but I'd rather have someone who might hire me see a good quality headshot. Not only will a good headshot or profile photo make me appear more professional and trustworthy, but it will also show that I took the time to find someone to take a photo of me, and that looking professional is important to me. This small detail could be the difference between you and the other applicants. 

If you don't believe me, you can read further into it here: http://www.martahewson.com/blog/2013/11/the-importance-of-a-professional-headshot/