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Forum: Photographic Technique
03-27-2009, 02:54 AM
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Well, I wouldn't exactly go that far. Since there's no technical reason why a Pentax cannot be used in a studio (works very well in that environment), you should not need to switch systems for the class. However, an amazing number of these classes require students to bring either a Canon or Nikon.
Teachers in these classes argue it's more convenient to limit the types of cameras students use - easier to provide adapters for only one or two camera types, easier to prepare instruction material around only one or two camera types, and easier to answer questions about only one or two camera types. But, given how many of these same teachers will often focus on their own camera choice (classroom instruction will be either Canon centric or Nikon centric, depending on which one the teacher uses), it's really not that hard to imagine brand loyalty also, at least partly, enters into this decision to limit choices for the students.
In my opinion, the very best photography classes try to be as inclusive as possible (since there's a lot of different cameras out there), with the teacher constantly urging students to refer to their owners manuals (and other sources) for camera specifics - which is what students will have to do later in life outside that classroom.
Anyway, check with the class requirements and/or the instructor beforehand, as I explained earlier. If neither of those limit your choices to something other than Pentax, you're certainly good to go.
stewart
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Forum: Photographic Technique
03-25-2009, 10:13 AM
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Wheatfield and MRRiley are both correct about hotshoe adapters and wireless triggers, but that isn't going to help much with the studio lighting in your class. What you need to do (in advance) is find out exactly what is used to trigger the lights in that classroom. The best way to do that is to stop by the classroom with your Pentax (between classes or after hours) and ask the instructor if your camera is compatible with whatever device is being used to trigger the lights.
If the class will be using a wireless setup, will the triggering device provided fit your camera's hotshoe and trigger the lights? If the class will be using a wired setup, will the hot shoe adapter provided fit your Pentax? If not, you'll need to purchase the hotshoe adapter (with x-sync socket) or wireless triggering device (the compatible transmitter for your camera) yourself. This is why you need to check this out in advance.
With the necessary triggering device attached, there is no reason whatsoever why your Pentax wouldn't be sufficient for the class. The studio strobes themselves are manual devices (no TTL automation), so any camera with a manual mode (you set shutter speed, aperture, and other settings) will work in that regard.
One further note, since the classroom will likely be Canon and Nikon centric, you'll need to study up on your camera's manual mode before attending the class (don't expect the instructor to know anything specific about your camera). Also make sure to bring your owners manual to the classroom in case the instructor must refer to it when answering any questions you might have.
stewart
By the way, since both Wheatfield and MRRiley mentioned the Pocket Wizards, let me add a plug for my favorite wireless triggers. ;) My studio uses the Elinchrom EL-Skyport universal radio slave set, which is much cheaper than Pocket Wizards and just as reliable (made by a major studio strobe manufacturer). And, like the Pocket Wizards, this particular Elinchrom radio slave set will work with any studio strobes. |
