A camera or my marriage? You decide!

[jackskellingtonsgirl]

I just attempted to talk to him about his reasons for wanting a camera other than the cameras we already own. The best he could come up with is that he thinks the dSLR cameras are "neat" and that they "recover" faster between shots. It does take a bit for our little cameras to take each photo, but I can live with that. I don't need a bunch of shots in rapid succession, and neither does he. He also said you can edit the photos - zoom and crop. Well, I can do that with our basic software on the computer. Our computer is only a few months old and he has barely touched it so he has no idea what our photo software can do.

He found a Pentax IST DS for just under $500. An extra lens would be another $80, memory cards would be $25. Not sure what appeals to him about that package, but it is still a HUGE chunk of money.
Not sure about the rebate - he has the K100 D written down for $650.

I am not opposing the camera just to be a shrew. I honestly do not comprehend how this purchase would make a difference in our overall quality of life. I told him he should ask his questions here, but he goes to work at 3 AM so he is on his way to bed. I'll see if I can get him to at least tell me what he wants so I can get your opinions, and I might have him read through the "equipment" sticky.

 

[jackskellingtonsgirl]

SeaSpray - Thanks for your input!
DH does work hard, and if the camera wasn't such a big expenditure I am sure he would have already bought one. (We have been going round and round on this for several weeks.) I think he would be surprised at what our little cameras can do if he would just TRY them on the manual settings. If I saw that he was REALLY interested in getting the most out of what we have I might feel better about the dSLR. I just feel like he is trying to skip from A to Z without bothering to look at anything in between.

He is pleased as punch that everybody here thinks I am wrong for trying to stop him from buying the camera.

 

[SeaSpray]

SeaSpray - Thanks for your input!
DH does work hard, and if the camera wasn't such a big expenditure I am sure he would have already bought one. (We have been going round and round on this for several weeks.) I think he would be surprised at what our little cameras can do if he would just TRY them on the manual settings. If I saw that he was REALLY interested in getting the most out of what we have I might feel better about the dSLR. I just feel like he is trying to skip from A to Z without bothering to look at anything in between.

He is pleased as punch that everybody here thinks I am wrong for trying to stop him from buying the camera.

Sorry!

 

[ukcatfan]

He found a Pentax IST DS for just under $500. An extra lens would be another $80, memory cards would be $25. Not sure what appeals to him about that package, but it is still a HUGE chunk of money.
Not sure about the rebate - he has the K100 D written down for $650.

Check this merchant. http://www.buydig.com/shop/product.aspx?sku=PKK100D1855They are very well respected and where I bought my S1 IS and my K100D. The K100D is $469 before rebate there. It is without a doubt better than the *ist DS. I think it might have a larger buffer so it can take more shots in a row, but everything else is better on the K100D. As for the other lens, I would have to know what it is to tell you if it is a good deal and/or necessary.

Kevin

 

[fitzperry]

Would you be willing to sell the other two digicams on eBay or elsewhere? That would at least offset some of the cost.

 

[ukcatfan]

SeaSpray - Thanks for your input!
DH does work hard, and if the camera wasn't such a big expenditure I am sure he would have already bought one. (We have been going round and round on this for several weeks.) I think he would be surprised at what our little cameras can do if he would just TRY them on the manual settings. If I saw that he was REALLY interested in getting the most out of what we have I might feel better about the dSLR. I just feel like he is trying to skip from A to Z without bothering to look at anything in between.

He is pleased as punch that everybody here thinks I am wrong for trying to stop him from buying the camera.

There really are things that a DSLR can do that a p&s cannot, but if he does not know what those are, then I would have to go with you on learning a little more before investing so much. You might be able to slow his decision a little if he likes to read books(it could be at the expense of lighting a fire in his photo passion though). You could pick up a copy of Bryan Peterson's Understanding Exposure for him. It is a great book that will teach some of the important basic photography techniques.

Kevin

 

[Lizziejane]

Sorry..I should have read the whole thread too! Try doing what I do - my DH is famous for his toy collection, half of which goes unused after the initial trial period. My usual reply to his whinning (oops, sorry... his suggestion) that he needs a new toy is, "if you can pay for it without putting us in debt, go for it!" It sounds corny, but I've said it so often that now, whenever he approaches me with his latest "gotta-have-it" request, he's already figured out how he's going to cover the cost before I can object!

Having said that, I was the one who wanted the SLR in January. I was never interested in photography before I got my REbel (and I mean NEVER - still don't know how to work the P&S) but I have been totally addicted to the SLR since the day I got it. I only became interested after seeing all the pictures on this board. But barely a day goes by now without me snapping something. You never know, your husband may just surprise you! After all, every new hobby has to start somewhere. You might even find that you enjoy it too.

 

[jackskellingtonsgirl]

Would you be willing to sell the other two digicams on eBay or elsewhere? That would at least offset some of the cost.

The Canon A520 is mine, and I do use that when we go to WDW. I wouldn't sell it because it is the only camera I use. The Nikon Coolpix L11 is DH's that he won, but we wouldn't get much for it - it wasn't expensive to begin with. But I would TOTALLY be willing to get rid of the Canon film camera.

Check this merchant. http://www.buydig.com/shop/product.aspx?sku=PKK100D1855They are very well respected and where I bought my S1 IS and my K100D. The K100D is $469 before rebate there. It is without a doubt better than the *ist DS. I think it might have a larger buffer so it can take more shots in a row, but everything else is better on the K100D. As for the other lens, I would have to know what it is to tell you if it is a good deal and/or necessary.

Kevin

Wow! I will definitely have to tell him about that site! He has been going to Wolf Camera. I think someone mentioned that camera shop employees tend to be in it for the sale, not for what suits the needs of the customer.
The lens he wrote down is 80-200 4.7-5.6 (if that makes any sense) and the price he has is $76. I printed off the rebate form last night.
So does the K100D come with a lens already on it or not? What about flash? (Be patient with me and perhaps DH will join your ranks. )

 

[ukcatfan]

Wow! I will definitely have to tell him about that site! He has been going to Wolf Camera. I think someone mentioned that camera shop employees tend to be in it for the sale, not for what suits the needs of the customer.
The lens he wrote down is 80-200 4.7-5.6 (if that makes any sense) and the price he has is $76. I printed off the rebate form last night.
So does the K100D come with a lens already on it or not? What about flash? (Be patient with me and perhaps DH will join your ranks. )

The link I sent is with a starter "kit" lens, but that is not a required purchase. It is usually worth getting b/c the price with no lens is typically only a little less. It is an 18-55mm lens. That is roughly a 3x zoom in p&s terms that you are probably more familiar with, but does start off a little wider than a p&s (a big advantage in my eyes). Unless he is geting some really good deal and/or that other is a used lens, then $76 for it means that it might not be a very good lens. Unfortunately, that is usually just a little too cheap for a good lens. It has a built in flash, but that is not as good as an external one. Those run a few hundred. I personally do not like the look of a flash shot and would rather spend money on a lens that is better at low light shots.

Kevin

 

[jackskellingtonsgirl]

The link I sent is with a starter "kit" lens, but that is not a required purchase. It is usually worth getting b/c the price with no lens is typically only a little less. It is an 18-55mm lens. That is roughly a 3x zoom in p&s terms that you are probably more familiar with, but does start off a little wider than a p&s (a big advantage in my eyes). Unless he is geting some really good deal and/or that other is a used lens, then $76 for it means that it might not be a very good lens. Unfortunately, that is usually just a little too cheap for a good lens. It has a built in flash, but that is not as good as an external one. Those run a few hundred. I personally do not like the look of a flash shot and would rather spend money on a lens that is better at low light shots.

Kevin

Not sure about the lens. The shop is a "clearance" center so I would think it was an older or discontinued lens, possibly used. He just has a note on a Post It. So you think a lens is a better investment than an external flash? If he gets an additional lens what sort would you suggest?

 

[wdwmom2]

Would you be willing to sell the other two digicams on eBay or elsewhere? That would at least offset some of the cost.

I was going to suggest this too. How about selling the one that he won. It may not be worth alot, but it is doing you no good just sitting around. If he doesn't use the metal detector, see if he is willing to sell that too. Are there other things laying around unused that he could sell? The money from these type of items would certainly help him purchase a camera without laying out a big chunk of money.

Marriage is alot of compromise, which I am sure you already know!! My part of the compromise would be to sell the items that are not being used to help fund the purchase of a camera .

 

[Master Mason]

Not sure about the lens. The shop is a "clearance" center so I would think it was an older or discontinued lens, possibly used. He just has a note on a Post It. So you think a lens is a better investment than an external flash? If he gets an additional lens what sort would you suggest?

My suggestion would be to get the camera and the 18-55 kit lens, and nothing nothing else at this time, other than maybe a memory card and batteries. Then he needs to use the camera, learn what it will do, and what it won't do in that configuration. Then and only then can you decide what else is needed.

In my case, before I really learned what I truely needed, I purched two lenses that didn't fit what I needed my camera to do for me, so I spent $400 I really didn't need to.

Without knowing what else the lens is, that your talking about with the $80 lens, I can most likely agree with Kevin that it isn't very good.

Also, I would run from where he was talking to the guy, If he is reccomeding an *IST when you can get a K100 Cheaper, then they are a scam place IMO, even if they have a name brand.

 

[ukcatfan]

Not sure about the lens. The shop is a "clearance" center so I would think it was an older or discontinued lens, possibly used. He just has a note on a Post It. So you think a lens is a better investment than an external flash? If he gets an additional lens what sort would you suggest?

It depends on what he is the most likely to shoot. If he likes to get shots of things somewhat far away, then a telephoto lens like the 80-200mm he is already looking at. If low light performance is important, a lens with a large aperture is needed (i.e. one with f/1.4-f/2). The 50mm f/1.4 is a very popular lens for Pentax and all brands will have one similar. Because they do not zoom at all, they are able to have the wider apertures. It runs about $175 new, but there are older manual focus used ones that run around $50-100. If macro shots are important, he should look for a macro lens. They come in many different focal lengths, but the fact that they are macro means that they can focus when very close to a subject. The kit lens is a very nice wide angle lens for the price and I think it is a must purchase.

Kevin

 

[jann1033]

once again, since i haven't seen you mention it...what lenses does he have with the canon film camera?..if they are canon and say "ef" on them he can use them with the present eos( ie rebel xt, rebel xti) models so would only have to buy the body. if he starts with another manufacturer they won't fit....he won't get much for the film body, check KEH or B&H used area but it think they go for well under $100

 

[jackskellingtonsgirl]

once again, since i haven't seen you mention it...what lenses does he have with the canon film camera?..if they are canon and say "ef" on them he can use them with the present eos( ie rebel xt, rebel xti) models so would only have to buy the body. if he starts with another manufacturer they won't fit....he won't get much for the film body, check KEH or B&H used area but it think they go for well under $100

I don't know. He did tell me the lenses are compatible, but then he said he wasn't looking at a Canon anymore so the lenses wouldn't be. I guess he was planning to buy lenses for the dSLR and then use them on the film camera, too? Who knows. He doesn't have multiple lenses for the film Canon that I am aware of.

I left DH the link to the website Kevin posted earlier, so he can look at the info and determine for himself that the guy at the camera store is trying to rip him off. He did say this morning that he is rethinking the camera simply because it would have to go on the credit card, so we'll see.

 

[jenseib]

I just wanted to say that I am so glad you guys are now calmly talking it out and making your reasons known! Things seem to be going more smoothly now for you guys.

I doubt he would be able to sell the film on because if I remember right you said it had a light leak. So basically it is junk.
I would alos get hime a book on digital photography. something that explains what cameras do and why, and what each setting means. The Understanding Exposure book is great, but not for a beginner who doens't know much about the cameras or what each setting does. It is more for those who have got a good idea how to use the camera, and then to take the next steps.

 

[Groucho]

I would recommend the Fuji S6000fd - unfortunately, it's out of stock at Beach/BuyDig right now, but it was around $250 after rebate last time I checked.

It looks and behaves like a real SLR (complete with real zoom and focus rings) and have most of the controls of an SLR. It can even use RAW mode. It doesn't have the big sensor of a DSLR but it is still larger than most point-n-shoots.

There are also a few other similar Fuji big-zooms but they're not as good of a value.

If you are considering the Pentax, you get an extra-large rebate if you buy a 50-200mm lens at the same time - I think the grand total is somewhere around $600. However, if you just want to get started without spending much, you're probably best with just the kit lens and whichever SLR you choose.

 

[jackskellingtonsgirl]

I just wanted to say that I am so glad you guys are now calmly talking it out and making your reasons known! Things seem to be going more smoothly now for you guys.

I doubt he would be able to sell the film on because if I remember right you said it had a light leak. So basically it is junk.
I would alos get hime a book on digital photography. something that explains what cameras do and why, and what each setting means. The Understanding Exposure book is great, but not for a beginner who doens't know much about the cameras or what each setting does. It is more for those who have got a good idea how to use the camera, and then to take the next steps.

Oh, we fight all the time. We have been together for 17 years and we still manage to find all sorts of things to quarrel over! Our fights typically don't last very long. Eventually we will discuss whatever the issue is and work through it.

DH says he doesn't think the camera has a light leak, but the guy who told me he thinks it does has been spot on with everything else he said so it definitely could have one. DH said he has 3 lenses for it but they are too old to be compatible with the dSLR models. (I didn't know that before tonight.)

DH isn't one to sit and read a book. He likes magazines, and he has been reading reviews of cameras online. He prefers small doses of info like articles instead of chapters. I did try to get him interested in the 4 page thread about the K100D but he didn't have time to read through all of it. His schedule rotates, and this week he had 3 days off which gave him way too much time on his hands. Now he is back to work and he has very little time to think about cameras. Unfortunately the clock is ticking. If this is something he plans to do with or without my approval then I want him to get in on that rebate!

Groucho - Thanks for your ideas! I might poke around and see about that Fuji.

 

[Groucho]

Unfortunately the clock is ticking. If this is something he plans to do with or without my approval then I want him to get in on that rebate!

Don't hurry yourself too much. Pentax has been running rebates almost non-stop for the past year or so. They'll run one for a few months, then take a break for a few weeks, then run one again. I would expect that we'll see another one starting in mid-August or September.

Of course, there's no guarantee that the K100D will still be on there, but I'd be really surprised if it wasn't.

 

[jackskellingtonsgirl]

Don't hurry yourself too much. Pentax has been running rebates almost non-stop for the past year or so. They'll run one for a few months, then take a break for a few weeks, then run one again. I would expect that we'll see another one starting in mid-August or September.

Of course, there's no guarantee that the K100D will still be on there, but I'd be really surprised if it wasn't.

That good to know! I think he has almost decided to wait, which would be a better plan. Maybe we can revisit the camera proposal closer to our December trip.