Calling all photographers!!!! Help!!

[MKCP5]

So I am looking to invest in a good digital 35mm camera. Probably about $500 or maybe more. I want to be able to point and shoot, and get great photos when I want, but I am also looking to learn more about taking photos and being creative. So I don't want something that will frustrate the life out of me trying to learn it all, but I do want some control so I can start learning how to become a good photographer.

I am going to a 2 day photoshop course next week for work, so I wil be able to use those skills on the photos I take as well. I am psyched!

Any suggestions?

 

[PUZZLDY5]

I baught a Nikon D3000 DSLR. It has been an awesome bridge camera to learn on. It still has all the automatic settings but also has some of the manual ones as well so I can learn and play. I got it at Best Buy and came as a package deal with the camera body, 18-70mm and 80-200mm lense for about $600.00. I LOVE LOVE LOVE this camera. It takes AMAZING pictures. I would post one but I can't remember how.

 

[ToyStory Fan]

I think your best bet is to look at some of the offerings from Canon and Nikon and see what you like best. I have a Canon Rebel Xti - esentially an "entry-level" DSLR at this point, but the big money winds up being spent on lenses. You can probably get a Canon I think it's Xsi or Ti for the price range you mentioned. Or an equivalent Nikon D60 or comparable. Alot of the extra stuff will depend on what settings you plan on shooting - indoors / distance / lighting conditions etc.

The kits you can buy are essentially set up ready to go - meaning the camera body comes with a kit lens - for Canon it is usually an all-purpose small zoom lens 18-55mm. You also need to be aware (if you go the Ebay route) of "gray market" cameras that won't carry a US warranty...they are all over Ebay.

I would probably start somewhere like a B&H Photo in NYC (they actually sell both, but disclose them as such) to look at what's available and then start narrowing down based on pricing, features and extras. Adorama (also in NYC)and others, I'm sure also rent lenses for short term - 1 day - 1 week+ so that you can sample a lens before you take the plunge and buy it...when considering a hefty lens purchase - I highly recommend this try & buy approach. It definitely helped me in making a few lens purchase decisions.

 

[Mom of 3 Princesses]

I have a
Sony DSLR-A390 with a DT 18-55 and 55-200 mm interchangeable lens
LLLOOOVVVEEE IT!
Spent 459.00 on the camera and 149.00 for the additional lens.. It is awesome!

 

[MKCP5]

I think your best bet is to look at some of the offerings from Canon and Nikon and see what you like best. I have a Canon Rebel Xti - esentially an "entry-level" DSLR at this point, but the big money winds up being spent on lenses. You can probably get a Canon I think it's Xsi or Ti for the price range you mentioned. Or an equivalent Nikon D60 or comparable. Alot of the extra stuff will depend on what settings you plan on shooting - indoors / distance / lighting conditions etc.

The kits you can buy are essentially set up ready to go - meaning the camera body comes with a kit lens - for Canon it is usually an all-purpose small zoom lens 18-55mm. You also need to be aware (if you go the Ebay route) of "gray market" cameras that won't carry a US warranty...they are all over Ebay.

I would probably start somewhere like a B&H Photo in NYC (they actually sell both, but disclose them as such) to look at what's available and then start narrowing down based on pricing, features and extras. Adorama (also in NYC)and others, I'm sure also rent lenses for short term - 1 day - 1 week+ so that you can sample a lens before you take the plunge and buy it...when considering a hefty lens purchase - I highly recommend this try & buy approach. It definitely helped me in making a few lens purchase decisions.

I definately want to but through a reputable dealer, not an ebay kind of deal. I want to be able to talk to someone about things and get some information and expertise. Considering insurance (though I NEVER usually buy that stuff) since DD will be using it as well (14) and accidents happen

 

[Nik's Mom]

B&H is very reputable. I have bought cameras, lenses, filters, cases. I've never had a problem.

If you have a Ritz or Wolf camera store, they are usually pretty good at answering questions. But you will probably find your camera cheaper somewhere else.

 

[Golf4food]

I think your best bet is to look at some of the offerings from Canon and Nikon and see what you like best. I have a Canon Rebel Xti - esentially an "entry-level" DSLR at this point, but the big money winds up being spent on lenses. You can probably get a Canon I think it's Xsi or Ti for the price range you mentioned. Or an equivalent Nikon D60 or comparable. Alot of the extra stuff will depend on what settings you plan on shooting - indoors / distance / lighting conditions etc.

The kits you can buy are essentially set up ready to go - meaning the camera body comes with a kit lens - for Canon it is usually an all-purpose small zoom lens 18-55mm. You also need to be aware (if you go the Ebay route) of "gray market" cameras that won't carry a US warranty...they are all over Ebay.

I would probably start somewhere like a B&H Photo in NYC (they actually sell both, but disclose them as such) to look at what's available and then start narrowing down based on pricing, features and extras. Adorama (also in NYC)and others, I'm sure also rent lenses for short term - 1 day - 1 week+ so that you can sample a lens before you take the plunge and buy it...when considering a hefty lens purchase - I highly recommend this try & buy approach. It definitely helped me in making a few lens purchase decisions.

A little narrow in scope. Pentax, Sony, Olympus all also make very good cameras.

As a Pentax guy myself, I would be remiss if I didn't recommend the Pentax Kx or Kr, which can come in fun colors, and have better features overall than most entry-level Canons or Nikons.

Truth is most of the entry and mid-level dSLRs are about the same with a small difference here or there, and different lenses of similar quality but differing costs. Go hold a bunch of them in your hands, find one that feels good, and go from there. You might find Canons to be large and heavy if you have small hands, or you may find Pentax to be too small if you have large hands, etc.

 

[luvflorida]

I've been wanting a DSLR camera for a long time. I finally couldn't take the shutter lag of my point and shoot digital camera any longer, so last night I went to Best Buy and bought the Nikon D3100 DSLR. It was listed on BestBuy.com at a sale price of $599.00. The in-store price was $699.00, but they honored the website's sale price.

I haven't had a chance to use it yet, but I'm itching to do so today and this weekend. I read tons of reviews before deciding on the Nikon D3100, and I think I'm really going to like this camera! I had a Pentax 35mm SLR camera for years that I loved, but finally gave in and went to digital long after most other people. I've also had a few Nikon cameras over the years, and I've never had a problem with their products either.

I'm going in search of a camera bag today, and will probably purchase another lens at some point. First, I want to get used to the camera, though.

 

[MKCP5]

Trying to decide between the Nikon D3100 and the Canon Rebel Xs Any opinions?

thanks!

 

[ElizK]

Trying to decide between the Nikon D3100 and the Canon Rebel Xs Any opinions?

thanks!

Have you held both of them? That's how I finally made my decision. One felt more comfortable in my hands. While I am an Olympus E510 user, I don't think you can go wrong with either of the two you're looking at.

 

[Hannathy]

Just remember a good camera doesn't automatically mean great pictures, it is the person pushing the button.........






A good photographer can take great pictures with a lousy camera but a lousy photographer will still take lousy pictures with a great camera. People too often think if I just spend enough I will get those great pictures I see.

 

[scooby9932]

My husband bought me a Canon G12 for a wedding gift. He has a Nikon D90 which he loves, but I wanted something a bit less bulky. The G12 retails for right around $500.

The G12 is a great camera that can easily function as a P&S, but also has manual settings much like DSLRs. The main difference for me is that I have found is that the G12 is much more compact and therefore I'm much more likely to carry it around & use it more often than the big DSLR. This camera does have the capability to change out lenses and does take filters. So far, I LOVE this little gem of a camera. The pictures are vibrant, crisp and gorgeous. Be sure to download the PDF manual for whichever camera you decide on as they are far more informative than the ones that come with them.

The Canon Rebels are good DSLRs beginner series cameras, as well. My daughter's first DSLR camera was a Rebel Txi. She is a professional photographer and has upgraded since, but her Rebel allowed her to become familiar with the DSLRs without the huge investment.

Going to a good camera store and talking to the professionals will really help you when deciding on a camera. You can tell them how you intend to use the camera & they can direct you to the ones that will best fit your needs.

Here's a link to a photo review site with lots of helpful information on the different cameras available:
DPReview

Happy camera hunting!

 

[luvflorida]

Trying to decide between the Nikon D3100 and the Canon Rebel Xs Any opinions?

thanks!

I spent some time over the weekend taking pictures with my Nikon D3100, and I am really loving this camera! I have a lot to learn and a lot more experimenting to do, but I'm finding the camera very easy to use. It took awhile to get used to using a bigger, heavier camera again, but I love the feel of it and love hearing that familiar click of the shutter.

Here are a few of my better shots. Trust me, they haven't all turned out good! The following photos were all taken on auto mode, with a few of them in the close-up mode. Like I said, I'm still learning how to use manual and other modes. I've had a bit of fun with the continuous release mode.


It took many, many shots before I got my kitty, Henry, to sit still and not walk towards me!

This one I was trying to get his face, but he turned his head just as I snapped the picture. I love how vibrant the colors came out, though!

I can't speak for any of the other DSLR cameras, but I can tell you that I'm very pleased with the Nikon D3100.

ETA: The photo of the lizard- I wanted to get closer, but was afraid he'd scamper off. I also agree with the previous poster that mentioned going to the stores and trying out several camera models to see which ones you feel more comfortable handling.