Camera Recommendation Please

[threeprincesses]

I am need of a new camera since receiving the E18 error on my S2IS which I had for about 19 months.

I primarily use my camera to take pictures of kids, vacations, etc. however; I was never happy with my S2 when trying to photograph my kids in various sporting events. Any recommendations appreciated

 

[Master Mason]

Are you ready to move to a dSLR?

If so take a look at the

Canon XT line
Nikon d40 line (be careful of the focus moter issue)
Pentax K100
Olympus 410
Sony Alpha

those would be the entry level cameras for the major brands. What will really be more important is having fast lenses for the sports.

 

[TinksDH]

Good recommendations by Master Mason. Any of those entry level DSLRs are probably a step up in capability compared S2IS.

In sporting situations you typically need a camera with minimal shutter lag; in other words, as soon as you push the shutter release, the picture is actually taken! Many point&shoot cameras have MAJOR shutter lag, making you try and time the action. Any of the DSLRs would have a noticably improvement in shutter lag.

 

[threeprincesses]

Thank you very much for your help. I will start researching the ones mentioned. Any favorites out of the bunch?

 

[gokenin]

the K100 is actually being update with the k200 which will have an improved shake reduction and dust removal system and i believe it will also be a sealed body as well its not out yet but due with a month or two so you may want to wait for it instead of getting the k100

 

[Master Mason]

Thank you very much for your help. I will start researching the ones mentioned. Any favorites out of the bunch?

I have a canon and am completely invested in that line. If I were going to start fresh, it would be very tough for me to not to choose pentax.

Go to a store, play with them, one of the brands will naturally feel better to you, because of how it fits your hand, or because of the intuitiveness of the controls.

 

[YesDear]

As Mater Mason is a Canon fan I am a 35 yr Nikon fan. Go and play.

 

[gokenin]

the K100 is actually being update with the k200 which will have an improved shake reduction and dust removal system and i believe it will also be a sealed body as well its not out yet but due with a month or two so you may want to wait for it instead of getting the k100

 

[YEKCIM]

Something else to consider: If you decide to take the plunge with a DSLR, remember that the camera itself is just one component of the system; take a good look at the lenses that are available for any camera brand/model you are considering and give adequate weight to the lens lineup (mfg brand and third party) when making your decision. You are very likely buying into a system, not buying a camera when you purchase a DSLR.

~Y

 

[Lizziejane]

As others have mentioned, you're buying into a system, not just once piece of equipment, so take your time choosing. Go to a reputable camera store and play with them all. See which fits you hands the best and feels good; which one seems to make most sense to you in terms of where the controls are. Ask lots of questions and don't worry about taking up too much time in the store - if they're any good at what they do, they'll be more than happy to have you there for hours! Let them know what's important to you - whether that's sports shots, low light, etc.

 

[YEKCIM]

Go to a reputable camera store and play with them all. See which fits you hands the best and feels good; which one seems to make most sense to you in terms of where the controls are. Ask lots of questions and don't worry about taking up too much time in the store - if they're any good at what they do, they'll be more than happy to have you there for hours! Let them know what's important to you - whether that's sports shots, low light, etc.

May I also add that if you get good pre-purchase help from your local camera store, you should reward that expertise and service with your business and resist the temptation to buy online to save a few bucks.

~Y

 

[threeprincesses]

Thanks everyone for your help and advice. I do have more questions.
Which camera is easier to use if I plan to use autofocus 99% of the time. Right now, I have neither the time nor inclination to learn more. I keep reading about Nikon AF issues and am wondering if the other brands are easier, etc.?

Also, I have many lens questions. I'll get the dumb question out of the way first: Is there ever a time you would take pictures without a lens with a DSLR? Also, say I'm taking pictures at a birthday party indoors, what type of lens would I need. If anyone can provide me with a very basic lens lesson, it would be very helpful because I'm very confused right now. Lastly, say I wanted to capture my daughters playing soccer; lots of action, outdoors what type of lens would I want to use? Thanks to anyone who can help!! Julie

 

[ukcatfan]

Thanks everyone for your help and advice. I do have more questions.
Which camera is easier to use if I plan to use autofocus 99% of the time. Right now, I have neither the time nor inclination to learn more. I keep reading about Nikon AF issues and am wondering if the other brands are easier, etc.?

Also, I have many lens questions. I'll get the dumb question out of the way first: Is there ever a time you would take pictures without a lens with a DSLR? Also, say I'm taking pictures at a birthday party indoors, what type of lens would I need. If anyone can provide me with a very basic lens lesson, it would be very helpful because I'm very confused right now. Lastly, say I wanted to capture my daughters playing soccer; lots of action, outdoors what type of lens would I want to use? Thanks to anyone who can help!! Julie

IMO the AF limitation of the entry level Nikons are a fatal flaw, but low light shooting was one of my reasons for going DSLR. If it is not yours, then you might never need a fast lens.

It always needs a lens.

For indoor shots without a flash, a fast lens is usually best, but even the popular 50mm models might be a little tight for that situation. I would suggest either an external flash or a wider prime lens. Both can get expensive though.

If the action is in good light, then you do not really need that special of a lens. Just make sure it has enough focal length. If it is low light, then you are probably talking a fast tele zoom, which get expensive quick. Look for f/2.8 through the range. Third party lenses like Tamron and Sigma are often good compromises on cost vs. quality compared to original manufacturer brand.

Kevin

 

[collcass]

Which camera is easier to use if I plan to use autofocus 99% of the time. Right now, I have neither the time nor inclination to learn more. I keep reading about Nikon AF issues and am wondering if the other brands are easier, etc.?

This is just my honest opinion, but if you are not wanting to go further than autofocus, I would not invest in a DSLR. I would stick with the newer model of the Canon S2 which is the S5 or an equivalent advanced P&S.

My absolutely loved my S2. I did find it was a bit finky when it came to sports or any action shots, but, overall a great camera.

If you are wanting to move to the DSLR, you definitely need to get the "feel" of them in person. I've spent countless researching the cameras listed above (except the pentax because I can't actually find any of their DSLRs anywhere around me)

The first time I went into the store I really just held them all. Didn't like the feel of the Olympus. The second time, I spent about an hour asking a gazillion questions about the differences in the cameras and learning some stuff about the lenses.

the third time I really played with the cameras. Love the Sony, but the controls on the back really seem oddly placed and bothered me. My two final choices were the nikonD80 and Canon XTi. I absolutely love the D80 but it seems very heavy so I still haven't decided.

The point -- after all the rambling is simply that you really need to get to "know" the cameras in person to decide

Good luck

 

[threeprincesses]

Well, I'm hoping this will give me some inclination once my crazy life settles down. However; I don't want my pictures to suffer in the meantime which is why I will be using autofocus. IMO I was never too impressed with my s2is and I will definitely not be going that route again; even before the fatal error when it was only 19 months old....inexcusable on Canon's part.

 

[collcass]

Well, I'm hoping this will give me some inclination once my crazy life settles down. However; I don't want my pictures to suffer in the meantime which is why I will be using autofocus. IMO I was never too impressed with my s2is and I will definitely not be going that route again; even before the fatal error when it was only 19 months old....inexcusable on Canon's part.

That is a very short amt of time. Mine had a fatal error also but, in my case, it was my fault

I used a girlfriends XTi yesterday. She's had hers for about a year and loves it. She's had great results at lacrosse and football games using the kit lense

 

[ukcatfan]

This is just my honest opinion, but if you are not wanting to go further than autofocus, I would not invest in a DSLR. I would stick with the newer model of the Canon S2 which is the S5 or an equivalent advanced P&S.

Would you mind elaborating? This comment makes no sense to me. Are you sure that you do not really mean auto exposure? Almost everyone I know likes auto focus.

Kevin

 

[Nikel]

Would you mind elaborating? This comment makes no sense to me. Are you sure that you do not really mean auto exposure? Almost everyone I know likes auto focus.

Kevin

I agree. I only switch to manual focus for some macro stuff or if the lens is hunting too much in low light. I have never used my camera on "green box" though.

 

[figment1986]

I have herd great things about the Cannon S5, Though i wanted to go into SLR and have a Rebel XTi and love it. the lens kit doesnt work well in dark rides but work in other situations...

Go to the store and play around the some of the demo models.

 

[DisneySuiteFreak]

Thanks everyone for your help and advice. I do have more questions.
Which camera is easier to use if I plan to use autofocus 99% of the time. Right now, I have neither the time nor inclination to learn more. I keep reading about Nikon AF issues and am wondering if the other brands are easier, etc.?

Also, I have many lens questions. I'll get the dumb question out of the way first: Is there ever a time you would take pictures without a lens with a DSLR? Also, say I'm taking pictures at a birthday party indoors, what type of lens would I need. If anyone can provide me with a very basic lens lesson, it would be very helpful because I'm very confused right now. Lastly, say I wanted to capture my daughters playing soccer; lots of action, outdoors what type of lens would I want to use? Thanks to anyone who can help!! Julie

The only Nikons that have focus motor issues are the D40 and D40x.Basically, if the lens isn't equpiied w/ focus motor, then it won't AF on these cameras. They can still be used, but only in Manual focus.
I would get the Nikon D80 w/ 18-135 kit lens and 50mm1.8 prime lens. The 50mm 1.8 works great in low light and for action shots. You can use it for indoors and portraits, you just need to back up more than you would with a 30mm. Later, if you feel you need it, and really want it, you can get the 30mm 1.4 w/ HSM. That's what I would do.
FWIW, if you use a tripod in extremely low light conditions and want to take indoor family shots, the kit lens will work fine. It's just that most people don't want to lug around a tripod. You could bump up the ISO and use noise reduction software if the noise bothers you. I still don't know how to use the software and it doesn't really bother me as it's still not as noisy as a P&S. OR you could use the flash and it'll be fine. I bought the SB800 and rarely use it, but it has worked great for family portrait type photos....I found the on camera flash to be a lot better than the P&S on camera flashes, and have used them for some shots and they were okay.
I took almost all of my pictures on a recent DL trip using my 18-135 and 50mm handheld, and most all of the shots came out fine. (Exceptions were Fantasmic and Fireworks; I used a tripod for those.) I should have used a tripod in some low light, walking around the park, night shots, but was too lazy/ill to feel like lugging it around the park. I am very happy with my photos.
I recommend the D80 w/18-135 kit lens, and the 50mm prime, which will autofocus just fine on this camera. I just got the 85mm 1.8 for low light/action/portrait shots and I LOVE IT! It autofocuses fine on the D80 and gives a little more reach than the 50mm, which is great for stage shows and sports. Good luck!