Looking for recommendations: Dslr camera 14 mp or higher cheap easy to use???????

[TENIA66]

Help! Looking for a camera to take excellent shots in gyms for basketball, school plays, etc. Any recommendations? Needs to be dummie proof? I'm just not getting the quality i need with a point n shoot from kodak, although i love it.....

 

[aka-mad4themouse]

I'm going to move this to the Photography Board for recommendations. DSLR & cheap are not two words that I would use in conjunction with one another but maybe someone can come up with one if you give them a price range to work with.

 

[GrillMouster]

Why are you specifically looking for 14 MP or more?

 

[saturndb]

I am sure others who are more qualified will jump in and give thier advice, but if I may ask. What do you mean by cheap? under 100? under 500? under 1000? Afterall everyone has a different meaning of "cheap". I know you said you want to take pictures in a gym, basketball, plays, etc. is that how you will mainly be using the camera. Can you post some of your current pictures and what type of camera do you currently have.

Dave

 

[TENIA66]

Why are you specifically looking for 14 MP or more?

Lesser resolution doesn't give me the freedom to edit and particularly crop like we like................

 

[TENIA66]

will do. most of my pics currently are with 14 mp kodak i love........outdoor sports, wonderful, indoor not so much, they wont let me get on the court with the players to take pics so i'm gonna have to make quality shots from the stands!! lol...... Price range i would love would be 300 to 500 but i'm more realistically expecting up to 1000.00

 

[TENIA66]

 

[TENIA66]

 

[disneyboy2003]

I'm not sure if this qualifies as "cheap", but Canon's cheapest entry-level DSLR is the Canon Rebel T1i, which has 15.1 megapixels. It comes as the camera body + a kit lens for about $799.99.

(For Canon DSLRs, you can also go cheaper by buying a used older model, like the Canon Rebel XSi, but it's got 12.2 megapixels, which is less than your requirement.)

If you're doing indoor sports and school plays, then you'll need an additional lens specifically for these lower-light situations (ie. a lens with a very large aperture). The cheapest you could do would be the 50mm f/1.8 lens for about $100.

Is it easy to use? I've heard radio commercials for Canon that boast that you can do everything "auto" on these cameras, that you can take great pictures, and that it's a great gift for the photo enthusiast in the family.

However, the camera's not going to know that you wanna take pictures of indoor basketball or school plays (typical low-light situations). That's why cameras typically take crappy pictures in "auto" mode in these low-light settings. Once you get your DSLR, you can try the "sports" setting as a quick-and-easy first step for these situations.

Hope that helps. (I don't know any of the Nikon lingo, but I'm sure the prices and specs are very competitive)


Edited: oops...I think we were both posting at around the same time, so I didn't see your basketball pictures. The 2 you posted aren't too bad, but I see that you mentioned that these were the 2 best photos of the bunch. With a DSLR, you can probably get more "keeper" shots like these. You also wouldn't have to worry about shutter-lag, since DSLRs snap pictures almost instantly.

 

[TENIA66]

i'm not sure if this qualifies as "cheap", but canon's cheapest entry-level dslr is the canon rebel t1i, which has 15.1 megapixels. It comes as the camera body + a kit lens for about $799.99.

(for canon dslrs, you can also go cheaper by buying a used older model, like the canon rebel xsi, but it's got 12.2 megapixels, which is less than your requirement.)

if you're doing indoor sports and school plays, then you'll need an additional lens specifically for these lower-light situations (ie. A lens with a very large aperture). The cheapest you could do would be the 50mm f/1.8 lens for about $100.

Is it easy to use? I've heard radio commercials for canon that boast that you can do everything "auto" on these cameras, that you can take great pictures, and that it's a great gift for the photo enthusiast in the family.

However, the camera's not going to know that you wanna take pictures of indoor basketball or school plays (typical low-light situations). That's why camera's typically take crappy pictures in "auto" mode in these low-light settings. Once you get your dslr, you can try the "sports" setting as a quick-and-easy first step for these situations.

Hope that helps. (i don't know any of the nikon lingo, but i'm sure the prices and specs are very competitive)

thanks so much for the info! I had looked at the canon 15.1 mp at sams club. The different lens intimidated me but maybe i could give it a shot.

I've traditionally been a kodak kind of gal, this will be a new venture for me...

 

[ukcatfan]

Unless you are going to be close, you should realistically look to spending $1K on the lens you need alone. That situation calls for something like an 80-200mm f/2.8 and they are not cheap. The only other thing you can hope for is good high ISO performance in place of the lens (ISO 6400-12,800 and still usable), but that is typically going to be a body over $1K and the cheap long focal length lens is still going to be a few hundred on top of that.

There are two less than $1K cameras I know of that have an ISO up to 12,800, but I am not sure how usable the shots are at that level. They are the new Pentax K-x and the Canon Rebel T1i. The Pentax is going to be offered in a two lens kit for $750 that will have a 50-200mm and another two lens kit for $850 with a 50-300mm. They are not fast lenses (i.e. f/2.8) like I mentioned above, but maybe the high ISO ability can make up for that.

On last thing, you might want to reconsider your 14MP requirement. The MPs on a DSLR are not comparable to a p&s. You will always get more detail per MP on a DSLR. I would off the top of my head compare a 14MP p&s to about a 10MP DSLR.

 

[ukcatfan]

If you're doing indoor sports and school plays, then you'll need an additional lens specifically for these lower-light situations (ie. a lens with a very large aperture). The cheapest you could do would be the 50mm f/1.8 lens for about $100.

You are going to have to be pretty close for a 50mm to be enough focal length. You would also be limited to only shots on your side of the court.

 

[TENIA66]

Unless you are going to be close, you should realistically look to spending $1K on the lens you need alone. That situation calls for something like an 80-200mm f/2.8 and they are not cheap. The only other thing you can hope for is good high ISO performance in place of the lens (ISO 6400-12,800 and still usable), but that is typically going to be a body over $1K and the cheap long focal length lens is still going to be a few hundred on top of that.

There are two less than $1K cameras I know of that have an ISO up to 12,800, but I am not sure how usable the shots are at that level. They are the new Pentax K-x and the Canon Rebel T1i. The Pentax is going to be offered in a two lens kit for $750 that will have a 50-200mm and another two lens kit for $850 with a 50-300mm. They are not fast lenses (i.e. f/2.8) like I mentioned above, but maybe the high ISO ability can make up for that.

On last thing, you might want to reconsider your 14MP requirement. The MPs on a DSLR are not comparable to a p&s. You will always get more detail per MP on a DSLR. I would off the top of my head compare a 14MP p&s to about a 10MP DSLR.

Interesting to know about the MP i had no idea....what i do know is i'm pretty crappy with holding still (even with image stabilizattion) while zoomed in.....If a get a wider shot then crop up later i'm usually a lot better off......

 

[TENIA66]

http://www.samsclub.com/shopping/navigate.do?dest=5&item=436680

is this the best option you think? what else would i need that doesn't come with it?




Included:
EOS Rebel T1i Body
EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 IS Lens
Eyecup Ef (Not shown)
C. Wide Strap EW-100DBIII
USB Interface Cable IFC-200U
AV Cable AVC-DC400
Battery Pack LP-E5
Battery Charger LC-E5
EOS Digital Solution Disk and
Instruction Manuals
"Great Photography is Easy" Booklet and "Do More with Macro" Booklet (not shown)


here's a different link to one that is availabile, different order number can't tell if it is identical or not...

http://www.samsclub.com/shopping/navigate.do?dest=5&item=436513

 

[IndyShutterbug]

Great explanation UK. I would also recommend buying a gently used model can be a great option too. I picked up a slightly used Canon 20D for under $250, and it serves as a backup to my 5DmkII and 50D. It is a great camera, while only 8.2mp, and can use all of the current EF lenses. I would say if you got a good deal, you would have money left over to pick up a decent lens. When I shoot basketball games, I will throw a 70-200mm on one camera, and an 50mm 1.4 on the other. If you bump the iso up enough, you will be fine with the 2.8 on the 70-200. I would also recommend a monopod, easily $50 or less, if room allows. It will help you if you aren't able to get a fast lens or if you don't have IS/VR.

 

[IndyShutterbug]

http://www.samsclub.com/shopping/navigate.do?dest=5&item=436680

is this the best option you think? what else would i need that doesn't come with it?




Included:
EOS Rebel T1i Body
EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 IS Lens
Eyecup Ef (Not shown)
C. Wide Strap EW-100DBIII
USB Interface Cable IFC-200U
AV Cable AVC-DC400
Battery Pack LP-E5
Battery Charger LC-E5
EOS Digital Solution Disk and
Instruction Manuals
"Great Photography is Easy" Booklet and "Do More with Macro" Booklet (not shown)


here's a different link to one that is availabile, different order number can't tell if it is identical or not...

http://www.samsclub.com/shopping/navigate.do?dest=5&item=436513

The T1i is a great entry level camera! It will also give you HD video. For me, the camera is a little small, but a battery grip could solve that issue for right around $130.
If you go with that model, you can pick up a 70-300 IS lens that will give you the reach. Just remember, the lens is a 3.5-5.6(I think) and will be tough to get the indoor shots. The lens runs about $500, but is a decent lens. The kit lens will only give you 18-55, but you should try it out at a game to get you own opinion. It may work for what you are looking for. If they allow flash during the game, that will also help...get a 430exii or 530exii. Craigslist is a great place to find used gear.

 

[ukcatfan]

Interesting to know about the MP i had no idea....what i do know is i'm pretty crappy with holding still (even with image stabilizattion) while zoomed in.....If a get a wider shot then crop up later i'm usually a lot better off......

It sounds like you are not getting a fast enough shutter speed. That is probably the limitations of the camera. You pretty much need at least a 1/focal length as the shutter speed. So, at 200mm you need at least a 1/200 second shutter. In reality, I would say that you need closer to 1/500 or faster for that focal length combined with action sports. If you check you EXIF info, I suspect the shutter was much slower. You should never have to crop with the proper equipment.

 

[ukcatfan]

http://www.samsclub.com/shopping/navigate.do?dest=5&item=436680

is this the best option you think? what else would i need that doesn't come with it?

It might be partly my brand preference, but I wold go with the Pentax K-x over the Rebel T1i. It is cheaper and offers very similar features plus you get in-body IS which works on every lens. The prices I mention are full retail. After it has been out for a month or so, those will drop by around $50-100 IMO. It comes out any time now BTW.

 

[disneyboy2003]

http://www.samsclub.com/shopping/navigate.do?dest=5&item=436680

is this the best option you think? what else would i need that doesn't come with it?

Yes, that's exactly the camera I was talking about. And, yes, the 2nd link you provided shows the exact same camera and lens.

Here's the Canon 50mm f/1.8 lens I was talking about (from B&H, a very reputable company for ordering camera equipment): http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/12142-USA/Canon_2514A002_Normal_EF_50mm_f_1_8.html

Actually, if you're going to be ordering from B&H, here's their link to the Canon Rebel T1i: http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/613613-REG/Canon_3818B002_EOS_Rebel_T1i_Digital.html

I looked at your basketball pictures, and it looks like a pretty small gym with only 4 rows of bleachers. With the 50mm lens, you should be able to get very good pictures when the action is on your side, near the key / basket.

Also, I'm not sure if you're familiar with lenses, but this 50mm lens is a "prime lens", meaning that it doesn't zoom. So any basketball action that takes place right in front of you might be too close for this lens. Certainly, any action that's on the other side of the court will probably be too far for this lens, as well. However, the advantage of this lens is that it works great in low-light situations.

Again, I'm only making these suggestions based on your requirement for a cheap DSLR system. There are plenty of options for better low-light lenses (aka. "fast lenses"). As ukcatfan mentioned, you can save up for the 70-200mm f/2.8 lens, which zooms and is great for low-light / sports, but will set you back $1,949 for the best one from Canon. Sigma, a 3rd party, makes lenses that fit Canon DSLRs, and they have a 70-200mm f/2.8 lens for $799. So that's the price range you'd be looking at for low-light zoom lenses.

I don't have kids' basketball pictures, but I do have some Harlem Globetrotters pictures when they came to town last year. I used a 100mm f/2.0 lens for these photos. Hope your kid's basketball games AREN'T like these! :

​

BTW, I also agree with ukcatfan's megapixel comment. You probably don't need 14+ megapixels. In reality, 10-12 megapixels is more than enough for a DSLR. They just keep cramming more and more megapixels into camera sensors these days.

And I also agree that your blurry zoomed shots are likely because you had a slow shutter speed. Typically, point-and-shoot cameras and mega-zoom bridge cameras don't have a constant maximum aperture when you zoom. So when you zoom in a lot, the aperture gets smaller, and the camera compensates for this by giving you a slower shutter speed. This might not be a big deal for outside, daytime pictures because even the "slower" shutter speeds for daytime are still pretty fast. But for night time and low-light photography, it makes a huge difference. That's probably why your zoomed-in pictures appear blurry.

 

[TENIA66]

yes, that's exactly the camera i was talking about. And, yes, the 2nd link you provided shows the exact same camera and lens.

Here's the canon 50mm f/1.8 lens i was talking about (from b&h, a very reputable company for ordering camera equipment): http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/12142-usa/canon_2514a002_normal_ef_50mm_f_1_8.html

actually, if you're going to be ordering from b&h, here's their link to the canon rebel t1i: http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/613613-reg/canon_3818b002_eos_rebel_t1i_digital.html

i looked at your basketball pictures, and it looks like a pretty small gym with only 4 rows of bleachers. With the 50mm lens, you should be able to get very good pictures when the action is on your side, near the key / basket.

Also, i'm not sure if you're familiar with lenses, but this 50mm lens is a "prime lens", meaning that it doesn't zoom. So any basketball action that takes place right in front of you might be too close for this lens. Certainly, any action that's on the other side of the court will probably be too far for this lens, as well. However, the advantage of this lens is that it works great in low-light situations.

Again, i'm only making these suggestions based on your requirement for a cheap dslr system. There are plenty of options for better low-light lenses (aka. "fast lenses"). As ukcatfan mentioned, you can save up for the 70-200mm f/2.8 lens, which zooms and is great for low-light / sports, but will set you back $1,949 for the best one from canon. Sigma, a 3rd party, makes lenses that fit canon dslrs, and they have a 70-200mm f/2.8 lens for $799. So that's the price range you'd be looking at for low-light zoom lenses.

I don't have kids' basketball pictures, but i do have some harlem globetrotters pictures when they came to town last year. I used a 100mm f/2.0 lens for these photos. Hope your kid's basketball games aren't like these! :

btw, i also agree with ukcatfan's megapixel comment. You probably don't need 14+ megapixels. In reality, 10-12 megapixels is more than enough for a dslr. They just keep cramming more and more megapixels into camera sensors these days.

And i also agree that your blurry zoomed shots are likely because you had a slow shutter speed. Typically, point-and-shoot cameras and mega-zoom bridge cameras don't have a constant maximum aperture when you zoom. So when you zoom in a lot, the aperture gets smaller, and the camera compensates for this by giving you a slower shutter speed. This might not be a big deal for outside, daytime pictures because even the "slower" shutter speeds for daytime are still pretty fast. But for night time and low-light photography, it makes a huge difference. That's probably why your zoomed-in pictures appear blurry.

wonderful pics, but if i was the person with the camera about to get wet i would kill!