Photo Newbie...need camera suggestions

[Derby4me]

OK, I'm inspired. I have a quick moving 1 year old and am tired of all of the blurred pictures from my point and shoot. Also, I am a stay at home Mom and seriously in need of a hobby.

However, I am in the market for a basic Digital SLR camera that would be good for a beginner. Ideally I would like a camera that I could take a decent picture without having to take a photography class. I am willing to spend a few under (no more than $500 and much less would be great!) Just in the beginning of my research but thought I would start with the boards.

Thanks in advance for any kind suggestions!

 

[VVFF]

OK, I'm inspired. I have a quick moving 1 year old and am tired of all of the blurred pictures from my point and shoot. Also, I am a stay at home Mom and seriously in need of a hobby.

However, I am in the market for a basic Digital SLR camera that would be good for a beginner. Ideally I would like a camera that I could take a decent picture without having to take a photography class. I am willing to spend a few under (no more than $500 and much less would be great!) Just in the beginning of my research but thought I would start with the boards.

Thanks in advance for any kind suggestions!

I'm gonna have to say, that from your brief description here I would not run off to get a DSLR thinking it will fix all your problems. In fact, it can make some problems worse. If you've never really worried much about focusing on your actual subject or shutter speeds...then I might say you're not ready. Especially if you don't want to learn more.

The real question you should be asking is WHY am I getting blurry pictures and how can I fix that. It is possible that a DSLR can help a bit...but its not going to necessarily be a night a day difference if you don't know what you are doing.


Can you please post some pictures as examples of pictures you want to be better?

 

[ukcatfan]

I agree that you should learn more before hoping that a DSLR will fix everything. However, I saw that you say that you are in need of a hobby, so a DSLR might be great for you as long as you devote to working on the technical aspects. I suggest looking at the Pentax K-x. It is their latest entry level model and is one of the best entry level models available right now. The basic one lens kit runs around $550-600.

 

[Derby4me]

Attached is an example

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It just seems every shot is an "action shot" with a 1 year old. I am currently using a Sony Cyber-shot and it seems it can't keep up.

To clarify, I am more then willing to research and learn, I would just prefer to do this via books or online instead of paying for a class at the local university.

 

[VVFF]

Attached is an example

It just seems every shot is an "action shot" with a 1 year old. I am currently using a Sony Cyber-shot and it seems it can't keep up.

To clarify, I am more then willing to research and learn, I would just prefer to do this via books or online instead of paying for a class at the local university.

I don't believe you used a flash here, that would have helped greatly. You could also have done better if you were either zoomed out more or held the aperture open as wide as possible(lowest number) in Av mode on your camera(most have this mode).

For a DSLR you would be able to use speeds that are 2-3 "stops" faster than your current camera due to the ISO range being larger. This would have made your shutter speed go from 1/8th a second to 1/32nd-1/64th a second. Quicker for sure, but not quick enough to avoid all "blurry shots".

Have you tried using the flash?

If you want to do even better with a DSLR you would need to buy expensive lenses that take in light quicker. You probably haven't budgeted for this possibility. The other option would be using a separate flash that could be bounced to avoid the harsh flash look if that's why you don't use it. However, this adds bulk that you may not care for.

 

[bob100]

I'm gonna have to say, that from your brief description here I would not run off to get a DSLR thinking it will fix all your problems. In fact, it can make some problems worse. If you've never really worried much about focusing on your actual subject or shutter speeds...then I might say you're not ready. Especially if you don't want to learn more.

I'll agree with this - that photo posted showed a shutter speed of 1/8 second - too slow for sharp pics of fast moving kids! but if you are "in serious need of a hobby" photography may be a good fit and a new camera/DSLR will give you plenty to learn on. Just reading books and examples on the web can be instructional with shutter speeds, aperture and ISO but it does take time and practice.