What camera to bring?

[DisMama5]

For those of you who use nice cameras for those amazing photos could you suggest some camera options to me? I know close to nothing about cameras but Im a fast learner and want a great camera this time around for the best quality photos. I've seen many people with bulky black style cameras with the long lens.. I know they are all not the same lol but I'm assuming that is the way I want to go I just need to be pointed in the right direction

FYI I usually used my iPhone but this trip may be the last for a few years so I'm splurging to get the good quality, something along the lines of what the Photopass photographers use .. Just not over the top expensive, budget is important also

 

[ChitownFamily]

For those of you who use nice cameras for those amazing photos could you suggest some camera options to me? I know close to nothing about cameras but Im a fast learner and want a great camera this time around for the best quality photos. I've seen many people with bulky black style cameras with the long lens.. I know they are all not the same lol but I'm assuming that is the way I want to go I just need to be pointed in the right direction

FYI I usually used my iPhone but this trip may be the last for a few years so I'm splurging to get the good quality, something along the lines of what the Photopass photographers use .. Just not over the top expensive, budget is important also

Hi! So every great photographer starts somewhere. There are 3 types of cameras: point & shoot (traditional digital) dslr ("bulky black with lens- photo pass) & mirror less. While all digital cameras are pretty awesome & advanced. A great photo owes the credit to the photographer. Not sure when your trip is, but if you get a dslr or mirror less, I highly recommend taking a photography class. Setting the camera on auto will yield nice vacation photos. But if you know how to work your camera, you'll know what makes a great photo & better yet- you will be able to reproduce it. Personally I have canon t3i http://www.usa.canon.com/cusa/consu..._cameras/eos_rebel_t3i_18_55mm_is_ii_lens_kit & a canon powershot point & shoot. If I had to do it again, I would purchase a mirror less camera (more compact) my camera feels very heavy after a while on my neck. You'll also want to get a professional camera bag, to properly store & carry your new camera, I bought a custom camera bag on etsy (a sling style) I wish I had bought a backpack style http://www.lowepro.com
There is also a photography board here on the dis. I'm sure they would be happy to help. http://www.disboards.com/forumdisplay.php?f=97

 

[Habbott]

There is another option. Some consider it in between a point and shoot and dslr. It's the interchangeable compact. I have an Olympus Pen model, which is in this grouping. I get great pictures, but it is smaller than a big bulky black dslr. It has manual options, much like a dslr as well.

My real reason for picking it over a point and shoot was the no delay for taking multiple pictures or autofocus. I purchased it when my son was about 9 months and on the go. So glad because the kid hasn't slowed down.

 

[JillShari]

Post this also on the photography board... the people there are very helpful!

Basically, unless you have time to practice and take a course and really learn to use the manual settings, those big expensive dSLR cameras are being used as a simple point and shoot and don't take the best pictures.

If you want one though... I'd look at getting a refurbished one from either B&H or Adorama or directly through Canon. Each camera feels different in your hands, so I'd tell you to go to a store like best buy or Walmart and try to hold them.

There are also what at least used to be called "prosumer" cameras. They usually have an attached smaller lens, tend to be smaller and lighter and most of them have great abilities. Most also have the ability to switch off of automatic modes and let you experiment with manual settings.

Good luck.

 

[DisMama5]

Thanks guys this has been very helpful! I didn't notice a photography board, gosh these boards have something for everything, I love it! Thanks all

 

[imthemamahere]

If you're still looking for ideas, I'm happy to share mine. I {LOVE} my dslr, and the photos I take with it. Not all of them, but... I don't think I'd be able to capture my memories as well with another camera.

I have an older Canon Rebel - the XSi model. I got it about 6 years ago now. I'd love to upgrade to something a bit better (the 60D, or the 7D... drool), but with good lenses (I have a few favorites on hand, and a few even better ones on my wish list!), I'm content with what I have. For now.

But then, *you* have to like the camera to make an SLR a worthwhile purchase for you - the way it feels in your hands, the way the controls are placed... you have to be able to grow comfortable with it, or you'll leave it tucked away in a backpack or sling or back in your hotel room, instead of having it on hand, ready to use.

I'd just say, if you do go with a dSLR, skip the kit lens and start with a better lens. (There are lots to choose from, and it's different based on whether you go with a Canon, a Nikon, or a different brand - I'm sure people here can make suggestions, I like dpreview.com for lens/camera reviews, you can even read some pretty in-depth Amazon reviews!) The lens makes as much of a difference as the camera, if not moreso!