WHat camera would you recommend?

[MomtoEmIs&Ow]

I am looking at getting a good camera. I love taking pictures, and do so alot, but I have never taken any courses or what not. So I am looking for suggestions. I have started looking around and thought that I could get some good feedback here. I am looking at spending no more than $400-500. Will that get me anything good?

we do have kids so alot of pictures of them, and i love doing nature shots, & night time too.

Thanks for any help!

Lisa

 

[Gianna'sPapa]

What type of camera system are you looking for? A high end Point and Shoot, Bridge/Super Zoom, DSLR? For the money you quoted you could easily get into a high end P & S or Bridge/Super Zoom. You could into an entry level DSLR for around $500+, but then you would probably end up spending more with all the accessories and additional lenses that you would find that you "need" to complete your kit. If your going to shoot at night then you will need a tripod. So add that to your cost.

 

[MomtoEmIs&Ow]

I have really just started to do my research. I want to get a camera that is good for action, as well as things like fireworks. I want to be able to adjust the shutter speed. I find that I have missed great shots because my old camera was not fast enough. I just don't know if you can do that with a high end P&S.... I am not really familiar with a bridge/Super zoom. Although I do want something that can get a really nice clear, detailed picture from a distance.

I would like to take a photography course in the future but I need a camera in the mean time. In regards to a DSLR I don't mind getting a good camera and then building up equipment over time. And why do you need a tripod to shot at night? Is that to prevent blur?

What are some pro & Cons of each kind?

THanks so much!

Lisa

 

[ukcatfan]

I am looking at spending no more than $400-500. Will that get me anything good?

You could into an entry level DSLR for around $500+, but then you would probably end up spending more with all the accessories and additional lenses that you would find that you "need" to complete your kit. If your going to shoot at night then you will need a tripod. So add that to your cost.

Are you talking US or Canadian dollars? If it is Canadian, then you might really be stretching the funds to get a DSLR. I do not know the exact prices, but $500 is just about the minimum for getting into a system in the US, so it would probably be closer to $600+ in Canadian dollars.

You might check into the Pentax K-x. It is what I have and it is about $500 here for the camera and basic kit lens. Last time I checked, it was still the best bang for the buck in the entry level DSLR market. Personally, I think you would be better served by the high end p&s options. The Canon G series are well regarded. I believe the current model is the G11.

 

[Gianna'sPapa]

I have really just started to do my research. I want to get a camera that is good for action, as well as things like fireworks. I want to be able to adjust the shutter speed. I find that I have missed great shots because my old camera was not fast enough. I just don't know if you can do that with a high end P&S.... I am not really familiar with a bridge/Super zoom. Although I do want something that can get a really nice clear, detailed picture from a distance.

I would like to take a photography course in the future but I need a camera in the mean time. In regards to a DSLR I don't mind getting a good camera and then building up equipment over time. And why do you need a tripod to shot at night? Is that to prevent blur?

What are some pro & Cons of each kind?

THanks so much!

Lisa

Tripod: Yes, it is to prevent the blur of using a longer shutter speed. If you want to shoot fireworks, ie, Wishes over the castle, the best way is with a tripod. I have some shots of the fireworks without, but it is not consistent and just plain lucky!

Basically, going from P & S up to DSLR, you can make more adjustments, ie, on the camera and/or with lens changes, to adapt to different lighting conditions. The goal being to have better images.This is where the photographer comes in. On this thread, it seems to be universally accepted that a must read is Understanding Exposure by Bryan Peterson. For me, it was the "AHa" read. It opened my eyes as to how much I didn't know and gave me the disease of photography!

If you catch this disease, there are some very good entry level DSLR's. Ukatfan mentions the Pentax Kx. I also shoot with Pentax and that is a highly recommended camera (normally cheaper than the others). Nikon has the 5000 and Canon just recently introduced the T2i. The T1i is still out there and is also highly regarded. I don't know Sony's entry level model (formerly Minolta). If you decide to go the DSLR route, then I would recommend you find a brick and mortar store and handle the cameras. Many times it comes down to which camera feels comfortable in your hands.

 

[C&B Young]

Are you talking US or Canadian dollars? If it is Canadian, then you might really be stretching the funds to get a DSLR. I do not know the exact prices, but $500 is just about the minimum for getting into a system in the US, so it would probably be closer to $600+ in Canadian dollars.

Your entry-level Canadian options at the $500 price point are pretty much the Canon Rebel XS, Nikon D3000, Pentax K-x, and a couple of Sony models. Check photoprice.ca for a good list of what each kit retails for and where. My only experience is with the Rebel XS, and although it's a fine little camera for what it does I quickly outgrew it and upgraded within the first year. The Rebel T1i would be my absolute starting point if I were getting into the DSLR game right now (the Canon DSLR game, anyways), it'll run you about $750. The better features and HD video are well worth the extra investment over the XS IMO.

 

[MomtoEmIs&Ow]

Thanks for all the advice so far! That gives me a few to look into.
I can easily go buy a camera in the US because we only live an hour from the border so US recomendations are great! Cameras are probably cheaper there anyway.

I will definatley check our librbary for Understanding Exposure by Bryan Peterson.

Thanks again!

Lisa

 

[ukcatfan]

Your entry-level Canadian options at the $500 price point are pretty much the Canon Rebel XS, Nikon D3000, Pentax K-x, and a couple of Sony models.

That is a pretty good deal! The K-x is a whole level above the XS and D3000. The closest comparisons are the T1i and the D5000. The T1i and K-x probably equal each other with each one beating the other in different areas. The D5000 has only slightly less features/quality and is not really noticeable in real life handling. These models will have a noticeable difference compared to the older/lesser models. The T2i is probably the best entry level out right now, but it comes at a premium price. The K-x is the cheapest of the bunch, which is why it is the best bang for the buck. I agree that you should try to handle them first (and then get the K-x )

 

[MomtoEmIs&Ow]

Your entry-level Canadian options at the $500 price point are pretty much the Canon Rebel XS, Nikon D3000, Pentax K-x, and a couple of Sony models. Check photoprice.ca for a good list of what each kit retails for and where. My only experience is with the Rebel XS, and although it's a fine little camera for what it does I quickly outgrew it and upgraded within the first year. The Rebel T1i would be my absolute starting point if I were getting into the DSLR game right now (the Canon DSLR game, anyways), it'll run you about $750. The better features and HD video are well worth the extra investment over the XS IMO.

What stores have you bought your cameras at?

 

[Gianna'sPapa]

Since I am a Pentax shooter there are few brick and mortar stores in my area that carry a full line of products. I primarily use the internet. I know that is not good for handling the cameras, but its all I have. I primarily use B & H and Adorama. Both have brick and mortar stores in New York and are highly regarded. Be careful with online stores because there are quite a few unscrupulous dealers out there. If it sounds too good to be true it probably is.

 

[Daisy14'sDH]

THere is a CDN shop in Stratford that has an Egag store thats who I purchased my Kx and Bag from. I had to pay taxes but it was still much cheaper than Henrys or Blacks by nearly $400! I would definitely use them for any online CDN Purchases... if you are interested I'll PM you their info.

 

[MomtoEmIs&Ow]

THere is a CDN shop in Stratford that has an Egag store thats who I purchased my Kx and Bag from. I had to pay taxes but it was still much cheaper than Henrys or Blacks by nearly $400! I would definitely use them for any online CDN Purchases... if you are interested I'll PM you their info.

IT would be great if you could Pm me please! I live right outside London. What is an Egag store?

Thanks

 

[C&B Young]

What stores have you bought your cameras at?

I'm not loyal to any 1 particular store, I go wherever the cheapest price is. I bought the XS at Staples actually, at the time the kit was $75 cheaper there than anywhere else. When I upgraded to the 50D I bought it online from Broadway Camera in BC. You'll find a lot of the deals online come from either Alberta or BC, as they'll charge you GST but not PST (at least until BC implements the HST). Often the savings in PST alone will more than cover the shipping. Same thing with lenses, and sometimes depending on the lens ordering online from the US is the cheapest route to go.

 

[Daisy14'sDH]

PM sent with the info, they are called prodigital2000

They were very helpful and had super fast shipping! Plus there are no warranty issues.

 

[boBQuincy]

On this thread, it seems to be universally accepted that a must read is Understanding Exposure by Bryan Peterson.

I respectfully agree that Peterson's book is recommended by many but it is far from universal, I returned it after finding it to be a poor guide to exposure.

 

[henryp]

Since I am a Pentax shooter there are few brick and mortar stores in my area that carry a full line of products. I primarily use the internet. I know that is not good for handling the cameras, but its all I have. I primarily use B & H and Adorama. Both have brick and mortar stores in New York and are highly regarded. Be careful with online stores because there are quite a few unscrupulous dealers out there. If it sounds too good to be true it probably is.

Thank you.

 

[Gianna'sPapa]

I respectfully agree that Peterson's book is recommended by many but it is far from universal, I returned it after finding it to be a poor guide to exposure.

Okay, maybe 'universal' was a slight overstatement, sorry, but the book worked for a simple person like me.

 

[MomtoEmIs&Ow]

PM sent with the info, they are called prodigital2000

They were very helpful and had super fast shipping! Plus there are no warranty issues.

Thanks for the info!!