I'm looking for a camera!!!

[radopps]

my gf and I are really getting into taking pictures...I take some pics for the station I work at and I use a Nikon...not sure which one but it serves its purpose for taking shots of sporting events. I am curious as to what to look for when buying a camera. besides my cybershot this will be my first "big" camera purchase. what should i look for? what kind of questions should I be asking? any help would be great!!!:freakout:

pic from work!!!
http://www.espn1420am.com/typo3temp/pics/48a374fe95.jpg
:woowoo:

[imagesbyk2]

to name a few:

- physical size & weight
- battery life
- frames per second
- crop factor
- price

[Shinigami052]

Actually I think the BIGGEST question you'll need to ask yourself is what are you using it for? And then how much do you have to spend? Those are the two biggest questions you'll need to answer and will determine which routes you can take.

[radopps]

i'll likely use it for work...and also for leisure purposes...as far as money...right now i'm looking at around $2,000

[kombi731]

I like my Nikon some like their Canon. They're both good hunt down the deals. Go somewhere like bestbuy to see size, etc. DSLR's are easily within reach now price wise. The bundles have nice lenses to start with or you can buy just a body. battery wise I have yet to see a 07+ DSLR Nikon or Canon chew up more than half a battery in 2hrs/200ish RAW shots(incl long lens). Cards are a different story get the ones that write fastest and hey they're way cheaper than last year.

specs wise for a body look at:
ISO range
shutter speeds
Flash compatibilty
card type
Frame RAte
pixels
---- then comes the rest controls, LCD size and well everything else

[idiosyncratic]

http://www.espn1420am.com/typo3temp/pics/48a374fe95.jpg

that's a pretty good pic from work...

good luck. in whatever you decide to get, you have a decent starting budget... i didn't so i ended up with a digicam that doesn't have interchangeable lens but it'll do for now. :)

[Shinigami052]

And work/leisure meaning? Pics of people? Sports? Nature and land/waterscapes? You looking for something small that'll fit in a pocket or ur girl's purse or you don't mind a big DSLR to hand hold?

I like my set up now. A Canon XTi with the kit lens. I have other lenses but to start with that's a great place. Get the vert grip and you're still sub $1k (barely). I'd also suggest looking into a Canon 40D. It's about the same as an XTi with some extra features and a faster burst speed (good for sports stuff). 40D + kit lens + grip = about $1800. That's what I'd suggest. I like Canon because IMO they have the best glass (lens) line up.

[radopps]

And work/leisure meaning? Pics of people? Sports? Nature and land/waterscapes? You looking for something small that'll fit in a pocket or ur girl's purse or you don't mind a big DSLR to hand hold?


pics of people, sports, nature/landscapes, and random stuff...i enjoy taking pictures!!! ideally i am looking for a larger size camera...the picture i took of the UH game was with the Nikon camera...not sure what kind it is...i need to ask(i would go in to the office to look but i'm trying to stay away!!!)!!! please try to help with the meanings for a lot of what you guys are talking about...tech terms are not my thing!!!:hypo:

[imagesbyk2]

you should be able to google any photo terms you don't quite understand.

[radopps]

okay...yah...still trying to learn!!!

[Shinigami052]

here are some good links for you to learn from. Some of them are Canon specific as that is what I shoot with and that is what I need:

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/
http://www.dpreview.com/
http://www.the-digital-picture.com/
http://photography-on-the.net/forum/
http://www.usa.canon.com/dlc/controller?act=GetProductLineAct&productLineID=3


Some of them are sites to buy equip (B&H Photo) some are review sites (DPreview and The Digital Picture) while others are forums (Photography on the Net aka POTN) and the last is an informational site put out by Canon.

There is a lot of information out there on the subject. And to confuse you more, Canon and Nikon are not the only companies that have DSLR line ups. Other companies like Sony, Olympus, Laica and many others have DSLR or SLR lineups. I would suggest you go with Canon or Nikon tho as they are the best (IMO).

[Shinigami052]

I'll Translate my other post with links when available.

I like my set up now. A Canon XTi (1 (http://www.dpreview.com/reviews/canoneos400d/) 2 (http://www.usa.canon.com/dlc/controller?act=GetProductAct&productID=69) 3 (http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/494375-REG/Canon__EOS_Digital_Rebel_XTi.html) 4 (http://www.the-digital-picture.com/Reviews/Canon-EOS-400D-Digital-Rebel-XTi-Review.aspx))with the kit lens (http://www.the-digital-picture.com/Reviews/Canon-EF-S-18-55mm-f-3.5-5.6-IS-Lens-Review.aspx). I have other lenses but to start with that's a great place. Get the vertical grip (http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/373932-REG/Canon_0211B001_BG_E3_Vertical_Grip_Battery_Holder. html)and you're still sub $1k. I'd also suggest looking into a Canon 40D (1 (http://www.dpreview.com/previews/canoneos40d/) 2 (http://www.usa.canon.com/dlc/controller?act=GetProductAct&productID=150) 3 (http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/518570-REG/Canon_1901B017_EOS_40D_SLR_Digital.html) 4 (http://www.the-digital-picture.com/Reviews/Canon-EOS-40D-Digital-SLR-Camera-Review.aspx)). It's about the same as an XTi with some extra features and a faster burst speed (good for sports stuff). 40D + kit lens (http://www.the-digital-picture.com/Reviews/Canon-EF-28-135mm-f-3.5-5.6-IS-USM-Lens-Review.aspx) + grip (http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/521093-REG/Canon_2313B001_BG_E2N_Vertical_Grip_Battery_Holder .html) = about $1800. That's what I'd suggest. I like Canon because IMO they have the best glass (lens) line up.

[kombi731]

I wonder if there are some deals on the 40D since its new.

can you look at prints from any that will give you an idea.
XTi is a sweet deal and everyone loves the vertical grip and extra battery so easy on the hand. a ton of lenses to choose from

20/30D are very similar 8mp proven designs popular w/ guys on the North Shore too

Nikon D40?/D80/D200 use a 10.2MP and have different frame rate, buffer size, flash comp, but use the same Image Sensor

take a trip down to Kaimuki Camera mauka side of Wailae she reps Canon HARD but has filters and stuff for everyone and very helpful/ reasonably priced. She'll prob show and explain their whole line(Canon).

Shinigami is right there is a lot more to it than two brands higher and lower end. But options w/ lenses etc is nice. Wait till someone trys to explain Sigma's Megapixel theory haha
keep us all posted :)

[radopps]

i usually learn pretty quick but there needs to be an urgency to it...i'll try to do as much research as possible but my problem is that this isn't a necessity...thx for the help so far...there will be more questions!!!

[radopps]

right now i'm looking at the Canon - EOS Digital Rebel XT 8.0MP Digital SLR Camera...for me the price is right...and it comes with a lens...seems like a good choice...what do you guys think?

[UnTaiMaiShu]

That's a good camera to start off with. I don't have one presonally but I do know others that have it and they are happy with it.

If you're a gambler, check out Craigslist and maybe get a 20D to start off as well. Similar to the 8.0 MP XT but with a more rugged body. I got my 20D from someone on Craigslist and it lasted me two years and still going. Now it's my backup to my 40D. There's also a 40D on Craigslist as well as lens for any Canon DSLR camera. Some of them may actually let you try before you buy.

Unfamiliar with Craigslist, go to http://honolulu.craigslist.org. This by no means is an advertisement for Craigslilst. =)

Let us know how it goes.

[Shinigami052]

I had a Rebel XT and sold it to upgrade to the XTi. It wasn't because I was unhappy with it, I just needed an upgrade. I would suggest looking into getting an XTi. It's got a lot more features over the XT that I really like. There is also an XTi kit that comes with a great lens. The 18-55mm lens that comes in that kit is a super starting lens.

[dnf]

Would a canon 10D be good if it was cheap or should one just go straight to the 40D?

b

[kombi731]

I think XTI is more worthwhile than Rebel XT
XTI is 07 design right rr should I say release?

Nikon on best buy I'm sure there are better prices too
D40 w/ 18-55mm $750 10.2 MP
D80 w/ 18-135mm $1299 10.2MP
a couple more megapixels than similar priced canon bundles

[japaneezy]

i can squeeze off 12 fps with my nikon d2xs. hard to beat that when shooting sports.

[corytomo]

I really like the Nikon D80 and the Fuji S5...
I have a Fuji S3, and it takes good enough pictures for me, those its only 3 fps. The good thing about Fuji is that they take the Nikon F-mount lenses.
Plus the dang thing lasts for over 4 hours of pure shooting!

[kombi731]

i can squeeze off 12 fps with my nikon d2xs. hard to beat that when shooting sports.
not at a high mp. or did they improve on that since the D2x
the D2H is fast too just lower mp
I'll TAKE either body, but outta my camera price range.. ahhh dreams

[imagesbyk2]

Would a canon 10D be good if it was cheap or should one just go straight to the 40D?

b

it depends on what you are going for. Personally, I would recommend 20D and up since it is DigicII. But if you are just taking casual pictures then it shouldn't matter much. I dont think you need a 40D.

[imagesbyk2]

I think XTI is more worthwhile than Rebel XT
XTI is 07 design right rr should I say release?

Nikon on best buy I'm sure there are better prices too
D40 w/ 18-55mm $750 10.2 MP
D80 w/ 18-135mm $1299 10.2MP
a couple more megapixels than similar priced canon bundles

IMHO, yes the XTi is more worthwhile than the XT. larger screen, higher resolution, anti dust sensor, picture modes. For about $100.

[taegu808]

hang loose on the body + kit lens till you get a better idea. initially a "super" zoom might be preferably since you have a wide variety of subject matter and may not be wanting to swap lenses all the time? I swear I just saw a blurb about a new Tokina 10-250mm f/3.5 or something but cant find the link now. man, that one lens on whatever body you choose would be so versatile (but doesn't seem possible?).

it's a good time to be a shutterbug fan - so much new and incredibly capable digital gear! :breakdance:



photo info shows you are shooting with a Canon SD550, f/3.5 @ 1/60th - a very nice action shot, I like the speed blur a lot :cheer3:

[radopps]

thanks all!!! hopefully this christmas will be good to me!!! still trying to weed out all the choices...i'll try to narrow it down soon!!!

[corytomo]

If you don't want to spend huge amounts of money, even 2 year old DSLR's are fine.
Here's some action shots at autox with the Fuji S3 with a Nikkor 25-85mm 1:2.8 - 4D lens. I bought a Sigma 28-300mm for long range stuff, but heres some samples.

http://www.tomo-dachi.net/sccapics/solo101407-cory/dscf0089.jpg

http://www.tomo-dachi.net/sccapics/solo101407-cory/dscf0098.jpg

http://www.tomo-dachi.net/sccapics/solo101407-cory/dscf0166.jpg

[radopps]

i'm leaning towards the canon powershot...8mp and the price is good...i can't find any worthy reviews...does anyone know if it is compatible with lenses???

[Shinigami052]

go to www.dpreview.com they should have all the camera reviews you could ever want.

Usually the powershots or P&S cameras aren't compatible with lenses unless you get a special attachment.

[dnf]

it depends on what you are going for. Personally, I would recommend 20D and up since it is DigicII. But if you are just taking casual pictures then it shouldn't matter much. I dont think you need a 40D.

thanks
b

[imagesbyk2]

powershots are not SLR cameras. You might be able to use filters, but cannot change the lens.

[corytomo]

come on b, you are baller man, just get the 40D :)

[imagesbyk2]

the 1ds mkIII is cool too. =)

[dnf]

come on b, you are baller man, just get the 40D :)

hah. i think i'll pick up dslr for dummies on the way home. i like that live view function of the 40d. hmm... tires or camera...... boost guage or camera.....

[corytomo]

hah. i think i'll pick up dslr for dummies on the way home. i like that live view function of the 40d. hmm... tires or camera...... boost guage or camera.....

camera, you don't need new tires!! :D