Camera Recommendation?

Josh K

Josh K

Joined
Sep 29, 2008
Messages
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I had a chance to play with someone's Canon (don't remember the model, Rebel maybe?) and I loved it. I loved the pictures, the control, etc.

However I don't know if it's worth the cash right now. I was browsing Amazon and there were a couple cameras that caught my eye. You have the higher end point and shoot, the point and shoot with interchangable lenses (?), and then of course the full Canon Rebel.

Now which would fill my needs best? I'm willing to tinker, but not sure it's worth getting something full blown if I'm not going to take a photography class or something similar to learn the full capabilities. The second one (interchangeable lens) appeals because it gives me flexibility without the full price or complication a more expensive camera would bring.
 
A: dont bother with a PS w/ interchangeable lenses. If you're gonna spend that kind of cash, buy the rebel. BTW, it's a great camera, so ignore the inevitable camera snob that will tell you to only buy the high end canon DSLRs. Spend your cash on good lenses and a good flash. You can always change bodies if your needs change and use the same good glass. Don't rely on the on cam flash for a DSLR.

If you really just want to have great pcs, you can also get phenomenal quality from a p&s, so if you just love taking pics and don't want to fiddle with lenses, go that route. Canon, Nikon Sony, Panasonic, Samsung, and more, all make great cameras. More $ means more and better features, so you might need to pay more to get what you want. A couple things to consider: OPTICAL lens length - the longer, the more you can do w/o moving your feet (wider is usually better too): that's the x number of the lens length. IGNORE the digital zoom (most good ps cams don't even use digital zoom any more.) The more you digitally zoom, the less pic quality. Think of it as just cropping the image in cam. NOT good for quality image.

If you want to get into aperature (f stop), etc, google it, as there is a ton of good info regarding what it means to your photography.

You can learn a lot visiting the photography sub forum here (I suspect this post will be moved there).

Email me offline if you want help picking a camera. I've been a photographer for 20+ and would be happy to help. I bet you'll get lots of others that will offer the same help. Don't be afraid to take any of us up on the offer if you need to.

:)
 
Micro 4/3 isn't really a P&S with an interchangeable lens. Think of it as more of a DSLR without the mirror and viewfinder. The cameras are actually pretty slick and take great pictures. Not quote on the level of a full featured DSLR, but still pretty good.
 
My last three cameras have been Canons. I love the features and ease of use and they have all taken great pictures whether I use "auto" or any of the full range of manual settings (assuming I don't use the wrong manual settings). I see them as a great way to learn your way around manual settings while still having the price and convenience of point & shoot. My latest is an SX10is- 20x optical zoom and image stabilization. Larger than most p&s but that zoom ROCKS!
 
Regardless of brand, the DSLR has a lot of real advantages for the long term. As Cougar Allen pointed out in a different thread, a digital camera is essentially a computer with a lens attached. With a P&S you are essentially throwing away the lens when you have to upgrade in 3-4 years...and you WILL be forced to upgrade unless you buy one that takes AA batteries because the battery will die and the new one will cost a significant fraction of what you paid for the camera.

With a DSLR you get to keep the lenses and just upgrade the 'computer'.

Brand? I don't think it matters as long as it's one that is well established. Most pros seem to have switched to Canon, but Nikon still makes quality stuff.
 
Like the others here, I say go with the DSLR and skip the P&S with lenses. If you get one of those without a viewfinder, you'll miss it (the viewfinder). Keep in mind that good, fast glass is expensive, so you might want to tone down your expense and go for a good quality, long lens point and shoot to start (something like a Canon PowerShot SX10 IS for example)(personally I wouldn't, but you may want to consider it depending on your budget).

These three sites are chock full of good info (especially the first two).

http://www.dpreview.com/learn/?/Guides/dslr_buying_guide_01.htm

http://www.popphoto.com/buying-guide

http://www.imaging-resource.com/index.html

Though my budget would allow a bit more, I'm personally looking at either a Canon EOS T1i or T2i.... haven't decided yet (though the new 7D is tempting). I have a friend with a 5D Mark II but I don't want to spend that much coin (full frame is still too expensive IMO).
 
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