Looking to Upgrade My Digital Camera

[Totally Judy]

Currently I have a Sony 5mp Cyber-Shot DSC-V1, with a Carl Zeiss lens with a4x optical zoom. It was highly recommended several years ago by a friend of a friend who is a cinematographer (sp?) in Hollywood. I think it was because of the Carl Zeiss lens. So I got me one. And it has worked wonderfully for me as I entered into the digital camera world. Never owned a 35mm camera and have never taken a photography class.

That being said, I would like to become much more proficient in my digital photography and I realize that I need a more semi/professional level camera. I don't have the slightest idea what to look for in a digital camera.

Here is what I currently take pictures of:

1. My munchkin dogs
2. Other people's dogs
3. The Desert and Nature shots
4. Any other stupid stuff that strikes my fancy

I need a camera that has a faster shutter speed or that will take better action shots as my munchkins don't exactly understand me when I say, "Wait! Don't run by me so fast. My camera isn't ready to take the next picture." And then I get the end of a tail or a picture with no dog, or just part of an eye or ear in the shot.

Sunsets and sunrises are awesome in the desert and so I would like a camera that has the capability to take pictures with low natural lighting.

There are also a gazillion teeny tiny "belly" flowers during the Spring wild flower season, and I'd love to be able to zoom in and get some very clear pictures of small items.

Did I mention action photos? No, I don't want to be a NFL sports photographer, but I do want to catch my dogs in action.

My budget? Zip. Zero. Nada. My Management folks just got letters today that their work year is being cut by 5 days. Lovely. I'm union, and to my knowledge they haven't started negotiating any decrease in our work year (yet). But they will.

So my budget is flexible - meaning that I would like to keep the cost of the camera under $1,000. But, depending on the camera, I could sell one of the munchkins and spend $1,015. J/K. If I absolutely HAD to spend a little more, I could do it.

This camera will be more like my "training" camera and once I become more proficient, I could upgrade to a more professional digital camera with more bells and whistles, and one that I would actually know how to use by that time.

I know, I know.... if I RTFM for the camera I have now, it would do a lot more. I'd love to not have to wait 30 seconds for the flash to recharge so I could take another picture.

Any suggestions for a fledgling digital photographer? I wouldn't mind eventually doing some animal photography when I retire in 5+ years, but I need to get a good camera and practice practice practice taking pictures and also read-up on how to take good digital photos. The local community college has 1 digital camera class - 5 hours on a Thursday night - ending at 11 pm. Yeah, right.

Thanks.....

 

[lamarrk]

Check out the Canon G10. Around $500 or less. Lot's of manual settings or you can put it on auto and just push the button.

If you want to go over $1,000, look at the Nikon D-90.

Check this web site for info on many different cameras: http://www.dpreview.com

Lamarr

 

[hung-solo]

Check out the Canon G10. Around $500 or less. Lot's of manual settings or you can put it on auto and just push the button.

If you want to go over $1,000, look at the Nikon D-90.

Check this web site for info on many different cameras: http://www.dpreview.com

Lamarr

i maybe repeating what was asked earlier but does the G10 have a quick shutter time? like when i click the button does it automatically take the pic or do you still have to wait a second or two? that shit drives me nuts.

also, what is a cheaper camera that has a very quick shutter time? i do not know too awful much about cameras, obviously

 

[RedbeAR15]

i maybe repeating what was asked earlier but does the G10 have a quick shutter time? like when i click the button does it automatically take the pic or do you still have to wait a second or two? that shit drives me nuts.

also, what is a cheaper camera that has a very quick shutter time? i do not know too awful much about cameras, obviously

You can change the shutter speed manually on the G series Canon's, or you can use an auto setting that will give you a faster shutter speed

If taking daytime pics in the auto mode the shutter fires when you press the button

 

[SharpByCoop]

Hi Judy,

I don't know anything about the Canon G-10, but it might be more than I imagine. I will say your prior camera is a GREAT choice for a digicam. I have had the same one in the past.

Without question if you are looking for fast shutter response time, you are needing a DSLR camera. All digicams will work, but they need a bit of 'focus time'. (I have a workaround by pre-focusing at half-click at the area I will be taking the shot, and then depressing all the way once the action comes into view. It's tricky but it works.)

That said, the DSLR style cameras can shoot a bunch of frames at once, so you can get that 'action' shot and choose the exact one. that's how the best sport photographers shoot and *one* of those shots is the moment of choice.

My personal preference is Canon, but the Nikon lineup is equally as competent. Canon's 'Rebel' series is the version you should look into. Your best deals are always on a previous model that's now upgraded. It will have more features than you can figure out, even as an older version.

The site pointed out above (www.dpreview.com) is the world leader in selection of features and comparisons. He's right on.

You can buy what you need for less than $500 if you get good used. You have to trust your sources, but I won't say that eBay is evil in this regard.

Good luck.

Coop

 

[Cougar Allen]

"Shutter speed" is the WRONG term for what you're looking for -- it means something completely different to photographers (how long the shutter stays open, an adjustable parameter used to adjust exposure). As long as you're asking about "shutter speed" you're going to be getting bad advice (unless people figure out what you're really asking about like I did. Don't count on it.)

What you want is to minimize shutter lag. That is the lag between pushing the shutter button and taking a picture.

The good news: that's been greatly improved in the past couple years! Just about anything you buy now will be much better than your old camera -- even a cheap camera. In fact if you're short of buck$ right now it might make sense to buy a pocket-size camera now for around $200. You'll find that will work much better for the action shots you're looking for than your old camera, and if you decide to get a bigger more expensive camera later when you have more buck$ to spend, that little pocket-size camera will still be useful.

It's been almost two years since I bought my last camera so I can't make a specific recommendation. Poke around http://www.dpreview.com/ for a while and see how confused you get....

 

[Cougar Allen]

P.S. Before you spend any money, try zone focusing with the camera you have. Set the focus manually to about six or ten feet, about the distance the dogs are going to be at, and fire away. You'll find the shutter lag is much less, possibly not noticeable at all.

 

[Totally Judy]

What you want is to minimize shutter lag. That is the lag between pushing the shutter button and taking a picture.

Thanks, Cougar! I knew back in my mind somewhere that "shutter speed"
was about exposure time, but I had no clue what the term was for the FAST action shot shutter "lag!" Whew. Now I am more edumacated.

Poke around http://www.dpreview.com/ for a while and see how confused you get....

I'm gonna poke around that site and I already knew that I would be confused, which is why I asked here FIRST to have an idea which cameras to read about most.

Thanks again!

 

[Totally Judy]

Check this web site for info on many different cameras: http://www.dpreview.com

Thanks, Lamarr. I absolutely LOVE solid review sites. I'll be checking it out tonight!!!

Hi Judy,
I will say your prior camera is a GREAT choice for a digicam. I have had the same one in the past.

Awesome! I have a camera model that the GREAT SharpbyCoop once used. How cool is THAT? I haven't used the digicam function, but I guess I should RTFM and start using it.

Without question if you are looking for fast shutter response time, you are needing a DSLR camera... the DSLR style cameras can shoot a bunch of frames at once, so you can get that 'action' shot and choose the exact one. that's how the best sport photographers shoot and *one* of those shots is the moment of choice.

That is EXACTLY what I want in a camera!!!

My personal preference is Canon... Canon's 'Rebel' series is the version you should look into. Your best deals are always on a previous model that's now upgraded. It will have more features than you can figure out, even as an older version.

Costco had 3 "Rebel" series cameras on display when I was there last night. 10mp to 15mp I believe. There were so many features listed that I didn't have time to compare them last night, and I wasn't about to just do an "instant gratification" purchase without get more input. Prices ranged from $599 - $999.

The site pointed out above (www.dpreview.com) is the world leader in selection of features and comparisons. He's right on.

You can buy what you need for less than $500 if you get good used. You have to trust your sources, but I won't say that eBay is evil in this regard.

I'm definitely going to check out www.dpreview.com. I have no problem at all buying a good camera because someone upgraded their's. I buy used stuff once in a while and rarely have had a problem.

Thanks for the input!

 

[Totally Judy]

P.S. Before you spend any money, try zone focusing with the camera you have. Set the focus manually to about six or ten feet, about the distance the dogs are going to be at, and fire away. You'll find the shutter lag is much less, possibly not noticeable at all.

Cougar, I'll definitely give that a try. It's frustrating to miss some potential great shots when the camera is still doing whatever it is doing and the dogs are already BEHIND me!!!!

Probably RTFM for my current camera would help......

I'm almost as bad as a man not asking for directions......

 

[Cougar Allen]

Look for reviews of your current camera on the web. Some of them include instructions that are easier to understand than the paper manual.

 

[OldPhysics]

Hi Judy,

I don't know anything about the Canon G-10, but it might be more than I imagine. I will say your prior camera is a GREAT choice for a digicam. I have had the same one in the past.

Without question if you are looking for fast shutter response time, you are needing a DSLR camera. All digicams will work, but they need a bit of 'focus time'. (I have a workaround by pre-focusing at half-click at the area I will be taking the shot, and then depressing all the way once the action comes into view. It's tricky but it works.)

That said, the DSLR style cameras can shoot a bunch of frames at once, so you can get that 'action' shot and choose the exact one. that's how the best sport photographers shoot and *one* of those shots is the moment of choice.

My personal preference is Canon, but the Nikon lineup is equally as competent. Canon's 'Rebel' series is the version you should look into. Your best deals are always on a previous model that's now upgraded. It will have more features than you can figure out, even as an older version.

The site pointed out above (www.dpreview.com) is the world leader in selection of features and comparisons. He's right on.

You can buy what you need for less than $500 if you get good used. You have to trust your sources, but I won't say that eBay is evil in this regard.

Good luck.

Coop

Wow!

Although SharpbyCoop knows more about practical photography than I ever will ... I agree heartily with his choices.

My practical skills -- ridiculously limited. But I do have "scientific and engineering" experience in advanced optics and electronics and I respect the Nikon and Canon designs.

Another gentleman whose advice I would seek? Evolute. That man has extremely impressive photographic skills ... just like SbC. I recommend you give him a PM or e-mail ... :thumbup:

ADD: Forgot to say that if you do go with DSLR, be sure to get the best lens you can ... with the best all-optical zoom you can. I hate digital zoom.

 

[glockman99]

IF I were you, I'd look at Craig's List for a good Nikon D70 with a Nikkor 18-70mm lens...That set will serve you well, and should run about $600-$700 for a GOOD used one.

 

[mdauben]

Check out the Canon G10. Around $500 or less. Lot's of manual settings or you can put it on auto and just push the button.

I agree. You can't get much better than the G10 (or the newer G11) unless you want to go with a DSLR (interchangable lenses). Personally, I would not recomend a DSLR unless you are interested in getting into the act of photography. That is, if you just want a camera that can take great pictures, go with the G10. If you want to exersize more control over your picitures in terms of focus, exposure, ect. that is where a DSLR shines.

i maybe repeating what was asked earlier but does the G10 have a quick shutter time?

Yeah, that lag between pushing the shutter and actually taking the picture was a common flaw of a lot of digital cameras up to a couple years ago. My first digital missed a lot of pictures becuase of that lag. Now, however, most cameras (and especially higher end ones like the G10) take the picture virtually instantly with no noticable lag.

Without question if you are looking for fast shutter response time, you are needing a DSLR camera.

I'm going to have to disagree with you, Coop. Now, certainly DSLRs are fast, the high end ones optimized for sports photography can be blazling fast but any good modern camera is going to be fast enough for most folks, and way faster than his old digital camera. The G10 is Canon's top-of-the-line non-DSLR and has most of the features and flexibility of an entry level DSLR, just without the interchangable lenses. I certainly would not discorage the OP from moving up to a DSLR if he wants the greater control and flexibility of such a camera. However, I think its a waste if what he really wants is a camera for great family and vactation photos that he does not have to spend a lot of time or effort on.

 

[kamagong]

Does your budget include the lens or just the body?

 

[SharpByCoop]

Yeah, that lag between pushing the shutter and actually taking the picture was a common flaw of a lot of digital cameras up to a couple years ago. My first digital missed a lot of pictures becuase of that lag. Now, however, most cameras (and especially higher end ones like the G10) take the picture virtually instantly with no noticable lag.


I'm going to have to disagree with you, Coop.

Fair enough. I have to stand aside and learn from the voice of experience on the G-10 on this one. If the word 'virtual' is measured in tenths of a second, I am duly impressed. Thx.

Coop

 

[SharpByCoop]

BTW, regarding buying the 'best glass you can buy', this is an area that is reserved for the professionals and enthusiasts foremost. Judy, you can buy glass for the Nikon or rebel that exceeds the cost of your camera by double. Will you be able to utilize, and SEE the distinctions? I suggest; not yet.

For the record, I shoot my clearest and most focused shots with a $250 Canon 50mm macro. I have a Canon 28-105L telephoto lens worth over a thousand, and it underperforms it FOR MY NEEDS (this is my caveat.....)

I think this thread can carry on like a Sebenza vs Strider thread if we'd let it.... he he he!

Coop

 

[Totally Judy]

Sigh...... Maybe I should have some sort of a contest on BFC where everyone pitches in and buys me the camera I need. And I don't have to think about all these THINGS.

To DSLR or non-DSLR....that is the question.

I am not yet anywhere NEAR the art of photography. All I know about using my little Sony V-1 is on-off, zoom in-out, flash-no flash, and which way did my dog go? Okay, I'm not QUITE that bad, but pretty close.

I can add a lens to my camera now. I haven't. I need to learn what all of these terms mean and how to apply them. Maybe I can do that with my camera. That doesn't help my shutter lag (thanks, Cougar) which is one of my problems now. I think I discovered today that I can do a 3-burst shot(s), but that's it.

My pea-brain is starting to smoke. I'm going outside to turn the garden hose on my head.

I'll be back......

 

[Cougar Allen]

Most of the shutter lag is the time it takes the camera to auto-focus. Zone focusing in advance will eliminate that, or another way is to frame your picture, half-press the shutter button, then wait for the moment of action you want to capture -- when you see it press the shutter the rest of the way.

When you half-press the button the camera automatically sets focus and also exposure.

Take a look at the timing charts for the Canon G10 at http://www.dpreview.com/reviews/CanonG10/page6.asp to see how much difference that makes with that camera. It varies from one camera to another....

 

[brizbane]

For your purposes the Canon G10 would be an excellent choice. We puchased one a couple of months ago after my wife fell and broke our older G2, which I really liked. I soon found out that the difference between these two models in the same series is like night and day.

The pictures are awesome; the exposures and focus are right on, and the camera is very easy to operate. It comes on instantly with no slow boot up. It can be used as a simple point and shoot or go more advanced with SLR-like features.

I like it so much that I have been picking it up for quick doggy pictures instead of my expensive Minolta SLR with its expensive Sigma aftermarket lens, and the difference in picture quality between the two is none existent.

If you go the g10 route you will not be disappointed.