I want a new camera

[wendy9722]

Hi everyone,
Its been awhile since I've been on because of my mother passing away 1-21-12 due to a massave heart attack. Her heart actually exploded.
Anyway, I'm tired of my cheap camera where it takes 1,000 shots before I can get a good clear picture. What do you recommend? and if I would need to get lenses etc. Please help! I have an up coming event next Monday and need to get one ASAP!!!!
Thanks and God bless,
Wendy

[Altum Nut]

Sorry to hear about your Mom.
My thoughts are with you and your family.
As for camera suggestions...someone else will have to chime in.

...Ralph

[Discus-n00b]

Sorry to hear about your mom :(

Whats this camera going to mainly be used for? Will you be carrying it with you a lot? Have you thought about DSLR vs Point and Shoot?

[Second Hand Pat]

Wendy, sorry about your mom.
Hugs Pat

[wendy9722]

Thanks everyone for the kind words, its very touching and it has me crying now.
I want to take excellent shots of my fish, kids, outdoor life, concerts at schools concerning my kids, that kind of stuff.

[wendy9722]

Sorry to hear about your mom :(

Whats this camera going to mainly be used for? Will you be carrying it with you a lot? Have you thought about DSLR vs Point and Shoot?

IDK what a DSLR is so please explain.... I seen some of the pics you have posted on here and the clarity you have is what I want. I'm currently having angel fish issue and wanted to get good pic but I couldnt while it was in the water so I had to take it out of the tank to get a decent pic that I just posted a little bit ago. My daughter has a concert coming up on the 26th and I hate distant shots and I want to be able to zoom in and get good over all pics.

[Discus-n00b]

A DSLR is a camera that will give you better shots. However, its the bigger bulkier kind, the kind you would see a professional photographer using on sidelines at a sporting event or in a studio. They sound and look more complicated then they really are. These are the cameras with the detachable lenses. I will always recommend a DSLR over a point and shoot (the smaller almost pocket cameras), but it really depends on the person using it, what they want to carry around, and how much they want to spend. For a DSLR, you are looking at, at least $500 I would say, maybe a bit more for a kit. Lenses can be hundreds by themselves too. But IMO, its a more future proof solution and takes higher quality photos. The problem you might run into with a new DSLR, is the lens that usually comes with the kit is not that great of a zoom lens, doesn't zoom very far. For a quality point a shoot, you will probably be looking in the $300-400 range.

Might I ask if you have a budget in mind?

I'll have to do a little more digging and research for you tomorrow for some suggestions. You might start here though. http://forum.simplydiscus.com/showthread.php?93807-Camera-reccomendations&highlight=camera

[wendy9722]

A DSLR is a camera that will give you better shots. However, its the bigger bulkier kind, the kind you would see a professional photographer using on sidelines at a sporting event or in a studio. They sound and look more complicated then they really are. These are the cameras with the detachable lenses. I will always recommend a DSLR over a point and shoot (the smaller almost pocket cameras), but it really depends on the person using it, what they want to carry around, and how much they want to spend. For a DSLR, you are looking at, at least $500 I would say, maybe a bit more for a kit. Lenses can be hundreds by themselves too. But IMO, its a more future proof solution and takes higher quality photos. The problem you might run into with a new DSLR, is the lens that usually comes with the kit is not that great of a zoom lens, doesn't zoom very far. For a quality point a shoot, you will probably be looking in the $300-400 range.

Might I ask if you have a budget in mind?

I'll have to do a little more digging and research for you tomorrow for some suggestions. You might start here though. http://forum.simplydiscus.com/showthread.php?93807-Camera-reccomendations&highlight=camera

I want a camera that will basicly last me a life time that will take excellent pics and when new stuff comes out I can use the up graded stuff with what ever camera I purchase. IF that makes sense to ya. Same camera for example 2012 add upgrades ie: lenses whatever from 2020. I hope my example helps

I'm not wanting to spend over 1,000 on it but if I have to spend a little more to get what I want then I will.

I'm going through the photoes that have been on my camera for months. They all pretty much suck. Especially the ones with x-mas and my last pics with my mom. So this hurts me. I dont want that for my kids. I'm making them understand that photos are lost memories. That is irreplaceable so the best pictures you can take will be the most treasured. If you get what I'm saying. It just totally burns me that our last family photoes are blurry.

[wendy9722]

A DSLR is a camera that will give you better shots. However, its the bigger bulkier kind, the kind you would see a professional photographer using on sidelines at a sporting event or in a studio. They sound and look more complicated then they really are. These are the cameras with the detachable lenses. I will always recommend a DSLR over a point and shoot (the smaller almost pocket cameras), but it really depends on the person using it, what they want to carry around, and how much they want to spend. For a DSLR, you are looking at, at least $500 I would say, maybe a bit more for a kit. Lenses can be hundreds by themselves too. But IMO, its a more future proof solution and takes higher quality photos. The problem you might run into with a new DSLR, is the lens that usually comes with the kit is not that great of a zoom lens, doesn't zoom very far. For a quality point a shoot, you will probably be looking in the $300-400 range.

Might I ask if you have a budget in mind?

I'll have to do a little more digging and research for you tomorrow for some suggestions. You might start here though. http://forum.simplydiscus.com/showthread.php?93807-Camera-reccomendations&highlight=camera

http://www.ebay.com/itm/CANON-EOS-REBEL-T2I-18MP-DSLR-CAMERA-W-LENS-3BONUS-/290677601082?pt=Digital_Cameras&hash=item43adbc333a

if http dont work here is the item number:290677601082 and seller is ebestshop4u


I found this refurb camera on ebay. Is this what I want????

[pcsb23]

Wendy, sorry about your mum, my condolences.

I agree with Matt, DSLR's are probably the best way to go. It is better to start with a cheaper body and get good lenses than to spend a fortune on a body and get a cheap lens. Before parting company with your hard earned get into a camera store and handle a few of them (don't rush into buying there and then, even though the sales assistant will try and blind you with numbers etc). Find the camera that you like the feel of. Brands to look at are Nikon, Canon and Sony (these are ones I have personal experience with) though don't rule out others. Once you choose a brand then in general that is what you end up shooting going forwards because if you are anything like me you will end up spending more on lenses! Lenses from Canon don't fit on Nikons or Sony's, likewise lenses from Nikon don't fit Canons and Sony's!

I use Nikon's btw, but basically Canon and Nikon both make excellent cameras (I prefer Canon point and shoots to Nikon's). Sony have less choice in lenses than Nikon and Canon. I am not 100% up on Canons at the mo' so can't offer much advice on specific models. Nikon do some good kits, their entry level D3100 is very good, the D5100 is better.

Another thing to think on is the new type of "mirrorless" interchangeable lens cameras, not had much experience with these but they may be worth looking at, Sony NEX and Nikon 1 spring to mind.

Some good reading
http://bythom.com/index.htm
http://www.sansmirror.com/
http://www.kenrockwell.com/ - this guy makes me laugh btw :)
http://mansurovs.com/

Good luck.

[DiscusLoverJeff]

Hi Wendy sorry for your loss as well. I too just recently lost my father 12/22/11.

I bought the Nikon D3100 DSLR and I bought the Nikon 70/300mm lens both items cost just under $900.00. I also bought a really good book on using this camera called Nikon D3100 for Dummies. It is very informative on how to go through what the camera has to offer and some really good info on shooting under different conditions.

You may want eventually to get a macro/micro lens. About $400.00 I think its a 85mm or a 105mm.

Good luck and hope we see some nice pictures soon. Oh, and don't forget a tripod as this will cut down on the vibration.

Here is a very informative article

http://www.cameraporn.net/2007/11/19/quick-tips-6-tips-for-bulletproof-aquarium-photography/



Jeff

[terps]

Good advice from the last 2 posts. Ken Rockwell has a good article on buying a serious DSLR camera. Here's the link:

http://www.kenrockwell.com/tech/recommended-cameras.htm

Try out the cameras to see how they feel. You should also check out the reviews from people that purchased the camera on Amazon.com or http://www.bhphotovideo.com . The http://forums.dpreview.com/forums/ forum site is also good to get reviews from camera users too.

Another purchase you might want to get besides the camera, a lens and maybe an external flash is a software product from Adobe called Lightroom 4.
They just came out with a new version. It used to cost $300. Now it's only $150. http://www.pcmag.com/article2/0,2817,2365138,00.asp
The program helps you manage your photo files and workflow on your PC. You also can non destructively edit your photos very easily and quickly. It helps to shoot and save your photos as RAW files because you'll be able to make better edits. Here's a good tutorial video that shows what it can do:


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4Keer-R1kEo&feature=plcp&context=C4f23526VDvjVQa1PpcFOZtYGcyG-wo3UXiwGi1Eu0n0gNABAFmpo%3D

Here's an excellent Lightroom 3 tutorial site that shows how the program works with over 50 videos.
http://www.slrlounge.com/category/post-production-tutorials/lightroom-tutorials

Here's one of his tutorial vids:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EOONB3Wnp2Q&feature=player_embedded#!

Youtube.com also has thousands of lightroom tutorial videos.

You can try out Adobe Lightroom 4 for free for 30 days. Just go to their site and try the download.

[skennedysocal]

I am in the same boat, exploring DLSR options. I believe a link was posted here in another thread to Canon's own refurb store and I think I will likely end up buying fromCanon Direct Store (http://shop.usa.canon.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductListingViewAll_10051_10051_-1_29252). Seems a bit safer, eBay is a sellers market after all :)

[DiscusLoverJeff]

I was looking into this lens Nikon Nikkor 105mm f/2.8G ED-IF AF-S VR for my D3100, but wow, the price is still too high for me right now. But it could be the best lens for aquarium photography for my camera anyway. The price range is $850.00 and up. Yikes!

http://lenshero.com/lens/Nikon-105mm-f2.8G-ED-IF-AF-S-VR-lens

[Discus-n00b]

I agree with Paul. However I'm more Canon versed then Nikon. The Canon Rebel line is the more "beginner" line from Canon. The Rebel T3, T2i, and T3i are the three actually in production though (and listed here by price lowest to highest), but you can find older models that would work just fine. Lenses don't have to come specifically from Canon, Nikon, etc. There are a lot of companies that make lenses that will fit either camera like Sigma or Tamron. Cheaper in price most always, and still good quality. When buying these other lenses, just make sure you get the version for fit on your camera.

This is probably the best link for reviews on cameras, lenses, etc. http://www.dpreview.com/

Here are links to two good choices from Canon. I chose the models with the 18-135mm lens because IMO the 18-55mm lens most kits come with is close to useless honestly. This kit lens would get some decent zoom if you need it and give good photo quality.
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/758979-REG/Canon_5169B005_EOS_Rebel_T3i_Digital.html
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/680673-REG/Canon_4462B005_Canon_EOS_Rebel_T2i.html

You might look here also, usually some good deals.
http://shop.usa.canon.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/CusaMiscPageView?langId=-1&storeId=10051&catalogId=10051&file=refurbished/refurb.html

[JenTN]

So sorry for your loss. I had a similar thread on here. I went with a Canon Rebel t2i with a lens kit..on sale spent around $650 with replacement warranty at Target. LOVE it takes great fish pics and great t-ball pics and Im still in auto mode LOL!

[wendy9722]

Thanks everyone for your responses. I will check into each site you have referenced me to in depth. I had some vehicles break down that effected my work schedule that is requiring me to work longer hours. So that is taking away from my sleep and free time. I will have time to read your posts but wont beable to do research until Sunday. Any more comments/recommendations is very welcome.
Thanks and God bless,
Wendy

[scottthomas]

I have little to no knowledge about cameras but my wife is a professional photographer. She agrees with Matt- the 18-135mm kit lens from Canon is actually quite good in her opinion and superior to the other lenses offered with a canon body as a kit.

[wendy9722]

Well now you all threw all kinds of options at me that I didnt know about and now I dont no which way to turn for the best camera.

[pcsb23]

Well now you all threw all kinds of options at me that I didnt know about and now I dont no which way to turn for the best camera.The "best" camera is the one you will pick up and use ... by that I mean it is the one that feels good in your hands and is not too heavy / big for you and you like the feel of. Simply put neither Nikon or Canon make bad cameras!

[judy]

ok. in another life I am a photographer, and I strongly recommend the Sony Nex 5. It is the next step of the bulky, heavy DSLR, consumer-friendly-- you can use it point and shoot or use it with focal length, apertures, ISO speed and the like as a pro would. It as easy as a point-and shoot, less costly than a big DSLR, and you can get a 35 to 200 zoom lense for it that you will never take off, because it is versatile enough for almost any shooting situation you will run across. It also yields top quality: it is on the approved cameras list for my stock photo agency. It is also the smallest DSLR-type camera on the market. (I say DSLR type because it uses a new mirrorless sensor system, far superior.) I use Sony, but there are now a number of similar mirrorless system, small excellent cameras on the market.
I carry both my big Sony A-700 DSLR and the Nex-- and I seldom use the big one any more. Get that, and Lightroom (you will probebly need to take a course in Lightroom to leanr to use it well) and you will be set for life. The new Nex 7 has just come out, so the Nex 5 could well be selling low these days-- and the Nex 7 is way more than you would need...

[wendy9722]

ok. in another life I am a photographer, and I strongly recommend the Sony Nex 5. It is the next step of the bulky, heavy DSLR, consumer-friendly-- you can use it point and shoot or use it with focal length, apertures, ISO speed and the like as a pro would. It as easy as a point-and shoot, less costly than a big DSLR, and you can get a 35 to 200 zoom lense for it that you will never take off, because it is versatile enough for almost any shooting situation you will run across. It also yields top quality: it is on the approved cameras list for my stock photo agency. It is also the smallest DSLR-type camera on the market. (I say DSLR type because it uses a new mirrorless sensor system, far superior.) I use Sony, but there are now a number of similar mirrorless system, small excellent cameras on the market.
I carry both my big Sony A-700 DSLR and the Nex-- and I seldom use the big one any more. Get that, and Lightroom (you will probebly need to take a course in Lightroom to leanr to use it well) and you will be set for life. The new Nex 7 has just come out, so the Nex 5 could well be selling low these days-- and the Nex 7 is way more than you would need...

Thanks Judy for your advice. I will definitly research it and see what it does etc. I hope to be able to take some excellent pics soon!!!!

[wendy9722]

well thanks everyone for ur great advice. I ordered my camera today and should have by Wednesday. Thursday by the latest... I cant wait to get started.