Cameras?

Finkie_Mom

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#1
I'm not sure exactly where to put this, so if it's in the wrong spot, please move it :)

Anyway, I'm looking to get a nicer camera pretty soon and was wondering what everyone here had. So many of you take such amazing pictures, and I'm just not impressed with my current (I think) 4-year-old point and shoot. I'm looking for something that won't make everything I take indoors look really weird, and something that can maybe actually capture some doggy action shots. Video isn't super important right now as I don't mind using my current camera for video, so it's more about the stills at this point.

TIA :D
 

Michiyo-Fir

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#2
There are loooots of choices on the market but I recommend a DSLR for sure.

Do you have a budget range? Brand you like? If you do, I can tell you which models would be the best.
 

Finkie_Mom

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#4
Well I'd like to keep it under $1000, and obviously as low as possible hahaha. I've always been a Canon fan, but I wouldn't object to going to another brand for the right camera.
 

stardogs

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#6
Do you want to learn how to use and maximize manual mode or do you just want a camera with good auto settings? DSLRs are great, but there is a learning curve and they aren't always the easiest to just pick up and go with since they have interchangable lenses. The P&Ss on the market these days are amazing, but don't have the flexibility of a DSLR with said interchangable lenses.
 

AdrianneIsabel

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#7
Oh jeez that's an expensive camera LOL. I really know nothing about this stuff, except that I am not happy with my current one.
lol yeah but until I moved I worked as a professional so it went with the territory. I love it but I'm considering a nice interchangeable lens p&s for ease actually, hello carpal tunnel, this **** gets heavy over time. ;)
 

Finkie_Mom

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#8
Do you want to learn how to use and maximize manual mode or do you just want a camera with good auto settings? DSLRs are great, but there is a learning curve and they aren't always the easiest to just pick up and go with since they have interchangable lenses. The P&Ss on the market these days are amazing, but don't have the flexibility of a DSLR with said interchangable lenses.
I would be fine with learning how to use something for sure. As of right now, I don't know much, but I have no problem working it out for a bit while I get used to something new.

I'm really just afraid that I will end up with another P&S that I don't like, while I could have put that money towards something better, KWIM?
 

Finkie_Mom

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#9
lol yeah but until I moved I worked as a professional so it went with the territory. I love it but I'm considering a nice interchangeable lens p&s for ease actually, hello carpal tunnel, this **** gets heavy over time. ;)
Well, I love your photos and can see why you are considered a pro for sure!!! Is there anything out there in a P&S that you would consider decent?

I'm just trying to get every bit of info I can so that I can make an informed decision.
 

Michiyo-Fir

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#10
Wow with that budget there's a loooot of choices...

In terms of Canon, if you want brand new, T3i is a great one. For 700-800 you can get it with 2 lenses right now, especially because it's black friday sale!

T2i is fine too, same image quality, older camera.

In terms of Nikon the D5100 is a great buy. Price dropped a lot since a newer one is announced but this camera is amazing in low light.

Also a D7000 might be an option, little bigger, better build. Costs a bit more, you won't be able to get a 2nd lens included in the 1000. I'm actually selling a D7000, shoot me a message if you want to know more.

Then there are loooots of options if you want to look at used cameras. I don't know if you're looking for brand new or not.
 

Michiyo-Fir

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#11
Do you want to learn how to use and maximize manual mode or do you just want a camera with good auto settings? DSLRs are great, but there is a learning curve and they aren't always the easiest to just pick up and go with since they have interchangable lenses. The P&Ss on the market these days are amazing, but don't have the flexibility of a DSLR with said interchangable lenses.
In terms of point and shoots, I can honestly say there are less than a small handful that are any use at all in taking action photos... Autofocus is just too slow, and shutter lag is too great. Even ones like the Canon S95/S100/S110 series that gives great image quality is pretty useless for action.

With consumer DSLRs, one can always use sports mode or something and there is a significant increase in image quality although I definitely recommend learning how to use manual controls. With most of our customers, they find the image quality jump to be worth it.
 

Finkie_Mom

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#12
Wow with that budget there's a loooot of choices...

In terms of Canon, if you want brand new, T3i is a great one. For 700-800 you can get it with 2 lenses right now, especially because it's black friday sale!

T2i is fine too, same image quality, older camera.

In terms of Nikon the D5100 is a great buy. Price dropped a lot since a newer one is announced but this camera is amazing in low light.

Also a D7000 might be an option, little bigger, better build. Costs a bit more, you won't be able to get a 2nd lens included in the 1000. I'm actually selling a D7000, shoot me a message if you want to know more.

Then there are loooots of options if you want to look at used cameras. I don't know if you're looking for brand new or not.
Hahahaha yeah, I mean I would like to keep it as low as I possibly can as far as budget goes, but since my DH and I would both be using it (me for dog stuff and him for hockey stuff), it would be worth it to get something that I can use for a long time.

I was checking out the T3i since I have been seeing deals for it. That's probably my top contender at this point based on my own research, but I had looked in to the comparable Nikons, too.

I don't mind used as long as it works!

PM sent in a minute :D
 

Michiyo-Fir

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#13
Also if you want something smaller and easier to use, I highly recommend a mirrorless camera. They're smaller but still have the ability to change lenses and some of the image quality from those little things are as good as a DSLR.

The Sony NEX 5N is definitely worth looking into. I saw some good sales on that one too. My favorite mirrorless camera. Blazing fast autofocus. Same image quality as a D5100 and D7000 (same sensor).
 

kady05

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#14
lol yeah but until I moved I worked as a professional so it went with the territory. I love it but I'm considering a nice interchangeable lens p&s for ease actually, hello carpal tunnel, this **** gets heavy over time. ;)
LOL, I think mine is heavier! It's a Canon 1D Mark III. It's a freaking beast.. paired with a 70-200 or 24-70 and I swear it weighs over 5lbs. I should weigh it one day..

But really, the Rebel series Canon cameras are great starter DSLRs. I know there are some good Black Friday (or Cyber Monday) deals on T3i's or even the T4i's.

Good glass is crucial though, although a 50mm is around $130 new and it's a great little lens for the price. But FWIW, I'd put more into the glass than the body.
 

Aleron

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#15
While Canons and Nikons tend to have the most loyal brand following, consider other brands too. When I researched before buying a DSLR, I found the Pentax actually gave you a lot more for your money when compared to similarly priced Canons or Nikons (obviously I'm not talking about the high end or pro level cameras). One big thing was Pentax has in body stablization, so you can use any Pentax lens with the new bodies, even decades old ones. When I first looking I was researching Cankn vs. Nikon too but after reading reviews of other brands I realized there was a log more options. I bought my Prntax k-r used from B&H and it was in great shape when I got it, so consider used too.
 

AdrianneIsabel

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#17
LOL, I think mine is heavier! It's a Canon 1D Mark III. It's a freaking beast.. paired with a 70-200 or 24-70 and I swear it weighs over 5lbs. I should weigh it one day..

But really, the Rebel series Canon cameras are great starter DSLRs. I know there are some good Black Friday (or Cyber Monday) deals on T3i's or even the T4i's.

Good glass is crucial though, although a 50mm is around $130 new and it's a great little lens for the price. But FWIW, I'd put more into the glass than the body.
It is! I used to use the 1D M3s at work plus a 300mm lens as my heaviest glass. My hands are bound to be messed up after years of cameras and laptops and now smart phones. lol



I needed a break but lately I miss it.
 

PWCorgi

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#18
Ryan has a D60s (no idea on price range) that I tinker around with.

I can take some pretty decent shots without knowing a darn thing about how to change all the settings and such, and then Ryan can take some really nice photos when changing settings to what they are supposed to be.

My goal for this winter is to learn to actually use the darn thing right. But cameras confuzzle me.
 

JacksonsMom

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#19
I have the Canon t1i with the kit lens still and love it. Ill be getting a 50mm and 70-300 lens ASAP. But I pretty much have no clue what I'm doing and it works well for me and gives me great pictures!
 

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