And I need some good advice on what to buy. I want a good one but I’m not rich.
Give me your thoughts below…!
Thanks. I like crowd-source-shopping.
[Image from Selva]
So, I Wanna Get a Camera…
John
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I'm passionate about startups, blogging, and human capital. I love what I do and who I get to work with. I am incredibly blessed.
Canon Rebel series. It’s around $700 but oh so worth it!
How about the one on your post :=P but on more serious note how about canon PowerShot G10 Black? Again not so cheap but it's worth it.
I bought the Canon PowerShot G9, and I love it. The main reason I got it was because it was still a relatively "compact" camera, but it shoots in RAW mode and has a lot of manual controls still. A dSLR wasn't out of the question, but I wanted something a little smaller to take on hikes or just random jaunts around town. I've heard that they dropped some of the manual features of the G9 in the new G10 model, so if that matters to you, you may consider checking into a used G9.
Don't you have an iphone? See how God provides!
I've got a Nikon D-40. Not the newest, but excellent for shooting. DSLR, very flexible and since it's not the top dog now, it's much more affordable. Love it!
If you're looking for a DSLR camera and don't mind using an older model, the Canon Digital Rebel XTi is pretty popular. It's a solid and sturdy entry-level camera, but it'll run you a bit more than $500 on Amazon (if you get the kit that comes with a lens).
As far as point-and-shoots go, I've used a Canon Powershot and an Olympus cameras (I can't remember the name of the model off the top of my head). Both took great photos. The Canon lasted me four or five years before it finally died on me.
You definitely want a DSLR. I'm a loyal Canon user (video and stills). My first DSLR was a Rebel, and I still have it to this day. But I've also got a EOS 5D, which is amazing but pretty darn expensive at over $3,500. (Check out http://www.flickr.com/photos/bdubrecords/ to see some sample shots).
Lucky for you, Canon just unveiled their Rebel T1i, which combines a lot of the features found in their higher priced cameras into a kit (with lens) for under $900. It even does HD video! It's coming in May, but it's worth the wait. Check it out.
I use a Sony Cybershot 7.2 pxels and it is a great camera. I love that little guy. He's nice in size, not bloated or awkwardly heavy. He's a nice friend. I'm thinking about upgrading though.
brian, thanks for this. how much did it cost you?
I got it for a gift, but my guess would be around $150. To see my pictures with this camera you can check out my facebook, flickr, or website. http://www.dcresource.com/reviews/sony/dsc_w55-re… <– Specs, review site.
I just got a Canon Rebel XS, and it is awesome! But, Canon Powershots are awesome point and shoots, too.
haha! The one pictured above brings back thoughts of film and the smell of fixer! Maybe you wouldn't understand….
bit difficult to recommend something without knowing a price range, then again I am not a still's expert.
If I had the money I would gun for a Canon 5dmarkii because of the HD filming capabilities.
Otherwise I use an old Sony DSC-V1 5mp cybershot, great Manual functions but not very responsive.
I took some photos with it today with a 2 second shutter and a 5.0 F-Stop, no flash (first pic): Finding the cool Light
Phill
sweet!
don't wanna spend over a g…
If you said you don't want to go over a grand, I'll assume you're in the DSLR market. I can only speak for the equipment that I have used so that would be to discuss Nikon. Now, even in that respect, it depends on what you're looking for. Somebody mentioned the D40 which is a superb camera. There are some things to keep in mind with it however:
1. It doesn't have an auto-focus motor in the camera as such you're limited to using the newer lenses that have the auto-focus motor in it. You can use older Nikon lenses, but they won't auto-focus.
2. If you plan to use an external flash off camera, the D40 doesn't have the "commander" mode to take advantage of Nikon's Creative Lighting System. Essentially what that does is it allows you to set the flash settings automatically from the camera instead of manually.
If that doesn't concern you and you're just looking for an SLR that's flexible, delivers good images and has interchangeable lenses, then you can't go wrong with the D40. You can get the body and 18-55mm lens kit from Best Buy for $450.
If you want more control and the ability to use other Nikon or third party lenses (Sigma, Tamron), then I suggest the Nikon D80. They've recently upgraded it to the D90, which has some more features, but the biggest is that the D90 is 12.3MP while the D80 is 10.2MP. If you're willing to stretch your budget a little, Amazon has the D90 with an 18-105mm lens on sale right now for $1150.
If not, you can get the D80 with an 18mm-135mm lens for $900 through Amazon (actually Adorama).
Here's a review of the D90 with comparisons to the D80
http://www.dpreview.com/reviews/nikond90/
Hope this helps.
Jay,
thanks for this! what are your thoughts about canon? you're pretty into nikon…?
love to hear your thoughts.
I can speak highly of Nikon because I am familiar with their equipment as I own it but I'm not a fanboy in that I would say, "Nikon or nothing!" To be honest, performance wasn't the game changer for me to chose Nikon over Canon, but rather how the equipment felt in my hands. That's the other thing I forgot to tell you. Go to a camera shop and hold the cameras. If you're going to be using them a lot, you want to have something that you can hold comfortably. When I was making a decision between the Nikon D50 (older) and D40 (newer), and my budget wouldn't allow me to purchase the D60 or D80 at the time, I went with the D50 because it was a little bigger. I have big hands, and my right pinky would dangle off the end of the D40 because it has a more compact design.
Canon makes excellent equipment and has a wide variety of lenses to use. You may find it works better for you.
the thing I just noticed it that it is the lightest camera ever. It's pretty sturdy as well. 116 grams compared to the 140 you would have with a Cannon Powershot
D-90. Easy choice. I own it. Mike ownes it. Los would have owned it if it came out earlier than his D300. (I may be spreading gossip). Nikon. Do it!
dude, but what about canon?
you see the new canon that does hd video too?
I just got a refurb Rebel XTi for $320, and an 50mm f/1.8 lens. I'd say go for any of the major brands of DSLR that are in your range (I'm partial to Canon controls and exposure quirks, but that's just me). Sony, Nikon, and Pentax all have great 2006-7 models under $450, if you're willing to buy a refurb. Then get a good non-zoom lens. I have a zoom lens, but I've probably taken 100 shots with it, versus the 600 or so with the 50mm. There really is no substitute for a great lens.
And you don't need a brand new model…a 3-year-old DSLR design will still produce great results.
Good advice here.
Brad speaks truth. I've had my D90 for about a month now. It matches the D300 in many places. Costco has a decent kit for $1399. But if I were you I might buy the body, one lens, and a flash for roughly same price.
peace|dewde
Here is a starting point: http://www.dpreview.com/ Great in depth reviews.
I have a XSi and I absolutely love it..
Here is its in-depth review: http://www.dpreview.com/reviews/canoneos450d/
and its sample gallery: http://www.dpreview.com/gallery/canoneos450d_prev…
another really good resource – http://www.steves-digicams.com/
You can check out different camera photos and specs in Flickr. I have a fuji fine pix as shown here: http://www.flickr.com/cameras/fujifilm/finepix_s5…
I'm not a pro and wanted to save for the Nikon DSLR with GPS so I bought this one and it does pretty good. Great battery life and uses AA batteries.
to view the different cameras check here:
http://www.flickr.com/cameras/brands/
thanks for this!