Cameras

[lorah]

I have always been interested in Photography. I really really wanted a Canon Rebel film camera. I never got one. Right now I am using a very cheap Kodak Easy Share that I got free with my laptop. It does ok for now but I would sure like one of the digital Canons. Any thoughts on your favorite camera? What do you like most about it?

[AndrewW]

Originally Posted by lorah

I have always been interested in Photography. I really really wanted a Canon Rebel film camera. I never got one. Right now I am using a very cheap Kodak Easy Share that I got free with my laptop. It does ok for now but I would sure like one of the digital Canons. Any thoughts on your favorite camera? What do you like most about it?

Don't really have a favorite, have only owned one digital camera. Got an Olympus E-520 and like it. It uses a smaller sensor size (4-thirds), which does have an advantage over a full frame or APS-C (or Canon's APS-C which is a little smaller then a regular APS-C) in that in relation to a 35mm it doubles the range of the lens. The 70-300mm telephoto lens I have is equivalent to a 140-600mm on a 35mm or full frame DSLR, would be 105-450 with an APS-C sensors and 112-480mm with the Canon APS-C. So lens can be more compact for the same amount of reach.

[Snapdragon11]

I have a Canon Powershot sx130is that I use. I like it much better than the Easy Share I had, and I did like the Easy Share. The Canon has 12.1 megapix and a 12x optical zoom, but mostly it has the best quality pictures I've ever taken.

[lorah]

I've heard good things about the Canon Powershot. I really want a 'beefier' camera. Something I can 'feel' in my hands as I shoot.

[TommyH]

I have had a digital rebel XT, XS and now a Canon 60D. I have a older cybershot and recently looked at the canon s100. Prior to my DSLR's I had a film Nikon SLR.

I only got the XS because my XT was stolen. The rebel series is great for starting out in the DSLR. Lets you learn how to control exposure with shutter/apeture. For a cost thats not to high if you decide just to shoot casual.

I looked at Nikon as well (rest of family has Nikon) and for specs the Canon at the time had a quicker startup and release so I went with it. The Rebel series (really any camera) will take great pictures, can shoot like 3 fps (some point and shoots can do this as well). Its more about the person behind the lens, I really believe. Look at Ansel Adams his work is well known and he was using film and to this day it can hold up with the best. Its about light and comp.

The only reason I upgraded the XS to the 60D is I needed a larger MP for the companies I work for and could not afford a 5D at this time. The 60D was a jump from the rebel series, while it has the same sensor as some of the rebels it just feels better. The camera is slightly larger, the controls are easier to function, I can move through menus alot quicker on shoots, etc. It also shoots so much quicker I can capture the action. Also the noise is less at higher ISO. The pictures it takes are about the same as the rebel, just functions a lot easier. Again this is were the person makes the shot not the camera.

The best thing I found is to go to the store, hold the camera, and try it out. Compare features and what you will be using it for and whats in your price range. Point and shoots have come a long way, but still can be limited with manipulating functions. DSLR are great for this but downfalls are size and costs of lenses. I find at times lugging around my tripod and 20lbs, sometimes more, in gear can be a pain. Also lenses can run anywhere from 500 to over 1k.

What are you looking to shoot? How often do you shoot?

[lorah]

I mostly just shoot outdoor, nature stuff right now and I don't shoot everyday but as often as I can. I will admit that I have no clue about features and what they do, so comparing wouldn't mean anything to me. I am in the beginning stages of learning. The reason I talked about the Canon Rebel DSLR is because I have always heard good things about them and that they are good cameras to learn on. My point and shoot is ok and has given me some excellent images, I'm just thinking about the next step. Thank you all for your thoughts on the cameras. I appreciate it

[TommyH]

I think a Rebel is a good start, its where I started and loved all of mine. Once you pick a brand canon, nikon, sony, etc you will stay with them pretty much going forward so think long term. The reason I say this is b/c once you invest in lenses you will only upgrade your camera body going forward. The cost to replace the whole outfit gets pricey.

[AndrewW]

Originally Posted by TommyH

The best thing I found is to go to the store, hold the camera, and try it out. Compare features and what you will be using it for and whats in your price range. Point and shoots have come a long way, but still can be limited with manipulating functions. DSLR are great for this but downfalls are size and costs of lenses. I find at times lugging around my tripod and 20lbs, sometimes more, in gear can be a pain. Also lenses can run anywhere from 500 to over 1k.

Depends on what you need in a lens. If you need a fast one for shooting sports, air shows, some wildlife and the like then yup they can easily run that, though if you can get away with a slower one good ones can be had for less.

If you don't already could try a carbon fiber tripod, good stability and lighter.

[AndrewW]

Originally Posted by lorah

I mostly just shoot outdoor, nature stuff right now and I don't shoot everyday but as often as I can. I will admit that I have no clue about features and what they do, so comparing wouldn't mean anything to me. I am in the beginning stages of learning.

If you do happen to have questions about features and the like feel free to ask.

[TommyH]

Originally Posted by AndrewW

Depends on what you need in a lens. If you need a fast one for shooting sports, air shows, some wildlife and the like then yup they can easily run that, though if you can get away with a slower one good ones can be had for less.

If you don't already could try a carbon fiber tripod, good stability and lighter.

I have a carbon fiber tripod, it does reduce the weight by a bunch. When I head out in nature though, I usually have my 70-300mm L for wildlife, my 11-16mm and 17-50mm for landscapes, extra batteries, batteries, tripod, etc. I would rather be over prepared then under lol. Some shots you only get one chance.

Agree on the lenses you can get cheaper lenses depending on what you shooting. Starting out I picked up a 70-300 sigma for around 150 bux, it was nice and got me some reach. Also had the 18-55mm kit lens, great lens as well. I'm a firm believer in buying on the cheap at first and if I pursue it then eventually save up and buy better equipment. This way if you don't stick with it, it is not a big loss.

I have upgraded and added a few to the fleet. I can tell a difference on image quality though with the higher end lenses. Its not just the speed, but the quality of the glass for the optics is better.

Just starting out though you can get a lens for pretty low. But as you upgrade over the years, you wont be switching brands and starting over. At least that is what I have found. This is what I meant about thinking long term. You will buy more lenses and eventually have more costs in lenses then you will in your body if you stick with it. So once you commit to a brand you will most likely stay with them for the long term.