First Fancy Camera

[Mr. Leary]

I am new to the whole photography thing, and would like to buy my first fancy camera soon. I am a novice at taking pictures, and would prefer something that can take pictures that I can frame and would not be too difficult to figure out. My budget is around $1000. I know this will not get me top notch gear, but hopefully it can get me a good start!

What should I look for?

Any particular cameras or brands to stay away from?

I require a digital camera.

 

[spressomon]

This might also be helpful for you: http://www.kenrockwell.com/

Ken really likes the D40! And I have buddies that do wonders with a G10!

 

[MotoDave]

The benefits of DSLR's are the ability to change lenses, no shutter lag, and more manual controls, among others.

The downsides of DSLR's are size and weight, the ability to change lenses, and too many controls

I was in the same boat as you a few years ago, and opted to get a higher end superzoom point and shoot (Canon S5IS). It has a very good zoom range, equivalent to a pretty expensive set of lenses. I've produced good looking prints up to 8x10, but havent tried to go higher. I've also learned a ton about the different settings, manual controls, etc.

Now that I have the base knowledge I feel like I'm more prepared to step up to a DSLR and be able to use more of its potential. In the next year or 2 I'mm go with something like the Nikon D90 or the canon equivalent. I also plan to spend as much for lenses as for the camera body

 

[photoman]

You have price figured out- that is good.

Now answer the following:

1. What are shooting? Are you shooting family events, motorsports events, landscapes, wildlife, etc.

2. What do you want to be able to shoot? Everything very well, what I am shooting plus _ _ _ , just what I am shooting but better.

3. Does size matter? Is your significant other or kids going to use the camera. Do you want to be able to put it in a purse, small backpack, or are you okay drudging a huge camera bag everywhere you go?

4. How serious do you want to get into photography? Much like vehicles, camping gear, and every other hobby- the more serious you get the more expensive it gets. Are you looking at $1k and done, maybe a little more, or you realize this $1k is just the begining?


Couple things to consider after answering all of those questions.

There are some very nice "point and shoot" camera out on the market right now that offer manual settings, video, and even ability to add a hot shoe flash.

There are pro-sumer cameras which are a blend of point and shoot and dslr cameras. Much like a dslr but you cannot change lenses.

Then there are several levels of dslrs. Can change lenses, add flashes, full control, but also have some down falls like size, weight, and expense. The real expense comes in lenses which can be as much or several times more expensive than the camera body itself.

All dslrs are pretty good and even though I shoot Olympus I often recommend people to stick with Canon or Nikon due to the sheer availability of gear including used equipment. Sony, Fuji, and Olympus make good cameras and high quality glass but it is not as available.

Just do some research and get some cameras in your hand before you buy.

 

[ExpoMike]

I had been in this same delema for a couple years and finally got serious about finding what I wanted. As mentioned above, you really need to be honest with yourself on what you are going to use your camera for and what you want to shoot with it.

I was all set to get a full size DSLR as I wanted the interchangable lens and the major zoom of some of these. Then I sat down and figured out how and where I would be shotting. Since I tend to do a lot of shooting on the fly (while driving) or on offroad trips, the idea of a large, heavy camera became less appealing.

Then I started looking at high end "compact" cameras and found this might be a good way to go. I was fairly set until I found the "compact zoom" cameras, which are like a DSLR with zoom ranges but not a removable lens like the compacts. It wasn't until I got to a good camera shop and started to handle all of these to make me decide on one camera.

What I decided on was a Canon G11, knowing I would add some Lensmate adapters for filters and teleconverters. So far I have been very happy with this camera, in terms of photo quality, features, manual settings and most of all, size. For my intended use, it fits just right. On our recent Death Valley trip, I would have not wanted to haul around a larger camera and shooting while cruising down the trail, with one hand on the camera (much harder with the larger ones) I was able to take some really nice "rememberance" shots but able to do the more photogenic ones when I could.

Do a LOT of research, get some hands on at a good shop and honestly figure out your needs. The right camera is out there, it's just finding the one for you.

Good luck.

 

[Mr. Leary]

I know I don't want to have to keep up with a bunch of different lenses. I want more then my pocket camera, and as long as it fits in a small to medium sized bag it will be ok, as this camera goes in the truck on trips, not hiking.

$1000 and thats pretty much it. I am no pro, nor do I wish to try to be. I just want some good quality pics that I can start putting up on the walls of my office and such. My pics now are too low quality to be good for much, as I can't really make any adjustments or turn the "stupid" mode off.

 

[Vermejo]

"Because I destroy most equipment I get my hands on, a budget orientated yet well performing camera was found with the Nikon D-60. Replacing a 35mm N-65 and Panasonic DMC-TZ3 point-and-shoot, the D-60 is more than enough camera to bring the backcountry home."

My Camera - It still functions flawlessly after considerable use.

With your budget, you would still have money left to buy equipment.

 

[ExpoMike]

I know I don't want to have to keep up with a bunch of different lenses. I want more then my pocket camera, and as long as it fits in a small to medium sized bag it will be ok, as this camera goes in the truck on trips, not hiking.

$1000 and thats pretty much it. I am no pro, nor do I wish to try to be. I just want some good quality pics that I can start putting up on the walls of my office and such. My pics now are too low quality to be good for much, as I can't really make any adjustments or turn the "stupid" mode off.

Seriously, read the G11 thread going on in this forum. You can have it do full auto everything, special modes (portrait, sunset, landscape, night, etc.) or get into more manual/auto modes or even full manual.

Size is a big benefit as you get all the features of the full DSLR with the size of a large compact. Worth looking at.

BTW, with the extra $500, you can take a cool trip to try out your new camera.

 

[Overland Hadley]

Seriously, read the G11 thread going on in this forum.

I was just going to make a post suggesting the G11. It would come in at half your budget, really good camera though.

 

[justfred]

Ditto. I have a G9 that's great. I also have a D50 with a great 18-200 IS lens. The pictures come out of them looking about the same. I feel I have a bit more style with the D50, but the G9 is less intrusive for taking pix of strangers.

Get the G11. And a great (heavy, decent quality) tripod/head for a couple hundred. Spend the rest on trips.

And then post your pictures here: http://www.flickr.com/groups/expeditionportal/

 

[timh]

I recently purchased a Canon SX10IS. Having really no photography experience I have found it to be very easy to use. It does have manual settings and custom modes also which have helped me learn quite a bit. I also like that it has a 20x optical zoom. It is still a point and shoot and is a little bit smaller than a DSLR. The ONLY thing that I can complain about at this point is that it doesn't seem to have an option of anything longer than a 15" shutter speed. And at $350 I didn't feel like I was getting in over my head.

 

[soonenough]

This might also be helpful for you: http://www.kenrockwell.com/

Ken really likes the D40! And I have buddies that do wonders with a G10!

Childish and off topic, but I can't resist: Ken Rockwell is the Chuck Norris of Photography :xxrotflma

 

[photoman]

My buddy picked on of the Canon S90 cameras up and likes it a lot. It is not up there with a G11 but it does have manual modes and video. Can't really argue with the price either.

http://www.usa.canon.com/consumer/controller?act=ModelInfoAct&fcategoryid=144&modelid=19210

You could get that Camera
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/643178-REG/Canon_3635B001_PowerShot_S90_Digital_Camera.html
$400


an underwater housing
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/653409-REG/Canon_4041B001_WP_DC35_Case_for_Canon.html
$180

and considering that camera does not weigh much you could use a gorilla pod
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/630997-REG/Joby_GP2_A1EN_Gorillapod_GP2_SLR_Flexible.html
$40

and get an inexpensive carbon fiber tripod & head

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/search?ci=2636&N=4291079663+4293918167+4294950352+4294950354
$200

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/423960-REG/Giottos_MH1001_652_MH_1001_Large_Ballhead_with.html
$94



an still be in budget! $914 + change :victory:

You would be set to tackle a wide variety of situations with a camera to grow with. Then if you are ready to move up you already have a tripod that can handle up to a decent telephoto on a dslr body.

 

[Mr. Leary]

I looked at the G11 and the Nikon 3000, was told it was the replacement for the D60. I like both, but wonder if they will be enough camera. I may take xj_mike's advice and take the extra money and run! Either of these cameras will come in wel under my budget and will leave some room for accessories.

Anyone have any experience with the Nikon 3000?

 

[fangars]

I would stay away from Ken Rockwell as a source of reliable recommendations.
For instance, I know several people who own D40's and their LCD screens have died on them. It also has limitations as to what lenses will function properly.
I am not going to recommend a camera but instead features that I personally think are important. First is manual controls that are at your fingertips while looking throught the viewfinder, oh, I guess first should be an optical viewfinder.
Having to dig through menus to make simple changes to shutter speed and aperture will cause you to lose a lot of shots and fill you with a lot of frustration.
Another feature I think is important is the ability to do raw files but that may or may not be important to everyone.
Everything else is up to you and what you want from your camera.
As photoman stated earlier in this thread, ask yourself what kind of images you want to take. Landscapes, portraits, sports, and whatever other types of images you want to take can require specific lenses and camera abilities.