Need a new camera

[chudly]

Wondering what camera you use? I am going to hit the pawn shops and see if I can get a deal somewhere. What to look for in a decent camera. I would like to have one that takes good macro shots and good general shots of the family and such.

Help me out with some ideas because I don't know camera's.:D

[Rodgec1]

For starters, don't go to a Pawn shop. If you wanna click some good pictures ( especially of the family ) then don't cheap out and get something decent. What is your budget ?

Clive.

[chudly]

Well i really dont have a budget that's probably my problem. I looking for a steal of a deal or i will keep my current camera. Fuji finepix 6400. It does horrible macro shots tho. I have a bunch of items i am looming at trading in or selling on Ebay. I just have to figure out what there worth first.

What are some things i should be looking for in a camera?

[tankies]

futureshop...just had a boxing week sale(i think its extended) for canon rebel xt kit for 399. thats not bad if ur not so very particular abt big megapixel, dusting optics options, big lcd's, etc.

slr should be a camera of choice when it comes to macros(a good lens though makes the real difference). some point and shoot cameras do decent macros...like snappy's using. heres a site that might help u...just gave a link to pros/cons.

http://www.dpreview.com/reviews/canoneos350d/page28.asp

ps: look for nikon d40 as well

[Chaloupa]

I have a Nikon D80 (SLR)...just got it a month ago and previously was using point and shoot cameras. I LOVE this camera...the photo's are amazing with absolutely no trying. I have one lens so far that it fantastic...plus I just got a 3 part lens add-on for macro's that is amazing. I can't get the macro only lens at this point but will down the road...I would highly recommend it....you'll probably never buy another camera again....it is heavy though compared to the point and shoot digitals but well worth it!

[niko_cat]

I have the Nikon D40X and I love it as well!! This is the smallest digital SLR on the market, 10.2 mpix, has some fantastic features.

[bigtyguyy]

i had the Canon XTi and i really didn't like it, to small! I bought the Nikon D80 and it is a little bigger and also BLOWS away the XTi and D40 with features and quality. JMHO

[jgillard]

When you are buying an SLR you are not just buying a camera, but into a camera system with lenses, flashes, etc.

You will always find those that love canon, but hate nikon. Those that love nikon, but hate canon. I am in neither of those boats. I think both camera manufacturers offer pretty much equal products. I had good luck with Canon digital cameras before buying my SLR so I went with Canon.

I would recommend you go to a store such as Henry's and try a few models out before deciding on what you want.

[thapatient]

the canon rebel is a nice camera too. i have a nikon coolpix and am getting decent pics but i wouldn't recommend it. i also have a canon powershot which is good too.

[MomentsofSanity]

Hey Chad if you're interested in taking a Canon Rebel XTI for a spin let me know. I have one I could let you play with for a few days if you wanted to see if SLR is the way you want to go.

[chudly]

Hey Chad if you're interested in taking a Canon Rebel XTI for a spin let me know. I have one I could let you play with for a few days if you wanted to see if SLR is the way you want to go.

WOW. Very generous Andrew. Thank You. I will let you know. I'm not sure what I am doing at this point. I have a bunch camera stuff that i have to look into and see what they are and if i can adapt/interchange them to anything. Looks like some zoom lenses or something. They were my wifes brother's at one point.

Thank You.

[MomentsofSanity]

Hey Chad if you're interested in taking a Canon Rebel XTI for a spin let me know. I have one I could let you play with for a few days if you wanted to see if SLR is the way you want to go.

WOW. Very generous Andrew. Thank You. I will let you know. I'm not sure what I am doing at this point. I have a bunch camera stuff that i have to look into and see what they are and if i can adapt/interchange them to anything. Looks like some zoom lenses or something. They were my wifes brother's at one point.

Thank You.

What can I say, I'm a nice guy ;)

It also has a few lenses with it up to a 300mm so you would be able to test quite a few functions.

I've actually swayed a few people in the wife's family to the Rebel XTI. It's a good quality piece of equipment IMO.

You know where to find me if you have an event or something coming up and you wouldn't mind trying it out.

[saltintheeyes]

If you do choose to buy a new camera, whatever you choose to get make sure its from a shop with a good return policy. You're going to want to play with it to see if it will do what you want it to do (unless you were able to borrow one before hand to try).

A lot of emphasis is put on camera specs, but IMO thats a poor way to compare cameras. Ergonomics, user interface and the all around feel of the camera are critical. You're not going to want to use a camera that is not comfortable or too irritating to bother getting it out of its case.

For the vast majority of amateur photographers, there is little appreciable or significant difference technology-wise between the major players at any given price point (just like computers, the technology is evolving, and there is a lot of leap-frogging going on). IMO, a lower cost Rebel or D40 would be a great place to start for a budget-conscious casual shooter (you should be able to get these used from places like Henry's, though buying new is a safer bet). Then put the money into the lenses like a 105mm macro.

As someone noted above, when you buy a dSLR camera, you are buying into the brand and its supporting equipment (lenses, flash etc.). The leaders there are Canon and Nikon, although the others (Pentax, Olympus, Fuji and now Sony) are no slouches either.

Good luck and happy shooting!

[Dura]

When you are buying an SLR you are not just buying a camera, but into a camera system with lenses, flashes, etc.

You will always find those that love canon, but hate nikon. Those that love nikon, but hate canon. I am in neither of those boats. I think both camera manufacturers offer pretty much equal products. I had good luck with Canon digital cameras before buying my SLR so I went with Canon.

I would recommend you go to a store such as Henry's and try a few models out before deciding on what you want.

I couldnt agree more. I have been an avid underwater photographer for quite some time. Started out with the Nikon F3 then n90x and now D200. I have considered Canon but I have $10,000 invested in Nikon glass and it is too much to do the switch.

Try out the cameras you are looking at. Many good photography stores will have days hosted by Nikon, Canon etc that you can go out and use the bodies/lenses you are interested in. If they are not scheduled in your area then definitely beg/borrow (not steal) someones to use and make sure it is to your liking.

[Steeltowndubber]

Definately solid advice.

I just bough a Canon 40d which is an upgrade for me from a Canon Elan7 film SLR.

Rich



If you do choose to buy a new camera, whatever you choose to get make sure its from a shop with a good return policy. You're going to want to play with it to see if it will do what you want it to do (unless you were able to borrow one before hand to try).

A lot of emphasis is put on camera specs, but IMO thats a poor way to compare cameras. Ergonomics, user interface and the all around feel of the camera are critical. You're not going to want to use a camera that is not comfortable or too irritating to bother getting it out of its case.

For the vast majority of amateur photographers, there is little appreciable or significant difference technology-wise between the major players at any given price point (just like computers, the technology is evolving, and there is a lot of leap-frogging going on). IMO, a lower cost Rebel or D40 would be a great place to start for a budget-conscious casual shooter (you should be able to get these used from places like Henry's, though buying new is a safer bet). Then put the money into the lenses like a 105mm macro.

As someone noted above, when you buy a dSLR camera, you are buying into the brand and its supporting equipment (lenses, flash etc.). The leaders there are Canon and Nikon, although the others (Pentax, Olympus, Fuji and now Sony) are no slouches either.

Good luck and happy shooting!

[chudly]

WOW. Thanks for all the advice every1. When and if i get a chance i will let u know what I come up with. It may later than sooner tho.

By the way keep the advice and opinions coming.:bravo: