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 YouOnlyLiveOnce
   
Location: san francisco, ca
Gender: Female
 |  |  | Re: The Official "What camera to buy?" Thread
<Reply # 420 on 3/5/2008 11:36 PM >
|  | | | Posted by insainly sound
"YouOnlyLiveOnce" did a comparison between her XTI and mutual friends XTI and neither one of them were clear, or had a clear focus.
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since then after some advice from a few UE'ers and messing around with the settings and reading a bit more, i have gotten much clearer shots. not to say i'm not 100% happy with the camera, but with a more photography education and education about that model from those who have used it, i am much happier with it.
that's all i'm going to say b/c the canon vs. nikon is a very dead beaten horse.
i will however say that i am interested in upgrading to the Canon 40D or Canon 5D in the very near future and if you have any pros/cons you want to post about either, please do so in the thread: http://www.uer.ca/...d=1&threadid=53496
www.amyheiden.com
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starberries
Location: West Chester, Pennsylvania
Gender: Female
| | Re: The Official "What camera to buy?" Thread
<Reply # 421 on 3/19/2008 6:43 PM >
|  | | | New to the forum. Long time listener, etc etc.
I'm pretty certain I've read (or at the very least browsed) every page in this thread, but I wanted to throw something else out there...
I'm a Canon owner myself. I have a Canon Powershot S3 IS: a wonderful, versatile camera for under 300$. While it isn't a DSLR, it has a manual setting, as well as a shutter-speed priority setting and aperture priority setting. Perfect for those who are interested in the versatility of manual, but enjoy the freedom of scene selections and automatic settings once in awhile.
As far as the DSLR debate goes... I was surprised I didn't see more people throwing out the name Olympus. I've had my eye on the Olympus Evolt 510 for a long while now. Olympus is the only company with SLR's designed to be 100% digital, and while it doesn't have the name "Canon" or "Nikon" stamped on the front, I think this camera is fabtastic! Same price range, also.
http://www.amazon....30/ref=pd_sxp_f_pt
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Sting13
Location: Lake St. John
Gender: Male
| | Re: The Official "What camera to buy?" Thread
<Reply # 422 on 3/23/2008 7:26 AM >
| | | | Greetings everyone... thought I would use this thread to weigh in for the first time.
I've been shooting with a Pentax K10-D for over a year and half, and for the money, it is a pretty good camera. Good features for the Urban/Rural Explorer, especially the sealed body, and if you have the money, there are now the DA* series lenses which are sealed as well. I started shooting in JPEG mode, but once I got into Lightroom/Photoshop, I went RAW and have never looked back. Also, like NIKON, they put two dials on the camera, front and back. Also, Image stabilization is in camera, so you don't have to pay for IS in your lenses - granted, it may not be as good as in-lens IS, you'll get at least a 2-stop improvement.
If you use Adobe a lot, a great feature is the RAW mode - RAW photos can be taken in 2 formats, Adobe's DNG (no conversion necessary when working with Lightroom/Photoshop) and Pentax's proprietary RAW. You can also set to Adobe colourspace as well.
Right now I have two lenses - the DA Series 16-45mm and the 50-200mm. For most of my U/R Explorations, my go-to lens is the 16-45mm - have gotten some really great photos from it. But both lenses are great.
Once I get to full-membership, I'll post some of my photos.
Sting
Urban/Rural Exploration & Photos |
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TheReference
Location: Newburgh, NY
Gender: Male
I'm known for finding THE needle in A haystack- but don't "patron-ize" me
| | | Am I making a good digital Camera decision?
<Reply # 423 on 4/1/2008 2:22 AM >
| | | | Posted by starberries
I'm a Canon owner myself. I have a Canon Powershot S3 IS: a wonderful, versatile camera for under 300$. While it isn't a DSLR, it has a manual setting, as well as a shutter-speed priority setting and aperture priority setting. Perfect for those who are interested in the versatility of manual, but enjoy the freedom of scene selections and automatic settings once in awhile.
http://www.amazon....30/ref=pd_sxp_f_pt
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I am seriously considering purchasing this camera since I cannot afford at this time of my life to buy a new SLR or a "SLR-Like" camera, AND it is one of the TOP rated cameras by Consumer Reports (though it is not a "Best Buy"). Unfortunately I still have very little experience with advanced camera photographic techniques.
My question is whether I will be able to utilize this camera to take the more artistic type photographs (i.e. purposely create blurs from background images being out of focus, slowing shutter speed, etc). I also want to know whether I will be able to utilize many of the similar advanced camera techniques as SLRs offer.
Thank you in advance for your guidance and advice. This camera I should be able to buy for $250. Now I want to see how little I may be able to get a well rated (by Consumer Reports) SLR-like camera for (whatever that means). The hyperlink below SHOULD direct you to the Canon S3 IS Specifications webpage.
http://www.usa.can...#ModelTechSpecsAct
I'm straight, but I support every person's pursuit of human rights- including legalization of same-sex marriage.
"Life is a series of surprises, and would not be worth taking or keeping if it were not." Ralph Waldo Emerson |
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Sand
  
Location: Pac South
Everything interesting is always behind a fence.
| | Want a camera - particular features, any ideas?
<Reply # 424 on 4/1/2008 3:38 AM >
| | | | I want a camera. I have a point and shoot, but I would like a DSLR.
I want one with a good image stabilizer, or is it not that important? I like to take a lot of night shots in buildings. Even with stabilization, won't I really need a tripod anyway to take night shots?
I also would love a viewfinder with Live View. I hear that only comes on the D300 or above. Crap.
I want a 14mm - whatever lens. Anyone have a good one they can recommend? I am leaning toward Nikon for the body and lenses, duh. But 3rd party lenses are okay to me too.
What do most of you use for regular shooting? If I got a 14-whatever lens, plus a 50mm, and something that does higher (I don't know what to get), will those three basically be good to have? I don't think I want a fisheye.
I was leaning toward Nikon because people say it's got an edge over Canon in several departments...however, I dont' have a real opinion.
The other thing is that I want lenses/body that do the infinity focus.
I just need someone to slap me and be like "here, buy this! It works". I have been searching and reading reviews the last two weeks and still have no conclusions.
L
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Telephoto Ink
Location: Dallas, TX
Gender: Male
| | Re: Want a camera - particular features, any ideas?
<Reply # 425 on 4/1/2008 4:03 AM >
| | | | I have not used one personally but Image Stabilization does help to a certain extent, it will allow you to handhold shots at slower shutter speeds than without it but not when you're dealing with longer exposures such as 30 seconds. Also, from what I've gathered image quality suffers some when used. Image Stabilization is part of the lens and they cost considerably more than one without.
I'm not sure about the live view viewfinder but I believe some of he Canon SLR's allow you to use the LCD screen to see what you're shooting but to me it's not that important.
A 14mm would be a nice wide focal length and would work well for what we do, not sure what Nikon lenses are available but Canon has a great 14mm, it's $1,900 but that's my next purchase.
I use a 35mm lens sometimes which with the 1.6x crop is equal to 52mm so that means it's considered a "normal" lens so you're basically seeing what you are seeing with your eyes looking straight ahead. A lot of the time it's not wide enough so then I use the 18-55mm lens. Anything longer isn't really necessary in my opinion.
We already talked about the benefits of lenses with infinity focus, I'm not sure of all the Canon lenses that have that but all the L series lenses do and I know my macro lens does. I would guess Nikon has something equivalent but if you go that route you can forget hanging out with me! Just kidding! 
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micro
 
Gender: Male
Slowly I turned
| | Re: Want a camera - particular features, any ideas?
<Reply # 426 on 4/1/2008 4:43 AM >
| | | | Just start out simple. Pick up something like a Canon 400D and the 18-55mm kit. Worry about the bells and whistles after you learn the basics and figure out what it is you need and don't need.
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YouOnlyLiveOnce
Location: san francisco, ca
Gender: Female
| | | Re: Want a camera - particular features, any ideas?
<Reply # 427 on 4/1/2008 5:25 AM >
| | | | i agree micro. it is a great starter camera.
i've had it for a little over a year and now i'm ready for something a little better but not quite the extent of the 5D.
i would definitely recommend the xti as a starter DSLR.
and you can get the camera and 18-55 lens for about $650 or a little cheaper.
www.amyheiden.com
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Sand
Location: Pac South
Everything interesting is always behind a fence.
| | Re: Want a camera - particular features, any ideas?
<Reply # 428 on 4/1/2008 6:00 AM >
| | | | Posted by Telephoto Ink
I have not used one personally but Image Stabilization does help to a certain extent, it will allow you to handhold shots at slower shutter speeds than without it but not when you're dealing with longer exposures such as 30 seconds. Also, from what I've gathered image quality suffers some when used. Image Stabilization is part of the lens and they cost considerably more than one without.
I'm not sure about the live view viewfinder but I believe some of he Canon SLR's allow you to use the LCD screen to see what you're shooting but to me it's not that important.
A 14mm would be a nice wide focal length and would work well for what we do, not sure what Nikon lenses are available but Canon has a great 14mm, it's $1,900 but that's my next purchase.
I use a 35mm lens sometimes which with the 1.6x crop is equal to 52mm so that means it's considered a "normal" lens so you're basically seeing what you are seeing with your eyes looking straight ahead. A lot of the time it's not wide enough so then I use the 18-55mm lens. Anything longer isn't really necessary in my opinion.
We already talked about the benefits of lenses with infinity focus, I'm not sure of all the Canon lenses that have that but all the L series lenses do and I know my macro lens does. I would guess Nikon has something equivalent but if you go that route you can forget hanging out with me! Just kidding!
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LOL!!!! Yeah I just think the Nikon might be easier, although I do like the Rebel....I like to shoot so many pictures that the viewfinder is good because I get a good idea without spending too much time on each one.
Thanks for the 55 not being needed - I was confused about that.
Definitely, I have to have infinity focus!!! I think I have read that the others have it as well. I wonder what is the Canon equivalent of a D300. I have heard different things.
L
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Sand
Location: Pac South
Everything interesting is always behind a fence.
| | Re: The Official "What camera to buy?" Thread
<Reply # 429 on 4/1/2008 6:47 AM >
| | | | Posted by Sting13
Once I get to full-membership, I'll post some of my photos.
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Why do people always say this? It's posting pictures that helps you BECOME a full member. If you post pictures you've taken in the thread maybe that will be considered helpful and a contribution to the forum...
You don't have to just post galleries in the DB to be helpful.
L
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Sand
Location: Pac South
Everything interesting is always behind a fence.
| | Re: The Official "What camera to buy?" Thread
<Reply # 430 on 4/1/2008 7:21 AM >
| | | | Posted by insainly sound
If you have the money I would recommend taking a hard look at the D200. It allows for compatibility with more lenses, and has some damned cool features to boot! That being said the D80 is a great camera! They basically took a D200, changed out the sensor (the D80 is a two channel Sony CMOS VS. a four channel Sony CMOS in the D200) and crammed the D200 into a plastic body. Anyways that's my advice... The D200 has some useful features that don't exist in the D80, but on the same token, if money is a problem I would recommend a D80 with the Nikon 18-200 VR lens. It's a digital lens, but produces clear shots and works well. If you got that lens, you probably would find that you don't need any other lenses.
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I have seen that the reviews for that lens show people like it, but when they change to other lenses they notice the shots are a lot clearer.
What lenses do you typically use? Do you switch a lot or do you have one similar to that in that you can pretty much keep it on for all of your shots?
L
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stigofthedump
Location: Busan, South Korea
Gender: Male
| | Re: Want a camera - particular features, any ideas?
<Reply # 431 on 4/1/2008 7:48 AM >
| | | | definitely start with something low cost. ㅡ Much better than spending a lot on a system only to decide 6 months down the line you don't wanna lug it around!
Ditto on the Xti. I think the 450d has been released although the 400d should suffice. Or you could go for the Nikon D40 (or D40X OR D60). Both should have an option of cheap 'anti-shake' lenses for a kit lens.
For inbody image stabiliser pentax, sony, and olympus all offer that on most of their models and some of them will have live view (i think the olympus e-510 does).
In my opinion most budget DSLR's will offer the same features (just in different ways). It's just a matter of going into the store and trying out the cameras to see what suits you best.
You might want to invest in a ultra wide angle zoom as well. Canon do a 10-22mm and Sigma do a 10-20mm lens. On a Rebel Xti that equates to 16-35mm. Oh, and a good tripod as well!
www.dpreview.com is the place you should be looking at. Have a look at their camera database.
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stigofthedump
Location: Busan, South Korea
Gender: Male
| | Re: Want a camera - particular features, any ideas?
<Reply # 432 on 4/1/2008 7:49 AM >
| | | | If money ain't a problem, then get the Nikon D3 and the 14-24mm lens!
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Sand
Location: Pac South
Everything interesting is always behind a fence.
| | Re: Want a camera - particular features, any ideas?
<Reply # 433 on 4/1/2008 9:12 AM >
| | | | Posted by stigofthedump
If money ain't a problem, then get the Nikon D3 and the 14-24mm lens!
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Even IF that was possible - I am leery of lugging around a near $5,000 camera in the places I tend to frequent....so I think the highest I can go is a D300...that being said, I hear there's not much difference between a D300 and a D80 as far as when you AREN'T using stock lenses....yes the viewfinder and lots of extras, but I guess I could get the same mid-range results with a D80?
I wish someone knew how the new Olympus 420 is, I was interested just because it's a hybrid point-and-shoot/DSLR. I know it probably sucks. Can't wait to read reviews on it, but it doesn't start shipping until May/June.
[last edit 7/19/2010 11:20 PM by Avatar-X - edited 1 times]
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YouOnlyLiveOnce
Location: san francisco, ca
Gender: Female
| | | Re: Want a camera - particular features, any ideas?
<Reply # 434 on 4/1/2008 4:46 PM >
| | | | so this article ended up in my email box from b&h today...thought it might be handy for you since you were talking about part point&shoot and part DSLR...
http://www.bhphoto...etter/Tweeners.jsp
www.amyheiden.com
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worstnamepossible
| | Re: Want a camera - particular features, any ideas?
<Reply # 435 on 4/2/2008 12:21 AM >
| | | | What's your budget exactly?
I don't know Nikon so I can't help you there but, if you go Canon, you could wait until the 450D comes out pretty soon. It has live view and it will come with an outstanding IS kit lens. The lens itself is the new incarnation of the kit lens but apparently the image stabilizer in it is good to 4 stops(I've heard it's actually only good for 2-3 which is still very good) and detects panning. It also has amazingly good resolution for a "kit" lens. You can get a camera with built in IS but I've heard that in camera IS is mediocre at best and the manufacturers who offer it are far more limited in lenses. To be honest the 450D will probably be more than good enough for your needs at the moment and won't be too massive of a dent into your savings account.
But, before you buy anything, go to a camera store and ask to hold and play with the cameras you are thinking of buying. See which has the most comfortable layout, which has the most intuitive and easy to navigate menu, in short which feels the most natural to you. The last thing you want is to pick up the competitor after you've already purchased a camera and glass and realize that you made a mistake. I fell in love with my 350d the second I picked it up(though I must admit the 40d is nicer but way out of my budget) and haven't regretted going Canon.
Good luck.
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Lord Awesome
Location: Valparaiso IN
Gender: Male
Arbiter
| |  |  | Re: Want a camera - particular features, any ideas?
<Reply # 436 on 4/2/2008 12:33 AM >
| | | | Actually what you stated as things you would like to have. I would go with a pentax.
The K10D has in camera stabilization and great lenses for generally cheap compared to nikon/canon.
the K20D has live view, but is much more expensive.
Live view in DSLR was really pioneered by olympus, so have a look at their line of cameras. They are affordable, have decent optical quality in their kit lenses, but in my opinion are rather light and chinsy.
I have been shooting Pentax and loving it.
If you don't need honkin telephoto lenses, go with pentax or olympus if you also don't require great build quality.
for axamples of shots from the K10D have a look at my work on this site http://www.redbubb...people/lordawesome
most of that was shot with the K10d and a sigma 17-70 lens, or old pentax-m series film lenses.
Hey yeah you, fat ass. Not interested. |
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tron_2.0
Location: Ohio
Gender: Male
| | | | Re: Want a camera - particular features, any ideas?
<Reply # 437 on 4/2/2008 12:53 AM >
| | | | I suggest you learn about photography before purchasing an SLR camera. You dont seem to understand what aperture means, or focal length.
You'd be surprised what your point and shoot can do.
[quote][i]Posted by yokes[/i]
I find your lack of coziness.... disturbing.
[/quote] |
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insainly sound
Location: Bay Area, CA
Gender: Female
How'd we get here, and how are we getting out of here?!
| | | Re: Want a camera - particular features, any ideas?
<Reply # 438 on 4/2/2008 12:54 AM >
| | | | Being one of the few people who seem to shoot Nikon, I guess I should way in... First off, find people who have the camera you want and ask them how they like it! Hoverfly (from SF) has the D300 and (I believe) the Nikon 12-24mm and the Nikon 10.5mm Fisheye lenses. I have a the D70 with the Nikon 17-35mm f/2.8 and the Nikon 80-400mm f/4.5-5.6 VR. The big question is noise reduction! The D300 can take exposures for ages with out requiring noise reduction (ditto with the D200), where as the D80 (from what I heard) should have noise reduction for any exposure over 30 seconds. That being said, the D80 is really he D200 crammed into a different body... Personally I plan to buy the D300 as soon as I can...
Anyways I think as far as the Nikon/Canon/Other guys thing, my recommendation would be go to the camera store, talk to them pick up look at the cameras. Lord Awesome makes a good point to not get trapped into the Nikon/Canon valley there are other manufactures out there, Sony and Pentax both have camera bodies with image stabilization.
As for image stabilization, it does help, but for the type of photography you do, your likely to have to tripod or use a flash anyways. IS does help, but does not solve issues. If you still shake or the exposure is long enough, then it won't do anything. It's got it's limitations.
That brings us to infinity focus, all lenses have an "infinity" focus, it's just whether it's marked on the lens... Most high end lenses have those marked anyways....
Can I ask why you want a prime lens? While prime lenses can give slightly sharper images, but then you will find yourself restricted or constantly changing lenses. I would instead recommend the Tokina 12-24mm lens if you get it with a Nikon mount it's about $560. I've heard it's a good lens. Otherwise Nikon makes a 12-24mm too, but it's like 1200.... anyways that's my two cents..
Check out my photo blog! |
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worstnamepossible
| | Re: Want a camera - particular features, any ideas?
<Reply # 439 on 4/2/2008 1:44 AM >
| | | | Yeah, primes are probably not the best idea of Urbex photography. That's just begging for dust contamination(I doubt any anti dust is perfect).
Don't listen to Tron, my SLR was my first camera and I seem to be doing fine. Mind you though, I did do a lot of reading prior to and after getting the camera but I'm guessing you're willing to do the same.
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