First Camera, Please help.

thomask · Mar 10, 2011

Hello everyone,
My name is Thomas. And I would like to purchase my very first camera. One small issue though.... I know literally nothing about cameras lol. Allow me to explain my situation, and hopefully you can help poor ol' me. I am 19 years of age and I play tournament paintball... If anyone has ever seen Tournament paintball It is EXTREMELY fast paced. Games are over in under 5 mins.

You may have guessed already that I need a camera that can take very fast photographs.
with that said, I would like to know what you all would suggest as a camera that could do this with ease... now I know there are MANYYY other aspects to a camera that would dictate how fast, and even how good the picture can be taken. But again, I would like to know that I can get such a camera for UNDER $350. That rules out nearly all NEW Dslr's. Im really ify on used camera's because I dont know much about them. But if used would be the best way to go, what is a "reliable" site to purchase one.

Thank you all,
-Thomas

thomask · Mar 11, 2011

Ok let me see if i cant try to rephrase the question a little bit better... I am shooting MAINLY fast paced sports. But I really wanna learn how to do ACTUAL photography with it (Not runnin around with Auto on all the time) and shoot alot of different stuff. Some basic wildlife, Macro, and all that jaz. My main concern is WILL this camera be able to take good, in-focus pictures. Even If the player is Sprinting, diving, sliding, etc.

RockstarPhotography · Mar 11, 2011

you going to need a camera that you can control manually, at least your shutter speed. Fast shutter speed freezes movement. I don't know of any point and shoots personally that do this (although i'm sure there are some). Your best bet would be to buy used. If your shooting outside and light is not an issue you can pick up a used d3000 in that price range.

mengo55 · Mar 11, 2011

Get on ebay and craigs list, there are literly thousands of used Canon Rebal DSLRs floating around where people have upgraded to a higher Meg Pix. I would venture you can find a good one for around $200. or save a little more money and get a new one with the higher Megs.

Two good retail stores online B&H Photo and Adarama. I checked B&H for you and they have used Canons and Nikons in your price range. Both sell them without lens so you have to look in the used lens section too. I found combinations in both brands around your price range. Keep in mind that you are limited what you can do in low light with these inexsensive bodys and lens,but in good daylight they should fill your need. With a flash you can stop action in night if you know how. If you get a DSLR, you really do need to learn how to use it to take advantage of its capabilites. Go to any photo shop and you will be surprised how easy it is to meet someone to train you. Amature photographers love to share knowledge. Good Hunting!