Looking for Advice on Starter Camera

runningbrookfarms · Sep 22, 2008

I am looking for some advice on a new camera. I currently have a Nikon Coolpix S2 but I am looking to upgrade to something I can do a little more with. I'm not great at photography but am going to be taking a class and learning how to take "grown up" pictures. My husband and I travel out of the country a lot and I want to bring home photos that really capture where we have been. I don't think I am ready for a camera that has interchangable lenses yet but I think I need something with a little more flexibility than I currently have. I know that I need good low light photo capability, the ability to take photos of animals moving, and scenery. Of course the normal family pics but those are really secondary to me. We are going to Belize in February and so since this will be a big photo trip I want to be prepared! Any advice I can get would be really appreciated!

eurytopic · Sep 22, 2008

What kind of budget are you working with? There is no need to be afraid of an SLR (interchangeable lenses). My first SLR was a Nikon D70 and I left the kit lens on it the entire time I had it. It took amazing pictures, did well in low light, and good for action too. Most consumer level SLR's have a mode button, so you can just keep it in auto or program auto (P) and take great pictures without having to memorize the manual and allow yourself to take amazing pictures in manual modes if and when you get to that level.

Low light photography usually needs one (or a combination) of 3 things.

1. Fast lens ($$$$$)
2. High ISO capability (low noise high ISO= $$$$$$$)
3. Flash

JustAnEngineer · Sep 22, 2008

4. Tripod. (¢¢, though more than the flash option)

An entry-level Nikon or Canon DSLR with a fast lens like the Tamron 17-50 f/2.8 might meet the OP's needs.

eurytopic · Sep 22, 2008

Tripod.. Duh.. I always forget that one. I guess it's because I have a crappy tripod and I hate using it! Of course a tripod only works well on stationary objects. But again, without a ballpark budget it's impossible to recommend anything.

runningbrookfarms · Sep 23, 2008

Sorry - I forgot to put in what I was looking to spend! I'm thinking around $350 but I know that if I get an SLR they might be a bit more. I think I would try and find a good used one of those so if everyone thinks I could get away with using something like that then I would research a good used one that might fit into my budget. So, recommend away!

Thanks everyone!!!

Bifurcator · Sep 23, 2008

runningbrookfarms said:
I know that I need good low light photo capability, the ability to take photos of animals moving, and scenery.

Depending on your definition of "good" you might just be describing things that only a dSLR can deliver.

Focus and AE tracking is pretty good on some bridge cameras but low light photography is fairly exclusive to dSLRs tripod or not.

$350 really kills it though. I suggest a used bridge camera of some kind. I just (6 months ago) moved from a $5,000 Nikon (D2x) and started shooting with a $250 (current price) bridge camera I had in storage - the Konica/Minolta A2 and I'm digging it. I know it's limits though.

That might be a good camera for you...

Here's the best review I've ever read on the camera: http://www.imaging-resource.com/PRODS/A2/A2A.HTM

It covers ALL of the pros and cons unlike so many other articles!

Bifurcator · Sep 23, 2008

You can go here ( http://thephotoforum.com/forum/showpost.php?p=1282652&postcount=3 ) to see images shot with this camera.

eurytopic · Sep 23, 2008

I might be biased, but I think the Nikon D70s is the best bang for the buck. Heres one for $428 shipped with a good lens.

http://cgi.ebay.com/Nikon-D70s-Digi...39:1|66:2|65:12|240:1318&_trksid=p3286.c0.m14

Bifurcator · Sep 23, 2008

I think if he wants an SLR that there's lots better dSLRs for $400 to $450 than anything he can get from Canon or Nikon at that price. So, I'd have to agree with your biased disclaimer.

eurytopic · Sep 23, 2008

There might be better point and shoot cameras for $400, but when you are talking SLR it's not just about the camera anymore, but buying a system. Lenses, flashes, grips, batteries, etc. No two manufactures have more selection than Canon or Nikon. Not to mention more popular products are much easier to get support, (technical and educational) repair, and advise. There are far more choices for lenses in Canon and Nikon.

Unbiassedly, this canon Rebel is probably a better choice. This Canon probably will take better low light pictures than the Nikon D70s because of the sensor too.

http://cgi.ebay.com/Canon-Digital-R...39:1|66:2|65:15|240:1308&_trksid=p3286.c0.m14

$418 shipped, good lens, and Canon's lenses are less expensive (and more plentiful than any other manufacturer.

The only other SLR's I see on ebay right now close in price (buy it now) are the Pentax K110 (great camera, less aftermarket) and the Olympus E-410 (great camera, nice 2.5" screen, again less aftermarket).

Perhaps there are better cameras in this price range, but camera system? I disagree.

reg · Sep 24, 2008

eurytopic said:
There might be better point and shoot cameras for $400, but when you are talking SLR it's not just about the camera anymore, but buying a system. Lenses, flashes, grips, batteries, etc. No two manufactures have more selection than Canon or Nikon. Not to mention more popular products are much easier to get support, (technical and educational) repair, and advise. There are far more choices for lenses in Canon and Nikon.

Yeah, because everybody needs 15 different 105/2.8 Macro lenses from the same maker, fifty different 70-200s, and a 50mm fixed in every maximum aperture from 1.2 to 16.

dEARlEADER · Sep 24, 2008

reg said:
Yeah, because everybody needs 15 different 105/2.8 Macro lenses from the same maker, fifty different 70-200s, and a 50mm fixed in every maximum aperture from 1.2 to 16.

you forgot tilt shift lenses and 400mm primes

eurytopic · Sep 24, 2008

Yeah, because everybody needs 15 different 105/2.8 Macro lenses from the same maker, fifty different 70-200s, and a 50mm fixed in every maximum aperture from 1.2 to 16.

I apologize for trying to be helpful. I'm sure the OP would be better off with suggestions and examples than some quick smart ass comment. And, yes everyone does need more selection! If having a large selection wasn't profitable, Nikon and Canon wouldn't have one. I don't know many people that would like to be limited by the system the chose. I shoot Nikon, and I still am looking for a 17-70 /2.8 IS lens (like Canon has). The more lenses the better.

Obviously everyone doesn't need 100 lenses. But it's nice to be able to chose the lenses for the shooting you do at various price points, isn't it?

JustAnEngineer · Sep 24, 2008

Canon currently offers 54 EF and 7 EF-S lenses. That doesn't count the tilt-shift and extreme macro lenses, which aren't technically "EF", since they don't auto-focus.
:smileys:

reg · Sep 24, 2008

eurytopic said:
I apologize for trying to be helpful. I'm sure the OP would be better off with suggestions and examples than some quick smart ass comment.

Ignore list!