Photographers, opinions needed.

mississippititan30 · 01-07-2013, 08:02 PM

Hey, I've been toying with the idea of picking up a decent camera. I know there are a good amount of people who like the whole photography field so I figured y'all could help me choose a camera. I'm wanting something with high resolution. Other than that idk what I want. Lol. I know I catch myself always wanting to take pictures and edit them on my laptop and then I realize all I have is a crappy iPhone5 camera lol. Price is an issue. I have seen some of these things being extremely pricey and I do NOT wanna go that route. I want something reasonably priced and performs good. So what are some good options? Thanks

sharkey · 01-07-2013, 08:17 PM

I'm no help but let me help you narrow it down a little for everyone else.

Are you looking for a big bulky one that you see proffesionals with??

Or one that can slide into your pocket and still take great quality pics?

mississippititan30 · 01-07-2013, 08:29 PM

Either or. I'm no professional and won't try and act like one. Lol I just wanna dabble in it and get some great pics of all the traveling I do.

**Titan1080** · 01-07-2013, 08:29 PM

Well depending on your budget, you can take some great pictures with an entry level DSLR like the Nikon D3100 or D5100. I have the older D5000 and have taken a bunch of pretty good pictures with it and the kit lens it came with but have since spent a pretty penny on a couple of lenses. The big advantage of DSLRs is that they generally take pictures faster than a point and click type camera that cannot change lenses. You can find a D3100 or Canon-equivalent camera for under $400 these days and can always wade your way deeper into that pool later with better lenses, or just stick with the kit lens. Taking a class or reading a good DSLR photography book can go a very long way with an entry level DSLR without spending a bunch of money on gear. I started out with just my D5000 and used what I learned from years using an old 35mm film SLR camera to slowly grow into two nice lenses that I can use in a higher end DSLR camera body if I decide to save up and get one.

**fish** · 01-07-2013, 08:35 PM

the camera is not as important as the lense IMHO. if you are going SLR, buy a decent body and spend your money on a good lense and you will be really happy. i dabble a little and shoot nikons, but if i had it to do all over i would probably go cannon. Nikon makes great stuff, but cannon is pretty good too and a lot less money. I am not good enough to get everything out of my cameras anyway so i could have saved some money. just my .02, i am sure there are some pro's who will have better advice.

Snaffoo · 01-07-2013, 08:48 PM

I'm no pro by any means, but having just gone through the same dilemma I might be a little help.

I was tired of my old point and shoot, just couldnt keep up with my kids. I decided on an entry level dslr like titan1080 said. I picked up a nikon d5100 with kit lens for $550, and was immediately glad I did. Very fast shutter, very sharp, and no problem at all catching my kids. I have since picked up another lens, a longer telephoto (the kit lens just doesnt reach far enough for me) but I would say thats all you would really need to be completely satisfied if you just wanted to dabble. Of course if you became more serious, the beauty of dslr cameras is the amount you can improve your images if you have the know how and the deep pockets.

Now on the other hand, I was sold on a dslr before I even started shopping so I didnt even look at newer point and shoots. I hear they have imrpoved drastically since the 5 or so years ago I bought mine and are very good for the casual photographer. Definately worth looking into, a lot cheaper I'm sure. Hope it helps.

mississippititan30 · 01-07-2013, 08:54 PM

The dslr defiantly seems like the route I'm gonna take. Is there anyone here that can vouch for a good point and shoot camera?

**4mula1fan** · 01-07-2013, 08:59 PM

Take a look at the Canon EOS Rebel kits that are available. The quality is great, and they are not terribly expensive, plus you get some pretty good lenses with the kit.

mississippititan30 · 01-07-2013, 09:21 PM

I have a buddy selling the cannon EOS Rebel g2 for 50 bucks. Is that worth it for a "starter" camera?

Snaffoo · 01-07-2013, 09:42 PM

Decent little camera, for 50 bucks if it comes with a lens you almost cant go wrong. It is however a 35mm film camera, not digital. So you wont be doing any editing, and if youre trying to learn photography there is a much steeper learning curve as you cant see what you shoot when you shoot it.

**4mula1fan** · 01-07-2013, 09:53 PM

Go digital.

mississippititan30 · 01-07-2013, 10:03 PM

Yes I for sure want digital then. Editing is where all the fun is lol

TUGthis · 01-07-2013, 10:13 PM

I had a Canon eos rebel. & loved it... just super bulky. Plus didnt take video like i needed for all our track days... but was a GREAT camera!

04GreenT · 01-08-2013, 12:32 AM

If you just want to snap some pictures, a point and shoot is fine. My fiance is a big film camera nut and she said that for every day use and the ability to edit pictures, you can't go wrong with a good p&s. I believe she has a samsung camera and a Sony camera I bought her a couple years back. Both work great and both take video.

If you want a DSLR check out the canon t3i kits.

**Scan999** · 01-08-2013, 02:04 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mississippititan30

The dslr defiantly seems like the route I'm gonna take. Is there anyone here that can vouch for a good point and shoot camera?

IMO the next step up from your Iphone5 is DSLR not a point and shoot.
I have the Nikon 5100 like a few others posted. I traded in the lens that came with the camera and picked up an 18-240mm lens. That is all you will ever need taking pictures of the family from close up to telephoto. The 5100 has an adjustable screen so you don't have to hold the camera up to your face when you are shooting video.