Camera referral

[Vegas69]

I'm looking for a new camera that will get me quality photos but won't break the bank. I have a 8 gb Canon elf and I'm just not happy with it for my car photos. Any recommendations are appreciated.

[jy211]

what's the max budget?

[Vegas69]

I suppose under $1000.

[VP23271]

I have had Panasonic, Sony and Canon digital point and shoot (fits in your back pocket) type of cameras and you can't go wrong with Sony or Canon. I currently have a Sony 7 mega pixel CyberShot and very happy with it.

I use CNET before I make a purchase and look at reviews, price, pic quality, ease of use, LCD screen size and battery life. Plus Costco has both brands and tends to have good prices too.

http://reviews.cnet.com/best-compact-cameras/?tag=rb_content;contentNav
http://reviews.cnet.com/best-digital-cameras/?tag=leftColumnArea1.0

[ProTouring442]

I have a Nikon D70 I purchased used for $500 last year and I have to say that I am very happy with the purchase. pictures can be shot in RAW format and compressed to JPEG in your PC making for much higher image quality. The D80 can be had in the neighborhood of $1K, but I think that I would probably go for a nice used one and get a second lens.

Here are a couple of shots taken with my Nikon;

http://right-hat.smugmug.com/photos/360684844_AfWnb-L.jpg

http://right-hat.smugmug.com/photos/360684890_z9vJF-L.jpg

http://right-hat.smugmug.com/photos/360684985_EMkhW-L.jpg



Shiny Side Up!
Bill

[thedugan]

whats wrong with the Elf. Its a great camera

daylight shots?

[Vegas69]

Hey Doug..the photos don't look anything like Bills. I'm also having a problem with blurry photos. Really nice photos Bill.

[thedugan]

I wonder if something is wrong with it. I have a new one and with the correct settings it takes great pictures.
Those pictures by Bill are real nice.

Do you want a pocket sized camera like the Elf or a bigger camera?

[-Freak-]

Get the Canon XSI.

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/542180-REG/Canon_2756B003_EOS_Rebel_XSi_a_k_a_.html


I'm currently using the Canon XTI which is a slightly older and I love the camera. Good introduction into the DSLR world and it will be leagues ahead of your elf.

Here are a couple for you to see what its capable of.

http://i160.photobucket.com/albums/t164/Freaks-Photos/photoshoots/_MG_0307.jpg

http://i160.photobucket.com/albums/t164/Freaks-Photos/photoshoots/Jon-POTM.jpg

[ProdigyCustoms]

I really like my D80. I have the 55-135 lens, good universal car lens. Camera is beter then the operator. My brother is a pro photo dude and says it is good when he has used it. A lot of cameras feel small and chessy in your hand. I liked the D 80 because it feels good in my hand, has that Big Boy camera feel to it. And it had good reviews.

I paid more then you can Buy at Best Buy, $849

http://www.bestbuy.com/site/olspage.jsp?skuId=7976041&type=product&id=1153998862633

[ProTouring442]

I really like my D80. I have the 55-135 lens, good universal car lens. Camera is beter then the operator. My brother is a pro photo dude and says it is good when he has used it. A lot of cameras feel small and chessy in your hand. I liked the D 80 because it feels good in my hand, has that Big Boy camera feel to it. And it had good reviews.

I paid more then you can Buy at Best Buy, $849

http://www.bestbuy.com/site/olspage.jsp?skuId=7976041&type=product&id=1153998862633

Nice camera! The only thing I would have done differently is the lens. I will be purchasing a 55-200 when funds allow. The lens is more than I paid for my camera!

Shiny Side Up!
Bill

[XcYZ]

Someday I'm going to get a DSLR... I keep saying that. lol

[Huxsol81]

Get the Canon XSI.

I purchased an XSi and I kid you not it takes AWESOME shots!!!
Just my .02

[monza]

I stepped up to a Canon eos 40D for my first DSLR, really like it. Still or just starting to learn but lots of fun. Series camera you'll never out grow and comes with a great lens. It would pop above your $1000.00 in Canada by just a little bit, but I'm thinking down there it might be cheaper.

[Vegas69]

I think the problem with the blurry photos is due to the trigger pressure needed and the camera being so damn light. Definitely some great options here. Appreciate the feedback.:cheers:

[Vegas69]

Fleabay seems to have some nice package deals...
D80 http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT&item=220352410426

XSI http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT&item=120376214937

40D http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT&item=220361135046

[-Freak-]

Good price on that 40D.

[ProdigyCustoms]

Read my lips. Go to Best Buy, Ritz, brick and morter on this and but the extended warranty. You will probably drop it at some point. Many E bay cameras are overseas versions, or US versions that have been sent of shore, turned around and brought back in with no manufacturers warranty. And the warranty is not thorugh the manufacterer, but through the seller or warranty company.

The Nikon you linked does not have a Nikon lens, you want a Nikon lens. Also, I screwed up, my lens is a 28-105. You need a wide (at least 28) to shoot cars. A 200 is useless to you on cars except for that one 100 foot away laying on the ground shot.

Don't squeeze pennies here.

[Vegas69]

I just got back from Best Buy before reading your post:rofl: I wanted to put my hands on a them. I wasn't able to find the Canon 40d there. I really liked the D80 the best of the two. I was able to actually take photos with them. That was one of my discoveries after going to best buy was the lense it comes with is a 18-135 Nikon lense which is probably plenty for me. I do want the wide angle attachement. Appreciate you burning up my Bejamins like no other human in the world Frank.:cheers:

[ProdigyCustoms]

Brothers from different mothers!

[Spiffav8]

Todd...I have a Canon Rebel XTi and love it. You welcome to check it out before you run out and buy one if you want.

[Vegas69]

Always impressed with your photos...that's one of the things that got my wheels spinning. That and about half of my photos the other day that turned out like shiat. I'm going to go down and by the d80 later. I found one for a decent price local.:thumbsup:

[Spiffav8]

You mean photos like this?

http://i256.photobucket.com/albums/hh191/67OZ/Picture002.jpg
http://i256.photobucket.com/albums/hh191/67OZ/Picture017v.jpg

[Vegas69]

Exactly!!!!!!!!! You take three pictures and they are all better than mine. LOL I'm going right now!

[Mick Mc]

I tried the Nikon and loved the menus.
I tried the Cannon 30D (now 40D) and the camera fit better in my big mitts.

Try the one handed, right hand hold, thats what you're going to be doing for many many pictures. If the camera feels like you have to hold on and is not a natural fit, try the other camera.


My 30D is well traveled and Marty can attest to the number of photos shot.



Mick

[scandore]

The Canon XSi at Costco with two Image stabilized lenses is hard to beat.


http://www.costco.com/Browse/Product.aspx?Prodid=11315940&whse=BC&Ne=4000000&eCat=BC|79|83|1236&N=4001462&Mo=6&pos=1&No=1&Nr=P_CatalogName:BC&cat=1236&Ns=P_Price|1||P_SignDesc1&lang=en-US&Sp=C&ec=BC-EC10604-Cat83&topnav=

[Vegas69]

It's a done deal. Nikon D80, tripod, few lense covers for fun, bag, card,and a 2 year warranty with free cleaning. Out the door for 1200 and change. Includes up to 18 classes as well. Nice to keep the business local. Now I just have to figure out how to use the damn thing.:unibrow: Costco deal does look good.

[ProdigyCustoms]

Now you have to practice shooting that car at dusk. That black is just to damn shinny (who did that anyway) and everything reflects into it. See how that car absorbs the lines in the parking lot in those pics? Get the car stagged a couple hours before dusk, Avoid any lines on the road under it, you don't have a tree problem, but watch for trees growing out of the roof, find your angles your going to want, back grounds, do some practice shoots, and just as the sun breaks start shooting till dark!

[Vegas69]

I bought a lense cover that is supposed to cut down on glare. I'm sure I'll have taken about 1000 photos in the next week. I'm kind of excited about my new toy.

[Spiffav8]

Todd be sure to give me a little notice. I've got two cop friends willing to block traffic for a few so we can get some cool shots.

:unibrow:

[Vegas69]

That sounds fun:D Of course today it's overcast and crappy for using my new camera! I'll have to practice on the interior, trunk, and engine compartment.

[mpozziCPL]

I also endorse the D80 and have three lenses to go with it. Definitely plan on getting the 70-300 VR lens as you'll use it a lot if you do any racing or action photography. And agree about getting quality Nikkor/Nikon glass ...

Here's a few from my portfolio ...
http://i133.photobucket.com/albums/q75/Awsum24/Camaro%20website%20photos/DSC_0137.jpg

http://i133.photobucket.com/albums/q75/Awsum24/Camaro%20website%20photos/DSC_0229.jpg

http://i133.photobucket.com/albums/q75/Awsum24/Camaro%20website%20photos/DSC_0129.jpg

http://i133.photobucket.com/albums/q75/Awsum24/Camaro%20website%20photos/DSC_0177.jpg

http://i133.photobucket.com/albums/q75/Awsum24/Camaro%20website%20photos/DSC_0248.jpg

Mary Pozzi