New Camera help????
 

So I'm in the market for a new and better camera (DSLR)? I have read SOOOO many sites on why this one is the one to buy that I just don't really know what I want or what I need :willy:

So where should I start? First some background on the uses for the new camera.

Car shows
Sporting events (my kids school sports)
And just different stuff I see on the road during the day that I think is cool

My start up budget is in the $600 to $800 range, and then I can add other lens as time goes on?? What would you start with??

Next would be what software should I use?? Free or buy?? I've looked at a few online free ones and Picasa seems nice and is free to start??

Thanks for the input guys :cheers: :lateral:

The Canon Txi kit from Costco is a pretty good deal. I got the t2i kit for around 850 when it was on sale, it seems to come on sale pretty often.

Comes with a carrying case, 18-55 and 55-250mm lenses, memory card, etc.

But with DSLR's, they arent "convenient" to carry around. But i'll assume you already understand that aspect. :)

The Canon Rebel series (T2i, t3i, t4i, etc) are all "Crop sensor" cameras. which means they are already zoomed in 1.6x basically. So an 18mm lens at 18mm is really 18mm x 1.6% = 29mm or so.

You can find some pretty good deals on slickdeals on kits with these cameras. Or look refurb or at craigslist. It seems a lot of people use this as their beginner step in to DSLR, and then later want to go more "pro" and upgrade to a full frame/full pro camera (ie. Canon MKii or Mkiii).

As for editing software, Lightroom is really good, simple, and runs fairly cheap (compared to photoshop). But Picasa was pretty decent for basic edits, I used it for a bit.

Rick -


Just remember that cameras are like horsepower.... if you like one there's a better one that's calling your name. And they're just like welders... if you can weld - you can weld with an old junk machine... So the camera won't make you a good photographer.


One of the best review websites is KenRockwell.com


He's no nonsense - and will say "here's all you really need"...


The thing you're not going to know going into this - - is what kind of photography you really like to do... action? Still? Races? Sports? Close-ups?
Most of us doing action shots have to have a better BODY so that we can shoot 6 to 10 frames per second... so that has a higher cost initially but you can't beat it if you're doing action stuff (think of this as holding a machine gun - push the button and start shooting frames). If you're only interested in shooting the sides of cars from the headlight down the body... then you wouldn't need that capability. Then you might want a wide angle lens and a monopod...

So what I'm trying to say is -- buy a decent body/lens.... mess with it -- pay attention to what you "CAN'T" do with it... and fix that in the next purchase. You'll either be hooked or you won't care and don't use it as much as you thought you would. :cheers:

Several years back.. 5-6 I purchased a Canon Rebel XTi, and with the proper settings, takes great photos. It's definitely rugged, as it bounces around all over my truck, under seats, literally rolls around.

I've had my lense repaired a few times, but only because of my own neglect.

I found that one of the greatest assets to this camera for me, was adding a battery grip. It really improved its recovery time, from taking multiple shots. This camera had an average of like 3-4 even 5 repetitious action shots, but by adding the battery grip, it increased it to 7 - 9 shots, with flash.

I purchased an after market battery grip from Best Buy, like 120.00, and have had it for bout 3 years, use it frequently, almost daily... (construction projects, and family photos).

I am sure the newer models are an improvement to what I have. I'd definitely buy another Canon. It would be a higher model this time, as I already own lenses that adapt to it. I don't see that happening any time soon tho, as I am working on completing one of these cash gulping PT cars..

My initial investment was like $1,200.00

Good Luck! :yes:

Rick -- Here's a classic example why I like an DSLR that can crank off some frames. Many of our best experiences happen more like events unfolding rather than just snap shots... Today I was on a dive off Lanai when the boat came up on a week old calf and the Mom - just playing around. Because I could crank off 6 frames per second - I could just hold the shot button down and let it rip.


Guaranteed I would not have gotten these shots with a focus - click - shoot... camera.




http://i919.photobucket.com/albums/a...012/file-1.jpg


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If you just want to take still shots like this? I took this with my iPhone!! :D





http://i919.photobucket.com/albums/a...12/file-17.jpg

Thanks for the info, yah I get they are bigger then the point and shot cameras, but this is where I want to go as my next step in photograph. I am looking at Canon and Nikon, that's what I have it down to.

Greg, last night I spent about 2 hr's on Ken's site, WOW you aren't kidding he has some great info and tells you what he thinks! I think I have a good idea on what I want now, now I want to find a good camera dealer in my area to purchase from so when I need help I can go there instead of just looking for the best deal on the net. Thanks for the link that was very helpful!

Thanks, I will try to keep mine safe :thumbsup:

Greg that's what I'm talking about :cheers: I'm sure your setup is more then I want to start with but what are you using for those shots???

Nikon D7000 and those were taken with the best all around lens I have which is a AF-S Nikkor 18 - 200. It's on the camera 90% of the time.

Greg, I'm thinking about getting one of these from Costco. Would you buy it again? How is the video it takes?

Also, Consumer Reports rates very highly the Sony Cyber-Shot RX 100, an almost DSLR as well as the Panasonic Lumix DMC-GH2 and DMC-G3K.

Costco has the combination I have -- the D7000 body and the AFS 18-200 on sale for $1500

I bought mine before Costco carried it - and already owned the lens... but this is a smokin' deal at $1500 !!!


Oh hell yes I'd buy it again! Love the camera -- and the lens (while not expensive per se) is great and extremely useful.

I have lens only that cost double this amount (camera and body) and they don't take any better photos that I can tell. The AF-S is stabilized and that really helps for hand holding this length of camera in zoom...

I took zillions of photos with this camera (using my far more expensive 70-200 - thus faster) and it just cranks 'em out.

So after doing more info searching I have a couple of more questions? First like Greg said these cameras are defenetly like horse power the more you have the more you want.

So after deciding on a brand (Nikon) I thought I had it down to two models, D3200 or D5100. Both are great cameras and in my price range. In kit form they are just under $600.

So my question is should I start with one of these entry level DSLR's kits? Or should I up my game and go with the D7000? If I went for the D7000 I can get a Nikon refurb w/lens for $900?

The D7000 is way more then I need at this point, but just like our cars it's easier to start with more then it is to rebuild later?? :willy:

The other thing that really stinks is I can't find a local camera shop :( You would think in the Chicago area there would lots but not so much. There are a few but none that are close enough to where I would go regularly to shop. So I guess it will be online for my purchase!

Thanks again for all your input!! :cheers:

Well -- I hate to spend your money... HA!


But seriously -- step up if you can and get the rebuilt D7000. Ken Rockwell says it's one of the best cameras EVER Nikon has done - and I'd agree with him. Not that I know anything - but using this camera for what I like to do - it's the best and easiest and takes the best photos of all the Nikons I've had.

The frames per second are faster - and you WILL use this feature because you like car stuff! If you have kids or dogs or anything that moves - you'll love this feature.

The video already has a built in microphone (you can add stereo). It's nice to have a great quality video camera - in your hand... that also takes fabulous pictures.

For $16 you can buy a wireless remote.


Features on cameras are complicated - most you'll never use... but the ones you WILL use are important! This stuff is expensive - you don't want to be trading in and buying a new body... save that money for lens or tripods or flashes.

Photography is one of those things you'll either be hooked on or you won't care. Easier to sell a nice rig if you end up not caring. :cheers:

Rick - If you haven't had a DSLR camera before you might want to start with the popular base model and use it for a while to see if the DSLR lifestyle works for you. Many people are not committed to the DSLR benefits enough to be willing pack that big of a camera and the associated gear. If you get hooked you can sell the base model or add a couple of lenses and as the learning curve improves buy a serious camera body. You could also keep the base model body for a backup. :thumbsup:

I agree and disagree with Siegs point.... You're not going to know if you like cameras at all -- and there's (like unfinished hot rods) zillions of dollars spent on equipment that is on someone's closet shelf...

The bad part is - like an unfinished hot rod - used stuff ain't worth diddly IF you do decide that you love it and want to use it more. So it's a damned if you do - damned if you don't sort of thing.

If you do love it -- and are any good at it - then your equipment will never be good enough and you'll be sorry you didn't step up. My earlier point was -- let's say you buy and find you don't do enough or care enough like you thought you were going to... then better equipment will be easier to sell and probably hold a % of it's cost better than the cheaper versions or it will also be worth more on trade should you move up.

Camera BODIES are like computers - as soon as you buy - they put out another model that does more, is better, and the one you just bought is now $100 cheaper... so you can never win that game. I'd rather buy a decent body -- and fuss with lenses and stuff - and Nikon is famous for their compatibility throughout their bodies. You just have to watch and get autofocus lenses etc but if you take a class or ask - you'll learn all that.

To me - it's like having a good tool box - it will make you happy for years... and you can always add tools as you go. A Snap-on box is an easy sale if you decide you don't want it. See what you get for a run of the mill Craftsman...

i purchased a Canon 50d several years ago and feel this was one of the best purchases i made. i love shooting motorsport events and i have got shots that i would have never captured if i didn't have this camera. if purchasing a dslr camera stick with Nikon or Canon.
i happened to run into a deal where amazon was selling the camera at a huge discount then was able to use a canon factory rebate. i ended up getting the body, 2 canon a/f lenses(28-135/55-250) and a factory carrying case for $900. this was $800 cheaper than best buy was running them for at the time.

Sieg, yes this is my first DSLR, and I get what you are saying, and that is where I thought I was going two days ago Nikon D3200. Great starter DSLR lots of features, takes great pictures (Ken Rockwell's words), 24.6 MP :wow: Which again according to Ken Rockwell (thanks Greg from his info :thumbsup: ) anything more than 10 MP is useless.

As aways the more info you read the harder the decision becomes, I'm sure the D3200 would meet all of my needs to start with, but have bought more car part two times over before ever getting them installed then I care to mention. Which is why I started to think that I may go one step further?

My starting budget was on the high end $800 so for $100 more I can start at the second level?? As Greg said with not trying to spend my money :lol: If I don't find I use it all that much or it's too big I can always recoupe more of my investment with D7000 then with the D3200 or D5100. Does any of this make sense to you guys??? If it does please explain it to me then :lol: J/K

Greg all very good points, And the tool box one is spot on. When I worked on cars everyday I had a big azz Snapon tool box at work and then bought another one for my home shop. My dad told me I should just buy a Craftsman for home but I didn't listen :rolleyes: Well after getting out of painting everyday for a living I had two setups at home :willy: It took a couple of weeks and I had the home Snapon box sold for what paid for it a few years earlier as I bought it used to start with.

I am going to go to the store and put all the different options in my hands and then will see where it all ends up. My daughters first basketball game is at the end of January so I won't o have some time to get used to it before hand.

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/ Happy Shopping. :D

PS~ Nikon = Ford, Canon + Chevy :unibrow:

Greg said horsepower, so quit dinking around and just get this: http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/produc...gital_SLR.html

He's no Annie Liebowitz....



Yet!




:rofl: :woot:

Ok take it easy there, let's not get carried away















YET!!!!!! :unibrow:

I believe it's spelled Leibowitz???

Of corse that's how Google spelled it when I looked up her name :rofl: :rofl: :unibrow:

Man UP! It's the one chance you may have to make GW envious. :rofl:


On a serious note..............I'd spend big money on a good 2.8 lens before shelling out the big money on a pro body. There's a reason good glass is so expensive. The lens gathers the data so the garbage in garbage out theory applies.

A yah not even gona try that one :lol:

Yes that is next on list, good lens!! I really want to do a lot of action stuff with my kids sports. I've done a lot already with my point & shot but as you know that doesn't work well at all. :(

I think I'm going to step up and get the D7000, I think in the end I will be happier stepping up and get a better start.

I will post up once I make the final purchase!

Well -- It's actually Annie LeiboVitz...


So we both got it wrong --- But you had to look her up!! :lol:


I agree with what Sieg just said about the lens! Faster and better light gathering makes better photos.

Before I went to the Monaco GP - I bought a good lens with fast autofocus. I think it made all the difference I paid for it...


http://www.kenrockwell.com/nikon/70-200mm-ii.htm

Carried Away?

http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5dMGFdysnM...sigma_lens.jpg

f/2.8 is the magic number.

Things that will make you mad as your skills improve:

1) Not enough light to achieve the shutter and aperture settings you need whether it's a low light museum or a fast sporting event and a flash isn't an option or doesn't have the range.

2) Auto-focus that doesn't or is slow and you miss a killer shot because of it.

3) Running out of battery or card capacity........Murphy makes sure it only happens at the worst of times.

^^^^^^^ What he said!



I like the dual card in my D7000....


You can NEVER have a fast enough lens!


Good pics don't hang around waiting for you to figure it out... Thus the beauty of digital you snap like crazy and hope to get one or two worth looking at.

Rick, I think I'm going to get a D7000 too, great deal at Costco with a do everything lens for a couple more days:

http://www.costco.com/Nikon-D7000-DS....11767397.html

This truly is more camera than "you need" -- but if you like photography then you can and will want to learn to use it's pro features.

At least buying the D7000 to start with - you won't be wishin' you'd have stepped up and bought a full feature camera. And you'll LOVE the 6 frames per second in continuous mode especially if you like action!

The 18-200 lens that comes on this "kit" from Costco is a killer combo.. just good all around lens. Not the best lens - but way more than adequate. It's also a VR lens (Vibration Reduction) and that really helps when you're hand holding and zooming.

Erik, that's not a bad deal. I found a better deal on a refurbed D7000, about $900 shipped and comes with 1 year Nikon warranty. It does not come with the 18-200 lens, it comes with the kit lens 18-55. I have a call in to them to see if they will upgrade to the 18-200? But I can find the 18-200 VR I lenses for a pretty good deal, so in the end I will have two lenses to start with! Let me know if you want the link to the refurbed one?

That's it right there Greg, it is MORE than I need but then you next statement after I get the D7000 I won't be "wishin'" I stepped up!!!

I should have it by then end of this week or beginning of next week :woot:

I gave my 18-55 to my daughter -- never used it after I bought the 18-200

But then again - it depends on what kind of photography you end up doing and you won't know that until you get into it a bit.

For example -- I only brought the one lens to Maui... rather than bring a whole bag of crap. I know I'll want some length for those "whale" shots etc - but I also like to take flowers or other stuff of interest. Your 18-55 is the same as my 18-200 but the one lens has some telephoto capability.

Here's a indoor quicky snapshot of Rodger and Shannon (Ironworks) playing cards... Obviously there was no attempt to take a "nice" photo here - just grab the camera and snap. My point here is that while the 18-200 "looks" big - it's fine to use indoor close up.



Pic taken at 18mm




http://i919.photobucket.com/albums/a...12/file-18.jpg

So here's the longer lens (same lens 18-200) being put to work....


This is a 241' yacht (Larry Ellisons - out in front of the 500 million dollar island he just bought - Lanai)



This pic was taken at 55mm



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Taken at 150mm

Mind you now --- I'm also on a boat and we're moving all over the place so the VR was set to Active... otherwise I wouldn't have been able to get this shot - it would have been blurry as all get out. Ditto with the 200mm photo.





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Taken at 200mm




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Another example.....

What I'm trying to show is that the one lens 18-200 can do everything the 18-55 can PLUS. Thus the reason I gave the one away and just carry the 18-200



18mm





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48mm






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I get what you are saying Greg, those shots are great! Nice boat Larry has :faint: Wow 500 mil for an island seems like a good deal to me :woot:

As I said before I really like taking pictures but I just have never up'ed my game. So I've been doing some looking here and there. But after looking at some of the pictures I took at Bears game a few weeks ago and then my wife took some of my son at basketball (all of them ok but not what I really wanted) I finally made the dicision to get a nicer camera. Then you show up and show me your great shots and now I'm hooked on getting the d7000. Most of what I will use it for is my kids sports and cars and other sports games I go to (Bears PLS season ticket holder :woot: )

I just made an offer on a D7000 with the 18-200 lens and some extras just over 800 shots taken with it?? He's local so I can go pick it up to make sure it's all good. Now I just hope he likes my offer :unibrow:

Thanks again Greg for all your help and I don't want to forget Ig for his input also. And Thanks to everyone else that put in their .02 :cheers:

Sometimes it might seem like I'm trying to sell something -- when I'm not. I just like people to have an informed opinion on stuff like this because it's important - and NOBODY likes to waste their money!

I'm not a good photographer.... But I like it and take lots of shots. Using that experience is what has led to me to liking certain things and knowing I'm not using other things etc. Like most things we all compromise and we can't get everything we want... but you try to do the best you can with what you have to work with.

If you get the camera and lens combo you're offering on - you're going to be one happy fella! It'll work GREAT for what you just described.

The 200 zoom will get you way closer to the action - and you can hand hold it with the VR on - and with the camera in continuous high -- you can get all the action shots you'll ever want.


Will post in a minute a series of STUPID STUPID STUPID kids at the beach.... and I'll post them because it's the zoom that let me get the shot and it's the continuous mode that let me capture the STUPIDNESS and dangerousness of what happened. This is what I LOVE about this camera combo!!

Okay watch this! I had my phone in one hand dialing 9-1-1... and the camera to my face... and I'm thinking where's these kids parents!?



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WOW :wow: we'er they ok?? I've done some stupid stuff in my life but that's crazy!

On a side note, he took my offer :woot: So in the next day or two I will have my d7000 with 18-200 lens I'm sooooo excited :cheers: Oh and it has only 390 shots through it, and lots of extras. And get this he teaches photograph at a local collage! He has a bunch of stuff that he's going to throw into the deal!!!