Camera - Doberman Forum : Doberman Breed Dog Forums

CalamitysHuckleberry · 02-20-2013, 08:15 AM

The photos on here are so spectacular! I know the subject matter helps and I know many are professionals.

But let's say I wanted to spend a few hundred bucks on a camera, new or used. What would you suggest?

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Rouleaux · 02-20-2013, 08:17 AM

Are you talking Nikon or a different brand of professional grade?

falnfenix · 02-20-2013, 08:17 AM

do you want a camera with interchangeable lenses, or do you want a point-and-shoot?

Rosemary · 02-20-2013, 08:39 AM

Do you want a camera that will blow everything you know about cameras out of the water, and will be a challenge to use? In that case, get a twin lens relfex camera*.

Seriously, though, I've just recently entered the realms of digital photography. I have a Nikon Coolpix S6200 point and shoot, and just got a Nikon D5100 DSLR for my anniversary/Christmas/birthday/Valentine's Day present in November.

*Twin-lens reflex camera - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

CalamitysHuckleberry · 02-20-2013, 08:41 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by falnfenix

do you want a camera with interchangeable lenses, or do you want a point-and-shoot?

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rouleaux

Are you talking Nikon or a different brand of professional grade?

No clue on either. I'm not opposed and would love to take a class. I just want great pics. I love when y'all can get the pics of them running and jumping and it isn't blurred. When they are far away and you can zoom in.

I've always wanted to be that person holding a camera with one hand and turning the lens (I guess it's focusing?) with the other. LMAO! Some people sang using a hairbrush for a microphone, I would run around at the river with an Kodak 110 camera, of course no film because it was too expensive with developing and flash cubes, making camera motor noises pretending I was a Nat geo professional photographer. Basic ants were bullet ants, praying mantis were newly discovered lost prehistoric raptors...you get the picture (pun intended)!

The best bang for my buck and to satisfy this new hobby bug without spending a lot of money.

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Rosemary · 02-20-2013, 08:52 AM

A basic camera is generally called a "point and shoot" or "P/S", because that's really all you have to do. The camera will select the exposure and focus, and all you have to do is push the shutter button. The Nikon Coolpix is a P/S camera. A SLR DSLR (Digital Single Lens Reflex) is larger, and will have intechangable lenses. There is also a type in between the two, frequently called a "bridge" or "DSLR-like" camera. It will look more like a DSLR, but usually doesn't have interchangable lenses.

ETA: I loved our old Kodak Instamatc. It was a nice little P/S in it's day. Took 126 cartridges, which made for a better image than the 110 camera. We had a 110 camera also, and I have a few cartridges knocking around. If I ever get them devleoped, it's going to run about $20 -30 apeice.

Asmit · 02-20-2013, 08:53 AM

I got a canon dslr on eBay for $230 and three lenses, sold one of the lenses for $100 so overall I got a decent camera for $130, two lenses, accessories, cases etc. it is nothing special as it is an old model, but I think it will serve your purpose

Rosemary · 02-20-2013, 12:38 PM

Most of my film cameras were eBay specials, with a few coming from pawnshops or yard sales (I'm a whiz at replacing light seals

). However, since I'm new to the world of digital photography, I decided to buy a brand new camera and lenses, rather than try to figure out if what I was seeing on eBay was what I really needed or wanted.

CH, if you've said where you are located, I've forgotten, but you can google camera stores and/or camera clubs in your area. If you can find a full service camera shop, that would be great, because they will most likely offer classes, or know where you can find a class. They can also discuss the pros and cons of each type and brand of camera.

When I got my DSLR, I had an idea of what to look for, but didn't have any real preference as to brand. However, I knew I would most likely be happy with any good entry level camera, and decided that I liked the "feel" of the Nikon over a very similar Cannon.

Nickie · 02-20-2013, 12:50 PM

I would love a DSLR but they are so expensive. Due to their size I also wonder how often I would carry it around & take photos. I would love to find a good snap shot camera. My Canon Powershot SD1200IS was good but has now started taking very poor quality photos. I would love to find another good snap shot camera for under $200.

dobermansrule · 02-20-2013, 12:56 PM

few hundred bucks....

options:
one of the Panasonic micro four thirds cameras, like a GH3, or similar.

Nikon D3200 I think is down in that price range.

heck, there are some point and shoots that do really well. I'd recommend a point and shoot with manual control options. I picked up a Samsung TL500 a while back for like $250. Has manual controls, lets you shoot RAW files or JPG, has a wide aperture - good for low light.

dobermansrule · 02-20-2013, 01:07 PM

and for folks shopping for cameras, this website is great. They do camera reviews of all sorts and have them ranked. Their reveiws are very good and accurate.

Digital Photography Review

RachelPotter · 02-20-2013, 01:08 PM

I started out with a Canon t2i and a few lenses (Around $600-800) But honestly... its more about knowing HOW to use the camera. I can hand my gear to someone who doesn't know about using the light and angles right and they won't come away with anything better than what someone can shoot on their iphone.
The problem with photography is.. if you REALLY get into it... its an EXPENSIVE hobby. That being said.... a good photographer can take awesome images without having the best thing out there.

If you REALLY want to learn how to take nice pics then I would start out with a used DSLR (camera with changeable lenses) and take a couple of classes in photography. I can point you in the right direction if you are interested, just pm me!

I haven't used a point and shoot in several years other than my camera phone, but I'm sure someone can help you out with some good suggestions, if that is more what you are looking for... but even those cameras can take GREAT images if you know some basic photography skills! Good luck!

Rosemary · 02-20-2013, 01:24 PM

Ha ha. I've been shooting with film SLRs since 1995 (love my Minolta sRT 101), and have had lots of people assume that, since I had a "fancy" camera, I must be a fabulous photographer. They just don't get it when I say that after all this time, I'm still very much a beginner. One of these days, I'm going to take a class, and learn how to really be a photographer.

CalamitysHuckleberry · 02-20-2013, 01:28 PM

I just keep reading then going elsewhere. I'm so overwhelmed. LOL.

Seriously keep em coming, I'm listening and researching and thinking of making a spreadsheet...

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Rosemary · 02-20-2013, 01:43 PM

The easy way is to look at it like this: What do you want to do with your camera? Take some nice quality snaps, or take pictures that require you to have complete control over things like exposure and shutter speed? If you just want to take some nice pictures, but would rather keep things simple, then a P/S would probably be best. If you think you might want to do more, then a more advanced P/S or "bridge" type camera would probably be a better choice. If you plan on doing photography that requires a lot of attention to details of exposure and the like, then a DSLR would be best. Of course, DSLRs have the advantage of that they can be used for P/S type photography, and giving you the option of doing more advanced stuff.

Nickyb · 02-20-2013, 01:45 PM

Whats a few hundred bucks to you and what do you want to do with it?

Adara · 02-20-2013, 02:02 PM

I went into Beswt Buy thinking I was ready for a Canon Rebel with a decent budget. BUT they talked me out of it into a higher level Point & Shoot type. I need a camera that zoom videos AND takes good action shots. The only Canon that does that is about $1800, out of my range. The cheaper Point and Shoots were horrific. I got the Canon SX50 and am enjoying it. It's just a step up from a basic point and shoot, nothing horribly fancy. Some settings to play with but not a ton of settings that would overwhelm me. I'm pretty camera setting ignorant

Beaumont67 · 02-20-2013, 04:13 PM

This is the new camera I got 6 months ago, replacing a 11 year old & nice Canon G3...that quite downloading photos.

Panasonic Lumix DMC-GX1X 16 MP Micro 4/3 Compact System Camera, 3-Inch LCD Touch Screen and 14-42mm X Power Zoom Lens (Black)
- at $492, with free shipping Panasonic LUMIX DMC-GX1 Digital Camera & G VARIO DMC-GX1KK
Product Highlights
•16Mp Resolution
•3.0" Touch Enabled LCD
•Micro 4/3 Camera
•Built-In Flash, Hot Shoe and Mode Dial
•Lumix LightSpeed Focusing
•1080/60i HD Video Capture
•Movie iA and Creative Movie
•High Grade Designed Body
•Ultra High Speed 0.09 Second AF
•Super O.I.S.

And my buddy's review:
Wow....That's a beauty Larry. I'm sure you will love it. The technology is amazing. It shoots video in the same 1920 x 1080-60p format as mine, H-264 MP4. Stills are very high resolution even from the video. Audio will be great too. It uses the same media for storage as mine...I recommend at least 16 GB or preferably 32 GB CLASS 10 media. Cost would be about $20 to $40 for each card. I have three total and I use 2 x 16 GB and 1 x 8 GB cards. Gives me about 2 1/2 hours of 1920 x 1080 - 60p video storage. I think with your 16 Mp stills you might be better off with 32 GB cards. Actually 1 x 32 GB would be sufficient.

You should be able to hook it directly to your HD TV. I believe you said you bought one didn't you? Hopefully it has the right connectivity and will play full 1080p HD. The other thing about shooting in HD is when panning for example you need to be very smooth and not too fast or the picture becomes very hard to look at. Getting a $30-$40 tripod might be a very good idea too. If you get one make sure it has smooth panning...cheaper ones are jerky. Also should be 60 inches high or so when fully extended.

The other thing you may not of thought about is the COMPUTER. Are you going to make your own videos? Are you going to store your made videos and photos? You will get some video and photo editing software with it that will no doubt work well with HD Video and High resolution stills. These files are truly huge in size, especially the 1920 x 1080 60p video. I doubt your old computer will do the trick. When working with a one hour full HD video I require at least 20 GB of extra HD space on my operating drive and I personally use 12 GB of RAM. 4 or 8 GB of RAM, a quad core CPU, a 1 Terabyte HD and video card and monitor that will handle 1080p is required. You can get away with a bit less but I wouldn't, or producing anything will be slow going. If you are thinking of upgrading the computer let me know and I can help you set up what you will need. I built a computer for my cousin about 1 1/2 years ago slightly better than mine. He finds he doesn't use it because he is using his Tablet and IPhone combo most of the time. He may be interested in selling it. It is in perfect condition.

The other thing is what monitor are you going to use on the computer? It needs to be able to handle 1920 x 1080 video. You can use a HD 1080p TV for a monitor if you like if you have a quality video card on your computer. Actually, rather than me rambling here about what you might need I think it better if you get in touch with me if you think you are going to upgrade your computer. I can help you out with that for sure.

That's an awesome camera and loads of bang for the buck. I would get it. The only thing that worries me about the full bodied cameras for video is they say some of them heat up and shut down after about 10 minutes of continuous video shooting. Not sure about this unit. In my case I was taking a number of 60 minute videos so I went the way I did.
Cheers for now
Mike