nalto
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Post by nalto on Jun 24, 2011 11:10:08 GMT -5
I'm going to Italy in the fall, and I'd like a good camera to bring with me. I do have something of an interest in photography (based on the few times I've used other cameras) so I do see it as an investment rather than a one time expense.
Any suggestions?
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midjd
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Post by midjd on Jun 24, 2011 11:13:00 GMT -5
DSLR all the way! Any of the Canon Rebels are good, they range from $450 to $850. I am buying myself a T3i when DH graduates and gets a job
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Deleted
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Post by Deleted on Jun 24, 2011 11:16:08 GMT -5
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Post by Deleted on Jun 24, 2011 11:16:49 GMT -5
I have a Canon Rebel. I've seen them quite cheap at camera stores. A lot of camera stores will sell used bodies and lenses.
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Gardening Grandma
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Post by Gardening Grandma on Jun 24, 2011 11:23:30 GMT -5
Definitely DSLR. And take a spare SD (or compact flash).
I have a Nikon D70s with a 28-200 Tamron lens. It's all I take on trips (with a polarizer and enhancing filter).
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8 Bit WWBG
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Post by 8 Bit WWBG on Jun 24, 2011 11:25:35 GMT -5
Well wait a sec... think about your needs here. You could get an expensive camera that requires a big bag and a tripod and a lot of setting up, but will take incredible shots with unparalleled quality. Or, you could get more of a "point and shoot" style that is easy to carry, and you can catch quick moments.
What kind of shots do you intend to take? If you are moving at your own pace, and have the luxury of time to set up good shots, then a DSLR in the $800+ range may be the best bet, especially if you intend to pursue more serious photography.
But if you will be in a group with the kind of people that want to keep moving, and will balk at being asked to wait until you've gotten your shot, then maybe a point and shoot is better.
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Post by The Walk of the Penguin Mich on Jun 24, 2011 11:27:21 GMT -5
Another vote for a DSLR - however, be aware that they are a bit heavier than most other digital cameras. The Nikon D5000 (I think it's now a D5100) got good reviews too.
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Gardening Grandma
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Post by Gardening Grandma on Jun 24, 2011 11:29:07 GMT -5
WWBG makes a good point. That's one reason that DH and I don't travel with a group unless it's a group of photographers.
Will you be travelling alone? Or with a tour group that will be snapping shots and moving on?
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Clifford
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Post by Clifford on Jun 24, 2011 11:33:44 GMT -5
The DSLR's have auto modes which are basically point-and-shoot as well. the best investement we made with our DSLR was to search for photography lessons in our area. A photography instructor from a local college came to our home for 3 hours and taught us using our camera. Then she came back in a week and looked at our pics and gave tips to improve them. 4 hours cost about $150. Best accessory ever.
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Post by Deleted on Jun 24, 2011 11:39:14 GMT -5
I took a class too. Great investment. Once you get used to it you can use a DSLR fairly quick, especially if you buy lenses with a stabilization/vibration mode.
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nalto
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Post by nalto on Jun 24, 2011 11:46:40 GMT -5
Will you be travelling alone? Or with a tour group that will be snapping shots and moving on? In a group, but it's not a tour group per se. It's about 30 of us and we're going to the same places each day, but during those days we are free to do as we please, really only having to be back for the bus (or whatever we will be taking.) I'm looking for something that I wouldn't have to take a bunch of time with (although if I wanted to I could,) but something that provides a better photo that a standard point and shoot (I am aware some point and shoots take very good photos, but still...)
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Formerly SK
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Post by Formerly SK on Jun 24, 2011 11:53:27 GMT -5
*I* would get a DSLR (I have a Canon 40D) but I agree with the pp that you have to consider size. I'm totally willing to lug my camera around because I like to shoot in manual, but it is a big camera....especially if you get a zoom lens like the Tamron mentioned above. I almost exclusively use a 35mm f/2 to minimize equipment bulk.
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Gardening Grandma
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Post by Gardening Grandma on Jun 24, 2011 11:58:26 GMT -5
I'm looking for something that I wouldn't have to take a bunch of time with (although if I wanted to I could,) but something that provides a better photo that a standard point and shoot
Then a DSLR is the way to go. You can set it on "Program" and it will do all the thinking for you. But if you want to go shutter priority, or aperture priority or manual, you have those options.
FWIW, my 28-200 lens is only a bit larger than my 35mm lens. I used to take several lens on trips, but that was way too cumbersome and it seemed like I was always changing lenses. For travelling, imo, a zoom lens is the only way to go.
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nalto
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Post by nalto on Jun 24, 2011 12:02:30 GMT -5
Sounds like a DSLR is the way to go. The only problem is, the range from $500-$1500...
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phil5185
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Post by phil5185 on Jun 24, 2011 12:04:54 GMT -5
but something that provides a better photo that a standard point and shoot As others said - it matters what you are shooting. Often, a small 'point & shoot' means the difference beaten a picture and no-picture. On our trips thru BC, Yukon, and Alaska when a moose with twins gallops across the road, you hit the brakes, drop the power window, point & click as many times as you can - almost in a single motion. In about 5 seconds, mama moose & twins disappear into the trees.
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Gardening Grandma
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Post by Gardening Grandma on Jun 24, 2011 12:06:07 GMT -5
Sounds like a DSLR is the way to go. The only problem is, the range from $500-$1500... It's a long term purchase. I've had mine for a number of years. I had my previous SLR for 15 years and only changed because I wanted a DSLR. They are a better purchase (imo) than a big screen TV for the same price.
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Gardening Grandma
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Post by Gardening Grandma on Jun 24, 2011 12:09:40 GMT -5
but something that provides a better photo that a standard point and shoot As others said - it matters what you are shooting. Often, a small 'point & shoot' means the difference beaten a picture and no-picture. On our trips thru BC, Yukon, and Alaska when a moose with twins gallops across the road, you hit the brakes, drop the power window, point & click as many times as you can - almost in a single motion. In about 5 seconds, mama moose & twins disappear into the trees. Doubt if the OP will be shooting moose in Italy.... ;D
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pinkbow832
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Post by pinkbow832 on Jun 24, 2011 12:16:32 GMT -5
I have both a Canon Rebel xSi (bought in 2009) and a Canon Powershot point and shoot (bought in 2007) and to be perfectly honest, most people can't tell which photos were taken with which camera. I would say about 70% of taking a good photo is knowing how to frame it well and use light conditions to your advantage. You can buy a top of the line Canon or Nikon, but unless you take the time to really learn how to use the camera and take photography classes, you will probably end up with the same photos you could have taken with a $250 point and shoot. A great photographer can take a picture with their iphone and have it look like something a professional would do.
Keeping that in mind, if you want a point and shoot, there are some key things to look for such as image stabilization and optical zoom that will help you get the most for your money. Optical zoom is important- many cameras have digital zoom also, but that only zooms in on the image, and not the actual object you're photographing. Digital zoom tends to be grainy and pixilated. I spent a little bit more to buy the newest version of the Powershot when it just came out and it's still going strong almost 4 years later. It was about $100 more than the version it replaced, but had I bought that camera I would have had at least one other new one by now. It's definitely worth paying a little extra for all of the features you're looking for so it won't be obsolete as quickly. If you want to enlarge an image to frame later, look for a camera that has a higher number of megapixels- although I think they're all in the 8-10 mp range now, so you're fine for enlargements of at least 11x14.
Another thing I love about my Powershot is the wide-angle lens. I believe it is a 28mm lens instead of the standard 35mm lens, meaning you capture more of a scene in each shot. You can look up comparisons online to see which you prefer. My next camera will have 1080p digital video also, since it's always cool to be able to take short video clips from time to time.
I also just read about SD memory cards that will send photos to flikr, picasa, etc. wirelessly without ever needing to plug anything into your computer..can't wait for one of those!
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nalto
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Post by nalto on Jun 24, 2011 12:33:59 GMT -5
Sounds like a DSLR is the way to go. The only problem is, the range from $500-$1500... It's a long term purchase. I've had mine for a number of years. I had my previous SLR for 15 years and only changed because I wanted a DSLR. They are a better purchase (imo) than a big screen TV for the same price. Sorry, I wasn't clear in my concern. I'm assuming the high end is just that, a high end camera. If I went with DSLR, it wouldn't need to be top of the line, all the bells and whistles. Just trying to sort out a good DSLR for a good price, with maybe some bells...
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Gardening Grandma
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Post by Gardening Grandma on Jun 24, 2011 12:35:58 GMT -5
It's a long term purchase. I've had mine for a number of years. I had my previous SLR for 15 years and only changed because I wanted a DSLR. They are a better purchase (imo) than a big screen TV for the same price. Sorry, I wasn't clear in my concern. I'm assuming the high end is just that, a high end camera. If I went with DSLR, it wouldn't need to be top of the line, all the bells and whistles. Just trying to sort out a good DSLR for a good price, with maybe some bells... Yeah, there's is quite a range of prices.. I'd do some reaseach on CU - also the photography magazines are always rating equipment. (Of course, that's how I ended up with the D70s)
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Post by Deleted on Jun 24, 2011 13:05:54 GMT -5
IMHO, you need 2 cameras:
Canon S95 - tiny. You'll keep this on you all the time.
DSLR - If budget allows, the Nikon D7000 with a couple lenses like a 50mm and a 18-200mm would be a good start.. A cheaper option would be the D5100 with same lenses. For either, a Tokina 11-16mm is great for wide.
A camera is to help capture the moment, not get in the way of the moment. Sometimes carrying a heavy camera and multiple lenses just gets in the way. Having a high quality little camera helps.
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tskeeter
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Post by tskeeter on Jun 24, 2011 13:16:47 GMT -5
Nalto, check out recommendations by Consumer Reports. They seem to do a good job of identifying the features and qualities that end up being important when you actually use a camera.
A list of thoughts. Good doesn't = expensive. A small camera that is easy to slip in a pocket is very convenient. Some small cameras can be hard to hold without putting your finger in front of the lens. A large camera (DSLR) is easier to hold steady than a small camera, so you get better image quality. Lots of mega pixels aren't important. I have some wonderful 12 X 18 prints from a 3.3 mega pixels camera. Expensive, proprietary batteries can be a pain, and expensive to get a spare, while a camera that will take commonly available batteries, such as AAs, can be a real memory saver if you forgot to charge up the camera when you collapsed into bed last night. Just as important as a good camera, is some photo editing software. I have turned photos that were absolute garbage (one side obscured by strong back lighting/other side blackened by deep shadows) into something people thought came from a calendar. Makes a hack look like a pro!
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pinkbow832
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Post by pinkbow832 on Jun 24, 2011 13:21:54 GMT -5
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bring in the new year
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Post by bring in the new year on Jun 24, 2011 13:36:22 GMT -5
Nalto,
I know you said you didn't want point & shoot, but I love the Canon G10.
The camera makes me look like a much better photographer than I'll ever be. Easy to use, easy to learn . The other Canon that someone mentioned as a p&s was nice, but too thin. I wanted something I could stabilize in my hand.
If you get the DSLR, make sure you get it soon so you can figure out the bells & whistles before you go.
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Post by rmtvbrooks on Jun 24, 2011 13:47:50 GMT -5
I just recently bought my first DSLR, a Canon Rebel T2i. I did tons of research and read lots of reviews, and that one seemed like the best bet overall for what I wanted. I definitely can't slip it into a pocket, but it really isn't all that heavy. I have the 18-55mm lens that came with it, then I found a 75-300mm lens on ebay for a really good price. So I have a standard lens and a telephoto. That should be all I'll ever need. I agree with clifford, though...invest in some lessons or find a really good book about digital SLRs. I found one on Amazon that was written for my specific camera by Jeff Revell. He addresses specific things in each chapter, then gives you assignments to help you practice what you read. A DSLR with manual options does you no good if you don't know how to use the manual options. If you want to take the time to learn the manual stuff, definitely go with DSLR. If you just want to take some shots on vacation, buy a point and shoot. Many are much better than they used to be. Another good place to look at reviews is cnet.com. You can view editors' reviews as well as user reviews. Good luck with your selection...there's a lot to choose from out there!
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formerexpat
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Post by formerexpat on Jun 24, 2011 20:18:05 GMT -5
Second / third / forth the DSLR recommendation. The Canon Rebel or Nikon series are what I would recommend. We only had the point and shoot digital camera when we went on our honeymoon to Italy and traveled throughout Europe. My wife now says we need to go back to all these places now that we have a real camera. Look through the entire series of DSLRs and find one that fits your budget and needs. Have fun in Italy - our favorite country of all the ones we visited!!
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8 Bit WWBG
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Post by 8 Bit WWBG on Jun 25, 2011 8:46:26 GMT -5
...:::"A photography instructor from a local college came to our home for 3 hours and taught us using our camera. Then she came back in a week and looked at our pics and gave tips to improve them. 4 hours cost about $150. Best accessory ever.":::...
Not to mention a GREAT idea for a side revenue stream. I want to start a thread similar to Liz's old "100 ways to make more money".
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Post by Deleted on Jun 25, 2011 12:42:50 GMT -5
I wish I had had my DSLR when I was taking pictures indoors at cathedrals and places like that. You can use them to get lovely pictures without a flash, which aren't allowed in a lot of places.
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Post by Deleted on Jun 25, 2011 14:48:17 GMT -5
IMHO, you need 2 cameras: Canon S95 - tiny. You'll keep this on you all the time. DSLR - If budget allows, the Nikon D7000 with a couple lenses like a 50mm and a 18-200mm would be a good start.. A cheaper option would be the D5100 with same lenses. For either, a Tokina 11-16mm is great for wide. A camera is to help capture the moment, not get in the way of the moment. Sometimes carrying a heavy camera and multiple lenses just gets in the way. Having a high quality little camera helps. I agree on the 2 camera philosophy. The DSLRs are great for times when you know there will be photo ops, the tiny one in your purse or pocket is great when the moment sneaks up on you. I also come from a volume school of photography. The way you get great pictures is to take an awful lot of pictures. Some junk, some good, a couple great. You can weed 'em out when you get home. Pack extra memory cards and batteries and you're good to go.
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midjd
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Post by midjd on Jun 25, 2011 15:03:33 GMT -5
For the small camera, I have a Sony CyberShot and am very happy with it. It cost about $80 IIRC (I got it from either Amazon or Tiger Direct, don't remember which).
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