Monday, June 8, 2009
cameras
So my daughter has finally managed to break our digital camera. I have been wanting a better camera, so I guess this is sort-of a blessing. I wanted to know if any of you had any tips on what cameras you like best, or what features you really love. Also, have you found any stores that tend to have better deals? Any tips would be great!
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Ooh! My favourite topic! :D First a few questions for you... what are you looking to do with the camera? Do you just want a small point and shoot that you can throw in your diaperbag or back pocket? Do you want a mid-range camera that gives you some manual options? Or would you like an SLR? Also, how much are you looking to spend?
Mid-range or SLR. Depending on cost. I haven't really talked price with my husband yet. I figured it would be better to have details and options to show him. I haven't even started researching cameras, so I have no idea what they are running these days.
kenrockwell.com is an awesome place to look at camera reviews. He's pretty much THE camera guru and when I went to buy my camera set up for my business I read all his reviews and got the four lenses he recommended and I LOVE my camera kit. I seriously haven't even thought of upgrading yet and that's huge for me! I use to always be looking for the next big thing in cameras. :D Ok, on to your question.
If you want a mid range, I use to have a Canon Powershot SX... it was a fabulous camera. I believe that Stephanie currently has one so I'm sure she could give you some info about them. Mine was wonderful and I used it to take over 10000 pictures during the first 2 years of Cecelia's life. Then I got my first SLR and I loved it so much I knew my Canon wasn't going to be used much, if at all, so I sold it.
I have two SLRs, the Nikon D40 which is a FABULOUS camera and can be purchased for less than $500 including a lens. (And its a great lens). I also have a Nikon D90 which is amazing. Its more megapixels but that's really not a big deal when it comes to taking pictures for your own use. I had only a few reasons for needing to upgrade and they were both business related- I needed more megapixels since some of my clients want to be able to blow their pictures up to really large sizes. And the other reason, not all lenses autofocus with the D40 and I needed to be able to upgrade a few lenses for doing weddings and such. But for just taking everyday pictures of family, friends and life events, the D40 is an amazing camera at an awesome price.
Ok- that might be way more info that you wanted or needed, but I told you, this is one of my favourite topics! If you have any questions let me know, I'd be more than happy to answer them or help however I can.
We're really happy with our Canon. The only thing I would change is how fast it takes the picture, and from my understanding the only way you can get that "instant click" is if you spend the big bucks on an SLR. Someday, I hope to have one, but we were like you and ours broke unexpectedly which didn't really allow time for saving!
I actually bought ours on Amazon, for at least $50 cheaper than I could find it in the stores. I would recommend going in a place like Best Buy first though, so that you can try them out, and talk to someone who knows about cameras, then go online and see where you can find the best deal.
Good luck! Bummer to have to spend money, but I can't think of a more fun purchase!
July's Consumer Reports' cover story is on digital cameras. You might want to see if your library carries it and look at it. I'll summarize and give you the top picks in case it isn't in your library.
Best Subcompacts (fits in purse or pocket):
* Sony Cyber-shot DSC-W300 ($310)
*Cannon PowerShot SD880 IS Elph ($26)
* Nikon Coolpix S610 ($220) - CR Recommended because of low-light performance w/o a flash and wide-angle capability.
Best Compact (basics at a low price)
* Canon Power Shot G10 ($450) CR Recommended for very good image quality, short next-shot delay, excellent dynamic range, etc.
* Canon Power Shot A1000 IS ($140) CR Recommended for short next shot delay and better battery life.
* Canon Power Shot A590 IS ($110) CR Best Buy
Best Basic SLR:
* Pentax K200D ($700) CR Recommended to keep out moisture and dust with the lens on, one of the few models with an LCD on top that displays exposure, etc.
*Canon EOS Rebel XSi ($700) CR Recommended because it is very easy to use, one of only two baskc SLRs with excellent image quality and 3-inch LCD with live view. It includes a 4 % spot meter and an image stabilized lens.
OK, there is tons more info in the magazine if you can get a copy, I highly recommend it.
My husband just purchased a Canon EOS Rebel XSI for his art department (he is a graphic design professor) and is happy with the purchase.
That is probably more info than you really need ... sorry about that. Good luck and let us know what you get.
Oh, the Nikon D90 SLR ($1,150) had the highest overall score but when price was factored in it fell below the Pentax and Canon for recommendation.
I LOVE LOVE LOVE my Nikon d90! I didn't realize how much until I went on a trip without it and only had my kodak point and shoot. It is an awesomecamera! But it is pricey.
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