Digital Camera recommendations

[Four Suns]

Gary,

If you get the 5000 let me know what you think about it. I looked at one not to long ago and could not justify the move from my D80...I figure a significant move for me would be to a D300. Don't loose your D50...it's one of the few that will drive the auto focus in the older pro lenses...my D80 will also but a D90 will not...I dont think the D5000 will either.

Your 70-200 VR is a fantastic piece. I keep a 18-200 3.5 VR on my D80 all the time and keep a Nikon 70-300 4.5 for distance and a Sigma 10-20 in the bag for interior and close work. I opens up the cabin or engine room of a boat like a Circus Tent.:thumbsup:

The D50 is a great camera. I do want more resolution though. I tend to clip/crop pieces out of pictures and want to blow them up for print publications (no more NAGGING on the book please) and want the cropped sections to be able to be blown up to 8x10 size and still look good... Sorta like my signature picture below... it looks good on screen but I can't blow it up for print use because it is a cropped piece of a big picture. I think people tend to forget about that when arguing that 6MP is good enough. I think it's good enough if you never plan on cropping/clipping images... which is rare for me. For example, I could never publish this poster as the resolution is not high enough (it was cropped from the original):

I also want a faster continuous shutter speed... 2 fps is what is advertised on the D50 and I seriously doubt it does that. The 4 fps burst mode on the D5000 would have been nice in the above shot. Kid pounding on table... rolling on floor screaming... kicking his dad... etc...

I would agree the jump from a D80 to a D5000 would be tough to justify...

I've been looking at that Sigma lens... I don't have a super wide angle like that and I've been wanting it for some of the boat shots more and more.

 

[douglee25]

There have been a lot of good suggestions here. I'll give you my two cents....

1. I'm assuming your daughter's hands are probably small. Given that I would steer away from any D series Canon. They are going to be too big and too heavy for continual use for her.

2. I would steer you towards a Rebel series Canon. I would not spend the money for the new Rebel line either. The Rebel XTI, XS, or XSI would be more than sufficient for her needs. These can be picked up for around the $400-$500 range.

3. While the Canon lens are nice, they may be more than she really needs. A nice alternative to a Canon lens would be the Tamron line. They typically have good optics but at times they lack focusing speed when compared to a Canon lens. They can also be somewhat noisy at times. Depending on what she will be using them for, this may or may not be a viable option.

4. I don't have any info on Nikon equipment, but either Canon or Nikon will provide you with wonderful results. Whatever you choose, it would be a smart move to stick with that line for life such that you don't take a hit on your lenses becoming obsolete.

Doug

 

[Tonka Boater]

Gary,

If you get the 5000 let me know what you think about it.

I also want a faster continuous shutter speed... 2 fps is what is advertised on the D50 and I seriously doubt it does that. The 4 fps burst mode on the D5000 would have been nice in the above shot. Kid pounding on table... rolling on floor screaming... kicking his dad... etc...

I've been looking at that Sigma lens... I don't have a super wide angle like that and I've been wanting it for some of the boat shots more and more.

The D5000 is a great camera and the burst mode is very fast...not the fastest on the market but it's great -- especially for my kids' sports.

Here's a good example of the image quality of the D5000. Nothing fancy, just a picture of a bouquet from my grandma's 85th birthday.

http://www.anonen.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/10/DSC_0217_edited-1.jpg

That was taken with a Nikon 18-55 lens. I have the following Sigma lens on my Christmas list:

http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg/detail/-/B0007U00XK/ref=ord_cart_shr?_encoding=UTF8&m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&v=glance
.

 

[sprink56]

The D5000 is a great camera and the burst mode is very fast...not the fastest on the market but it's great -- especially for my kids' sports.

Here's a good example of the image quality of the D5000. Nothing fancy, just a picture of a bouquet from my grandma's 85th birthday.

http://www.anonen.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/10/DSC_0217_edited-1.jpg

That was taken with a Nikon 18-55 lens. I have the following Sigma lens on my Christmas list:

http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg/detail/-/B0007U00XK/ref=ord_cart_shr?_encoding=UTF8&m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&v=glance
.

Very tight hi res photo. The only drawback I see to some of the newer bodies is that you can't use the early pro style auto focus lenses...but that's just me because I have a few.

I love the wave motor auto focus of the DX lenses:thumbsup:

Get that 10-20 Sigma...I had a 12-24 Nikon and returned it to get the Sigma...it's a better lens and that says a lot. I have had mine a year and took the CSR calendar shot that is one of the 12 winners with the 10-20 Sigma.:thumbsup:

I shot this about 5 PM on a late February afternoon. The sun was behind me but setting fast. I was zoomed at about 12MM on my D80 shooting in "P" f4.5/ 1/60 with a Nikon SB-600 flash set at 50% on TTL. I love the Nikon menu set up that started with the D200 and they carried through on the D80 and all the later bodies. I keep my sensor set on "Vivid". If you realy want to drive your D5000 to the limit, join Nikonians and read..read...read. Nikonians is to Nikon what CSR is to Sea Rays.

 

[sprink56]

The D50 is a great camera. I do want more resolution though. I tend to clip/crop pieces out of pictures and want to blow them up for print publications (no more NAGGING on the book please) and want the cropped sections to be able to be blown up to 8x10 size and still look good... Sorta like my signature picture below... it looks good on screen but I can't blow it up for print use because it is a cropped piece of a big picture. I think people tend to forget about that when arguing that 6MP is good enough. I think it's good enough if you never plan on cropping/clipping images... which is rare for me. For example, I could never publish this poster as the resolution is not high enough (it was cropped from the original):

I also want a faster continuous shutter speed... 2 fps is what is advertised on the D50 and I seriously doubt it does that. The 4 fps burst mode on the D5000 would have been nice in the above shot. Kid pounding on table... rolling on floor screaming... kicking his dad... etc...

I would agree the jump from a D80 to a D5000 would be tough to justify...

I've been looking at that Sigma lens... I don't have a super wide angle like that and I've been wanting it for some of the boat shots more and more.

Gary...this is a shot in the salon of my 390 with the Sigma.

It is a sweet lens for this kind of shooting and would serve you well for some of your shots for your book.:thumbsup:

 

[Pietro]

Gary...this is a shot in the salon of my 390 with the Sigma.

It is a sweet lens for this kind of shooting and would serve you well for some of your shots for your book.:thumbsup:

That's a good idea...canvas on the inside of the main door!!! I'll do it also!!
I'm a Nikonist also and I would suggest it for greater handling and for action shoots. Just upgraded my D200 with a D300s and a Tokina 11-16 f:2.8 DX and the 35 F.1.8 DX. Performances at High ISO with the D300s are just outstanding!!
For practical advices: http://www.kenrockwell.com/

 

[hack4alivin]

I can see we can get into a heated debate on these things here, but the bottom line is this. I am looking for a good “starter camera” for an 18 year old girl that is just getting into photography. As I said she is very creative and likes to experiment with pictures. She may or may not end up in the photography field, but if she does down the road a really good camera would be in order. But for now something that is good enough that she can get lens and filters for, experiment and learn with would be sufficient. If she starts making money with it, she can buy her own. :thumbsup:

I may go out today and just get a few out; right now I am leaning in the Cannon Rebel line.

Thanks to all for some very excellent ideas.

 

[sprink56]

I can see we can get into a heated debate on these things here, but the bottom line is this. I am looking for a good “starter camera” for an 18 year old girl that is just getting into photography. As I said she is very creative and likes to experiment with pictures. She may or may not end up in the photography field, but if she does down the road a really good camera would be in order. But for now something that is good enough that she can get lens and filters for, experiment and learn with would be sufficient. If she starts making money with it, she can buy her own. :thumbsup:

I may go out today and just get a few out; right now I am leaning in the Cannon Rebel line.

Thanks to all for some very excellent ideas.

The Cannon stuff is good, high quality equipment. Trust me...the brand thing..Nikon vs. Cannon...is not as important as learning the basics of exposure, focus and composition.

Do check out KenRockwell.com. He shoots both brands professionally and tells it like it is. If you stick with those 2 brand names you will not make the wrong choice:thumbsup:

Have fun with this.

 

[sprink56]

That's a good idea...canvas on the inside of the main door!!! I'll do it also!!
I'm a Nikonist also and I would suggest it for greater handling and for action shoots. Just upgraded my D200 with a D300s and a Tokina 11-16 f:2.8 DX and the 35 F.1.8 DX. Performances at High ISO with the D300s are just outstanding!!
For practical advices: http://www.kenrockwell.com/

Yes...I think my next body will be the D300 ....for the very reason you mention, high ISO performance.

That canvas on the inside was my wifes idea...gives you total privacy at night.:thumbsup:

John F

 

[Chris R]

I have more than two Canon cameras.

My view is straight forward: The quality -and capabilities- of most Nikon and Canon cameras on the market today exceed the capabilities of most photographers. And a good photographer will easily overcome the few limitations the lower end cameras impose.

The statement that the Canon Rebels and T1i are mostly plastic, and that the Canon X0D's (40D, 50D) are metal and more durable is correct. HOWEVER. . . the Canon Rebels are not junk. For everyday use, they are adequately robust, and probably will go obsolete long before they wear out.

Having dealt with the old 10D, original dRebel, as well as the more recent XTi, XSi, and 40D; I can tell you two things;

1) In terms of Megapixels, all these cameras have jumped the shark. Sure. . more is better. . .but the bottom line is ALL of them have ENOUGH.

2) In terms of image quality, what I have seen in the Canon's is that the more recent camera has the better sensor**. The XSi is superior to the 40D which in turn was superior to the earlier XTI, which in turn was superior to the (still earlier) 30D/20D cameras.

Having said this, what I see as most important for the camera body is how it feels in your hand. The key is being comfortable with the weight and feel of the tool. For small handed people, the 40D and 50D is often simply too big and heavy. The admiral hates using my 40D; while I find her XTi to be feather weight. Same with a XSi of another relation.

SO you must SEE the cameras. . .and go from there. All of them (Nikon and Canon) are good photographic tools.

As for lenses. . . . good glass will last longer than a body. I still use Canon lenses from the early 1990's on my dSLR's. I expect the lenses I bought with my 10D several years ago to be used on my NEXT dSLR. So be a bit snooty about lenses.

The 18-55/IS kit lens is really good for the money: I recommend this as a starter lens for the "bang for the buck" factor. Don't fear the plastic mount. I am still carrying my "plastic fantastic" 50/1.8 that I bought 15 years ago.

I tend to sneer at the rest of the EF-S lens line because they seem a bit overpriced for what they are, and cannot be used on older film cameras or on the higher end "full frame" cameras. The exceptions in my mind are the 18-55/IS (bang for buck!) and the 10-22/EF-S; which has no "EF" lens equivilent. The 17-55/2.8 IS is a nice lens . . . .I can understand the $1K price, but I personally would never pay so much for a "Non Pro", "crop factor" lens. And I do carry several expensive lenses in my day bag.

The 18-200. . .I saw this lens today, and I was not thrilled with the double barrel extension design. I am also skeptical of the image quality of any "hyper zoom" (Hyper zoom > Lens with a focal length range that is HUGE, like more than 5:1)

So for a "kit", the 18-55/EF-s is a good starter; It does pair well with the 55-250 zoom ($299); although if your budding photographer is starting to reach for MORE and you are willing to invest, I would jump to the 70-300/IS zoom.

_ _ _ _

** The 50D got some mixed reviews after it's release related to high-ISO noise. I have not followed the review recently to see how the camera is proving itself over time.

*** The 7D, 1D and 5D cameras are different beasts, in a different price category.

I can attest to the 18-200 lens- until my entire camera bag was stolen at LAX. This lens is fantastic. It is durable and produces great results. I got so tired of screwing around with two lenses every time I wanted to shoot anything - I decided to give it a try.

For example, you're on your boat and having fun with some friends-easy great wide angle shots of everyone on the boat. Without changes lenses shoot that city skyline off in the distance. Of course, most of you will understand this concept, but the lens itself is not some cheapy rolled into a convenient double barrel. Of course, it's not going to pass muster with someone that makes they're living taking photos.

I'm working on replacing my camera at the moment and am pretty certain I'm going with the 7D.

 

[Nehalennia]

I'm no pro either. I'm sure you are looking at an SLR for the wide array of capability it brings but I have used this 6MB Konica Minolta for the last 4 years. It's served us well and all the pics I've posted here are taken with it.

I'm sure Konica Minolta have upgraded this camera to higher resolution since.

 

[comsnark]

The Cannon stuff is good, high quality equipment. Trust me...the brand thing..Nikon vs. Cannon...is not as important as learning the basics of exposure, focus and composition.

Do check out KenRockwell.com. He shoots both brands professionally and tells it like it is. If you stick with those 2 brand names you will not make the wrong choice:thumbsup:

Have fun with this.

I agree. The problem with most poor shots is to be found a few inches behind the viewfinder.

Five years ago, Canon had a lock on the dSLR market. Nikon has come a long way in the last few years. Even the starter cameras today are excellent tools.

I don't think you can go very much wrong until you start buying your second or third lens. (Usually, the starter lenses are fine. . . .the trouble comes when you buy mediocre telephotos to expand your kit).

So buy a rebel and be happy

BTW: Before you go banana with $1K telephotos, consider a good flash unit. The flash unit on dSLR's are "ok", but remember, if you want natural looking flash lighting, you need to "bounce" the light. On Camera flashes can't do that.

 

[velooce]

Yeah, the Admiral is a huge viewfinder fan. For ALL the point and shoots, you need to get over that bias. Really, the POWER of the point and shoot (besides small size) is the LCD screen on the back. This "feature", unfortunately is also the reason these cameras suffer in terms of "shutter lag" (the noticable time lag between pressing the button and taking the picture).

The G11 has been getting rave reviews. Check this one out: http://www.luminous-landscape.com/reviews/kidding.shtml
Yup. A comparison of the G11 to a $40,000 Hasselblad. And the author is in the league were a $40K camera is justified.

I just heard about the Canon S90. Ergonomically, a disaster (in my view); but earlier Sx0 cameras shared the same imaging system with the G series cameras. This might be worth a look.

For the last year, the Admiral has been using a Canon SX110 alongside our dSLR's. A sweet camera with full manual controls. And despite having a 10x hyperzoom lens. . this sucker takes great images!! For only $220; if I had to buy a P&S today. . .this would be the one.

Thanks Comsnark

That was very helpful, I will check out the s90 also.

 

[sprink56]

"BTW: Before you go banana with $1K telephotos, consider a good flash unit. The flash unit on dSLR's are "ok", but remember, if you want natural looking flash lighting, you need to "bounce" the light. On Camera flasheds can't do that."

Well said:thumbsup:

 

[88 AmberRay]

My Daughter wants a Cannon SLR Digital Camera for Christmas. She has show an interest in photography and has done some very creative work with Photoshop. I don’t want to take a second mortgage to get one but at the same time I know good ones don’t come cheap either. (600 to 1000 range is where I’m looking)

I know we have some good photographers on this site so your thoughts and ideas on a camera are welcome.

Hi hack4alivin,

When my kids first got interedted in digital photography I purchased them both a point & shoot 3-4 meg. camera.
One (1) really took to it the other shoots thru his cell phone.

Start off small & see where it goes from there.

There are great buys here under Digital Cameras NON ASTRO. A short registration is needed to view all the adds.

http://www.astromart.com/classifieds/

Rich



Rich

 

[Vince_nj1]

Ok.. I just purchased a Cannon T1i with 2 lenses, an 8 GB memory card and a UV filter from Amazon for just under $790. (the order included a $9.99 software program for my daughter that had nothing to do with the camera)

I read about this on a camera website. You need to search for the Canon Ti1 on Amazon and add the camera to your shopping cart, making sure that Amazon is the retailer, not a 3rd party, then add the zoom lense as a separate item, again making sure that Amazon is the retailer. When you finalize your order (after selecting a credit card but before confirmation) there is a $200 instant rebate from Cannon applied to the order. The $200 rebate applies when you purchase a 2nd lense. You basically get the $299 list price lens for $69.

Best deal out there!.. Costco has the same kit advertized for $899 after a $200 rebate, this little trick saves over $100 from that price. (not to mention the sales tax savings)

See details below:




[FONT=verdana,arial,helvetica][SIZE=-1]Shipping Method: [/SIZE][/FONT][FONT=verdana,arial,helvetica][SIZE=-1]FREE Super Saver Shipping [/SIZE][/FONT][FONT=verdana,arial,helvetica][SIZE=-1]Shipping Preference:[/SIZE][/FONT][FONT=verdana,arial,helvetica][SIZE=-1]Group my items into as few shipments as possible[/SIZE][/FONT]

Subtotal of Items: $1,012.35
Shipping & Handling: $10.70
Super Saver Discount: -$10.70
Promotion Applied: -$7.50
Promotion Applied: -$4.89
Reward Applied: -$0.00
Promotion Applied: -$200.00

------ Total for this Order: $799.96

[FONT=verdana,arial,helvetica][SIZE=-1]1[/SIZE][/FONT][FONT=verdana,arial,helvetica][SIZE=-1]"Tiffen 58mm UV Protection Filter"[/SIZE][/FONT]
[SIZE=-1][FONT=verdana,arial,helvetica]Electronics; $12.39[/FONT][/SIZE]
[SIZE=-1][FONT=verdana,arial,helvetica]Sold by: Amazon.com, LLC [/FONT][/SIZE]

[FONT=verdana,arial,helvetica][SIZE=-1]1[/SIZE][/FONT][FONT=verdana,arial,helvetica][SIZE=-1]"Transcend 8 GB SDHC Class 6 Flash Memory Card TS8GSDHC6"[/SIZE][/FONT]
[SIZE=-1][FONT=verdana,arial,helvetica]Electronics; $18.99[/FONT][/SIZE]
[SIZE=-1][FONT=verdana,arial,helvetica]Sold by: Amazon.com, LLC [/FONT][/SIZE]

[FONT=verdana,arial,helvetica][SIZE=-1]1[/SIZE][/FONT][FONT=verdana,arial,helvetica][SIZE=-1]"Canon EF-S 55-250mm f/4.0-5.6 IS Telephoto Zoom Lens for Canon Digital SLR Cameras"[/SIZE][/FONT]
[SIZE=-1][FONT=verdana,arial,helvetica]Electronics; $269.99[/FONT][/SIZE]
[SIZE=-1][FONT=verdana,arial,helvetica]Sold by: Amazon.com, LLC [/FONT][/SIZE]

[FONT=verdana,arial,helvetica][SIZE=-1]1[/SIZE][/FONT][FONT=verdana,arial,helvetica][SIZE=-1]"Kid Pix Deluxe 4 Home Edition"[/SIZE][/FONT]
[SIZE=-1][FONT=verdana,arial,helvetica]DVD-ROM; $9.99[/FONT][/SIZE]
[SIZE=-1][FONT=verdana,arial,helvetica]Sold by: Amazon.com, LLC [/FONT][/SIZE]

[FONT=verdana,arial,helvetica][SIZE=-1]1[/SIZE][/FONT][FONT=verdana,arial,helvetica][SIZE=-1]"Canon EOS Rebel T1i 15.1 MP CMOS Digital SLR Camera with 3-Inch LCD and EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 IS Lens"[/SIZE][/FONT]
[SIZE=-1][FONT=verdana,arial,helvetica]Electronics; $700.99[/FONT][/SIZE]

 

[sprink56]

That is an excellent value.:thumbsup:

 

[RanAmok]

Well.... I'm no pro like corn-muffin, but I would say to spend your money on the lens(es) and not a fancy body with features you'll never use.

I'm in the Nikon camp and have about 5 different lenses. I have a Nikon D50 body and it's my second one (first one fell in the drink). I'm looking now to upgrade to a D5000 as the D50 is showing its age and the D5000 is a big step up in technology.

The lenses I use most are this one:

http://www.nikonusa.com/Find-Your-Nikon/ProductDetail.page?pid=2147

It's a 17-55/2.8 and I use it as my everyday lens now. I used to use a Quantaray 28-90mm lens but the Nikon lens makes that thing look like crap.

I also have this lense which I use a lot (the one Mike/mayatt referred to):

http://www.nikonusa.com/Find-Your-Nikon/ProductDetail.page?pid=2139

It's a 70-200/2.8 and is an awesome lens around the boat... it has Nikon's vibration reduction technology and a pretty good zoom. Trying to zoom in on something with the boat bouncing all over the place is impossible and this lens made a big difference. Being out on the water with zoom is a big deal IMO.

Good glass is expensive... Those two lenses alone are worth over $3K... and the D50 body can be picked up on eBay for $150-200 now (used)... I think the d5000 body is about $600 (new)...

My 2 cents.

I am in the Nikon camp as well. After reviewing the options I had from the Marriott gift catalog, I chose the D90 over the D5000 and ordered it two days ago. Thanks for the lens info. It will be interesting to see which of my old lenses still work.

Don

 

[VTSeaRay]

Here's a question that's semi-related to this topic, What do you do for insurance coverage in the case where the camera does fall in the water? Homeowners? I don't think that's part of the boating insurance coverage that I've ever seen. A separate policy on the camera?

-VtSeaRay

 

[hack4alivin]

Here's a question that's semi-related to this topic, What do you do for insurance coverage in the case where the camera does fall in the water? Homeowners? I don't think that's part of the boating insurance coverage that I've ever seen. A separate policy on the camera?

-VtSeaRay

Just like the cell phones you can buy separate buyers insurance policy that covers things like that, rather pricy though. In my daughters case my insurance policy is telling her “take care of it, you’re not getting another one”! She did splash a laptop in the tub a few years ago! :smt021

I’m not sure buy I think my American Express gives me some sort of buyer protection. Hate to have to try it though.