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Camera
Camera
This is from Cypressgirl
After reading the great posts from all you "pros" out there, it seems I need a new camera. I am strickly a point and shoot girl, so if I want to upgrade to one of the Canon Rebels, which one should I be looking at?
Also, the internet has a huge price difference on the same camera. As much as several hundred dollars. What's the deal with that and am I nuts for shopping an interntet store for a camera or should I go to Best Buy or some other local camera store?
Lastly, do I need a college course to figure out this type of camera, or is it fairly easy to read the manual and start shooting.
Lastly, does it come with everything you need, or do you have to spend hundreds more on accessories. I read about the polorizing lense. That seems like a nice feature for STJ photos.
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After reading the great posts from all you "pros" out there, it seems I need a new camera. I am strickly a point and shoot girl, so if I want to upgrade to one of the Canon Rebels, which one should I be looking at?
Also, the internet has a huge price difference on the same camera. As much as several hundred dollars. What's the deal with that and am I nuts for shopping an interntet store for a camera or should I go to Best Buy or some other local camera store?
Lastly, do I need a college course to figure out this type of camera, or is it fairly easy to read the manual and start shooting.
Lastly, does it come with everything you need, or do you have to spend hundreds more on accessories. I read about the polorizing lense. That seems like a nice feature for STJ photos.
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I am no photographer either, but I simply adore my Canon Powershot (SD 630). http://www.usa.canon.com/consumer/contr ... elid=12956.
I had never even heard of rebels until the recent threads here.
After YEARS of frustration with other cameras - batteries that seemed to die with very little use, pictures that were too dim or too bright, a tiny view screen, heavy bulky builds - I am IN LOVE with this one.
I take it just about everywhere. It is small, it has a huge screen, with the bigger memory card can hold a TON of pics, and is so easy and intuitive to use. I never read instructions and figured it out very easily. It also has the video feature which I use all the time. My daughter has very few videos from babytime because it was such a hassle to pull out the vid camera and the tape and so on. We have tons of the boy.
So, again, I know nothing about the rebel, other than its a canon. I have been blown away by what I assume is a lower model, so I'd think you'd be happy.
I had never even heard of rebels until the recent threads here.
After YEARS of frustration with other cameras - batteries that seemed to die with very little use, pictures that were too dim or too bright, a tiny view screen, heavy bulky builds - I am IN LOVE with this one.
I take it just about everywhere. It is small, it has a huge screen, with the bigger memory card can hold a TON of pics, and is so easy and intuitive to use. I never read instructions and figured it out very easily. It also has the video feature which I use all the time. My daughter has very few videos from babytime because it was such a hassle to pull out the vid camera and the tape and so on. We have tons of the boy.
So, again, I know nothing about the rebel, other than its a canon. I have been blown away by what I assume is a lower model, so I'd think you'd be happy.
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Eric in NJ
- Posts: 226
- Joined: Tue Aug 08, 2006 6:44 am
- Location: New Jersey
My Rebel is 2 years old but the best price I found at the time was from B&H Camera
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/
I bought from them and the service was quick.
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/
I bought from them and the service was quick.
Eric in NJ
You never know where you're going till you get there.
You never know where you're going till you get there.
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cypressgirl
- Posts: 2178
- Joined: Tue Dec 26, 2006 2:42 pm
- Location: houston
Thanks Waterguy! 
I got so frustrated with myself I've been working in my yard.
Everyone seems to love their Canon. What is the difference besides price in, for example, a Canon Digital Rebel XTI and a Rebel SLR. Am I getting in over my head if I'm not a techie?? I don't have a clue what all these letters mean, I just want to be able to take photos with the best possible quality (without spending thousands, obviously.)
I got so frustrated with myself I've been working in my yard.
Everyone seems to love their Canon. What is the difference besides price in, for example, a Canon Digital Rebel XTI and a Rebel SLR. Am I getting in over my head if I'm not a techie?? I don't have a clue what all these letters mean, I just want to be able to take photos with the best possible quality (without spending thousands, obviously.)
This months Consumer Reports just came. Digital cameras are the cover topic. 71 models tested from pocket sized to SLRs. Get it to help guide your choice.
If you characterize yourself as a "point n shoot" person, the Canon Rebel is a SLR, and therefore may be more than you need in terms of features, price, weight, and need to buy extra lens etc. If you go SLR, the Canon Rebel Xti or the Nikon D40 would be a great choice. Note how in same article if you want a longer lens than 18-55mm that normally come with these, that will be $$$ more.
As for the point n shoots, there are "compact" and "subcompact" (pocket sized) cameras. Canon and Sony seem to dominate the top 10 in both categories. The Canon compacts can accept filters with an adaptor <$50.
My first digital had a 3x optical zoom (equivalent to about a 105mm lens) and although adequate 90% of the time, a higher zoom does come in handy, and is better now when combined with image stabization. The subcompacts are limited to 3x.
As for buying, any of the cameras in the top 10 will have similar features and yeild similar results for point n shooters. IMO, it is important to go to somewhere like Best Buy just to handle the cameras to get a sense for what feels good in your hands, how small the buttons are (that whole ergonomics thing), and whether the ability to fit into a pocket is more important than how they feel or how much zoom it has.
ALSO dont forget to consider if you want to go underwater with your new camera. Most of the Canon A series have custom fitted cases around $165 I think. Or consider one of the subcompacts that are water resistant without a case like the I believe some of the Pentax Optio series are (go to mfgs website for this info).
I've had no problem buying on-line from the more legit sites like amazon and jr.com etc. See if your retailer will match price. Some of the Canon A series can be had a good sale prices at places like Target too.
Hope this helps.
If you characterize yourself as a "point n shoot" person, the Canon Rebel is a SLR, and therefore may be more than you need in terms of features, price, weight, and need to buy extra lens etc. If you go SLR, the Canon Rebel Xti or the Nikon D40 would be a great choice. Note how in same article if you want a longer lens than 18-55mm that normally come with these, that will be $$$ more.
As for the point n shoots, there are "compact" and "subcompact" (pocket sized) cameras. Canon and Sony seem to dominate the top 10 in both categories. The Canon compacts can accept filters with an adaptor <$50.
My first digital had a 3x optical zoom (equivalent to about a 105mm lens) and although adequate 90% of the time, a higher zoom does come in handy, and is better now when combined with image stabization. The subcompacts are limited to 3x.
As for buying, any of the cameras in the top 10 will have similar features and yeild similar results for point n shooters. IMO, it is important to go to somewhere like Best Buy just to handle the cameras to get a sense for what feels good in your hands, how small the buttons are (that whole ergonomics thing), and whether the ability to fit into a pocket is more important than how they feel or how much zoom it has.
ALSO dont forget to consider if you want to go underwater with your new camera. Most of the Canon A series have custom fitted cases around $165 I think. Or consider one of the subcompacts that are water resistant without a case like the I believe some of the Pentax Optio series are (go to mfgs website for this info).
I've had no problem buying on-line from the more legit sites like amazon and jr.com etc. See if your retailer will match price. Some of the Canon A series can be had a good sale prices at places like Target too.
Hope this helps.
When we come to place where the sea and the sky collide
Throw me over the edge and let my spirit glide
Throw me over the edge and let my spirit glide
For anyone looking for a pocket camera....I cannot say enough good things about the new Canon Power Shot TX-1.
It shoots both still and videos (in high def if you want). The size is about that of a deck of cards and the quality is awesome. You can set it on "auto" or change the configuration to suite your needs.
It shoots both still and videos (in high def if you want). The size is about that of a deck of cards and the quality is awesome. You can set it on "auto" or change the configuration to suite your needs.
I have the D40 and I really like it although I don't know how to use all the features. One of my goals of my Maine vacation is to study up on it!Jerseyboy wrote:We have a Nikon D50 digital SLR and like it. I think the D40 replaced it though.
Other reputable places to purchase cameras online besides B&H are J&R and Beach Camera. I recall Anthony saying you can buy some cameras through his Web site too, perhaps he's an Amazon affiliate.
I'm in the market for a great new camera as well. I have a Sony Cybershot with the underwater housing that I am in love with but I had a new baby neice born last week and my sister's MIL handed me her Nikon SLR to take pics of her and the princess and I was a gonner! I've been on-line camera shopping all day. I HAVE to have that camera like now!
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cypressgirl
- Posts: 2178
- Joined: Tue Dec 26, 2006 2:42 pm
- Location: houston
Thanks for all your info, but I'm now more confused that ever. I think a trip to my local camera store is in order. I'm sure that I want something that can accomodate an underwater housing, but not necessarily on this trip. I'm really looking for a great camera that won't be outdated in 6 months, and have the ability to add lenses and attachments when budget allows. I don't really care if it's the size of a match box.
Let's see if we can clear up some of this techno-jargon.
A SLR camera is a single lens reflex camera. That means that when you look through the viewfinder you are looking at a series of mirors and seeing your subject through the lens that takes the picture. When you push the shutter button the camera lifts the mirror out of the way, opens the shutter and captures the image on film or digital media. The so-called point and shoot cameras use the rangefinder method to sight in the subject. You look through one lens and take the picture through another. Normally we are not working in very fine detail. If we were, there could be an alighnment problem because we are not seeing the same image that the media is seeing. Most SLR's will allow the addition of more lenses. Most P&S cameras will not. SLR's tend to have better light meters, but I am certain that this will change as the technology improves and becomes less expensive.
Canon and Nikon traditionally have been known for their great optics and durability. Their SLR's do not score well in surveys like Consumer Reports because they do not factor in the durability factor very well but rely on the cost factor heavily. The difference between the two, except to the world class photogs, is the same as the difference between Ford and Chevy pickup trucks. It really depends on the features the photographer likes and what they used in the beginning.
The Canon Rebel XTi is the model that they are pushing at this time. When I bought mine on STT, the memory card, case, filter and extra battery were not included in the kit. There is one lens included in the package and it is an 18-55 zoom lens. the 55mm setting was more or less a "normal" lens - that is to say the world looks the same through the lens as your eye normally sees it. The lower the number goes the wider the angle you see. Of course, the oposite is also true. I saw the Rebel XTi advertised in the NY Times the week for $999. Then add the memory card, case, filter and extra battery to that ($50-75) plus tax ($75-100). On STT last month you could have bought the Rebel kit and the extras for $700 tax free. The Rebel, my most recent experience with a new camera, is fairly intuitive. You could pull it out of the box and shoot pictures in about 15-30 minutes. It will take some time and experimentation to learn all the more complex features, but the book is very good.
There are several filters that are commonly used. They can cost anywhere from $10 to $30 each last time I checked. The first thing they do is to protect your expensive lens. If anything happens, let's sacrafice the $20 filter not he $100-500 lens. Polerising filters act like sunglasses without the tint. UV filters obviously cut down on the UV rays hitting the medium and your eye.
A SLR camera is a single lens reflex camera. That means that when you look through the viewfinder you are looking at a series of mirors and seeing your subject through the lens that takes the picture. When you push the shutter button the camera lifts the mirror out of the way, opens the shutter and captures the image on film or digital media. The so-called point and shoot cameras use the rangefinder method to sight in the subject. You look through one lens and take the picture through another. Normally we are not working in very fine detail. If we were, there could be an alighnment problem because we are not seeing the same image that the media is seeing. Most SLR's will allow the addition of more lenses. Most P&S cameras will not. SLR's tend to have better light meters, but I am certain that this will change as the technology improves and becomes less expensive.
Canon and Nikon traditionally have been known for their great optics and durability. Their SLR's do not score well in surveys like Consumer Reports because they do not factor in the durability factor very well but rely on the cost factor heavily. The difference between the two, except to the world class photogs, is the same as the difference between Ford and Chevy pickup trucks. It really depends on the features the photographer likes and what they used in the beginning.
The Canon Rebel XTi is the model that they are pushing at this time. When I bought mine on STT, the memory card, case, filter and extra battery were not included in the kit. There is one lens included in the package and it is an 18-55 zoom lens. the 55mm setting was more or less a "normal" lens - that is to say the world looks the same through the lens as your eye normally sees it. The lower the number goes the wider the angle you see. Of course, the oposite is also true. I saw the Rebel XTi advertised in the NY Times the week for $999. Then add the memory card, case, filter and extra battery to that ($50-75) plus tax ($75-100). On STT last month you could have bought the Rebel kit and the extras for $700 tax free. The Rebel, my most recent experience with a new camera, is fairly intuitive. You could pull it out of the box and shoot pictures in about 15-30 minutes. It will take some time and experimentation to learn all the more complex features, but the book is very good.
There are several filters that are commonly used. They can cost anywhere from $10 to $30 each last time I checked. The first thing they do is to protect your expensive lens. If anything happens, let's sacrafice the $20 filter not he $100-500 lens. Polerising filters act like sunglasses without the tint. UV filters obviously cut down on the UV rays hitting the medium and your eye.
Man it's like some dream we live down here....
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cypressgirl
- Posts: 2178
- Joined: Tue Dec 26, 2006 2:42 pm
- Location: houston
$349 sounds way too low. I would ask what is included in that price.
The kit I talked about is called the EOS Digital Rebel XTi EF-S 18-55. It includes the camera body, the EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 lens, wide strap, battery charger, battery pack, USB Interface Ccable, video cable, and CD-ROM software.
JIM
The kit I talked about is called the EOS Digital Rebel XTi EF-S 18-55. It includes the camera body, the EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 lens, wide strap, battery charger, battery pack, USB Interface Ccable, video cable, and CD-ROM software.
JIM
Man it's like some dream we live down here....
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Dave-a-roni
- Posts: 299
- Joined: Fri May 25, 2007 1:43 am
- Location: Western NY
Don't know how much help I can be. Sounds like all who is concerned owns either owns a Sony, Nikon or Canon.
I bought a Casio Exslim EX-Z120 a few years ago, and love it. It's 7.2 Megapixel. Takes video (love that!) and it fits in my pocket. It was on sale for 275.00 or something. I'm quite happy with it.
I wish I was up-to-date on the newer ones lately, not that I want to buy a new one anytime soon, but an upgrade in a few years might be in order. I am learning a few things in this thread (thanks jmq and jimg20). I like those water cases a few of you mentioned, that sounds great! Is that new?
I bought a Casio Exslim EX-Z120 a few years ago, and love it. It's 7.2 Megapixel. Takes video (love that!) and it fits in my pocket. It was on sale for 275.00 or something. I'm quite happy with it.
I wish I was up-to-date on the newer ones lately, not that I want to buy a new one anytime soon, but an upgrade in a few years might be in order. I am learning a few things in this thread (thanks jmq and jimg20). I like those water cases a few of you mentioned, that sounds great! Is that new?