Wanting to buy a camera

LINK

digital? DSLR? What are you looking for in a camera?

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digital? DSLR? What are you looking for in a camera?

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Quality, reliability, durability...something where I will be able to print high definition pictures out and display them throughput the office. I'm not really sure. I'm trying to learn the basics while making the best purchase.

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Are you going to be taking pictures close range, long range, or both?

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Also will fast moving subjects be common. Nothing kills it like that compact camera shutter lag.

Don't discount the Sony alphaSLRs. Nice cameras with an easy learning curve.

My wife teaches photography. Has Canons at school, has had Nikons all her life - recently tried a Sony and was impressed enough that she uses it at her main camera.

When buying a digital camera, you have a couple of options: Point and Shoot or Digital SLR. There are pros and cons to both and ultimately it’s a matter of preference. The main difference between the two is quality versus convenience.

The Digital SLR camera is your highest quality option. You’ll have studio quality pictures, little to no delay when shooting which is good for action shots, your best zoom options and vibration reduction which stabilizes your picture and eliminates blurry shots. You also have a ton more creative options and the ability to take pictures in any sort of light. The downside to these cameras are a higher price tag and they can be bulky and do not fit in a purse or pocket. (The weight of the camera actually is a plus when taking pictures as it helps keep the camera stable when shooting.)

If bulky and weighty is a big issue for you, then Point and Shoot is your best bet. Point and Shoot cameras are light, small and fit easily into a purse or jacket pocket. They also take very high quality pictures (if you find the right one). You give up a some quality, but in most cases, it would take a professional to see the difference. The downside to these cameras are, because they are so light, you get more blurry pictures when the camera isn’t held exactly still. Depending on the camera, there can also be delays which, if you’re trying to take any action shots, makes it very tough to catch the subject in the very moment you want it. There are fewer creative options, but this can also be a plus if you don’t want to be overwhelmed when you’re learning a new camera, hence the name “Point and Shoot.”

As far as specific cameras, I’ve linked my favorite camera in each style in this price range. Personally, I’m a Nikon man. I own a Nikon Digital SLR and have been a big fan. The link I provided is for the Nikon D3200. Canon would be my 2nd favorite in the Digital SLR space. You can’t go wrong with either brand, Nikon and Canon are the best in the business.

As far as Point and Shoot, this is a risky game. They sell these as low as $75. Please don’t buy one of these under $200. The quality is average and I promise it will frustrate you. That being said, there are some really good Point and Shoot cameras out there. My favorite and one of the absolute best on the market is the Panasonic Lumix ZS30. I’ve provided a link below.

Nikon

Panasonic

For a good beginner kit this one isn't too bad.

Nikon d3200 with 18-55 and 55-200 lens for $576.

It would probably do everything you want. You should also get a couple of books to help you out. Understanding Exposure is one of the best.

Also, once you get one, learn to shoot in either Aperature mode or manual. And eventually learn more about light.

Here is pic I took last night playing around. With just my Nikon d7000, 35mm 1.8 lens, and flash.

If you haven't already, do yourself a favor and take a basic photography course. There are also many books and videos out there on the same subject. Get your fundamentals down. Know the difference between an f/stop and a bus stop. Know how aperture, shutter speed and ISO affect an image.

I would definitely tap in to this forum: dpreview.com

DSLR cameras are usually sold with mediocre lenses to project some sense of value. Don't put away your checkbook quite yet.... there are expensive lenses in you future (hard for newbies to understand this,but you'll get it at some point). Novices often gravitate to lenses with a big focal length zoom (18mm - 200mm, etc). Bigger is not always better.

Also, a DX or FX sensor is a consideration.

Here's a well respected site for reviews: DxO Mark

This guy gives no-bull, in your face reviews: Ken Rockwell

I suggest you also consider photo editing software. If you have a critical eye, good pictures rarely are printable right out the camera. Consider Adobe Creative Cloud. $29/month (student/teacher).

With the little information provided I say check this out:

LINK

Get the III model if you can afford it.

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Nikon d3200 with 18-55 and 55-200 lens for $576.

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The D3200 is missing the ability to auto bracket photos which is a fatal flaw to me. I'm not sure why they would leave off a function that has become so popular these days.