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Started By
Message
Cameras-Where to begin?
Posted on 11/6/14 at 3:44 pm
Posted on 11/6/14 at 3:44 pm
As I mentioned before in a GoPro thread, I live in Alaska and it's beautiful. Always something to take pictures of.
My wife has been showing a lot of interest in getting a nice camera. What are some recommendations? Looking to spend 4 or 5 hundred bucks.
She will mostly be taking outdoor pictures. Mountains, wildlife, and of course tons of the kids. But she really wants a camera good enough to get some great shots of the northern lights.
TIA.
My wife has been showing a lot of interest in getting a nice camera. What are some recommendations? Looking to spend 4 or 5 hundred bucks.
She will mostly be taking outdoor pictures. Mountains, wildlife, and of course tons of the kids. But she really wants a camera good enough to get some great shots of the northern lights.
TIA.
7
Posted on 11/6/14 at 4:02 pm to Breadstick Gun
In that price range, I'd start looking at the Fuji X-series or other mirrorless cameras. You can get a solid entry-level DSLR for that price, but the body only would eat up most of your budget, and would probably not have as many features as a similarly priced mirrorless system.
ETA:
If you do decide you'd like to spring for a DSLR but want to try to stick close to your budget, don't hesitate to look at used/refurb equipment. KEH.com is a great company and gives a 6 month warranty on all used equipment. Check out a Nikon D7000 paired with a 50mm f/1.8 lens. That combo will take incredible pictures and is a good starting point.
ETA:
If you do decide you'd like to spring for a DSLR but want to try to stick close to your budget, don't hesitate to look at used/refurb equipment. KEH.com is a great company and gives a 6 month warranty on all used equipment. Check out a Nikon D7000 paired with a 50mm f/1.8 lens. That combo will take incredible pictures and is a good starting point.
This post was edited on 11/6/14 at 4:46 pm
Posted on 11/6/14 at 4:13 pm to Breadstick Gun
quote:
My wife has been showing a lot of interest in getting a nice camera. What are some recommendations? Looking to spend 4 or 5 hundred bucks.
You may be hard pressed to find something other than a basic point-and-shoot in that range. When I think "nice camera," I think about a DSLR (the professional looking ones you can change the lens on).
I'm hoping to buy a pro-level camera by the end of the year, but I'm considering going with a mirrorless camera instead of a DSLR. I'm leaning that way right now for one main reason -- weight. I'm interested in backpacking photography, and I don't really want to tote around unnecessary ounces.
On the point-and-shoot front, I have a Nikon COOLPIX AW120. It's waterproof and does both video and photo, which might get you closer to a GoPro. It's also in your price range -- $200-$300. I used that point and shoot for probably about 500 miles of my last big backpacking trip, and it was great. I wound up ditching it, however, because of weight and just used my smartphone to take pictures. I also kinda wish I would have just gotten a GoPro because I've wound up using that Nikon as a GoPro just without the easy mounts and adapters with a bulkier size.
I'm sort of at the point now where unless I'm going to drop the dough for a professional-grade camera, I might as well just use my phone instead of the middle-of-the-road point-and-shoots. I don't know much of anything about new gen smartphones, but if you're only looking at $400-$500, you may want to consider just upping to a new phone with a better camera.
I do like mobile photography just from the easy-of-use perspective; apps let you edit from the field, and you can publish from mostly anywhere. And a lot of the new tech mirrorless cameras do come with somewhat comparable software interfaces, or at least a step between what you can do on a phone and what you can't do on a traditional DSLR.
As for great shots of the Northern Lights.... you'll want to really learn to use a camera for that. IMHO, you can give any fool a DSLR on autofocus and come back with ok photos (I can do it!). But if you don't know how to use it not on auto and don't understand the basic of photography, night shots may prove challenging. There's also a LOT of stuff online about how to photograph the lights
Posted on 11/6/14 at 4:22 pm to npersa1
quote:
You may be hard pressed to find something other than a basic point-and-shoot in that range. When I think "nice camera," I think about a DSLR (the professional looking ones you can change the lens on).
I'm hoping to buy a pro-level camera by the end of the year, but I'm considering going with a mirrorless camera instead of a DSLR. I'm leaning that way right now for one main reason -- weight. I'm interested in backpacking photography, and I don't really want to tote around unnecessary ounces.
On the point-and-shoot front, I have a Nikon COOLPIX AW120. It's waterproof and does both video and photo, which might get you closer to a GoPro. It's also in your price range -- $200-$300. I used that point and shoot for probably about 500 miles of my last big backpacking trip, and it was great. I wound up ditching it, however, because of weight and just used my smartphone to take pictures. I also kinda wish I would have just gotten a GoPro because I've wound up using that Nikon as a GoPro just without the easy mounts and adapters with a bulkier size.
I'm sort of at the point now where unless I'm going to drop the dough for a professional-grade camera, I might as well just use my phone instead of the middle-of-the-road point-and-shoots. I don't know much of anything about new gen smartphones, but if you're only looking at $400-$500, you may want to consider just upping to a new phone with a better camera.
I do like mobile photography just from the easy-of-use perspective; apps let you edit from the field, and you can publish from mostly anywhere. And a lot of the new tech mirrorless cameras do come with somewhat comparable software interfaces, or at least a step between what you can do on a phone and what you can't do on a traditional DSLR.
As for great shots of the Northern Lights.... you'll want to really learn to use a camera for that. IMHO, you can give any fool a DSLR on autofocus and come back with ok photos (I can do it!). But if you don't know how to use it not on auto and don't understand the basic of photography, night shots may prove challenging. There's also a LOT of stuff online about how to photograph the lights
Wow, thanks for the info. I may have to exceed my original price range if it's worth it. I'd really like to be able to buy her new lenses to try out from time to time.
Posted on 11/6/14 at 5:04 pm to Breadstick Gun
If you go point and shoot, the awesomeness of the Sony RX 100 series really can't be overstated.
Posted on 11/6/14 at 5:18 pm to Pettifogger
Posted on 11/6/14 at 5:39 pm to Breadstick Gun
Rebel series is fine for what you want.
Just be sure you want a DSLR. For example, I've had a number of SLRs and DSLRs over the years, but I'm much more focused on events and travel and recreation now (as opposed to those simply for photography purposes), so high end pocketable cameras have largely replaced the use of DSLRs for me.
Now no tiny camera is going to fully replace a DSLR, but having a camera with you is more important than having a great camera at home. Just consider likely use and project whether or not you'll get tired of "planning" for photography, and go from there. Some people like making photography the focus, I just don't.
Just be sure you want a DSLR. For example, I've had a number of SLRs and DSLRs over the years, but I'm much more focused on events and travel and recreation now (as opposed to those simply for photography purposes), so high end pocketable cameras have largely replaced the use of DSLRs for me.
Now no tiny camera is going to fully replace a DSLR, but having a camera with you is more important than having a great camera at home. Just consider likely use and project whether or not you'll get tired of "planning" for photography, and go from there. Some people like making photography the focus, I just don't.
Posted on 11/7/14 at 6:59 am to Pettifogger
You can get a nikon d3100 with 18-55 for about $350 on ad prams or similar sites. Throw in the 70-300 zoom used or on sale for $300 or so and you have a great Set up. Especially for wildlife shots.
Posted on 11/7/14 at 8:31 am to Breadstick Gun
quote:
wants a camera good enough to get some great shots of the northern lights.
You will need a tripod for this and a camera/lens with a large aperture (smaller f-stop). If you buy a DSLR, stick with Canon or Nikon.
Posted on 11/7/14 at 10:56 am to Breadstick Gun
I agree that the Sony RX100 is an incredible point and shoot camera. Lots of manual options as well if that interests your wife.
I have an entry level Canon DSLR from several years back (Rebel XS) and have been very pleased. The good thing about those is you can improve your image quality a few years down the road just by buying new and better lenses.
I agree that Canon and Nikon are the way to go with DSLR. Canon's entry level model right now is the Canon EOS 100D (Rebel SL1).
I have an entry level Canon DSLR from several years back (Rebel XS) and have been very pleased. The good thing about those is you can improve your image quality a few years down the road just by buying new and better lenses.
I agree that Canon and Nikon are the way to go with DSLR. Canon's entry level model right now is the Canon EOS 100D (Rebel SL1).
This post was edited on 11/7/14 at 10:57 am
Posted on 11/7/14 at 11:29 am to Breadstick Gun
I would strongly recommend a bridge camera. These have a much better lens than a point and shoot, and have great zoom abilities. They are also more user friendly than a dslr.
This camera was posted in a similar thread last week: LINK
In order to shoot the northern lights you will need to use a tripod. As others often recommend you should really invest in a photography book such as "Understanding Exposure." The book will give you the tools you need to get those types of shots.
This camera was posted in a similar thread last week: LINK
In order to shoot the northern lights you will need to use a tripod. As others often recommend you should really invest in a photography book such as "Understanding Exposure." The book will give you the tools you need to get those types of shots.
This post was edited on 11/7/14 at 11:31 am
Posted on 11/7/14 at 12:38 pm to Bmath
Go-to website for reviews and forums: Digital Photography Review
Posted on 11/7/14 at 2:52 pm to Breadstick Gun
quote:
But she really wants a camera good enough to get some great shots of the northern lights.
You're going to need a decent DSLR with some really good lenses. I can give you some pointers on settings, but get a "fast" lens.
P&S cameras don't do well in low light.
Posted on 11/7/14 at 2:53 pm to Breadstick Gun
quote:
Any opinions on this DSLR I found on Amazon?
LINK
That would be sufficient.
I do a lot of photography in Ak. You'll definitely want something that performs well in low light for winter.
Posted on 11/7/14 at 2:54 pm to Bmath
quote:
In order to shoot the northern lights you will need to use a tripod.
Get a remote for the shutter as well.
Posted on 11/7/14 at 5:27 pm to RogerTheShrubber
quote:
Get a remote for the shutter as well.
My dslr came with a wireless adapter. It lets me create a wireless connection to my phone. Using the Nikon app I can view and shoot through my phone. Photos can then be easily posted or emailed through the phone as well.
Posted on 11/7/14 at 8:40 pm to Pettifogger
quote:
If you go point and shoot, the awesomeness of the Sony RX 100 series really can't be overstated.
I can't not stress this enough. When I was buying two years ago, my friend who is a professional commercial director and great photographer really pushed me to get the RX 100. I went with the Sony Alpha Nex5n because I wanted the versatility of different lenses. I love my camera, but as a hobbyist I find myself only using one lens and wishing I just had a good prime lens instead of a zoom. I look at his photos from his RX100 and regret my decision.
Posted on 11/8/14 at 7:53 am to Breadstick Gun
Canon DSLR - the Rebel line - pick your poison - if you want new. Cropped sensor, but it's a great start. Mrs. Midnight has been taking more pictures since we went that route. Even the default settings give you a significant upgrade from point and shoot - plus you get a lot of information in a RAW format to manipulate if that's your bag.
And, if you buy full frame lenses, they will carry over to a full frame, professional camera if she decides to move up.
Alaska would be a great place to take a lot of pictures.
And, if you buy full frame lenses, they will carry over to a full frame, professional camera if she decides to move up.
Alaska would be a great place to take a lot of pictures.
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