Forums: Photography:

I was thinking that when I get my 'happy fun time' money from the government, I'd get a new one, as my coolpix 995 no longer wants to connect to my computer. Honestly, though, I'm kind of lost as to what I should even look at.

I don't want to spend more than $700, so DSLRs are out. I'd like something with deeper options than just point and shoot. Decent macro is a necessity because of all of the close-up photos I take for my cthulhumas stuff. I'm not particular about brand names one way or another, as long as it's not going to fall apart in a few months--this one has lasted me nearly eight years and when I'm spending a decent hunk of change, I'd expect it to last at least five.

Suggestions? Thanks guys!

I really like the new Panasonics.

Best bet is to check dpreview.com they have a fantastic database of everything digital camera. You can pump in the specifications you want like price and macro ability.

amazon was just running specials on the new Pentax dSLR's - something in the neighborhood of $550 (including kit lens). Enough left over for a used macro.

I wouldn't rule them out.

I also like the new Panasonics - and Canon makes good P&S of varying levels. Just avoid Nikon's unless you're going up to a dSLR - their smaller cams are crap.

Canon Powershot G9

Canon PowerShot Pro Series S5 / Image Stabilized Zoom

$320! Geez - maybe I should buy one.♠

That S5 looks badass for the price!

Word!

Originally posted by: rogue_designer
amazon was just running specials on the new Pentax dSLR's - something in the neighborhood of $550 (including kit lens). Enough left over for a used macro.

I wouldn't rule them out.

QFT - Pentax is the least expensive dslr on the market and you can use any pentax lenses, even old ones that don't have auto-focus.

on eBay I saw tons for sale - if you buy just the body, you can use any pentax lens and save huge bucks by buying a couple of used lenses.
Lots of bodies for sale, mostly under $200.

See, but SLRs sort of terrify me because I don't understand ANYTHING about the lenses. I am layperson retard when it comes to cameras.

If you get one with autofocus it's just like point and shoot but with better glass. I heartily recommend a kit lens, like a wide-angle/zoom, it will really help you get a lot of shots you might not otherwise be able to capture... and the more you learn about your camera, the better your shots will be, but even knowing sweet jack you'll still get better quality images than with a point and shoot. And hell, if it's even cheaper to buy a used dslr than a new point and shoot like you were planning to do already, it's pretty much a winning bet.

And dear Moonie - we're always here to answer questions and give advice.

Fear no optics!

Get advice on a basic lens or two (I'm sure someone here can help you out with that EDIT: seems they already have)and play around for a while. For what you need, it shouldn't be too hard. I hadn't touched a SLR since I was a kid at the start of this school year, but after a few stupid mistakes(mostly to do with film) I feel alright about it. Plus, with DSLRs you can set almost everything to auto when you start out.

Bare* in mind though, if you get a SLR taking it to a bar or party is pretty much out of the question. It's like carrying around a small child, so if you do a lot of snapshots either also get something small and cheap/a camera phone in addition or pick something a little more compact.

That said, I'm a fan of the powershots I've played with, I doubt you'd be disappointed with one.


*you have no idea how much I wanted to type bear. GRRR

Originally posted by: Kirra

*you have no idea how much I wanted to type bear. GRRR

psst. Bear in mind.. is correct. Bear is in - to hold/carry. Load bearing... etc.

DSLRs are a bunch bigger. It doesn't seem like a big deal until you make the change.

I still like my little G5 and take it lotsa places (like Disney World, or out to eat) that I wouldn't want to lug my Rebel. Plus, it does video which DSLRs don't

I've had nothing but good luck with the higher-end powershots, and recommend them. They give you lotsa control (full manual, etc.), shoot RAW, are reasonably quick to focus and shoot.

OTOH, SLRs are sweet and, truth be told, you only need one or two lenses. But you'll take less photos with them, cuz they're more of a hassle to take with you.

... I'd edit my post, but I'm too lazy. I'm really tired. lets all make fun of me and move on.

I'm a writer not a speller.

What MC said. Think about how you want to use it first. or buy a DSLR and a used G5 or the like if you can find them for cheap.

I carry my dslr everywhere ... unless I'm drinking, then it's the p&s.

I'm kind of drawn to the Nikon D40--does anyone have any experience with this model? Awesome? Asstacular?

I'm no fan of the d40 series because I feel it unnecessarily limits your lens choices (no internal autofocus motor, so you need to buy AFS and AFI lenses).

D40 has *no bracketing* - unforgivable with an SLR.

Kirra has one. Neat camera for the money, but the bracketing thing pissed me off. Bracketing is one of those things you don't know you want until you do, and then you'll wish you had it.

meh - the bracketing thing does't really come into play for me. *shrug*

But we all use cameras differently, and for different things.

I know, I know. If you're a real photographer, you don't *need* bracketing.



I rarely use it, honestly. But in some cases, especially with tricky light, it can really save the day. Kirra was having some trouble with highlights blowing out or something and I told her to use bracketing 'till she got the hang of things but ... not there.

A strange omission from a semi-pro camera, i thot.