Time for a GOOD camera......recommendations?

[projectPONY]

I don't know if this is the right forum for this but I didn't think it fit in the "picture" forum since I didn't have any pics to offer.

Anyway, I know a few of you on here do the photography thing, so I was wondering if you guys could recommend a good beginners piece. Both of my kids are very involved with sports and those point and shoot digitals don't give me the results I like. Don't get me wrong though, I don't have the time or budget to do what I've seen some of you post here, but I would like a quality piece that I could eventually develop some skill with. The only requirements I know I have is that it has to have great zoom capability and great at stopping the action.

Discuss please.


sent from an htc EVO, the iCrap killer.

[BlackGT]

Sounds like a Nikon D5100 with 18-55mm and either a 55-200mm or 55-300mm lens is in order.

The ability to "stop the action" comes from the shutter speed which you can adjust, just have to make sure the light is good enough...

I'm no expert at phtography, but I have learned a lot from reading posts/tips here and reading books on it. Still don't know even half as much as some people on here.

[projectPONY]

Can you elaborate a little on those lenses please?


sent from an htc EVO, the iCrap killer.

[Danny46]

LOL we need to make a "what camera should I buy" sticky. When you get into DSLRs (the big type cameras with removable lenses) Those numbers on the lens are called focal length, or what you would call zoom on a point and shoot. So if you want more "zoom" you want a higher number i.e. a 250mm or 300mm lens. the smaller the number i.e. 55mm means you see more of the picture instead of a close up. What kind of camera we recommend really depends on your budget. Amazon has great deals on camera kits that come with an 18-55 lens and a 55-250 or 300 lens (zoom lens).

[projectPONY]

Gotcha'. I Googled the NIKON mentioned above and it details for about $850. Amazon has them for about $650, so I think that is do-able. I'm assuming the lens is an extra expense, so what would I be looking at there?


sent from an htc EVO, the iCrap killer.

[Danny46]

Also check out Canon t2i or t3i. They are the equivalent to that Nikon. Unless the advertisement for it says "body only" it probably comes with at least a kit lens which is generally 18-55. If you want the reach get one that also comes with a longer lens.

[projectPONY]

Hmm, nice and slightly less expensive. What are some of the key features I should be looking for? I tend to complicate things a bit, so am over thinking this?


sent from an htc EVO, the iCrap killer.

[BlackGT]

If not planning on going pro or getting really really good with all the features, look at the Nikon d3100. One step down from the 5100 with less features, but still way more features than the average person can learn to use. I have the earlier model(d3000), and it does more than I can ask for. Usually can find a kit that comes with the 18-55mm lens for bigger, wider FOV pics, and close ups, and also have the 55-200 or 55-300 lens for zoom shots.
Like this one...
[ame]http://www.amazon.com/Nikon-Digital-18-55mm-55-200mm-Accessory/dp/B0041E00TW/ref=sr_1_3?s=electronics&ie=UTF8&qid=1344651621&sr =1-3&keywords=nikon+d3100+kit[/ame]

$669 and come with both lenses, case, memory card and more.

[Doug Hatton]

I just bought a used D5100 on Ebay for $530. I'm still learning how to use the darn thing as I'm no photog, but want to learn enough to take some decent pics. I just have the kit lens for now and it was included in the price above... who wants to teach me how to use this thing?!?! LOL!

[projectPONY]

Just went on ebay to check them out and I have a question. what does it mean when it says "body only"?

[Reefer Rae]

No lens .

[projectPONY]

thanks

[stangin4lyfe]

Saw this and thought about this post...

Canon EOS Digital Rebel T3i 18MP SLR Camera w/ 18-55mm Lens + 55-250mm IS Lens + Canon Pro 9000 Printer $682 After $400 Rebate + Free shipping

http://slickdeals.net/f/5067994-Canon-T3i-with-EF-IS-18-55mm-lens-EF-IS-55-250mm-Canon-PIXMA-Pro9000-Photo-Paper-2-Lens-Filters-Camera-Backpack-682-after-400-rebate

[CJ-95GT]

Check out the cnet reveiws.

http://reviews.cnet.com/digital-cameras/

[BP]

I'd pick up a used D40, it'll take you a while to outgrow it if ever and if you do the lenses will all fit the newer Nikons. You can $10k on a camera and a lens and still not shoot as nice as someone who knows how to work the old Nikons.

If you plan on shooting video though the D40 is out. I'd look at a D7000. They shoot great video and you can capture stills from it that look better than most DSLR shots.

There are some pretty good point and shoot cameras now btw, and even a couple with swappable lenses.