Camera Questions - SLR

[dpk777]

I'm thinking about getting a camera to do some nature photography - nothing professional.

What kind of cameras should I look into? I was thinking that a digital camera wouldn't be good for this purpose?

Looking to spend around $300 max.

Any suggestions?


thx

 

[imported_Mike]

if you want 35mm film, i suggest any of the canon rebel series cameras.

 

[Platypus]

Originally posted by: dpk777
I'm thinking about getting a camera to do some nature photography - nothing professional.

What kind of cameras should I look into? I was thinking that a digital camera wouldn't be good for this purpose?

Any suggestions?


thx

Go with a good film SLR. Unless you have a ton of money to spend on equipment, a digital camera won't hold water in nature (if you take anything with movement in it).

 

[dpk777]

what specifications make one camera better than another?

 

Canon Rebel 2000...I think it might be a bit over your price range though.

 

[Platypus]

Don't be so quick to jump on the OMG CANON bandwagon. Actually GO to a camera store and pick one up, take some pictures with it. Have fun with it. As any decent musician will tell you, a brand name is just what's written on your guitar, not how it sounds. It's the same with a camera. Look for a model with interchangable lenses and scaleability. Make sure it's upgradeable. Also, read some reviews, there are tons on the web.

Personally, I prefer Nikon products and Nikor lenses, but that doesn't mean it's "THE VERY BEST" which is a common misconception among people upon entry to a new hobby. Go what's best for you, not what's best for some safari photographer who needs bleeding edge technology to capture things.

 

[Tsaico]

I have always enjoyed using my cannon rebel. I also a minolta that worked well for me when I first started. It was cheaper and less complicated, but quite robust for what it cost me (250 for body, i think they come with a 30-80mm lens now for around 300). But I agree, that you probably won't be able to get the sony line for only 300... perhaps ebay?

 

[imported_Mike]

Originally posted by: CorporateRecreation
Don't be so quick to jump on the OMG CANON bandwagon. Actually GO to a camera store and pick one up, take some pictures with it. Have fun with it. As any decent musician will tell you, a brand name is just what's written on your guitar, not how it sounds. It's the same with a camera. Look for a model with interchangable lenses and scaleability. Make sure it's upgradeable. Also, read some reviews, there are tons on the web.

Personally, I prefer Nikon products and Nikor lenses, but that doesn't mean it's "THE VERY BEST" which is a common misconception among people upon entry to a new hobby. Go what's best for you, not what's best for some safari photographer who needs bleeding edge technology to capture things.

lol, OMG Canon bandwagon , ...

aye, Nikon also makes great cameras, so does olympus. IMO the canon rebels are easier to use. I agree going to a camera shop will be an advantage. IMO good advice CR, especially about it beeing upgradeable with interchangeable lenses. This way, later in life you can use the lenses on a digital SLR, which are down in price.

 

[Platypus]

Originally posted by: CheapArse

Originally posted by: CorporateRecreation
Don't be so quick to jump on the OMG CANON bandwagon. Actually GO to a camera store and pick one up, take some pictures with it. Have fun with it. As any decent musician will tell you, a brand name is just what's written on your guitar, not how it sounds. It's the same with a camera. Look for a model with interchangable lenses and scaleability. Make sure it's upgradeable. Also, read some reviews, there are tons on the web.

Personally, I prefer Nikon products and Nikor lenses, but that doesn't mean it's "THE VERY BEST" which is a common misconception among people upon entry to a new hobby. Go what's best for you, not what's best for some safari photographer who needs bleeding edge technology to capture things.

lol, OMG Canon bandwagon , ...

aye, Nikon also makes great cameras, so does olympus. IMO the canon rebels are easier to use. I agree going to a camera shop will be an advantage. IMO good advice CR, especially about it beeing upgradeable with interchangeable lenses. This way, later in life you can use the lenses on a digital SLR, which are down in price.

It's not that I hate Canon, I just see too many people shout GET A REBEL! in these threads and people don't bother looking into things for themselves. The rebel is a nice series, I just don't like it personally.

 

[imported_Mike]

Originally posted by: CorporateRecreation

Originally posted by: CheapArse

Originally posted by: CorporateRecreation
Don't be so quick to jump on the OMG CANON bandwagon. Actually GO to a camera store and pick one up, take some pictures with it. Have fun with it. As any decent musician will tell you, a brand name is just what's written on your guitar, not how it sounds. It's the same with a camera. Look for a model with interchangable lenses and scaleability. Make sure it's upgradeable. Also, read some reviews, there are tons on the web.

Personally, I prefer Nikon products and Nikor lenses, but that doesn't mean it's "THE VERY BEST" which is a common misconception among people upon entry to a new hobby. Go what's best for you, not what's best for some safari photographer who needs bleeding edge technology to capture things.

lol, OMG Canon bandwagon , ...

aye, Nikon also makes great cameras, so does olympus. IMO the canon rebels are easier to use. I agree going to a camera shop will be an advantage. IMO good advice CR, especially about it beeing upgradeable with interchangeable lenses. This way, later in life you can use the lenses on a digital SLR, which are down in price.

It's not that I hate Canon, I just see too many people shout GET A REBEL! in these threads and people don't bother looking into things for themselves. The rebel is a nice series, I just don't like it personally.

:Q The Rebel Ti is one sexy bitch!

Just personal preference, I lost some respect for nikon b/c of their digitals, but they still make a good camera. Like you said though, when it comes down to it, get whats best for you.

 

[Platypus]

I agree Nikon's entry level digital cameras, especially the CoolPix series are very lacking in quality. I have a Canon G2 for my digital cam to kick around with.

 

[JulesMaximus]

I think it is common knowledge that Canon and Nikon are the top dogs in the 35mm SLR professional camera arena. It really comes down to preference between the two. I own semi-professional Canon gear myself and I would highly recommend it personally. The Canon Rebel is extremely lightweight, easy to use and coupled with a decent IS lens it is hard to beat. I owned one for a couple weeks but found it lacking in a few areas (simply because it is an entry level SLR and not due to any shortcomings of the Canon line). I upgraded to an Elan 7E with a couple of decent lenses.

 

[Wallydraigle]

I'd say hit the flea markets and second hand stores. There's a lot of used gear out there, and if you don't care about having the very latest, and dont mind a few dings, you can clean up for not a lot of money. Unless you know you have specific needs that only one of the names can fill, any of the big guys make a good prduct to play around with.