So i'm thinking of getting a new camera, my cat smashed mine

[Koharski]

alright, so over the last few months i've been taking a few pictures here and there, learning how to put together a decent looking photograph and color correct it afterward in photoshop. I've found that going out and shooting some photos, and then spending an hour tweaking the final product is a rather enjoyable way to decompress at the end of the day. Now, after moving to a new city [and not knowing a lot of people] I've been spending more and more time shooting photos.

anyway, since i'm an idiot and put my camera down on the kitchen counter while I poured myself a glass of milk, my cat instantly scoped it out and made a rather valiant [and sucessful] effort to smash it onto the floor. I guess I need a new camera.

My old one was a boring old subcompact, and i'm looking for something with a little more manual control and something that doesn't get so grainy looking. I'm not sure I want to go all the way to a DSLR, it might be more than I need and they seem a little complicated to use.

all in all, i'm looking for something GOOD. Not fantastic, but good. I'm not going to set the bar down at any specific price point right now, really i'd like to see what I can get in certain price ranges and i'll work from there.


btw, if anyone wants to take a look at my most recent batch of photos my public album is here:
http://hs.facebook.com/album.p...0&l=fd2ee&id=514372035

I wouldnt' mind taking a peek at any of your photos of you want to post them as well.

 

[tasmanian]

<-------- Digital and Video Cameras is that way.

 

[vshah]

it looks like you're starting to enjoy photography a lot... I would definitely recommend a DSLR. It will be able to stick with you as your ability and interest grows. I've had a D70 for a few years, and it has served me extremely well. The d40 can be had for around $550. i'm not familiar with canon's lineup, but any of their intro dslrs would probably be excellent as well. www.dpreview.com is an excellent site for camera comparisons etc.

 

[Koharski]

ugh.. posted in the wrong forum. Sorry, i'm totally half asleep right now. If some kind mod could please move this for me?

 

[TallBill]

Originally posted by: Koharski
ugh.. posted in the wrong forum. Sorry, i'm totally half asleep right now. If some kind mod could please move this for me?

Just pm "anandtech moderator".

 

[shortylickens]

I recommend this:

 

[RossMAN]

http://forums.anandtech.com/categories.aspx?catid=65

 

[waggy]

Originally posted by: shortylickens
I recommend this:

hahahahhaha

 

[olds]

Moved from Off Topic

 

[troytime]

I think your pics are good, and I would suggest a digital SLR.

Check out a local camera shop and handle the cameras, see which ones feel right.

You can get a nikon d40, pentax k100d (or 10d?) for a pretty nice price (there's a canon in the same price range, but i can't remember what it is).

While the DSLR might be twice the cost of the type of camera you're interested in now, it would suck to buy an advanced Point and Shoot now only to realize you want a DSLR in 6 months.

 

[Jawo]

There's quite a variety for what you are talking about. I'm on my 4th Canon and have enjoyed all of them. I would suggest you looking into the advanced point and shoots (eg a630) or the mega zooms (eg S3 IS). Jumping to a dSLR is a huge step, and you can't carry you camera in your pocket anymore. I used the a95 and a610 had and enjoyed the options that it had, but the limitations got to be too great. An advantage of point and shoots is that you can get the newest every year or so for $250. A dSLR set up will cost you at least $800...$500+ for the body, then $$$ for lenses, cleaning supplies, flashes, memory, etc.

Canon and Nikon seem to have an active used market (check out fredmiranda.com) where you can get quality used equipment cheaper. They also have very complete lens lineups.

I love my XTi with battery grip, Tamron 17-50mm f/2.8, Canon 70-300 f4-5.6 IS USM