Advice in Purchasing a Quality Camera

Driek · 09-25-2009, 07:44 AM

Going out in about and hour, so this one has gotta be fast guys. I am looking to get my own camera since I am starting to get into photography. I'd prefer one with the "SLR" I think it's called, where zoom is when you turn the lenses... I find it more interesting than hitting a button.

Also looking for a digital one, I don't want to deal with film just yet. One day, but not yet.

Also, any recommendations on a quality printer/paper to print photos off a digi. camera?

punkncat · 09-25-2009, 09:27 AM

I am no professional, so take that into consideration...

I like digital over film simply due to the conveniance of it. I cannot tell you how many undeveloped rolls of film I STILL have around here.

I personally used a Minolta for years and really liked it.

GL and hope you find something you like.

Schmitti · 09-25-2009, 09:56 AM

You want advice in an hour about a good digital camera?

Sorry dude. Not going to happen. You need to take time and research a bit otherwise you might buy yourself into a bunch of stuff or a system you don't like.

There are plenty of nice cameras out there and there are plenty that do waaaaaay more than most mere mortals need them to do.

If you are just going to take lots and lots of pictures get yourself a point and shoot.

If you think you will take lots and lots of pictures and you want to learn about photography and get into portraits or nature or sports or celestial photography then think about getting a DSLR. But realize once you step into a DSLR you are pretty much already paying 3 times the amount you would for a point and shoot.. and you are just getting the camera body.. maybe a 18-70mm lens. When you want that telephoto lens you will be shelling out $600+.

Just giving you some quick advice... and you're probably already at the store.

E

Driek · 09-25-2009, 11:30 AM

I wanted more advice in what to keep in mind.

However the best buy near me had a Nikon that ran for $600 for $350, good until end of business today, so I jumped on that. I'll get the name of it up for you guys later.

Off the top of my head I think it was the Nikon _3000. 10 Megapixel camera that I was told by one of my close friends was a steal.

Schmitti · 09-25-2009, 11:42 AM

Plenty of advice could be given... but in an hour... not really.

So did you get an DSLR (Digital Single-Lens Reflex) or a point and click. 600 sounds like it could have been an older model that they were trying to get out of the store.. but the model number is not familiar.

E

Frink · 09-25-2009, 12:01 PM

D3000 is the entry level Nikon DSLR. If you got the 18-55 VR lens with it for $350 that ain't bad at all considering they do run $600 for the package.

But chances are you would have done better with a point and shoot "pseudo SLR" like a Canon SX20 IS.

~FinSec · 09-25-2009, 12:48 PM

DP Review dot com

Driek · 09-25-2009, 12:58 PM

I have photographed before, just never took any classes or anything. One reason why I wanted one with an SLR is because I don't find it as fun with a button to zoom.

Also, I may/may not have access to an older Nikon lense my father had before he passed away about 6 years ago. I will inquiring my sister to the whereabouts of that.

*PS: I have an adapter for the SD card to be plugged into USB, but with this card it will recognize the "Removable Disk Drive" but will not recognize the card as being in there. Ideas? And does the lock function do anything on the card..?

going_home · 09-25-2009, 01:29 PM

Ok the Nikon was a good choice.
Now get over to Ebay, buy some decent inexpensive lenses.
Welcome to lenses anonymous - lense-a-holic .

Driek · 09-25-2009, 01:48 PM

lol... uploading pictures to FB, I'll link one here... I wont IMG code it though, because the default res on this camera is true to the name... 3000x2400. I'll post a direct link to it...

Here: http://i650.photobucket.com/albums/u...g?t=1253900871

(I uploaded just one to PB because FB reduced my crazy resolution size more than PB did. Darn =[)

09-25-2009, 09:27 AM	#2 (permalink)
punkncat MCB Member Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: McDonough, GA	I am no professional, so take that into consideration... I like digital over film simply due to the conveniance of it. I cannot tell you how many undeveloped rolls of film I STILL have around here. I personally used a Minolta for years and really liked it. GL and hope you find something you like. __________________ One Foot Less- Dan's Land Paintball in Jackson, Ga AOG feedback/AO Feedback/MCB Feedback

09-25-2009, 12:48 PM	#7 (permalink)
~FinSec MCB Member Join Date: May 2006 Location: Music City, USA	DP Review dot com __________________ -XF-FinSec A real man can never have too much Brass, wannabe men only have the Brass their wives allow them have. - TelMan2

09-25-2009, 09:56 AM	#3 (permalink)
Schmitti Red=Moderator Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: Schen. NY	You want advice in an hour about a good digital camera? Sorry dude. Not going to happen. You need to take time and research a bit otherwise you might buy yourself into a bunch of stuff or a system you don't like. There are plenty of nice cameras out there and there are plenty that do waaaaaay more than most mere mortals need them to do. If you are just going to take lots and lots of pictures get yourself a point and shoot. If you think you will take lots and lots of pictures and you want to learn about photography and get into portraits or nature or sports or celestial photography then think about getting a DSLR. But realize once you step into a DSLR you are pretty much already paying 3 times the amount you would for a point and shoot.. and you are just getting the camera body.. maybe a 18-70mm lens. When you want that telephoto lens you will be shelling out $600+. Just giving you some quick advice... and you're probably already at the store. E

09-25-2009, 11:42 AM	#5 (permalink)
Schmitti Red=Moderator Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: Schen. NY	Plenty of advice could be given... but in an hour... not really. So did you get an DSLR (Digital Single-Lens Reflex) or a point and click. 600 sounds like it could have been an older model that they were trying to get out of the store.. but the model number is not familiar. E

09-25-2009, 01:29 PM	#9 (permalink)
going_home Banned Join Date: May 2007	Ok the Nikon was a good choice. Now get over to Ebay, buy some decent inexpensive lenses. Welcome to lenses anonymous - lense-a-holic .