And it occurred to me that now is the time to do it. Like right NOW. Black-Friday is just next week. Then there's Cyber-Monday and a gazillion other h0liday sales. If I'm gonna find a good price...it's now.
But I have no idea what I need. I haven't done ANY research. I have no idea what kind to buy. Then I thought... why research? I have a blog! That's what this thing is for, right? I'll just ask the blogosphere. LOL! So here's where I need all the mamarazzi out there to guide me. And you guys, too. I'm open to suggestions from anyone. :)I want something pretty easy to operate. I don't need a lot of bells and whistles that I don't understand. Remember, I'm a beginner. But it also has to be something that'll grow with me as I learn to use it properly.
I'd love to take beautiful photos a la Lisa or the uber talented Kitchu .....but I'm not that optimistic. I'm very technologically challenged. No, I mean VERY. Gadgets are just not my thing. However I do consider myself pretty artistic. So I'm hoping with some practice I'll get the hang of it and capture some really great moments with my little girl.
I just wish I'd started the practice sooner. But I still have 2-3 months before referral (or more. Who am I kidding ....we ARE talking China adoption, right?) and then those 6-8 weeks before travel. I'm hoping I can maybe take a photography class or something during that time.
So help me out all you experienced-with-the-camera-people. What do you suggest?
20 comments:
Ooooh, a new camera!
Either the Canon Rebel, or whatever the equivalent Nikon camera is are great starter cameras, with lots of lens options, easy to use, and automatic settings. An SLR is especially useful if you want to get a lens that will allow you to take pictures indoors with low light and no flash.
I'm partial to the Canon Rebel, since that's what I use, with a nice versatile lens for every day, and maybe something like this lens for low light: http://www.amazon.com/Canon-50mm-1-8-Camera-Lens/dp/B00007E7JU/ref=sr_1_1?s=electronics&ie=UTF8&qid=1290047172&sr=1-1 It's not perfect, but it makes lovely low light pictures and it's relatively cheap!
I love my Nikon D3000. I can just point and shoot and take nice pics. And, for the technologically challenged it has a guide mode that will walk you through the settings depending on the situation you are in, i.e. low light, moving kids, sleeping faces.....
I have a few friends who have great cameras (I don't) 1 has a Cannon Rebel and the others all have the Nikons. The Nikon pictures are so much better then the Canon pictures..When I get one I am getting the Nikon.
(I do LOVE my pocket Canon:)
I have a Nikon D5000 and I love it. My only recommendation would be to splurge on one lense with a good zoom. I find it to be annoying to have change lenses. Other than that I love it and it takes great photos. Get it now and start snapping!!!!
i've shot with Canon and Nikon and prefer my Canon, and they are SO similar now. I think a Canon Rebel Xsi would be perfect. There will be a little to learn, but it's easy- and there is always "auto" mode :)
the quality of the photo is more about the lens you choose (maybe the Nikon's have better kit lenses, no idea- kit lenses in general are very cheap- those are the ones that come with the camera).
but now i'm doing film again- the original art form. the whole reason i fell in love with photography :) using the DSLR a lot less these days.
you can look here:
www.internalfocusing.blgospot.com
Check out consumer reports. They give you a table that rates a ton of things. It has helped me pick out 2 really good cameras in the past!
I highly suggest the Digital Rebel xsi or xti through Canon. And then when you can afford it and splurge on a 18 to 220 zoom. I LOVE my Canons.
Canon Rebel or Nikon are both fantastic cameras. If you want a better point and shoot the Sony Cybershot is terrific and sides handily into a back pocket when you are holding a wriggling baby :)
WE just bought a Nikon Coolpix P100 from Costco. Right now it is $20 off until Nov. 20. So far, it is pretty cool.
I've been following your blog for so long now! But I think I've never commented before, I'm one of those lurkers...
I got my camera 2 years ago for Christmas. I had NO idea whatsoever how it worked but I wanted a DSLR.
I got Canon Rebel XTI (also called Canon 400D). I love it and It's easy to learn how to use it. I have also used blogs to learn like Pioneer Woman.
They say these are the best cameras for starters, there are new versions of mine so I suggest you ask =)
Still lovin my new Canon Rebel T1i and it work well with photoshop. Still learning the video part of the camera, I have a few months to practice still.
FYI, there are a lot of lenses for Canon cameras too. You will have to learn about lenses if you are moving up to a DSLR camera :)
Oh and if you do get the Canon T1i or T2...MAKE SURE you get the kit which includes the 18-55 IS (image stabilizer) lens. Will be your main lens for traveling, then you can upgrade to a close up lens when you get home from China. No one wants to take a bunch of lenses to China I'm sure, well not me.
The Canon Rebel T2i is amazing. It take beautiful pictures, and can take video as well. It uses a sd card which is simple, take it out of the camera, put it in the computer, and voila.
It's about $900 on best buy which includes taxes and has no shipping.
It's not the camera, but the photographer that takes great pics. You can spend $5,000 on a camera and still get crappy pics. Don't spend a lot on a camera, save your money for good lenses. Buying a dslr is a commitment, they are a pain in the a#$ to carry. Let me know if you wanna go look at some. Trav
I just got the Canon G12. It's a top of the line point and shoot but has manual ISO and other settings as well. Like you, I was thinking I should make the jump to an SLR before China. I took photography in High School and had a good camera then, but can't remember a thing. I decided the G12 is a good way to ease back into it and the $500. price tag was perfect. Why spend 2 grand before you know if you'll really use all those bells and whistles and drag a heavy Nikkon everywhere.
What did you decide on for luggage? I am still stressing and need to decide!!
I actually got the Canon EOS 50D.. and LOVE IT.. when I finally learn how to really use it it will be the BOMB..
Have fun finding a great camera.
Hugz..
Nikon vs Canon is the same as Honda vs Toyota. Just pick one that you like in your hand. I have a Canon Rebel and can't wait to upgrade my body. But I've had it for 3 years this Black Friday. Like everyone has said, you can point and shoot with it or learn about all its bells & whistles.
Since I'm local I can help you with classes (maybe). I took Click's classes on North Main (just south of Good Samaratin North.) BUT!! Since I took classes Click was bought by a camera company in Cleveland. They have slowly changed things and I don't know if they still offer classes. Ray was the teacher and he works at the Click near the Dayton Mall. The store is on the NW corner of 741 & 725 in a little strip near TJ Max.
If they don't offer it then let me know and we can get together 3-4 times and I can teach you what I learned.
You must get a low light lens but it doesn't help a ton if you're shooting on automatic. You need to learn to shoot on some of the other settings. Canon has an excellent choice for the low light lens.
Call me if I can help any more. You've had TONS of great advice here (I've read about half of it) and I know I can get you up and rolling before China if you're interested.
I'll private message you my number in case you want to use it. :)
I'm so psyched for you!!
Traci
I've seen all the previously mentioned cameras and the results on numerous blogs - like in the hundreds. And I would love to have one of them too! But when it came down to buying a new phone vs. new camera, I chose a phone with a pretty good camera (DroidX).
As someone said, the camera is only as good as the operator. When the operator is trying to remember ALL of the other crap that goes along with having a young a child, the camera spends a lot of time sitting on the counter. At least mine does. On the other hand, the phone is much more vital - if there is an emergency you need a phone... it's always there.
Really, how do you think you're going to be using it? That's the most important question.
Nikons tend to be better, but I have a Canon Rebel xsi. It's fairly idiot proof. I mean, *I* use it. And some of my photos come out beautifully. Others... not so much. That's where the "fairly" idiot proof part comes in.
Kim and I have the same camera. Canon 50D. I love mine too!! Little higher end price wise but you'll not need to upgrade and you'll not regret it! and with sales happening you'll no doubt get a great deal on one.
Post a Comment