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The Hollyberry Lady 11-28-2010 02:21 PM

Camera Talk!
 
I recently bought a new little Sony Cyber~Shot digital camera with 12.1 mega pixels. ;)


It takes a pretty good shot but I want to buy myself a digital single-lens reflex camera in the very near future. :goteam:


I thought this would be a good place to talk about cameras and learn about how to use them! :ha:


Seriously though, sometimes I notice a lot of members' shots are kind of blurry or unfocused, and mine can be sometimes too, but I got this feature on my new camera called 'intelligent auto' that prevents blurred pictures. :)


Back to DSLR cameras...


I am hearing from Mitchel and others on the site, that the lens is absolutely everything, and that Nikon or Canon is the way to go. I wonder if there is a good one out there for beginners like me...


Is anyone else looking to buy a new camera...or improve how they use their existing one ???


My previous digital camera died on me...in mid-picture!!! :eek:


It was truly devastating. :(


I couldn't wait to get to the store to buy me a new one. Now I'm looking for an excuse to buy the real nice one I've always wanted. :ha:


Gotta do some more researching, but hoping other experienced members might continue to share some of their knowledge in this thread. Feel free to ramble on about what you know and give some tips too. :waving:


On that note, I'm going to snap a few shots...


: )

1aday 11-28-2010 07:09 PM

Re: Camera Talk!
 
I had a EOS 20D Cannon SLR, IMO the best part about it was how fast you could take consecutive photos. Closeups were great, but I could never make reds and blues turn out like they should.
When it broke, I got a Sony TX1, a super-thin point and shoot. I just love it! It's probably similar to your Cyber-Shot, has great color, closeups, and even takes photos in very dark conditions, without a flash.
My husband has taken over the SLR, I don't miss lugging that heavy thing around at all! I can fit my camera in a pocket, hang it around my neck, the only drawback is that it is so small it's easy to misplace.

The Hollyberry Lady 11-28-2010 07:18 PM

Re: Camera Talk!
 
Thanks 1aday!


Yes, my cyber shot takes shots in the dark without the flash. Here's an example of a pic I took tonight...





Yeah, I find my Sony is small too and I worry about dropping it. I got this crazy extra warranty on it though for 2 years and it even covers drops and falls! :eek:


Thanks for sharing about your cameras and your experience. I'm so excited about getting a DSLR camera soon...


: )

Randy4ut 11-28-2010 07:49 PM

Re: Camera Talk!
 
I just purchased a Nikon D3100 and have heard nothing but good things about it. Only got it two days ago and have yet to take any pics. I went ahead and purchased the 55-200 mm lens with it along with the bag, because I was able to get both as a "bonus" buy for an extra $150. I knew I would be upgrading to a 200 mm lens, so I went ahead and bit the dust. If you get a chance, check it out...
D3100 from Nikon

For a bit less, it is my understanding that the Canon EOS Rebel XS is also a great camera.

The Hollyberry Lady 11-28-2010 08:10 PM

Re: Camera Talk!
 
Very nice, Randy! :waving:


Looks like a beauty! I'm jealous!


I'm willing to put out around a thousand so I hope I can get something nice within this price
range. ;)


Can't wait to see the shots you'll take with your new awesome camera. Bet you're super excited. Great that you treated yourself to something nice. I'm very inspired. :D


I just want my new little Sony for everyday use, but I want a DSLR camera for special shots and images. :08:


Wonder where I should shop first...


Do you think Best Buy would be a good place to get a camera? They even have payment plans, although I'm planning to just buy mine outright.


Wonder if they'll let me see the shots it takes before I buy it? I suppose I can return it if it's not what I want.


We'll see...


: )

timmko 11-28-2010 08:22 PM

Re: Camera Talk!
 
I bought a Nikon D90 camera body an aftermarket 70-300mm lense. THe camera takes great pictures but you will get some blur if you arent' carefull. The high end SLR cameras have many different focus "points" within the view window and when it is zoomed it will blur the background and put in focus the point that is closest unless a different focal point is selected. I would recommend if buying a nikon to get the nikon with Image stabilization as this will help with the night pictures in low light. Otherwise I love my Nikon. My wife has a bit of trouble with blurry pictures sometimes but again you have to understand the points of focus and how to move it about. You can also buy dvd's that show you how to use all the camera features. That was absolutely worth it for me and it was only about $30 on ebay..

turtile 11-28-2010 08:29 PM

Re: Camera Talk!
 
I usually buy photo equipment from Amazon and BH Photo. Best Buy usually sells at full retail price.

You may want to look at the Sony NEX cameras if you're looking for something inbetween a DSLR and a P&S.

The Hollyberry Lady 11-28-2010 08:39 PM

Re: Camera Talk!
 
Wow thanks, guys! :waving:


What's a P&S? Pardon my ignorance. :(


Am I to understand that you can buy cameras that allow you to change lenses ???


I'm really interested in taking pictures of birds in trees, most especially.


: )

turtile 11-28-2010 09:05 PM

Re: Camera Talk!
 
Quote:

Originally Posted by The Hollyberry Lady (Post 148945)
Wow thanks, guys! :waving:


What's a P&S? Pardon my ignorance. :(


Am I to understand that you can buy cameras that allow you to change lenses ???


I'm really interested in taking pictures of birds in trees, most especially.


: )

P&S stands for Point and Shoot (the type of camera you're currently using). All SLRs allow you to change lenses.

A superzoom P&S camera is probably best for you if you want to take pictures of birds. Telephoto lenses are extremely expensive for DSLRs.

r3tic 11-28-2010 09:26 PM

Re: Camera Talk!
 
P&S is a point and shoot camera.

If you are looking into a DSLR, you have several brands to choose from. All of the major brands make good products at this point. Canon and Nikon are the two big name brands that most people are familiar with, therefore they are the two largest selling brands. Both of their lens systems are very good. Image stabilization is available if you buy a stabilized lens(costs more). Canon can use most of their auto focus lenses that they have ever made. Same with Nikon, some of the Nikon cameras can use older manual focus only lenses as well.

Sony has a DSLR line that they purchased from Minolta and image stabilization is based in the camera not the lenses. Therefore all lenses are in effect stabilized, all Minolta branded lenses work with Sony DSLRs.

Olympus also has a camera based stabilization system. When they developed their DSLR they changed the lens mount so only Olympus digital lenses will work.

Pentax has camera based stabilization, and any lens Pentax has ever made, manual or auto focus will work on their DSLRs.

I mention lens compatibility so you have an idea what you can find as far as used lenses.

I personally shoot a Pentax DSLR for several reasons...

1: The cameras, lenses etc tend to cost less than other brands because they do not advertise nearly as much.

2: The cameras have for more metal in their construction providing for a non plastic feel in the camera.

3: Stabilization in the body of the camera.

4: You can use any lens that Pentax has ever made. There are a ton of old prime lenses for very cheap that you can use.

I worked in a camera store for almost 5 years so feel free to ask me question if you have them. As far as camera specs and reviews, dpreview.com is one of the best resources. One thing I always asked my customers is does the camera feel comfortable in your hand? If it doesn't, you're not as likely to use it. Keep that in mind as you are shopping, find a store if you can to feel the cameras. As far as where to purchase your camera, if an online sale sounds too good to be true, it probably is. Bhphoto.com is a great place to buy from.

Randy4ut 11-28-2010 10:36 PM

Re: Camera Talk!
 
Quote:

Originally Posted by The Hollyberry Lady (Post 148941)
Very nice, Randy! :waving:


Looks like a beauty! I'm jealous!


I'm willing to put out around a thousand so I hope I can get something nice within this price
range. ;)


Can't wait to see the shots you'll take with your new awesome camera. Bet you're super excited. Great that you treated yourself to something nice. I'm very inspired. :D


I just want my new little Sony for everyday use, but I want a DSLR camera for special shots and images. :08:


Wonder where I should shop first...


Do you think Best Buy would be a good place to get a camera? They even have payment plans, although I'm planning to just buy mine outright.


Wonder if they'll let me see the shots it takes before I buy it? I suppose I can return it if it's not what I want.


We'll see...


: )


Can't go wrong with Amazon!!!
I ended up buying mine from a local camera shop simply for personal advice/service, etc. I was able to get it for the same price as what was being offered on Amazon, but still had to pay taxes...
Amazon.com: Nikon D3100 14.2MP Digital SLR Camera with 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 AF-S DX VR Nikkor Zoom Lens: Camera & Photo

With a budget like yours, you should be able to get the camera, lens that comes with it (18-55mm) as well as an additional lens!!! and have some change left...

Randy4ut 11-28-2010 10:40 PM

Re: Camera Talk!
 
Quote:

Originally Posted by timmko (Post 148942)
I bought a Nikon D90 camera body an aftermarket 70-300mm lense. THe camera takes great pictures but you will get some blur if you arent' carefull. The high end SLR cameras have many different focus "points" within the view window and when it is zoomed it will blur the background and put in focus the point that is closest unless a different focal point is selected. I would recommend if buying a nikon to get the nikon with Image stabilization as this will help with the night pictures in low light. Otherwise I love my Nikon. My wife has a bit of trouble with blurry pictures sometimes but again you have to understand the points of focus and how to move it about. You can also buy dvd's that show you how to use all the camera features. That was absolutely worth it for me and it was only about $30 on ebay..

The D3100 have image stabilization in lens as well as 11 point focal points... If you look at the link I provided, you will see the D3100 has pretty much covered all its bases. Only negative I have heard of it was the poor audio quality with the video, which is no biggie as I have a camcorder for videos...

The Hollyberry Lady 11-28-2010 10:49 PM

Re: Camera Talk!
 
Yeah I have a camcorder too for videos, so that sounds good, Randy.


Wow, I am loving what I'm reading! You guys have been most helpful and I'll let you know what I decide on and when I get it. Not in a rush but want to get one by the new year.


I am dreaming of the great pics I will take. Image stabilization will definitely be of interest to me. I want it to be as easy as can be but I am pretty good with cameras and electronic equipment so I think I'll be able to learn to use it well...let's hope. :eek:


Neat that you worked in a camera store, R3tic! When I think of more questions, I'll be sure to ask...


Thanks again, you guys! :03:


: )

Randy4ut 11-29-2010 12:49 PM

Re: Camera Talk!
 
Well, I finally took my first pics with it and thought I would post one of them. This agave has been in the ground for two years now and is growing like gang busters! Also has a great bluish tint to it that my p&s didn't pick it up very well. I don't mean to steal your thread, but wanted to post this one pic as I think I am gonna like it!!! LOL



momoese 11-29-2010 05:50 PM

Re: Camera Talk!
 
Quote:

Originally Posted by turtile (Post 148947)
P&S stands for Point and Shoot (the type of camera you're currently using). All SLRs allow you to change lenses.

A superzoom P&S camera is probably best for you if you want to take pictures of birds. Telephoto lenses are extremely expensive for DSLRs.



I picked up a Nikon 75-300mm 4.5-5.6 AF on Craigs list for $150 that I use for birds and dog agility trials. I'd love a 400 or 600mm but then your talking big money, well to me anyway. My 75-300 is not a very fast lens but on my D90 I can use a pretty high ISO and shoot at 1/2000 in poor light without getting too noisy. Needles to say I'm very happy with it for the money spent!

Here are some shots using that lens.
http://i104.photobucket.com/albums/m...ese/falcon.jpg
http://i104.photobucket.com/albums/m...2-14-10227.jpg
http://i104.photobucket.com/albums/m...r-dolce-01.jpg

timmko 11-29-2010 08:34 PM

Re: Camera Talk!
 
Just a couple of wide angle shots with my D90. Just to give you an idea of the depth of field...






The Hollyberry Lady 11-29-2010 10:40 PM

Re: Camera Talk!
 
Mitchel, your shots are just spectacular...even though you're very modest about your skill and ability. ;)


Those pics you gave links to are just absolutely gorgeous and they look totally professional to me. Please keep them coming...


Here was another one of your posts from another thread that I wanted in this thread too, so I could refer to the information repeatedly...


Quote:

Originally Posted by momoese (Post 148892)
Yes it's all about glass and that's where you will spend most of your money, or should anyway.

When they talk about fast glass they are simply referring to the max aperture size. Smaller number = bigger opening = more light hitting the film (sensor) equals the ability to use faster shutter speeds and lower ISO to avoid grain (digital noise). It also allows for better control over the DOF (Depth Of Field) Wide open apertures like 2.8 or bigger like 1.4 will produce a very shallow area of focus or DOF. I use this with most of my dog portraits or flower pictures to blur the background making to the subject the center of attention.

In general the bigger the aperture the more money you spend, especially with wide angle or long lenses. So a lot of camera shopping comes down to your budget and what you are looking to use the gear for. You will find better deals on used Nikon/Nikkor glass than Canon. Canon bodies are also a little more pricey. Most people in the know these days say you can't tell the difference in image quality between the two brands using comparable equipment so buy what fits your budget.

Hope that helps to explain fast glass.



Randy...


Your new camera sure takes a wicked shot! WoW! :08: That Agave is stunning! :D


You are not derailing my thread at all...what good is a camera chat thread with no pictures?! :eek:


Are you kidding me...I love pictures, so please keep them coming. The more, the merrier! :ha:


I think you picked a real great camera Randy, by the look of that shot! ;) Are you pleased with the pics?



Timmko...


Those nature shots are excellent too. You guys all have great cameras, that's for sure! :goteam:


Do you guys think I shouldn't put out big bucks on a first camera ??? Do you think I should just get something more modest to start with ??? This is what my mom thinks and I wondered what you guys thought. I don't want to get something too complicated that I won't want to use...


Think maybe I just need to go shopping soon and see what's out there...


: )

Jananas Bananas 11-29-2010 10:52 PM

Re: Camera Talk!
 
Beautiful pictures Randy and Timmko! Mitchel would you post my two favorite pictures EVER here in this thread? It is your flying dog and the sunflower against the blue sky. They are in your picture thread but posted probably last year or the year before so buried pretty deep. Your dog in the Christmas lights is my 3rd favorite! :ha: Should I keep going? HA! HA!

I love taking pictures though I don't know anything. I just know what I like to look at! :p

~JaNan

The Hollyberry Lady 11-29-2010 11:26 PM

Re: Camera Talk!
 
Oh I wanna see too!!! :goteam:


Post them all, Mitchel!!! :ha:




Don't make me say it...




:pics:



:ha::ha::ha:





Ok, I'll start the ball rolling with one of my favorite shots to date with my new Sony cyber~shot...






More pics please! :D


: )


momoese 11-30-2010 12:45 AM

Re: Camera Talk!
 
Quote:

Originally Posted by Jananas Bananas (Post 149025)
Beautiful pictures Randy and Timmko! Mitchel would you post my two favorite pictures EVER here in this thread? It is your flying dog and the sunflower against the blue sky. They are in your picture thread but posted probably last year or the year before so buried pretty deep. Your dog in the Christmas lights is my 3rd favorite! :ha: Should I keep going? HA! HA!

I love taking pictures though I don't know anything. I just know what I like to look at! :p

~JaNan

Sure thing, I'll post links so the thread doesn't get clogged up. :)

These were taken with Sony F-828 fixed telephoto lens camera, or what's commonly known as a "prosumer" type of camera.
http://i104.photobucket.com/albums/m...ese/lights.jpg
http://i104.photobucket.com/albums/m...nnyagility.jpg

Sunflower pic was taken with a Nikon Coolpix 950.
http://i104.photobucket.com/albums/m...1sunflower.jpg


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