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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... : ) |
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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. |
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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... : ) |
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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. |
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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... : ) |
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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..
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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. |
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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. : ) |
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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. |
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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. |
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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... |
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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: : ) |
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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
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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 |
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Just a couple of wide angle shots with my D90. Just to give you an idea of the depth of field...
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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:
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... : ) |
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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 |
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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 : ) |
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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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Alright here's the new rule of this thread...
NO MORE LINKS! :ha: Teasing, but those shots are simply amazing and they should be posted for all to see. ;) Cluttering is most welcome here! :08: I love the the look on your dog's face with the xmas lights..."why are you making me do this, dad"!!! :ha: Too adorable and cute. Sunflowers are one of my favorite flowers and that shot is way cool, Mitchel. Well you've done it again...managed to show us all that we haven't the foggiest idea about how to take a picture! :ha: Gosh, your shots are too good. I might take a look around tomorrow after an appointment and check out some cameras... : ) |
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Take your time, do the research. Once you have a camera body you can look for used glass which can be tested on your camera body before purchasing. Just sayin' :)
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Good advice, Mitchel. I plan on taking my time and seeing what's out there. Won't make any purchases today but might check out some cameras later, if I feel like it.
Definitely gotta do more research. I also like what someone else said in this thread earlier about making sure the camera feels good in my hands, so I'll want to use it. I want something fairly small if I can get it. So excited about getting one soon, but I plan on taking my time before I decide. ;) Thanks so much Mitchel, and others, for helping & educating me a bit about these cameras. Chat soon... : ) |
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These are close ups of my Ae Ae leaf detail using my Fuji FinePix S700 on the Super Macro setting (It has a regular or normal, a macro, and a Super Macro). You can click on the 2nd picture below and click again and actually see rainbows within the leaf cells. I thought that was pretty cool!
I have to have a camera that has a very good macro feature to show detail on very small things like rings and gemstones and it needs to be digital. Any recommendations on those? ~JaNan |
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Wow Janan...I see you've got one terrific camera also! :08: Thanks for the great shots...and no links! :ha:
I didn't get around to going camera shopping today yet but maybe sometime this week. I just want to have a look for now. Thanks for suggesting that Mitchel show his shots...that one with the dog & the xmas lights is too precious...I can see why it's your favorite, Janan. :D You should take more shots with your wonderful camera too, and post them here! :goteam: That leaf looks way cool! :eek: I could possibly have a new camera under the tree for Christmas, but here in Canada the real good deals and sales start after the holidays are over... They are known as "Boxing Day" sales, that last a week or two after Christmas. I'd be stupid to buy one before the new year really, because they'll want top dollar and I'll get ripped! :eek: This next little while will be a good time to just shop around and see what's available and what I like. Then too, I can report back in this thread and let you guys know what I saw and you can tell me if it's worthy or not. :ha: This thread is turning out very cool, with lots of pics and information. :waving: : ) |
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This will be my next camera. In Ken Rockwell's opinion it's better than a D3, or D700. And at 6 frames per second, usable ISO of 25,600, and 39 AF points. It has so many awesome improvements over my camera. Wow! And a friend is waiting for hers to arrive in the mail tomorrow, so jealous!
Nikon D7000 |
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I'm jealous too!!! The nerve of her! :ha:
That looks like one awesome camera, Mitchel! ;) On a cactus mission right now but will be getting around to camera shopping shortly... : ) |
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Here are some bird photos with my Nikon D2Hs and 105mm micro lens:     |
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My DX lenses would mute the full frame advantages of a D3. Unless your doing super wide angle stuff the D7000 is an all around a better camera according to Ken, and all that for $1200. Last time I looked very used D3's were still in the $2500 range, and with the D7000's 16 MP sensor you can crop and still have D3 image quality. I'd love the D3's 9 fps but 6 is way better than my current 4.5 that I still get good action shots with. I'm pretty sure I'm sold on this camera unless it's found to have major issues that Nikon can't fix which I doubt will happen.
Awesome bird shots btw!! :) |
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Hey John, just curious as to why you're using a 105mm macro for birds? How close were you and are those shots cropped? Were you using tubes?
I would think a longer lens would make life easier for bird photography, unless you're setting up a whole deal with strobes and a remote for the camera like some people do for hummingbirds. |
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Wow John...those shots are simply gorgeous!!! ;)
Thank you for sharing with us! : ) |
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Great photos!
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I agree, great shots John! I love that third one - the colors on that little one! Wowza!!!
You guys are so WAAAAY over my head. But I sure do like seeing your photos! ~JaNan |
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DxOMark - Compare sensors Price for performance, the D7000 is definitely the best camera. Quote:
As for approaching the birds, they seem to be much more approachable there than here. All of the shots are full size (not cropped @ 105mm - DX) and hand held. I used a flash on the last shot to illuminate the bird since it was completely dark. |
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John look at how the D7000 outperforms the D3 and Canon 5D MKII in ISO tests. Seriously, you have to see this, It's not even close.
Nikon D7000, D300, D3 (D700) and Canon 5D Mark II High ISO Comparison As for auto focus speed, Quote:
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As for Ken: Let me google that for you |
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Even according to DxO the SNR difference is negligible in real world photos. Then add the additional 4 MP to help with cropping. You might not want to believe it's a D3 killer, but for my money it is, and without pixel peeping I seriously doubt anyone could say otherwise, especially after post processing. So much nowadays comes down to the individual's skill set with PP tools,.....and then there is that little thing called art. ;)
As for Ken, he's an outspoken and popular Nikon DSLR shooter/reviewer with a very successful website that has used all the gear. These people all have their critics and I also read DP and the other sites. Keep in mind that he only uses Nikon DSLR's for personal use. To me that's a pretty big advantage in reporting the ins and out of camera gear. Well at the end of the day this is the camera that best fits my budget, and in many ways it compares to or betters the very expensive D3 so I'm pretty excited about it! Oh and for the record, if I could afford it I'd wait for the next Nikon FX, but sadly that's not the case. |
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Wow Mitchel, I really enjoyed that article by Ken! :D
So it really is very much a personal choice when you buy a camera, and not the same for everyone. That was very helpful to read. I guess I need to get out camera shopping soon but I've just been so busy with other things right now. Plus too, here the prices are jacked up real high on everything over the holidays and before Christmas when they know people need it, but things go on sale after xmas like you wouldn't believe! There are even people who shop and do their gift-giving after Christmas...so they can save a lot of money. :eek: Bob told me that the US doesn't have "Boxing Day" like we do in Canada, so you're all probably wondering what the hell I'm talking about! :ha: The day after Christmas and the week that follows will bring lots of low prices and good deals, so if I make a camera purchase, it will be around this time for sure. So many things to consider, but thanks so much for sharing all this great information and educating me about cameras. :waving: Looking forward to further discussions and information sharing... : ) |
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I have a Kodak EasyShare M381 12megapixels that I take pictures with. It is a pretty good camera, but one day I am wanting to upgrade to a SLR camera.
Amazon.com: Kodak EasyShare M381 Digital Camera (Black): Camera & Photo |
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If you are buying a digital camera be sure to get one compatible with an Eye-Fi card.
How does the Eye-Fi card work? | Eye-Fi You shoot pictures and they go directly onto your computer. No wire. rarely can you ever fill up the card with pics. |
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Wow...great shots, Blake! ;)
: ) |
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More pictures:
YouTube - **December 2010 pictures** Heres my camera: I used a kodak 3.1 mega pixel camera to take those pictures. |
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Nice Blake! Looks like you were shooting at my house- pines, moss, rock, and sweetgum!
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Nice camera and nice video, Blake!!! :D
I wonder how you made that video so personal with music and everything? Is that done on you tube? Anyway, here's my Sony Cyber~Shot 12.1 mega pixels with 4 times optical zoom...  : ) |
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Yeah cool Blake...I'll give it a try. In the meantime I made a smilebox video of some of my stuff...
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One of these days really soon (like tomorrow! :ha:) I just might show up with an expensive swanky camera and post an impressively fantastic picture! I've been wanting to get one for awhile and...why the heck not! :goteam:
Gotta read over this thread again and get familiar so I remember what's most important to look for in a camera... Are there any on the market right now that are recommended? I want to make sure I get an amazing one that'll keep me happy. It's gotta take clear clean shots and beautifully magnificent close-ups...like Mitchel's camera does. ;) : ) |
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kenrockwell.com is a good research site for digital cameras
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When my last Cyber Shot died, I bought a Fuji Finepix XP 10. It's a nice camera that's drop-, dust-, and water-proof (within limits of course). I've taken underwater shots in the pond-nice. Here's the details- FinePix XP10 / XP11 | Fujifilm Global ,
and http://www.fujifilm.com/products/digital_cameras/xp/finepix_xp10/product_views/index.html .  I'm very happy with it. Also, may I suggest buying from Costco if you have one up there. They're return policy is exceedingly generous, and the prices ain't bad :-) |
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