Camera recommendations please

jimbop · « **on:** 12 Jan 2011, 04:05 pm »

I am looking for a digital SLR. Budget is $500-600 (used). I can deal with most features and buttons, but I need a camera simple enough that my wife will not be frustrated with using it.

Thanks,
Jim D

Wind Chaser · « **Reply #1 on:** 12 Jan 2011, 04:16 pm »

I wouldn't buy used when you can buy new for that kind of money. Check out the current crop of entry level DSLRs. Try holding them in your hand to see how they 'fit'. Read the reviews and buy from a place that has a good return and price protection policy.

wywires · « **Reply #2 on:** 12 Jan 2011, 04:25 pm »

Check out the Nikon D3000. Comes with a 18-55MM zoom lens for $500 at Best Buy. Does video too. Has a fully auto mode with auto focus that makes it a true point and shoot with a high WAF.

geowak · « **Reply #3 on:** 12 Jan 2011, 04:48 pm »

I have been using cameras for many years. I have three now. I also have a wife that gets confused about the operation of the camera, because she does not understand how light works and the interaction of light with a camera.

My advice here would be this. The digital SLR is complex for someone who does not understand how light works and how a camera uses light to make an image. Digital SLRs often have interchangeable lenses, and advanced settings beside "AUTO". Thus, it will often confuse someone who does not know how to change the settings, or choose the correct lens. And more often than not, the uneducated user will NOT get a good picture from the camera.

Point and shoot models are a little lower in price, easier to operate and use, and will often take very nice pictures. The only downside to this option, is that Dig SLRs will be more versatile.

I would think about getting the BEST point and shoot that you can. I would pick one with a zoom lens that would cover the distance you and your wife would often need. I would also get one with a quality lens. Zeiss makes lenses for one of the camera companies, I think Sony. And Nikon, Canon and Pentax also make top quality cameras.

I have a Canon xti digital SLR and several lenses, I also have a few point and shoot cameras, one Canon sureshot and one Canon Powershot. And I also have a Leica V-Lux 1. The Leica V-lux 1 is also made by Panasonic beacuse they have a partnership. the Panasonic one is cheaper in price but takes very nice pics. Any of the Panasonic LUMIX models are very good cameras with quality optics. Leica optics are top notch. Some of the Leica cameras have very advanced light sensors and very good optics. But you pay for it. Check out the Leica M9. This is a sweet camera.

Good luck, but teach the wife along the way....it's fun.

low.pfile · « **Reply #4 on:** 12 Jan 2011, 05:20 pm »

Quote from: jimbop on 12 Jan 2011, 04:05 pm

I am looking for a digital SLR. Budget is $500-600 (used). I can deal with most features and buttons, but I need a camera simple enough that my wife will not be frustrated with using it.

Thanks,
Jim D

It would help to know: if will have specific usage (birding, baby pics, macro), have size/weight limitations, and room size

giantsteps · « **Reply #5 on:** 12 Jan 2011, 06:34 pm »

I just bought a Panasonic FZ 100. Check it out...it's a fun camera. But if you predict taking a lot of pictures in low light look elsewhere. A DSLR like Canon ...rebel series gives a lot for your money. Money no object there's always a Hasselblad in one's future.

Frank

jqp · « **Reply #6 on:** 12 Jan 2011, 06:46 pm »

The Nikon 3100 is out now, should be better than the 3000

http://www.kenrockwell.com/nikon/d3100.htm

It won the CES award for best introductory DLSR, for what thats worth

jimbop · « **Reply #7 on:** 12 Jan 2011, 06:57 pm »

Thanks for all the replies.

My wife would use this camera for all-around family and vacation photos (indoors and out).

Beyond that, my main interest is nature photography using normal and zoom lenses, and also macro photography.

Jim

charmerci · « **Reply #8 on:** 12 Jan 2011, 07:09 pm »

How about buying a $500 DSLR for yourself and a $100 p/s for the wife?

Goosepond · « **Reply #9 on:** 12 Jan 2011, 08:00 pm »

DSLR's give you a lot of control. But if you're not looking for all that control, then they will just seem overly complicated and you might wonder why they don't take very good pics.

Gene

giantsteps · « **Reply #10 on:** 12 Jan 2011, 09:23 pm »

Quote from: giantsteps on 12 Jan 2011, 06:34 pm

I just bought a Panasonic FZ 100. Check it out...it's a fun camera. But if you predict taking a lot of pictures in low light look elsewhere. A DSLR like Canon ...rebel series gives a lot for your money. Money no object there's always a Hasselblad in one's future.

Frank

I was being fussy in the sense that I hate flash. Seriously ....Google Panasonic DMC-FZ100... put it on auto pilot

and enjoy. And if you and your significant other like videos the Panny is a joy. Great quality.

Frank

bunnyma357 · « **Reply #11 on:** 12 Jan 2011, 09:47 pm »

I've been looking at the Sony SLT A-33, for me fast autofocus is a must, since I need reading glasses, and would miss a lot of shots. Also has lots of video capabilities, including autofocus while shooting. Also gives you a fast frame rate for stills. Image stabilization is in the body, so it works on any lens.

Price a little out of your range - with Sony lens is about $750. I'll probably just get the body and a Tamron 18-200mm lens to start - which comes to around $870.

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/731637-REG/Sony_SLT_A33L_Alpha_DSLR_SLT_A33_Digital_Camera.html

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/363595-REG/Tamron_AF014M700_18_200mm_f_3_5_6_3_XR_Di_II.html

Jim C

Doublej · « **Reply #12 on:** 12 Jan 2011, 10:13 pm »

I don't understand what's complicated about leaving a DSLR on auto?

I think you guys are over complicating things.

Canon, Nikon, Sony, Pentax all make good cameras although I think only Pentax has them in cool colors like red, green, white and yellow. Canon is still the market share leader but supposedly Nikon has a better user experience.

WerTicus · « **Reply #13 on:** 30 Jan 2011, 02:33 am »

the Pentax K-x is by far the best camera in this price space new.

Zero · « **Reply #14 on:** 30 Jan 2011, 02:39 am »

What about the added cost of batteries?

goldlizsts · « **Reply #15 on:** 30 Jan 2011, 03:01 am »

Quote from: geowak on 12 Jan 2011, 04:48 pm

I have been using cameras for many years. I have three now. I also have a wife that gets confused about the operation of the camera, because she does not understand how light works and the interaction of light with a camera.

My advice here would be this. The digital SLR is complex ...................

Good luck, but teach the wife along the way....it's fun.

A number of P&S's are very respectable now, even compared to DSLRs. Of course, there's still a gap, but.... The new breed of higher-end P&S's are nothing to be ashamed of - Panny LX5, Sony NEX-5..... But, for someone who needs/wants a DSLRs, he's also in for a treat. The DSLRs, even the entry-level'ers, are soooo cheap ($$$-wise, that is!). For travels, you just need the camera body, and a decent zoom (tradeoff vs separate lenses with different focal lengths). The Nikon D3100, as mentioned elsewhere, is good. Sony Alpha 55.... They're good values, steals?.

The January issue of Popular Photography has an article synopsizing all the current DSLRs out there, pretty informative, and can be used as a shopping assistance.

Don't mind the yellow markings on them. Also, don't know if you can even read the fine prints on these images. The 2 images were marked up by a friend who was looking for a DSLR also.

As recommended elsewhere, should drop by your favorite local camera shop to try them out, see how they feel in your hand. Too bad you're not in NYC. You can just drop in to B&H, and play with all the models on their floor, to your heart's content, and then decide. You can also pick brains with their sales troops. Don't suppose Colorado Springs, or any store in Colorado, will have so complete a collection for the casual shopper to play around with.

Jon L · « **Reply #16 on:** 30 Jan 2011, 03:35 am »

It's the lenses, by FAR, that will lighten your wallet, not the body. To avoid what has happened to my own wallet

, I recommend getting a body with very limited lens choices, making it impossible for you to spend further money even if you wanted to. That would be Sony NEX 3. The fact it takes great pictures and is very small is just a bonus

SET Man · « **Reply #17 on:** 30 Jan 2011, 03:41 am »

Quote from: Jon L on 30 Jan 2011, 03:35 am

It's the lenses, by FAR, that will lighten your wallet, not the body. To avoid what has happened to my own wallet , I recommend getting a body with very limited lens choices, making it impossible for you to spend further money even if you wanted to. That would be Sony NEX 3. The fact it takes great pictures and is very small is just a bonus

Hey!

There are adapters available for the NEX to use Sony's DSLR lenses, Leica, Canon, Nikon, and more!

So, actually the NEX have more lens option than Sony's own DLSR line

Man! Think of the quality you'll get with Leica's M lenses on the NEX

Take care,
Buddy

thunderbrick · « **Reply #18 on:** 30 Jan 2011, 03:49 am »

When I worked in a camera store some 40 years ago, we told people the best way to choose a camera is to set down 4 or 5 cameras from different manufacturers, that have similar features, and choose the one that seams most comfortable to you.

Back then the Minolta SRT 101, Pentax Spotmatic series, Nikkormat, Konica AutoReflex, Canon FTB were in the same class. Vivitar, Praktica, Chinon, Sears, Miranda, Petri were all pretty much junk.

Nowadays you can hardly tell them apart. Very tough choice, but go with what seems to be most intuitive. You'll be more comfortable and successful in the long run.

Jon L · « **Reply #19 on:** 30 Jan 2011, 04:14 am »

Quote from: SET Man on 30 Jan 2011, 03:41 am

Hey!

There are adapters available for the NEX to use Sony's DSLR lenses, Leica, Canon, Nikon, and more!

So, actually the NEX have more lens option than Sony's own DLSR line

Man! Think of the quality you'll get with Leica's M lenses on the NEX

Take care,
Buddy

Tssst!. The adapters are a SECRET. You need to immediately remove this post!