CAMERA-STRUT
Brian
7,618 Posts
Ok, my girl wants a camera for a graduation present and both her and I don't know shit about them. Here's my criteria:
- Under $1k
- Semi-easy to use
- Decent resale value so I can pawn it off after she decides she's not into photography anymore
I know this is the camera version of RECOMMEND ME SOME BLACK MAN SOUL but I trust you guys. Thanks.
- Under $1k
- Semi-easy to use
- Decent resale value so I can pawn it off after she decides she's not into photography anymore
I know this is the camera version of RECOMMEND ME SOME BLACK MAN SOUL but I trust you guys. Thanks.
Comments
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B003ZSHNGS/ref=pd_lpo_k2_dp_sr_1?pf_rd_p=486539851&pf_rd_s=lpo-top-stripe-1&pf_rd_t=201&pf_rd_i=B002LITT42&pf_rd_m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&pf_rd_r=1YA7REAMVVP5M5MM02NT
Under $1k, I'd say a Nikon D90 with the basic kit lens.
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/580422-REG/Nikon_25448_D90_SLR_Digital_Camera.html
With any DSLR there is a learning curve; however, you can set it to "automatic" and let the camera adjust the settings for you. Then you can look at the picture properties to learn what settings worked for a picture and adjust from there with the manual settings.
They seem to have a good resale value too.
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If she doesn't want to learn how to use a DSLR or it is too bulky, then by all means, go with the Canon PowerShot
But Brian: does she want an SLR or a P&S?
Does she want a point-and-shoot? SLR? Something she can take underwater?
Find out what she wants to do with it and pick the Canon that matches up best (you can something pretty damn good for under 1K). Their customer support is quite good also, which really helps if she's just starting out.
Then get her a PAS, an SLR can be pretty daunting for somebody just starting out.
I have this and it it's real easy to use:
http://www.amazon.com/Canon-PowerShot-SD960IS-Stabilized-Silver/dp/B001SER46K/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1292273678&sr=8-2
Being able to take decent quality shots without too much fuss is a much better way to get her into it.
EDIT: that was the wrong photo
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B002LITT42/ref=s9_simh_gw_p23_d0_i3?pf_rd_m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&pf_rd_s=center-2&pf_rd_r=04YPCP1VCX10TEX84BPZ&pf_rd_t=101&pf_rd_p=470938631&pf_rd_i=507846
yes, i agree! but i posted the newer model above. the low light photos it takes even in auto mode are some of the sharpest i have seen. it's a very impressive camera for the size
oh wow! it looked so much like the SD780 (which my wife loves) i disregarded it. Brian, your decision is made.
This is a really nice camera, with a super fast lens. You can use the fully automatic setting if you don't know anything about photograpy or don't want the hassle. But you can also adjust f-stop, speed, and everything else as if it was a regular camer. The nice thing, I find, is it takes great pictures in low light because the 20mm lens is so fast. But its probably not a great amateur camera.
If it's a latter, cop the Powershot that Edith suggested. Canon point-and-shoots are excellent, esp. for the money.
But that's not a camera you get someone who is interested in photography. And it won't hold resale value.
If she's serious about photography, even as a beginner, I'd recommend a D-SLR like that Nikon D-90 or the comparable Canon model.
i beg to differ. i still don't have a dslr and a powershot, small tripod, and an external flash have worked out fine for me the last 5 years or so. people get way too caught up in technical features, but fancy gear does not make a fancy photographer.
No doubt but Edith: you bought an external flash for a point and shoot. Clearly, you're kind of serious with yours and I think, no matter what kind of camera you are using, you'd find a way to make it work. I've seen your photos - they're great. But "beginner" isn't something I'd associate with your visual sensibility.
If someone really is new to photography, but wants to learn the basics from a hobbyist point of view, I think a SLR is the best tool to start with, especially in terms of learning the basics about aperture, shutter, white balance, depth of field, etc. A P&S, in my opinion, isn't as good of a learning tool because it's deliberately designed so you don't HAVE to learn it. All consumer DSLRs feature soild "auto" features that allow you to use it as a P&S but while some P&S have manual controls, you can't make a P&S behave like a SLR.
To me, learning to take photos with an SLR is like learning how to mix with turntables. Yeah, you can use a laptop or CD players and it'd be faster and more efficient. But it wouldn't be the same education.
But like I said, it depends on what Brian's GF is looking for. If she wants to take some kick ass photos and not have to fiddle around to get there? P&S, all the way. And don't spend more than $300...save the other $700 for some other shit!
If a p&s is whats up, like it was said. Don't spend more than $300.
As it's been shown on here by a number of people. Nowadayz, even a cell phone will take some pretty dope photos.
Also, for a $1000 you can pretty much make a whole movie these days.
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/734743-REG/Canon_4342B001.html
On that note a 10 megapixel may even be overkill if you guys aren't planning on trying to push 9x12 prints (There are also older models in that G Series) It has easily accessible manual functions for aperture and shutter speed so she can learn how to make manual exposures. If she chooses to pursue shooting further and wants a DSLR she will have a better knowledge on what sets them apart from one another. IMO
She woulda been doin her research and maybe asking for it. But a camera for Xmas doesnt sound like u need to even spend 300 dollars. Im not being cheap im just sayin.
U can develop an EYE w/ a pinhole camera.
thanks for all the posts. gotta give this a read but i think i might go with an DSLR and make her learn how to use it. won't hurt to actually go out for once to someplace nice to take pictures i guess.
now if someone can find me a 2 bedroom for under 1600 in town that would solve all my (current) problems
Besides, if I'm going to shell out nearly $500 for a G12, I'd be mighty tempted to go a few hundred more for a D70 or D90. But hey, my bias towards SLRs is pretty naked here so take it with a grain of salt.
There's one thing I should mention: the main reason, above all others, that I bought a SLR is because I couldn't abide by the lag in waiting for a P&S to take a picture. That split second bugged the fuck out of me and a SLR totally removed that as a concern. It's a total game changer when you're taking candid (as opposed to still, staged) pictures of people or obviously, any action shot. If they had P&S that allowed me to capture the moment, as it's happening, I'd happily sell off my D90. But I just don't think it's technically possible, especially if you're composing via LCD screen rather than a viewfinder.
and this isn't a christmas present. it's a graduation/give you something to do while im working on beatz in da lab so you don't drive me crazy present
Ive been cravin this for a minute.
Haha...no doubt. Then i would think about bells and whistles to keep her occupied/interested.
http://www.amazon.com/Pentax-K-x-2-7-inch-18-55mm-White/dp/B002OEBTD2/ref=sr_1_3?s=electronics&ie=UTF8&qid=1292286701&sr=1-3
for now or get an additional lens also? there's this deal:
http://www.amazon.com/Pentax-16202-Digital-Camera-50-200mm/dp/B003IHVKNI/ref=sr_1_6?ie=UTF8&qid=1292284640&sr=8-6
which i think? includes this lens:
http://www.amazon.com/50-200mm-Weather-Resistant-Pentax-Digital/dp/B002BSGUZI/ref=sr_1_2?s=electronics&ie=UTF8&qid=1292286818&sr=1-2
for only 100 more. halp?
so no longer with that girl and she didn't end up using the fucking thing anyway but
new girl went to some fancy art school and was a photography major and i knew it was a bad choice but i bought her a hipster camera for our one year (http://www.lytro.com)
she was digging the idea of it but it ended up being a pain in the ass to use
anyone have any recommendations for a point and shoot under 500 and under 1000?
only requirement is built-in flash. she was looking at these:
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/967142-REG/sony_nex_f3k_digital_camera_with.html
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/868685-REG/Pentax_15170_Q_Digital_Camera_with.html