In the market for a new camera

[Tesia]

So, my birthday is coming up and I'm pretty sure that I'm going to ask for a camera. My dillema is, I really want a digital SLR because I'd love to work on my photography, but it's not really in the budget. I don't know exactly what the budget IS, but I know that it's not on the upper thousand end. So, I think that upgrading my point and shoot is where I am at, but I can't seem to get excited about any of the reviews I am reading. Anyone have tips? I would like to at least find something that can shoot faster than what I currently have (Sony Cybershot...about 4 years old)...
I figured y'all might have some secondary cameras that you could recommend? Some day I'll save up for the real thing!

[Jen D]

Sorry girl... I hate my point and shoot(Canon Power Shot SD1100). No help there =( But, I know many that love theirs and I am interested in their suggestions! It is always nice to have a camera that fits in your purse/diaper bag =)

If I remember right people liked the Canon G12 (but I can't remember if that is the exact model number)

[dugarner]

I had a ZLR (zoom lens reflex, more advanced than a P&S but without interchangeable lenses) before I got my Sony. It was a Fuji S6000, and I loved it. I could do macro, telephoto, wide angle, everything. The aperture was limited (2.8-8), which is the drawback of not having interchangeable lenses, but it could do so much. Shutter went from 1/4000 to 15 seconds, and it had all the settings, S, A, M, and P. It was heavy, the same weight as my dSLR with my wide angle lens. But I never had trouble focusing, and the color was unparalleled.

Back when I bought it I paid $300 for it. It might be something to consider; all the Fuji prosumer cameras are good. I think the S6000 did 1.3 fps, in continuous mode it was almost as fast as the camera I have now.

I would recommend doing research on prosumer P&S cameras, which will put you above the $150-$200 P&S range, but below the $550+ dSLR range. I don't know what companies produce what types of cameras. I don't care a lot for Canon P&S, but I'm sure other people have them and like them. You just have to look around.

HTH!

[katrinak]

I have a Nikon (gasp) point and shoot that I love. Lots of flexibility. It is the Coolpix S507. It is not the top of the Coolpix line, so you might be able to buy one higher in the line for more responsiveness.

I might also consider purchasing a used or refurbished dSLR. Many people upgrade often with very little use of their original cameras. Being in the Bay Area makes that a bit easier for you as well.

Keep us posted about what you decide.

[Tesia]

Great ideas ladies! I knew I could turn to you! Thank you!!
I started looking at refurbished...I kind of wanted to go through BestBuy because I can get financing (sad but true!) and I found this so far: Pentax K100D...anyone have thoughts good or bad? Cnet seemed to have decent reviews? I'd have to see if it would work with any of the lenses I have though...that would be a major factor! It's so overwhelming trying to venture into this but I know it will be worth it!

[janedee]

I also have a ZLR and love it. A Panasonic DMC-FZ18 - it has 18x optical zoom and a great motor for capturing action shots plus there are multitudes of different settings. The macro function is excellent and the image stabilization for using the 18x zoom great. I'd say the only short coming it has is with low light photography.

[DebbieHodge]

you can get a canon rebel dslr for under $600 at amazon. i LOVE my digital rebel. with a dslr, you've got the option to add lenses and an external flash as you go----and then those lenses and flash can move to a new camera with you in future years. Yes, this is the low end of dslr cameras BUT for me it's great because I feel ok about taking it everywhere -- to the beach, the pool, and today i had it around me while helping herd 3 young bulls. For my purposes it takes great photos AND I always use some actions on my photos, too.

[iUma]

Tesia, what lens do you already have? That might be the answer to the direction for the body. Adorama and B&H probably have used bodies and might be able to do some financing, too. Just let this process be fun, too. You will learn so much no matter what you end up deciding.

[Tesia]

So, my partner whisked me off to Best Buy tonight after work and talked me into letting myself get a Dslr! The Nikon D3000 was on sale, so now that's what I've got!! I'm so excited!! I am a little bummed because the guy told me that my old Nikon lenses would work and they don't seem to? I will go to a camera store this weekend to learn more but for now I am going to go play!

[iUma]

OMG!! GIRL!! How exciting!! There is probably an adapter for that. My step son got on to go between old Nikon lens and his new Canon 5D so I bet you can find a way!!!

YEAH for the partner influence!! Now what fun is ahead of you!!

[Tesia]

I know. I've just been messing around for the last hour and I am already beside myself with the possibilities! I have found scrapping with a *good* photo is SO much more inspiring than a mediocre one, so I can't wait to have the opportunity to work more on the photography end of things now too! Now for a Katrina class!

[iUma]

Get ME OFF AUTO. Go straight to that.

[katrinak]

Congratulations! I'm so excited for you.

You MIGHT be able to get an adapter for your lenses. Which lenses do you have?

And of course, I have to say ditto to what Patricia said

[Tesia]

Oh that book is deffinitly on my wish list!! I'm so excited to get to use it!
Katrina, the lense I really want to be able to use is an old Vivitar 25-205 I think? It has that notch kind of fitting for an old camera so I'm just not sure what I am going to be able to do....

[dugarner]

Originally Posted by Tesia

I know. I've just been messing around for the last hour and I am already beside myself with the possibilities! I have found scrapping with a *good* photo is SO much more inspiring than a mediocre one, so I can't wait to have the opportunity to work more on the photography end of things now too! Now for a Katrina class!

I would jump on the Get Me Off Auto bandwagon, too! It is overwhelming and can be so time consuming if you get lost in all the dials and buttons. Your photography will improve just by virtue of your desire to scrapbook better pictures---mine sure did! Have fun with your new toy. I hope you can adapt the lenses.

[cheska99]

Oh Tesia, what exciting news! You're in for a whole new adventure with a dslr.