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Digital Camera Advice

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NFBuck;1579739; said:
Okay shutterbugs, looking to move on up from the cheap point and shoot model. I'm looking to get into some photography as a hobby. Obviously, living in Colorado, there's a lot of stuff out there. Outdoor stuff, wildlife, etc...

Looking to spend around $500. I've spent a good amount of time online reading up, but a lot of it is jargon that just goes over my head. I'd imagine there's some newer stuff out there than the earlier posts in this thread as well. Anybody have any good advice or recommendations out there?
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Nothing like that Colorado wildlife after months of cabin fever in Fort Collins, er, uh, Colorado Springs, eh? :p

Peeping1.jpg
 
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What are you going to do with the pics? Computer/web sharing? Prints? What size? Mostly 8x10 and smaller, or big poster/landscape prints?

Do you have a point and shoot digital camera now? I ask because I don't take my pro gear on most vacations or holidays. It's bulky. But it can't take the caliber of shots that my digital slr can.


Once we figure out what you want, a great site for buying is fredmiranda.com. They have a buy and sell forum for used gear, which infinite amounts of pros and amateurs use to buy their gear.

Great place to get gear at a discount from reliable, reviewed photographers, not just megasellers on eBay who specialize in selling iPhone cases and high school musical dvds.

More on that later.
 
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jwinslow;1579759; said:
What are you going to do with the pics? Computer/web sharing? Prints? What size? Mostly 8x10 and smaller, or big poster/landscape prints?
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Mostly computer/web hosting, but may get into prints depending on how I take to it...probably 8x10 and smaller.

Do you have a point and shoot digital camera now? I ask because I don't take my pro gear on most vacations or holidays. It's bulky. But it can't take the caliber of shots that my digital slr can.
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Yeah, have a Sony Cyber-shot 7.2 mega-pixel right now.


Once we figure out what you want, a great site for buying is fredmiranda.com. They have a buy and sell forum for used gear, which infinite amounts of pros and amateurs use to buy their gear.

Great place to get gear at a discount from reliable, reviewed photographers, not just megasellers on eBay who specialize in selling iPhone cases and high school musical dvds.

More on that later.
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Thanks jwins, I'll check some of that stuff out. I always enjoyed photography when I was younger (pre digital days), I've just decided to get back into it.
 
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jwinslow;1579764; said:
Do you have any lenses, old or new?
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No lenses, looking to purchase lens camera/lens package. So far, just from reading reviews/browsing I'm liking the Canon Digital Rebel XSi 12.2 MP Digital SLR Camera with EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 IS Lens , the Olympus Evolt E510 10MP Digital SLR Camera with CCD Shift Image Stabilization and 14-42mm f/3.5-5.6 Zuiko Lens, or a Pentax K2000 10.2MP Digital SLR Camera with 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 DA L and 50-200mm f/4-5.6 ED Lenses.

Granted, I know next to nothing about lenses, but reading reviews on various sites, these seem to satisfy the low end amateur like myself. Anything on these?

Thanks again...
 
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Either the Canon Rebel or it's Nikon(Sushi has a Nikon D80) counterpart will make a great "body" to start with. Both will come with a cheap 50mm lens. A popular lens option is a Tamron lens. I have a Canon Rebel with a 28-200 Tamron which is a nice little zoom for a reasonable price.

B & H Photo is a reputable dealer.
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/search?Ntt=Tamron+28-200+lens&N=0&InitialSearch=yes
 
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Stick with Canon or Nikon, if only to give yourself a lot better options for future lens investments.

You're not looking to spend much money, but if you decide to keep adding, invest your money in glass (lenses). An average camera can take excellent pics with a great lens. An amazing camera can only take mediocre pictures with mediocre lenses.

Cameras depreciate in value like crazy. I bought my 1d Mark II for $1900 two years ago (used, so it was 1-2k below msrp). I finally bought a second body this year, and the market is now 1000-1200.
 
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The wife has 200.00 in BB coupons and wants to get a daughter a good digital but not go crazy. they have a canon 10 pixel w/zoom for distance that is on sale now for 199.00?
more info needed or is that a good one. nm Ill bring down the catalog so I have all the info from it.
Or any other ideas?
 
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Best Buckeye;1585865; said:
The wife has 200.00 in BB coupons and wants to get a daughter a good digital but not go crazy. they have a canon 10 pixel w/zoom for distance that is on sale now for 199.00?
more info needed or is that a good one. nm Ill bring down the catalog so I have all the info from it.
Or any other ideas?
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Best site for camera reviews IMO:
KenRockwell.com
 
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This seems like a better deal:
Canon Rebel XSi w/18-55mm IS and 55-250mm IS lenses for $645 (Instant) - SlickDeals.net Forums
Seller has an excellent rep, Good deal or no? Seems like a lot of goods for a small price.
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I'm guessing here, but here's my take on the kit
I have a sneaking suspicion that the other 2 lenses are garbage.
I'm guessing a complimentary flash is probably garbage as well.
UV filters are about $5-10. It's basically clear glass to protect the lens glass.
Camera bag is worth $5-10 if it's a decent bag.
Card is worth $5-10, and that's only if it's a reliable card.
Card reader is worth $2. (meritline)
Lens cleaner is $2-5 bucks.
Mini tripod is $2-5 bucks.
Tripod is probably worth 5-10 bucks.
I'm not sure the lens cap holder is worth your time.
The screen protector is a few bucks.
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Fast forward a year or two, I'm betting you use about $20 worth of that stuff. Buy these packages based on the included lenses or other bigger ticket items. The small stuff is thrown in because it costs them next to nothing.

I think you'd use the bag, card, uv filter & screen protector, with a chance at one of the tripods (I doubt you use both) or lens cleaner.
 
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