Need advise on a good digital camera to buy [Archive]

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Patagoniamaniac

Nov 09, 2006, 08:00 AM

I am really interested in purchasing a GOOD digital camera. One that is good at taking action shots or sports activities, nature shots etc.... an all around good camera. Cost is really not an issue because I plan on using it for business.( write off) If we plan on moving to Bend oregon they are looking for a sports photgrapher at the high school my kids will be attending..thats if we move..I LOVE taking pictures so I may as well invest in something I love doing..any advice would be greatly appreciated!.Thanks!...

Kim

Nov 09, 2006, 05:39 PM

When I bought mine, I went to Best Buy, told the guy what I wanted to use my camera for, and he sold me the one that made the most sense for me--not the most expensive one. Then he threw in the case I carry it in. Loved that.

Nas

Nov 09, 2006, 06:09 PM

I own the Cannon Digital Rebel XT - an 8 megapixal SLR camera. It runs about $1,000 with one lens, and a recherchable battery. It is considered the "entry level" Cannon SLR digital. Upgrades are the 20D, etc.

I love this camera. Great for committed amatures, and even semi-pros to pros. Too complicated, probably, for just pointing and shooting.

Pantagoniamaniac, I don't know how familiar you are with cameras, so pardon me if I cover information that's too basic.

SLR means "single lens reflex" - meaning that you actually look through the lens to see exactly what you're taking a picture of. As youi zoom the lens, what you see in the finder will also zoom. Note that with SLR cameras you can't see the picture in the LCD screen until after you take the picture. You have to look through the viewfinder, just like with a film camera. This is because you're actually looking through the lens.

I bought this mainly because that with this camera, you can buy different lenses and swap them out quickly. I have a 18-55 lens (which zooms from 18mm to 55 mm, which came with it, and which is good for most landscape photographs, family shots, and portraits) and an off-brand 70-200 lens (which I got for about $190, and which can zoom in for close up photos of sports, far away animals ect)... With effort and practice, you can even use that lens for close up photos of insects, flowers, etc. I would like to get the 70-300mm lens with automatic stablization (which is very small and lightweigth, and which helps to zoom in on sports / animal shots without a tripod) but this lens itself runs about $1,200 bucks.

You can see some of my photos at Nice Exposure Photography (http://niceexposure.dotphoto.com)

Nas

Nov 09, 2006, 06:21 PM

Oh, I should mention that we got my Wife a point and shoot digital. Unfortunately, when you click on the button to take the picture, it hesitates. Then, just about the time you think something is wrong, the picture 'takes.' Of course, by that time your subject has moved, or you get a fuzzy picture of your face because you've turned the camera toward you to see what's wrong.

The Rebel will snap something like 5 pictures in one second. So if you hold down the shuter button, you can get snapshots of your friend as they ride / and / crash on the inner tube behind your ski boat. Or action photos of your kid lining up to kick / then kicking / then the ball soaring / then scoring the goal past the outstreached fingers of the soccer goalies hands.

Further, it can automatically program low light situation pictures for you (such as firework photographs) or you can set them up manually yourself. So, if you're looking at waterfall, you can set it to take a 'soft' blur of water flowing, or a 'hard' water-droplet by water-droplet fast action shot.

Again, some examples at Nice Exposure Photography (http://niceexposure.dotphoto.com)

Kahlua Kid

Nov 09, 2006, 06:47 PM

Love our Canon Digital Rebel and Canon 30D digital - I have multiple lenses, Zoom, Macro, etc. that I can swap out with any of my Canon bodies (Canon EOS 35mm, Canon Elan IIe, Canon 7e).

The 30D takes so many shots a second, you can roll it back like a movie almost... The Canon EOS Rebel wasn't bad a 5 a second... but once I experienced the 30D, I don't think there is any going back!

Our work is at www.sierravistastudios.com (http://www.sierravistastudios.com)

Yosemite_Wolf

Nov 10, 2006, 04:31 AM

I use the Canon Rebel XT. Excellent camera. Im gonna have to upgrade one day soon too...... Thats the downside of Digital.. always a better camera around the corner.

but alas... mine takes good pics.

Patagoniamaniac

Nov 10, 2006, 05:05 AM

THanks So much! Great advice!...what are youtr thoughts on buying on e bay. Was thinking about checking out boots or best buy. thats where we bought our sony digital. Nas...Thanks for your knowledgeable info. i will take that into consideration. thinkI'm going to look into the rebel xt...thanks again you guys

Patagoniamaniac

Nov 10, 2006, 05:33 AM

here is what I've decided to maybe buy
Canon EOS 30D Digital SLR USA Camera $3500 PKG 30-D NEW
..e bay $1500..includeds everything!...let me know what you think..brand new factory sealed excellent feedback and reviews.

http://i77.photobucket.com/albums/j44/patagoniamaniac/camera.jpg (http://photobucket.com/)

Newcomer

Nov 10, 2006, 06:12 AM

A couple of things to check on the above.

1. Make sure it has a USA Warranty card that reads "for USA & Canda only"

2. I do not see the Battery or the charger in the kit (The Battery & charger is supposed to be included.)

Costco online also sells this camera online at their website and it included a True Canon Lens (only one) and the battery and charger. Also note that the Canon 30D has a built in flash that works pretty dang good so the additional external digital flash that they are throwing in is really un-needed. We never use ours. Also check to see if Canon is running a rebate for the camera at the Canon site and if so and you pruchase from any store within the rebate dates you can get the rebate.

Canon at Costco (http://www.costco.com/Common/Search.aspx?whse=BC&topnav=&search=canon%2030D&N=0&Ntt=canon%2030D&cm_re=1-_-Top_Left_Nav-_-Top_search)
This link shows 2 camera's one only has one lens the other includes 2 lens. (These are True Canon lens) not Tamron

Costco also has a nice return policy that if you don't like the camera for any reason you can return it at the local store.

I also bought a 3 yr extended warranty for $79 which can be purchased online at many sites (Note: The extended warranty has to be purchased within 30 days of the purchase of the original camera) I highly reccommend the extended warranty for digital cameras) We have had to use them in the past.

Nas

Nov 10, 2006, 06:24 AM

I know there are some scam sites out there. When I went to buy mine, I found an unbelievable price. So I called them. As newcomer noted, the battery charger was not included. It wasn't a US product, so there was no warranty. They tried to get me to buy the US product, with a charger for more than I had found elsewhere. Uh - Uh. I quickly hung up and wouldn't buy a lens cap from that crew!

Newcomer

Nov 10, 2006, 06:27 AM

Costco had fast delivery and like I said, It has a great return policy. Also if you figure out whatever the guy on Ebay is going to charge you for shipping it will probably be pretty close. The extras that they guy is throwing into the package are probabaly not the best of quality and you most likely would not but them if you had a choice, they are just there to entise you. Also If you have a problem with the camera when you open it I don't think the guy on Ebay will really be that willing to help you with it.

Just things for consideration.

Kahlua Kid

Nov 10, 2006, 06:39 AM

Originally posted by Newcomer:
Costco had fast delivery and like I said, It has a great return policy. Also if you figure out whatever the guy on Ebay is going to charge you for shipping it will probably be pretty close. The extras that they guy is throwing into the package are probabaly not the best of quality and you most likely would not but them if you had a choice, they are just there to entise you. Also If you have a problem with the camera when you open it I don't think the guy on Ebay will really be that willing to help you with it.

Just things for consideration.

You go Newcomer!!! (See why I keep this guy around!?!)

Patagoniamaniac

Nov 10, 2006, 06:53 AM

wow! your so right!...never thought about these things! thanks so much newcomer...I'm checking out costco..leaving this weekend and I'll look into it when I get back..thanks for the excellent advice. I totaly appreciate it!...

oh one more question..the external flash...wouldn't it be necessary for indoor shots like basketball games and what not?..also for football games at night when taking shots from farther away...thanks

Newcomer if you get a chance can you check out the listing and tell me what you think..
here's the number..#130045475209 if you have time...I always check the feedback out and its really good. They are fast to comply with anyones needs if they are not satisfied.I'm still unsure about the warranty but I can call them and find out for sure. I know i will have to purchase it seperatly...I do like the return policy at costco..always have...I believe the outfit I'm interested in buying from only has a 14 day return policy..thanks so much...
oh it does come with battery but not charger

KK he's a keeper!

Newcomer

Nov 10, 2006, 07:08 AM

Yosemite_Wolf

Nov 10, 2006, 07:20 AM

Pata.. go down to Fresno and visit Horn Photo (now in Villagio mall). They are a Canon Outlet.. and the guy who does camera sales is AWESOME. I have no problems giving my money to Horn Photo cos they do excellent work.. their enlargements from dig pics are a bit more costly than Costco.. but well worth it. I LOVE Horn Photo. (they support Team in Training... so hence another reason I love me)

I bought my Canon EOS Rebel (film) camera on line.. but i thad no warranty. I will buy cams from Horn Photo from now on.

btw.. im agreeing with Newcomer and KK... I got my Digital Rebel XT cos KK had it.....

Patagoniamaniac

Nov 10, 2006, 07:33 AM

cool..I will check them out..I'm in no hurry..I wanted to make the right choice. any advice i'll take.....the ebay package still seems like a good deal to me for what you get..but I'm not sure still..now I'm becoming leary about it even though they have excellent feedback and reviews...it would be nice to be able to go somewhere locally

Newcomer

Nov 10, 2006, 07:35 AM

Originally posted by Patagoniamaniac:
wow! your so right!...never thought about these things! thanks so much newcomer...I'm checking out costco..leaving this weekend and I'll look into it when I get back..thanks for the excellent advice. I totaly appreciate it!...

oh one more question..the external flash...wouldn't it be necessary for indoor shots like basketball games and what not?..also for football games at night when taking shots from farther away...thanks

Newcomer if you get a chance can you check out the listing and tell me what you think..
here's the number..#130045475209 if you have time...I always check the feedback out and its really good. They are fast to comply with anyones needs if they are not satisfied.I'm still unsure about the warranty but I can call them and find out for sure. I know i will have to purchase it seperatly...I do like the return policy at costco..always have...I believe the outfit I'm interested in buying from only has a 14 day return policy..thanks so much...
oh it does come with battery but not charger

KK he's a keeper!

I still would say go with the Costco one and then get the exact case that you need later and the different filters that you want, We use a UV filter to protect the lens from your fingers and hitting into things, the UV filter is basically a clear filter for protection, One filter you will want to buy is a CP (Circular Polarizing) filter to remove glare when shooting thru glass or on the water, it also makes the sky a deep blue. These filters cost approx $15 for te UV and $22 for the CP filter. You can then figure out what other filters you will want to try later. Tripods come in may types and some can look nice but be real cheesy so its best to go to a camera shop and get a feel for the operation with the camera mounted on it. Bags also vary quite a bit. When buying a bag look not only for your needs now but will it fit future gear and Lenses that you will get later. We use a backpack type bag that you can make your own custom size storage areas in with movable velcro dividers (Very Handy). Memory - Costco sell this also and its fairly cheap. you can get a 1GB card for $79 now and 2GB cards for around $120. The card reader that the Ebay guy is supplying you may not even need it if your PC had a card reader buit in.

Costco's shipping on the camera is $17.99 and 3-5 day delivery but I got ours in 3.