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12/09/2004 06:04:22 PM · #1
I was wondering, through your experience of working with different cameras & viewing others photos- which camera would be best for proffessional looking photography? Around the $650-700 range. Right now I have an Olympus C-4000 Zoom...should I stick with Olympus, or shoot for another brand? I would also like a camera that would fit many different types of lenses, I notice now with my camera I don't have very many options if I want filters & specific lenses. Any thoughts would be great.

Message edited by author 2004-12-09 18:06:12.
12/09/2004 06:08:44 PM · #2
Check any store online and they'll have all the brands. Nikon and Canon seem to be the best bang for your buck, tho. (ie the best image quality and overall performance).

Edit: I initially misread your post.

www.bhphotovideo.com
www.henrys.com
www.vistek.com
www.adorama.com

all sorts of options...

Message edited by author 2004-12-09 18:10:04.
12/09/2004 06:09:51 PM · #3
Depends on the type of photography you enjoy taking or planning to take.
12/09/2004 06:33:00 PM · #4


Olympus does have some interesting equipment, this is one that looks very good.
E300
12/09/2004 06:42:57 PM · #5
Originally posted by SummerBreeze:

Around the $650-700 range.


The digital rebel is going for quite cheap nowadays

Message edited by author 2004-12-09 18:43:09.
12/09/2004 06:59:27 PM · #6
harrisons f717.
12/09/2004 08:19:37 PM · #7
If you want a camera system that's going to offer you many different lenses and types of lenses then I would stick with Nikon or Canon. Another brand to consider with a high quality stable of lenses that are inexpensive at the same time is Minolta (specifically, the D7) which has "anti-shake" technology built in to the camera, not the lenses, so in most situations you won't need a tripod and will be able to get tack sharp images at slow shutter speeds. The Olympus DSLRs (E1 and E300) are excellent cameras too, very well built meant to last a long time, but have limited selection of lenses. Olympus is starting out with a new standard, that redefines the mount, electronics and CCD specs called the 4/3rds system (pronounced "four thirds). They give very high quality images but right now it's questionable whether or not the standard is going to catch on or not. They also make very high quality Zuiko lenses, although right now, they only offer around 5 or 6 zooms, and two primes that are pretty expensive. Only recently did they introduce a less expensive lens, but it's only one and you want a whole bunch. Sorry for the ramble, I hope this helps.
12/09/2004 08:57:39 PM · #8
I'm only using the Sony F717 now..but if I wanted to use a variety of lenses and filters..I would change for the Canon 10D or the new 20D.

BYork
//www.BigDPhoto.com

Message edited by author 2004-12-09 21:06:18.
12/09/2004 10:07:35 PM · #9
Originally posted by SummerBreeze:

I was wondering, through your experience of working with different cameras & viewing others photos- which camera would be best for proffessional looking photography? Around the $650-700 range. Right now I have an Olympus C-4000 Zoom...should I stick with Olympus, or shoot for another brand? I would also like a camera that would fit many different types of lenses, I notice now with my camera I don't have very many options if I want filters & specific lenses. Any thoughts would be great.


What kind of shooting do you do? Do you think you're ready for a DSLR? It's a big jump in skill level, and especially dollar wise as you will always be wanting to add another lens. If you like your Oly, you could go for the C-8080 for it's 8 mp large prints capabilities. If you want a powerful zoom then a Panasonic FZ20 (like I have) or a Canon S1 IS may be your cup of tea. Finding someone here at dpc that thinks you should get a DSLR just like the one they just bought is easy. Look around, read lots on online reviews, and decide what's right for you.

And BTW- Welcome to dpc!

Message edited by author 2004-12-09 22:13:06.
12/09/2004 11:42:22 PM · #10
Thanks everyone for your input. I'm still debating what to get. I was thinking about the Olympus E20 (Digital SLR). It's not really in my price range, but I did find it for $749 at one online website (as compared to Best Buy which is $1200). I'm not sure if I am ready for something like that, but I'm not bad with learning new technology, and the next camera I get will be the last one (at least for a few years). So, I'd like to get something that will be waiting for me when I get better at photography. I'm not going to be using it for professional use, but I would like to take "professional looking" shots of: nature, portrait, holiday lights, weather, etc.
12/10/2004 12:47:28 AM · #11
I just procured a Sony f828, but I still love my Sony f707. Really wonderful shots for a nod-dslr. I won't be getting any other camera for some time....


12/10/2004 01:16:05 AM · #12
i'd wait to see what the new olympus e300 dlsr price is. i love my d70 but definitly love the images ive gotten from my olympus point n shoot. olympus just doesnt have the lens variety that nikon/canon have. if your not gonna get a dslr maybe look at the olympus c8080. in my opinion olympus gives better images than canon.
12/10/2004 01:43:38 AM · #13
Originally posted by undieyatch:

Olympus does have some interesting equipment, this is one that looks very good.
E300


Have you checked into the very worthwhile e301?

12/10/2004 02:20:40 AM · #14
Olympus C765,$350,10 X zoom ,spot/average metering.......
12/10/2004 02:39:09 AM · #15
That E300 looks great, perhaps I will go with that one... 8.0 megapixels, that's amazing. Thanks for the link!
12/10/2004 05:11:30 AM · #16
Originally posted by Koriyama:

Originally posted by undieyatch:

Olympus does have some interesting equipment, this is one that looks very good.
E300


Have you checked into the very worthwhile e301?


Ha! Good to know that I shall be one better than the new Olympus DSLR :-0 Oh man though, the temptation to have to go out and get one ... just for the laugh.

My Nikon actually has my name written on it (where it says ED on the lens), the idea of having a camera that almost had my username on it ...
12/10/2004 05:32:11 AM · #17
just remember - the photographer's skills are just as responsible (probably more so) than the actual camera itself for the outcome. no camera will produce 'professional looking photography' if the owner does not produce professional looking work. also consider that dSLRs tend to produce images that look more muted and less sharp out of the camera, because it allows for greater editing flexibility in photoshop. i can't remember who posted this link, but see this for an example: canon camera chart. not trying to discourage you, as i just bought a 300D and love it - but don't place too much emphasis on the equipment.

p.s. i am selling my Sony F717, with everything standard, extra battery (2 total), extra 256mb mem stick pro, x-drive (no hd) for about $500. ;)
(but that has nothing to do with my comments about the necessity to look at your own needs)

Message edited by author 2004-12-10 06:37:27.
12/10/2004 06:36:25 AM · #18
Originally posted by petrakka:

i'd wait to see what the new olympus e300 dlsr price is. i love my d70 but definitly love the images ive gotten from my olympus point n shoot. olympus just doesnt have the lens variety that nikon/canon have. if your not gonna get a dslr maybe look at the olympus c8080. in my opinion olympus gives better images than canon.


It's true that there is a limited lens selection at this point but more are coming very soon. Also remember you can get a range from 14 to 200 mm (f/2.8 - 3.5) with just 2 lens (28 - 400 35mm equiv). The 50mm f/2.0 macro is a very nice and very sharp lens also. Plus Sigma is coming out with some inexpensive lenses also. I find it true what you say about the images from Canon. Even the 20D the images look lifeless and flat to me. Sure they are cleaner but there is more to image quality then just noise free images. I picked up a 20D not to long ago in a store and to tell the truth it felt like a toy next to my E-1. Of course I don't know about the E-300's build but the E-1 is built like a tank. Not trying to start any war here. Please understand that for me there is nothing better then Olympus image quality. It's all a matter of choice.
12/10/2004 07:25:13 AM · #19
Originally posted by SummerBreeze:

I was thinking about the Olympus E20 (Digital SLR). It's not really in my price range, but I did find it for $749 at one online website (as compared to Best Buy which is $1200).


Hi Anne- If I may, a word of caution about internet bargains. There are many crooks and shysters out there. Someone here on DPC referred me to //www.resellerratings.com/ awhile back, and it's the best advice I have received in quite some time. I would check out the bargain store there before placing an order. There are many photo supply stores that are well known and will likely beat a superstore price, also. I would add Canoga Camera to this list of retailers posted by GoldBerry earlier:

Originally posted by GoldBerry:


//www.bhphotovideo.com
//www.henrys.com
//www.vistek.com
//www.adorama.com


As for which camera, from what you have said, I think your best bet is the Canon Digital Rebel. There are tons of reviews online for digital cameras... dpreview.com is a good place to start. You can pick one up with the kit lens for around $800 now, if not better. Good luck with your search, and welcome aboard!
12/10/2004 07:30:17 AM · #20
If you have no Canon/Nikon/Pentax glass etc then take a serious Look at The Minolta D7 - Its rated very highly. I have just read a review in a photog magazine it came out very, very well.

Mike

12/11/2004 12:01:00 AM · #21
Originally posted by e301:

Oh man though, the temptation to have to go out and get one ... just for the laugh.

It's great photographers like you who stand as a testament to the silliness of the "DSLRs shoot better photograph" argument.
12/11/2004 01:05:41 AM · #22
Originally posted by undieyatch:

Olympus does have some interesting equipment, this is one that looks very good.
E300
It's very interesting except for the 2X crop factor.
Seems pretty limiting in terms of wide angle.

Also, any other companies making 4:3 lenses?
12/11/2004 07:48:31 AM · #23
In your prce range, the Panasonic FZ-20 is a really strong contender. The reviews out there are mixed. But based on what I've seen in testing at work, the camera produces very, very good images.

Clara
12/11/2004 07:53:28 AM · #24
Ok, I own the FujiFilm S7000, with which I am extremely pleased and it is going for around US$450. If I was going to buy something for around US$700, I would buy the Nikon 8800. Awesome camera, 8MP, 10x zoom, antishake technology. There is also much to be said for not having to change lenses or carry around a big bag of stuff.

Just my two bits.

Bud
12/11/2004 08:11:33 AM · #25
Originally posted by aguapreta:

Ok, I own the FujiFilm S7000, with which I am extremely pleased and it is going for around US$450. If I was going to buy something for around US$700, I would buy the Nikon 8800. Awesome camera, 8MP, 10x zoom, antishake technology. There is also much to be said for not having to change lenses or carry around a big bag of stuff.

Just my two bits.

Bud


Nikon's a great camera, but I don't see why it's worth more than twice as much as the Panasonic FZ20 which has a larger zoom, F2.8 throughout the zoom range, and an excellent quality lens. You do have to work a bit harder with it though... the metering modes aren't as good as the Nikon's, and I like the idea of the burst mode on the Nikon which automatically chooses the sharpest photo and throws the rest away. But I still think the FZ20's the better camera. Being able to use it at 440mm with F2.8 is a Godsend.

Message edited by author 2004-12-11 08:11:51.
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