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03/10/2009 08:24:25 AM · #1 |
I have been "retired" from photography a long time, as result I have no idea about new cameras. First I have made a search here but ...
I need advice for 2 cameras, the first one is for my nephew, soon to be 9 years old, I would like to buy him a nice compact, no need of too many pixels but not a "toy", he's quite responsible and understands that a camera is delicate; I prefer with battery and not AA or AAA.
I have difficulties to move so I really would appreciate your help as it's not easy for me to visit stores.
The second one is for my brother in law, he wants a DSLR. I can't say he's a good photog, but he trusts me so I would like to say him "Take the Canon xxx or the Nikon xxx, have a look at Pentax/Sony/etc model xxx". I really have no clue. For budget, let's say max 1000$ for a kit, with integrated sensor cleaning if possible.
I know that I surely could find something surfing the net but I prefer first hand impressions from people who enjoy photography.
Thank you very much for your help !
Have a nice day !
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03/10/2009 08:38:38 AM · #2 |
| For the DSLR I would highly recommend the Nikon D90. It has all the programed modes and also the auto mode for beginners as well as full manual. It is also advanced enough to grow with your photography. The HD video on it is an ok toy, but it won't replace a real video camera. It also has practically the same sensor that Nikon's entry level pro camera, the D300, has. The D90 is kind of a bridge between the full on pro cameras and the hobbiest cameras. The cost with kit lens is right around $1000. |
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03/10/2009 08:40:56 AM · #3 |
So many choices! For the nephew there are numerous options, most of which can't go wrong. If it were me, I'd set a budget and let him choose (so many subtleties with "cool" factor).
Similar situation for your brother-in-law. $1000 will buy a nice DSLR kit without question these days. Ergonomics could play a factor here for an adult. For someone starting out without an investment in glass, the options are many. Canon & Nikon are huge in market share so there's a lot of options. Pentax and Sony are also strong players with nice options as well. Personally I like the in-body image stabilization that's available with several vendors so I'd look for that. Secondly, the integrated sensor cleaning is highly overrated from feedback I've seen on it. My DSLR has it, but it doesn't seem to matter that much - if you're swapping out lens in a dusty environment, and you're not careful, you will see dust bunnies.
Good luck (with both the selection and also wading thru the various opinions soon to follow). :-) |
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03/10/2009 08:55:25 AM · #4 |
Wish my twin nephews were that careful! I bought them both Coolpix L5's Christmas of '07 and one of them was broken 30 minutes after opening. The second one is now MIA.
There are some nice compacts on the market for a good price. Are you talking pocket sized, or more of a baby SLR style? The Canon A series has a good rep. Most of them have viewfinders and some manual control, but they use AA's like most of this class. If a bridge camera is more of what you want for the nephew, I have been very pleased with my Powershot S5. It still brings me some of my best shots. I believe the Powershot SX10 is the newest version of this design.
Message edited by author 2009-03-10 08:55:47. |
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03/10/2009 08:56:07 AM · #5 |
I had a Canon Powershot and when I upgraded, I gave it to my kids to take photos.
It is one tough camera let me tell you. the kids are fairly careful with it, but the 4 year old is kinda not so careful.
It has been dropped, stuck in the dog food to get a shot, dragged around in Police cars in the mud, stuck in fire engines, dropped many many mannnnnnnnnny times.
the only thing that has broken on it after all this, would be the viewfinders little plastic cover, it has slid and so really hard to see through it, but the pull out live screen still works.
I would recommend this camera with all my might, it is brilliant
should add: it is about 5 years old now, the kids have had it for 2 years and it still goes strong
Message edited by author 2009-03-10 08:57:08. |
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03/10/2009 09:08:06 AM · #6 |
An update on my opinion...
Canon Powershot - now that it's mentioned, I have to say it is a tough camera overall. My wife has had a couple of them - one handed down to the kids (which they now don't like because it's too "big" - Nikon Coolpix is preferred size for teens). The Powershot's in our household have not been babied, that's for sure.
Oh, and regarding AA batteries. I'd reconsider that point. Nothing more frustrating than being somewhere and your battery is dead AND the special charger is at home (or you have it but it's at the hotel, etc...). AA's can be bought anywhere, and if you keep a couple sets of rechargeables it's not too bad $$$ wise in general. |
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03/10/2009 09:17:10 AM · #7 |
lots of decent P&S cams out there these days.
I think you are right to look at something new. I recommended the A80 to my sister some years back and she's done great with it.
It has manual controls for when she might want it (or I might want it :) and simple function for everything else.
I'd look at whatever is currently equivalent.
I'd strongly suggest looking for one that has a VIEWFINDER if you can find one. One of the strengths of the A80 is that the viewfinder is glass, not LCD, which affords both a good ability to be creative (great for panning) and gives the sense of actually using a camera, not doing everything by looking at the screen on the back. (yeah, I know, lots of large format and medium format use a screen, and I also call a 'flip and twist' screen a necessity for me, but putting the camera to the eye is a special experience too IMHO).
As to the DSLR. There's a lot out there right now.
You could look at the D90. It's fantastic. I've used a few of them at photo club meets. So much fun taking vids with the 50mm f/1.8. (and such crappy sound! yech)
I'd also recommend taking a look at the very interesting recent release by Panasonic. It looks like a fantastic choice for a 'one lens, always amateur' type shooter. If you think that he isn't likely to put effort into his hobby and he just wants something to take a few snaps with, it's definitely worth a look. It appears to have a significantly superior movie mode to the 'first' D90.
info here
and here.
Take note of that interesting 28-280mm equivalent (14-140) f/4-f/5.8 silent focus lens that I'm sure will be of note for him.
I've got no idea what it is going to retail as with the lens, but I would be surprised if a grand couldn't snag you a body and lens.
What, no Canon or Pentax recom from me? I think the Panasonic would be very well suited for your description of your brother in law.
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03/10/2009 09:26:27 AM · #8 |
Originally posted by eschelar:
... well suited for your description of your brother in law. |
What description? :-D |
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03/10/2009 09:30:13 AM · #9 |
| The Panasonic LUMIX series are very good point and shoot cameras...great glass and they use an actual chargeable battery, not AA or AAA. The photos are quite nice and lots of options, but still a pocket sized P&S. (My 2¢) |
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03/10/2009 09:39:26 AM · #10 |
Originally posted by mambe:
The second one is for my brother in law, he wants a DSLR. I can't say he's a good photog, but he trusts me... |
So what do we know from this?
The guy wants a DSLR.
He's not a good photog - presumably comfortable with this
He doesn't care to spend a lot of time doing research on his purchase
He doesn't have any specific features or requests for a camera that he is going to be dropping a grand on.
He's willing to trust Mambe's opinion even though she begins her thread with 'I've been out of photography for a number of years' and states that she doesn't really know modern digi cams. Presumably she would have told her brother in law the same.
He's not concerned about brand, so that also indicates that he probably never had a camera that he was really particularly fond of for many years that he took all kinds of great pics with.
So all this gives the impression of a guy who is not really anxious about technology, just wants a simple camera, probably with just one lens that covers pretty much whatever. He'd probably like to enjoy a couple of fun bells and whistles so long as they don't take up a lot of his time and don't involve a strong learning curve. And while he doesn't mind carrying a slightly larger bag around, he doesn't want to lug a huge kit all over the place.
he just wants to take some pics of his family, outings and the odd other thing here and there. He'll probably never print anything more than a 4x6 and probably shoots less than a hundred images a year or so.
Yeah, I could be way wrong, but that's just the impression I got. How did I do Mambe?
;-D
Message edited by author 2009-03-10 09:40:26. |
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03/10/2009 09:46:42 AM · #11 |
I think your brother-in-law should consider the Pentax DSLR's. All current models offer in-body image stabilization. When combined with lens compatibility with any Pentax mount lens ever sold (screw mount included if you purchase an adaptor), that means every lens has image stabilization. All you need to do is match price point to features. Here is a list from Steve's Digicams.
Tim |
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03/10/2009 03:29:09 PM · #12 |
Originally posted by eschelar:
Originally posted by mambe:
The second one is for my brother in law, he wants a DSLR. I can't say he's a good photog, but he trusts me... |
So what do we know from this?
The guy wants a DSLR.
He's not a good photog - presumably comfortable with this
He doesn't care to spend a lot of time doing research on his purchase
He doesn't have any specific features or requests for a camera that he is going to be dropping a grand on.
He's willing to trust Mambe's opinion even though she begins her thread with 'I've been out of photography for a number of years' and states that she doesn't really know modern digi cams. Presumably she would have told her brother in law the same.
He's not concerned about brand, so that also indicates that he probably never had a camera that he was really particularly fond of for many years that he took all kinds of great pics with.
So all this gives the impression of a guy who is not really anxious about technology, just wants a simple camera, probably with just one lens that covers pretty much whatever. He'd probably like to enjoy a couple of fun bells and whistles so long as they don't take up a lot of his time and don't involve a strong learning curve. And while he doesn't mind carrying a slightly larger bag around, he doesn't want to lug a huge kit all over the place.
he just wants to take some pics of his family, outings and the odd other thing here and there. He'll probably never print anything more than a 4x6 and probably shoots less than a hundred images a year or so.
Yeah, I could be way wrong, but that's just the impression I got. How did I do Mambe?
;-D |
LOL have had a good time reading this ! Thank you !
My brother in law is a good guy but I would never let him use my camera (even if it's a Canon 350D rebel).
He has a Nikon digital compact and a relex (not digital, can't remember the brand).
I appreciate him very much but he doesn't have an eye for photography, backlit photos mostly with no artistic effect and blurred photos but again not artistic.
I suppose that he may think that a better camera would improve his skills and/but I don't want trouble in the family for telling him to forget about photos or to take that more seriously. Peace is good !
Thank you ALL for the advices ! You have been very kind, there are so many new cameras and I'm glad to be able to give my brother in law good advices.
I would consider the AA or AAA too !
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03/10/2009 03:34:20 PM · #13 |
I love my d90, hard to go wrong with that... Price is in your range.
For the P/S I would consider the Canon D10 coming out soon. More MP than he needs (right now) but will grow with him. It is also ruggedized and waterproof, which could make it not only safer for a 9 year old boy, but more fun to use. He could do underwater shots with this, or go out in the rain and snow with little worry. |
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03/10/2009 03:35:37 PM · #14 |
| For the kid(s) you might check out the Olympus line of waterproof/shock-resistant cameras -- can be had for around $200 I think ... for kids I think not worrying about rain or splashes or a minor drop is a huge advantage, not to mention being able to take underwater shots ... :-) |
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03/10/2009 03:36:55 PM · #15 |
Ha--GeneralE and I are of one mind.
We each get to use it on alternate weeks.... |
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03/10/2009 03:37:32 PM · #16 |
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03/10/2009 03:51:49 PM · #17 |
Originally posted by GeneralE:
For the kid(s) you might check out the Olympus line of waterproof/shock-resistant cameras -- can be had for around $200 I think ... for kids I think not worrying about rain or splashes or a minor drop is a huge advantage, not to mention being able to take underwater shots ... :-) |
I have one of these, and honestly I hate it. If not for the fact that it can go underwater, I'd just toss it. But it's fun for snorkeling. |
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03/10/2009 04:01:11 PM · #18 |
Originally posted by Jdroullard:
Originally posted by GeneralE:
For the kid(s) you might check out the Olympus line of waterproof/shock-resistant cameras -- can be had for around $200 I think ... for kids I think not worrying about rain or splashes or a minor drop is a huge advantage, not to mention being able to take underwater shots ... :-) |
I have one of these, and honestly I hate it. If not for the fact that it can go underwater, I'd just toss it. But it's fun for snorkeling. |
Are there particular problems, or is it more because you're no longer used to/satisfied with the results obtained with a P&S camera? |
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03/10/2009 04:19:34 PM · #19 |
Intriguing request, charming thread. Wish I could help: love to recommend cameras I would like to own but cannot justify purchasing myself!
It does seem your brother in law would be a lot happier with a good bridge camera - Panasonic FZ28, for example. The options of a DSLR might be overwhelming and lost on someone not that interested in the fine points. And your nephew might also enjoy the same camera; there are all the manual options in a addition to a great zoom to allow him to plunge into a world of possibilities....
Okay, so I love Panasonic. Their biggest default is that they DON'T take AA batteries. I wouldn't have thought this until I found Eneloops which are leagues above any other for length of charge, and not losing their charge over time. So Canon might be the better choice in this respect.
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03/10/2009 04:30:46 PM · #20 |
Originally posted by GeneralE:
For the kid(s) you might check out the Olympus line of waterproof/shock-resistant cameras -- can be had for around $200 I think ... for kids I think not worrying about rain or splashes or a minor drop is a huge advantage, not to mention being able to take underwater shots ... :-) |
Waterproof, what a great idea !
When I asked my questions if was sure to get very good ideas from you all. |
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03/10/2009 04:49:40 PM · #21 |
| The Fujifilm S7000 is a decent little bridge camera that now sells for about the same as many pocketable sub compacts. Last time I saw them at wally world, they were about $130. |
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03/10/2009 05:12:12 PM · #22 |
Originally posted by GeneralE:
For the kid(s) you might check out the Olympus line of waterproof/shock-resistant cameras -- can be had for around $200 I think ... for kids I think not worrying about rain or splashes or a minor drop is a huge advantage, not to mention being able to take underwater shots ... :-) |
I forgot about that one. I have the Olympus 720 and it's fun to have (especially since it was free!). I use it for canoe trips, vacation, and sometimes for parties or events when I don't want to lug around anything bigger. It's also shockproof (supposedly up to a 5ft drop - knock on wood, haven't tested that yet). |
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03/10/2009 06:26:26 PM · #23 |
| I gave my Panasonic TZ3 to use, to a friend who was travelling to Prague for a week on business. I have her no instruction whatsoever, just set the camera on "intelligent ISO." She came back with quite a few pretty-good shots, including some that look like they might've been snapped from a moving vehicle. I was a little surprised, as far as I know she doesn't own a camera & has no interest in photography. But we are all 'educated' by TV and the movies to some degree. A P&S camera can live up to the P&S reputation very well, you don't have to spend that much. Snapshots are OK, nothing wrong with that. |
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03/10/2009 08:48:32 PM · #24 |
Remember that some (many?) point and shoots don't have viewfinders any more. And the view screens aren't bright enough for sunlight. I spent a last wee with a new Olympus something or other and was shooting completely blind - Truely a point and shoot. I got a lot of tops of heads and tops of palm trees and missed a lot of action.
I vote for a view finder and AA batteries. |
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