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03/08/2005 07:02:14 PM · #1 |
Hey guys,
I am about to take the digital camera jump (well, the >$200 digital camera world). I know jack about it, so I am reading the tutorials on this site and dpreviews (related?). I was wondering if I could ask a few questions and maybe you guys could give me some recommendations.
I am going to use this for two things, general family pics (vacations, fun, etc.) and sports shots.
I had a Dad last year that had a great camera and he took pics of all the kids and I was able to show them when they had their eyes closed during the swing, etc. So I think that means I want a high "burst rate" or "burst speed".
A lot of the games are at night. A lot of the vacation pics will be in low light. I don't want to have to carry a flash and tripod with me everywhere. I understand that some pics won't ever show up without that level of commitment, but maybe you guys know one that will take as good of a pic as possible without all the goodies.
If I end up liking photography, I'd like something for which I can buy a lens or two and maybe a flash without having to buy a whole new camera.
I'm not going to be printing these out at 8x10. Just a few up on my web page, a few for the fiance's scrapbook, and so on. Maybe some big ones when I am trying to show a kid that he had his eyes closed, but then I wouldn't care if it was not the best quality. I think that means that MegaPixels are not as important as speed for me. I think. Obviously I would still like 4 or 5 MP, but maybe I don't need 8 or 11 or whatever.
I started out, hoping to keep it around $1,000, but I am OK with up to $2,000 if it was the right camera.
I am thinking about just getting a used one (I saw a couple of folks here had something like a 717 for sale) for now and playing with it and figuring out what I really want it to do. But if I can get something new for only a couple of hundred more, I'd probably rather do that.
So I want a camera that takes pics really fast, does decent in low light and allows me to add a lens or two later if needed (this last one would be nice, but isn't a show stopper). What cameras, printers, etc. would you guys recommend and what terms should I be reading about so I can ask more intelligent questions? |
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03/08/2005 07:08:29 PM · #2 |
Yeah, I think youre the guy that emailed me with questions about my f717. I was planning to get around to that later tonight. Anyways, since I'm at it, I might as well talk here. The camera focuses very well in low light due to the night framing option, essentially letting you focus in total darkness. It takes pictures fairly fast, but that is the area where a dslr would be better, although more expensive. The sony f717 also has a 58mm thread to add filters and lenses if you want.
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03/08/2005 07:10:06 PM · #3 |
Hi and welcome! No, DPC isn't related to dpreview, but both are wonderful sites. I would take some time to read and compare and listen to all the suggestions you are going to get. I think the biggest thing you might want to keep in mind is what you have already mentioned - YOUR particular needs and desires. I am quite happy with my little Kodak, and don't see a dSLR in my future for quite a while. I feel I can learn a lot with it while I have the convenience to always have it with me so I can freely experiment. I am sure the folks here will help you in making some of your decisions. I hope you stick around and someday show us your new photos!
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03/08/2005 07:41:36 PM · #4 |
You specifically mention that you would not like to carry a tripod and flash around with you. That means that a stabilizer is very important. Canon, Konica-Minolta and Panasonic all make cameras with a big zoom (10-12x) and stabilizer. Panasonic FZ20 has the best built in flash of the lot, but if you are looking for something smaller, their FZ5 (5 megapixel) is due out shortly. It doesn't have as good a flash and lacks manual focus, but I understand its autofocus will be quicker than their older models. I am seriously considering buying it when it becomes available.
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03/08/2005 07:49:21 PM · #5 |
| nother thing that you might want to do is find out if there is a local camera shop near you. And if there is talk to the guys that work, they generaly know what they are talking about and might be able to help you. Most of all you should make sure that it is a camera that you are comfortable with and that you have tried out before you bought it. |
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