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OK so both daughters are wanting a DSLR this year. the most basic of models seems to be around $499 ...and thats without video capability which they both want.
Any ideas for a good entry level DSLR? or a premium high quality point & shoot...
I might add that they are 16 and 21, and my budget has definite limitations....also they really want capability to capture some video footage.
so thought I'd open the floor to ideas of any sort....thanks in advance.
DSLRs are for serious photographers, if neither of them has serious ambitions for photography, I wouldn't do DSLR. If you want to get them a serious non-DSLR camera, check out this www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16830180330
It has the ability to record HD Video (1920 x 1080 @ 60fps), has an excellent optical zoom rating, takes very high (by megapixel) pictures.
It does not have the ability (based on my reading) to swap out lenses, and it doesn't have as many of the fancy shooting modes, and that kind of stuff, but I personally would be thrilled with that camera, aside from not being able to take it to bonnaroo.
If either of your children have real ambitions to be professional photographers, and want you to buy them a camera, tell them next year, and get a second job now. It doesn't end with buying the camera, they need this lens for this, that lens for that, this flash for this, and buying premium components for those cameras gets very pricey.
My recommendation is to get them a high end point and shoot.
I bought a sweet DSLR.
1. Now I am taking a class at Vandy in Jan. so I know how to use the fucker.
2. Most venues won't let you take them in without a press pass. You can try to sneak one in, but they weigh a ton. Try to get that in your cute little concert purse.
3. The thing is like a woman. It wants more and more gadgets and lenses. Each one is more expensive than the last. It never ends!
4. Too scared to take it to Bonnaroo. Might get stolen or God forbid, dust in it.
I am sure many on here have found a way to solve these issues. And I don't regret my purchase. I will enjoy it once I learn how to use it. But for now, the b!tch is in her expensive camera bag ;D
I've kind of given up on cameras, they're always getting better and cheaper and I'm always left in the dust scratching my head.
Slightly on/off topic, here's a question I don't want to make a thread for; I have and iPhone, and I like the video quality of the camera just fine, but are there any external mics you can get for it that would be ideal in taping? I've seen some iPhone recorded bootlegs that sound just phenomenal, and I was wondering how the hell that was attainable with the shit built in mics.
Thanks for that... looks cheap enough and that video is pretty convincing. I think I'm about to buy this, lol. Also, it's going for under $3 on Amazon...
thanks everyone - I did do a search for an old thread thinking that there might be one but did not find it.
I'm really leaning to the nice point/shoot for many issues: cost, portability, cost, practicality, cost, and, oh, did I say cost.
and they're both good kids - both have jobs, and by no means are they spoiled brats. The youngest actually has aspirations to be a journalist - the older is very artistically talented, so one day they might benefit from a DSLR, just not right now.
I think if I told them that they couldn't take it to Bonnaroo that would seal the deal, too.
Post by rideincircles on Dec 7, 2010 15:16:24 GMT -5
The Canon SX30 is a good option for a megazoom which sounds like what you are aiming for. I have a Canon SX1 ($600) which is just under the DSLR class but lacks capability in low lighting. I use it for almost all concerts and festivals i have been to. Only two venues have turned me away, Funfunfunfest since they said the video was professional and Stubb's in austin which is notorious for it. Other than that almost all my photos from festivals have been by using it.
Usually the point on passing and failing the entrance test is a detachable lens. I had it checked by 3 people before making sure of that and made it through. My camera has awesome video capabilities but the only issue is it doesn't handle bass or extreme volumes in front of speakers. I am not sure if the SX30 fixed this issue. My pocket Canon SD790 is only 640 x 480 video but can handle any type of volume you throw at it and sounds awesome.
I am probably gonna resurrect the other camera thread since I am now looking to finally upgrade to a DSLR. I have taken about 20000 photos from travelling concerts festivals and whatnot in the past 2 years. I can take good photos, just limited by the capabilities of my camera.
Also, the links in my signature are examples of my photos and videos from the past 3 years of concerts and festivals.
In regards to breaking cameras, get a 3 year warranty from squaretrade.com I already had my Canon repaired through them after 1.5 years from lens errors along with getting my iphone replaced. It is highly recommended and covers accidental damage. My iphone fell in the toilet and was replaced overnight once I filed the claim.
My recommendation is to get them a high end point and shoot.
I bought a sweet DSLR.
1. Now I am taking a class at Vandy in Jan. so I know how to use the quacker.
2. Most venues won't let you take them in without a press pass. You can try to sneak one in, but they weigh a ton. Try to get that in your cute little concert purse.
3. The thing is like a woman. It wants more and more gadgets and lenses. Each one is more expensive than the last. It never ends!
4. Too scared to take it to Bonnaroo. Might get stolen or God forbid, dust in it.
I am sure many on here have found a way to solve these issues. And I don't regret my purchase. I will enjoy it once I learn how to use it. But for now, the b!tch is in her expensive camera bag ;D
1. I can probably teach you more in 2 hours about using your camera than you can learn in your class.
2. Agreed
3. 50mm f/1.8 is less than $90.
4. Dust is an easy fix. You have a built in automatic sensor cleaning function. If that's not enough shoot RAW and use the "dust delete data" function on the included DPP software (see manual pg 151). Worst case scenario, send it to VA for cleaning. You will have it back in less than five business days.
Regarding the OP, I'm totally biased and will not comment beyond that.
Post by questionablesanity on Dec 14, 2010 12:44:18 GMT -5
Once I bought a DSLR, I was hooked. I've since spent over $8k on camera gear.
I get my camera into clubs all the time. Larger venues, not so much.
It can get expensive with all of the add ons that you buy (lenses, straps, tripods, etc...) but they are items that can last a lifetime.
I take my cameras and gear to all festies that I go to. I;ve never had problems with dust and I change lenses quite often.
Panasonic makes a couple of nice super zooms that have manual functions and video. That's the route that I would go if I were buying for someone who was just getting into photography. They can learn on a $300-400 camera and go from there. I briefly read an article on their newest point and shoot (around $500) and it said that the images were comparable to many DSLRs.
A Thieve's Parade 2/24 Conspirator 2/26 Kevin Smith 3/11 Keller 3/17 Papadosio 3/18 JJ Grey 3/25 Bela Fleck/Edgar Meyer 3/26 Toubab Krewe 3/27 O'Death 4/11 Budos Band 4/22 EOTO 4/28 Summer Camp 5/6-29 All Good
Once I bought a DSLR, I was hooked. I've since spent over $8k on camera gear.
I get my camera into clubs all the time. Larger venues, not so much.
It can get expensive with all of the add ons that you buy (lenses, straps, tripods, etc...) but they are items that can last a lifetime.
I take my cameras and gear to all festies that I go to. I;ve never had problems with dust and I change lenses quite often.
Panasonic makes a couple of nice super zooms that have manual functions and video. That's the route that I would go if I were buying for someone who was just getting into photography. They can learn on a $300-400 camera and go from there. I briefly read an article on their newest point and shoot (around $500) and it said that the images were comparable to many DSLRs.
If you are going to buy an SLR buy Canon or Nikon. They have more lens choices and make better cameras. When people get an SLR they invest in lenses and then they upgrade to a better body from the same company. Investing in Panasonic, Sony, Pentax, Olympus, Et al is a bad investment. When you are ready to upgrade you're not really uping the grade all that much. If someone wants to get into photography they want to have someplace to go from the start. Other manufacturers have a very definite "ceiling" of progress. Canon and Nikon have everything from consumer to super high end professional SLR's. Pro's use those brands or super high end digi-backs like Hasselblad. Many of my work accounts are switching from Hasselblads to 35mm full frame DSLR's due to cost.
As far as the image quality of a $500 P&S, yes they are great (I have four of them in that range), but they are not even close to the versatility of and resulting image quality of SLR's due to sensor size.
As far as the Panasonic video, well they made a TV commercial highlighting the video on their micro 4/3 mirrorless (allegedly professional) camera.
They shot the entire commercial with a Canon 5D mark II SLR. Someone was even dumb enough to put the behind the scenes video on you tube for a day.
Post by questionablesanity on Dec 14, 2010 22:36:17 GMT -5
Maniac, I think you misread my post. I was recommending the Panasonic superzooms, not DSLR. If I was a parent buying a teenage girl a camera, I'd buy an advanced point and shoot just due to the cost. I've seen so many people buy DSLRs and never use them because they didn't understand what they were getting into when they purchased it.
I do find it interesting that some of your accounts are switching away from Hasselblads. But with the newest sensors, why wouldn't you switch? $5-7k vs $25k. hmmmm, that's a no brainer.
I know that you're a Canon guy but have you heard any rumors of the new Nikon D700s/800 or whatever they're gonna call it? I'm waiting on that model to come out to upgrade to full frame. I hear that it'll have the D3 sensor and shoot 1080 video.
A Thieve's Parade 2/24 Conspirator 2/26 Kevin Smith 3/11 Keller 3/17 Papadosio 3/18 JJ Grey 3/25 Bela Fleck/Edgar Meyer 3/26 Toubab Krewe 3/27 O'Death 4/11 Budos Band 4/22 EOTO 4/28 Summer Camp 5/6-29 All Good
Maniac, I think you misread my post. I was recommending the Panasonic superzooms, not DSLR. If I was a parent buying a teenage girl a camera, I'd buy an advanced point and shoot just due to the cost. I've seen so many people buy DSLRs and never use them because they didn't understand what they were getting into when they purchased it.
I do find it interesting that some of your accounts are switching away from Hasselblads. But with the newest sensors, why wouldn't you switch? $5-7k vs $25k. hmmmm, that's a no brainer.
I know that you're a Canon guy but have you heard any rumors of the new Nikon D700s/800 or whatever they're gonna call it? I'm waiting on that model to come out to upgrade to full frame. I hear that it'll have the D3 sensor and shoot 1080 video.
I did read your post. I just misinterpreted it.
I don't keep up with the rumors too much. Too busy. I know there is talk of a 700 Ds or Dx. I don't put too much stock in the rumors, but I don't keep track like I said. I have enough trouble fielding rumor questions about Canon stuff (which are almost always false).
As far as the Hasselblad thing, a lot of product photography studios realize that they can buy a few full frame 35mm SLRs and a fleet of lenses for the cost of repairing a Hasselblad. Cheaper to own and service and they need less frequent service hence the switch.
Assuming you are talking about the new Nikon D700 (which also has a pretty new high speed high tech flash to go along with it Here's the last specs I saw on it (excuse the drool ;D)
•Costs about $3,000 USD •Only accepts one compact flash card •Does not have a release switch for the compact flash door – it pops loose and snaps shut •Does indeed have a pop up flash •Has a similar or identical screen to the Nikon D300 and D3 •Has a similar or identical eyepiece to the Nikon D2x and D3 •FX full frame lens system •Self cleaning sensor •Optional vertical grip
Post by Fishing Maniac on Dec 15, 2010 14:50:43 GMT -5
We're talking about the replacement that is rumored to be coming soon. My guess is it will be announced at the Consumer Electronics Show this January if the rumors are true. But like I said, I don't follow the rumors.
^^^Camera geeks unite - and to think - my child is going to major in Photojournalism *shaking head* not sure what I did to her
On another note - I wish I had a few thousand $$$ just to spend on a camera - but I don't so I will continue to use my nifty little Nikon P80 that takes pretty good pictures for what it is.
well, update. Husband found them a sweet deal on a package from Sams Club for Canon XTi (I might be messing up the name, it seems to be a step above the XSi which I had researched....anyway, consists of camera, 2 lenses, bag, and all the related cords, etc, and strap...for just over $700. So he bought it. Didn't consult me. As much as I am working lately I am actually happy that he took care of it, as I was beginning to get quite stressed about having no time to shop.
They will be delighted...I know that they are both artistically inclined and will expect some great things. The 16 year old will be forbidden to take hers to any concerts, large parties, etc. She is on yearbook staff so I will allow her to take it to some select school events - think it will be a good learning experience for her.
Neither one will be allowed to take theirs to Bonnaroo, in the car or otherwise. Since they are going with me, that one will be easy to enforce
so they will both just have a pretty small pile under the tree...but I think will be happy. Thanks to everyone for the info and suggestions...please keep it coming. I know that several of you are very talented photographers.
The 16 year old will be forbidden to take hers to any concerts, large parties, etc. She is on yearbook staff so I will allow her to take it to some select school events - think it will be a good learning experience for her.
This is awesome since my 17 year old is on newspaper and is way way into cameras
Neither one will be allowed to take theirs to Bonnaroo, in the car or otherwise. Since they are going with me, that one will be easy to enforce
and the above is awesome because the 17 year old (who will have just turned 18 by then) will be at Bonnaroo with us this year - we should really get the two of them together. I bet they would get along very well.
^^ would love to get them together Meg! She will have just turned 17 on June 1st. They sound as if they have quite a bit in common. their moms do anyway
btw, they are on cloud 9 with the cameras. they have already gotten a few incredible shots this weekend, and just as several of you warned, they are already looking ahead to other lenses, accessories, etc.
^^ would love to get them together Meg! She will have just turned 17 on June 1st. They sound as if they have quite a bit in common. their moms do anyway
btw, they are on cloud 9 with the cameras. they have already gotten a few incredible shots this weekend, and just as several of you warned, they are already looking ahead to other lenses, accessories, etc.
Just wait - Jessica is way infatuated with film cameras at the moment - she has a Diana, wants a Holga and a twin lens. I almost bought her a pin hole camera today.
But she is having lots of fun with it - just submitted a portfolio of her work to the Scholastic competition.
A Thieve's Parade 2/24 Conspirator 2/26 Kevin Smith 3/11 Keller 3/17 Papadosio 3/18 JJ Grey 3/25 Bela Fleck/Edgar Meyer 3/26 Toubab Krewe 3/27 O'Death 4/11 Budos Band 4/22 EOTO 4/28 Summer Camp 5/6-29 All Good
Not sure what all this DSLR crap is exactly, but this lovely Popsiclesarah of mine got me a GoPro Hero HD. 100% waterproof cover, 1080 p's and 170 degree widescreen lens. if you see some goofball walkin around Roo with a little box on a headstrap, I am prolly filming you picking your friends wedgie. On a serious note though, I cant wait to get some good photos and vids of just walking around at brunch and centeroo with that thing. Anyone here got any experience with that camera?