any camera guys, shutterbugs?
#1
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My wife wants a Digital SLR camera. She's had a great 35mm camera she used for years. What do I need to look for? I want to spend less than $750 bucks if possible. What would you guys recomend.
JetskiBrian, what do you use to keep the water off yours, is it a case or is it the camera?
JetskiBrian, what do you use to keep the water off yours, is it a case or is it the camera?
#6
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My wife wants a Digital SLR camera. She's had a great 35mm camera she used for years. What do I need to look for? I want to spend less than $750 bucks if possible. What would you guys recomend.
JetskiBrian, what do you use to keep the water off yours, is it a case or is it the camera?
JetskiBrian, what do you use to keep the water off yours, is it a case or is it the camera?
#7
Senior Member

I am a professional photographer who owns both Canon and Nikon gear. This includes Nikon's D3s, D700 and Canon's 1DIV and 2 1DIII's. A great camera is nothing without great lenses and great lenses are WAY over your budget. With that said I would look at the Lumix GH1. It's a great entry level SLR that won't break your bank, takes amazing photos and is easy to travel with.
Side note, Last month I was in Florida shooting USASF Worlds at Disney with well over $15,000 worth of Canon gear. Part of the gig included free hopper passes to the parks on our off days before and after the event. My choice of camera to walk around with was my iPhone 4, the last thing I wanted strapped to me was a large SLR camera.
Side note, Last month I was in Florida shooting USASF Worlds at Disney with well over $15,000 worth of Canon gear. Part of the gig included free hopper passes to the parks on our off days before and after the event. My choice of camera to walk around with was my iPhone 4, the last thing I wanted strapped to me was a large SLR camera.
Last edited by luketrot; 05-25-2011 at 06:34 AM.
#8
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yup, prime glass is the best for better pics .i have all prime glass myself .i agree with what luketrot says
from 200mm to 800mm 2.8s 1.4s and so on .depending what you are shooting for .long range shooting or portrait type stuff.
You can take a cheap body and put some prime glass in front of it .and get quality pics .
from 200mm to 800mm 2.8s 1.4s and so on .depending what you are shooting for .long range shooting or portrait type stuff.
You can take a cheap body and put some prime glass in front of it .and get quality pics .
#9
Senior Member


Most recommendations will come from what people own. I agree with what was posted earlier what glass does she have now? Then look to that brand. One thing to remember about 35 mm glass vs digital glass is your "old" wide angle will not be as wide because of the cmos chip is smaller than 35mm making a 28 about as wide as a 50mm. I shoot a Sony 900 which uses a full size chip with 25 mps. and my old glass (Minolta) works great. But the price of that camera is way out of your range. The latest digital slr's are now coming with the ability to shoot movies. I myself do not find this as a positive. I want to shoot stills. But I am in the vast minority on this issue. The other interesting problem is the moment you purchase what ever body it is obsolete. The technology moves very fast in digital.
#11
Senior Member

I am a professional photographer who owns both Canon and Nikon gear. This includes Nikon's D3s, D700 and Canon's 1DIV and 2 1DIII's. A great camera is nothing without great lenses and great lenses are WAY over your budget. With that said I would look at the Lumix GH1. It's a great entry level SLR that won't break your bank, takes amazing photos and is easy to travel with.
In the price range you are looking at I think you need to just got to a camera store and see which one you like the look and the feel of the best. The image quality of cameras from Nikon, Cannon, Pannasonic, Sony, Olympus, and Pentax are all similar in the entry level products.
Like some one else said check out dpreview
Some cameras to think about
Panasonic G10 $370.00
http://www.adorama.com/IPCDMCG10KR.html
Panasonic GH1K $649
http://www.adorama.com/IPCDMCGH1KL8.html
#12
Senior Member

A little OT, but the Canon G12 is worth a look. Small, convenient and 90% of a DSLR. The IQ is close to the big guns at half the price (about 500). Little difference in enlargments up to 8x10. Lots of pro's use them for publication and internet. Raw mode for PS as a nice feature as well.
#13
Admirals Club

I absolutely love my Nikon D800. But, I never take it on the boat because I'm afraid of getting it wet or otherwise screwin' it up. So, I use my old Kodak 4330 digital on the boat.
As mentioned, the key is the lenses and the AFS lenses for Nikon each bring a pretty penny! I was amazed when I started shopping around for additional lenses.
Anybody want to buy a 35mm Minolta SRT201 with a couple of lenses? Great camera, but has sat in it's camera bag and collected dust for the last 10 years or so!!
As mentioned, the key is the lenses and the AFS lenses for Nikon each bring a pretty penny! I was amazed when I started shopping around for additional lenses.
Anybody want to buy a 35mm Minolta SRT201 with a couple of lenses? Great camera, but has sat in it's camera bag and collected dust for the last 10 years or so!!
#14
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I absolutely love my Nikon D800. But, I never take it on the boat because I'm afraid of getting it wet or otherwise screwin' it up. So, I use my old Kodak 4330 digital on the boat.
As mentioned, the key is the lenses and the AFS lenses for Nikon each bring a pretty penny! I was amazed when I started shopping around for additional lenses.
Anybody want to buy a 35mm Minolta SRT201 with a couple of lenses? Great camera, but has sat in it's camera bag and collected dust for the last 10 years or so!!
As mentioned, the key is the lenses and the AFS lenses for Nikon each bring a pretty penny! I was amazed when I started shopping around for additional lenses.
Anybody want to buy a 35mm Minolta SRT201 with a couple of lenses? Great camera, but has sat in it's camera bag and collected dust for the last 10 years or so!!
Mine, like yours is in the bag, on the shelf.
Now, back to the OP.
.
#15
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x2 on ken rockwell website. I have read his stuff for years: http://www.kenrockwell.com/index.htm
#18
Senior Member

Love the FF of the D3s matched with the 200/2 and it's ability to crop in to 1.3x and 1.5x but the AF on the Canon counterpart is noticeable faster. I switched over to Nikon last year because for the ISO performance and the added DOF shooting FF. It took a while to get use to the reverse zoom. Just wish Nikon would release a new 135/2
#19
Senior Member

While better cameras and better glass can produce better shots,in the end the most important thing is that who pushes the buttons. Get her something light and rugged so she is not scared to use it. Once she gets the feel of digital,then the fun begins with better glass,bodies etc etc.
Armando
Armando
#20
Senior Member

Actually, I find myself gravitating back to film, glad I didn't sell the Canon 1n. Digital is the choice for the working pro, but there's something about the feel and simplicity of film cameras. No convoluted menu's, no incompatible batteries, no PS for that matter. The D5 is the one gathering a little dust.