22 replies to this topic

[SlammedNiss]

Not really sure what I'm even looking for. Wife has been wanting a new camera for a couple years now, and with us heading to the NYC area this winter for vacation, I thought it would be a good time to get her one.

The last camera I bought was a 4MP Canon Digital Elf. I like Canons, and would like to stick with that brand if possible. Would also like to spend no more than $600-800. Would also like to buy from Best Buy, so I can get no interest for 12 months, so please stick with models available there.

Any suggestions?

[BobbyT]

Rebel Xti or Xs can be had in that price range with kit lens.

[madbikes]

+1

[SlammedNiss]

Does the general majority suggest the Canon, or should I be looking at other brands?

[2003matrix2003]

well it depends...if u really wanna get into photography i wouldnt suggest the XTI or the XSI there newbie DSLR's...I own an XTI and it takes good pictures...just dont have lotta control. If i could go back i would get a different camera:P

[lezerder2291]

BobbyT, on Sep 10 2008, 12:49 PM, said:

Rebel Xti or Xs can be had in that price range with kit lens.

I bought my camera, The Canon Rebel XTi, from this ^ guy and i spent about $550 on the camera and lens.
the lens i bought used off of b&hphoto.com for $130. i am amazed at how much better my pictures come out compared to my old point and shoot camera.
it was agreat investment. trust me.

[SlammedNiss]

2003matrix2003, on Sep 10 2008, 07:28 PM, said:

well it depends...if u really wanna get into photography i wouldnt suggest the XTI or the XSI there newbie DSLR's...I own an XTI and it takes good pictures...just dont have lotta control. If i could go back i would get a different camera:P

Could you elaborate? After reading several reviews, many people have a hard time just learning to run the camera. She's not looking to get into professional photography, but she's also known to leave the house for a couple of hours to drive around in the country just to take pictures.

This one a good one?

http://www.bestbuy.com/site/olspage.jsp?sk...d=1205537713445

[2003matrix2003]

I think the XSI will be fine Nice camera...takes awesome pictures...just make sure she dont get really hardcore into it or else shes gonna want another camera:P lol

[lezerder2291]

i felt that the Xti was easy to learn how to use.
ive had it for less than a week and i rly noe how to use it now.

[LIFT!!!]

i bought a refurb cannon rebel xt eos for 500 bucks its really great. the digital pics are so fast

[BobbyT]

2003matrix2003, on Sep 10 2008, 07:28 PM, said:

well it depends...if u really wanna get into photography i wouldnt suggest the XTI or the XSI there newbie DSLR's...I own an XTI and it takes good pictures...just dont have lotta control. If i could go back i would get a different camera:P

Nothing wrong with the Rebel series. They are quite capable cameras. Buy one of these and spend your money on lenses. Then upgrade bodies later if it becomes a serious hobby.

[KJ]

Does the size matter to her? (yes, I know - size doesn't matter)

A DSLR is not pocket sized and is actually quite a pain in the rear to drag around on vacations.

If you are looking at a compact Digital camera - then I would suggest a Panasonic Lumix. They take great photos - is small so good for travel and has a 25mm wide angle lens! Great for NY pictures:

Check here: http://www.xanga.com/scottrobert/673296217...am-for-300.html

[BobbyT]

KJ, on Sep 11 2008, 08:12 AM, said:

Does the size matter to her? (yes, I know - size doesn't matter)

A DSLR is not pocket sized and is actually quite a pain in the rear to drag around on vacations.

If you are looking at a compact Digital camera - then I would suggest a Panasonic Lumix. They take great photos - is small so good for travel and has a 25mm wide angle lens! Great for NY pictures:

Check here: http://www.xanga.com/scottrobert/673296217...am-for-300.html

Agreed here. If you are looking for a point and shoot the Lumix is an awesome camera. And if you want to stick with Canon, the G9 is a great camera. Nikon has a G9 equivalent, but I can't think of the model number. KJ, I'm sure knows that model if you are interested in it.

[KJ]

I wouldn't even consider any of the Canon G-Series to be pocket sized. Canon's SD-series are pocket sized and you can get a really nice one for under $200.

In no particular order - for point and shoot - I like... Fuji, Canon, Nikon, and Panasonic. Any one of those will be winners with the features you and your wife will likely use the most.

Best Buy is pretty good with their displays - make sure you go there in person with your wife and man handle each model. Don't focus in only on the specs - but ergonomics are just as important. I tried the SD cameras before and I can barely stand them. The buttons are so tiny and close together that I swear that series was designed for little girls. My hands are not large, but just holding the SD series cameras made them instantly tired and I knew I would not be happy if I got one.

Get them in your hands and play with it. You'll have to live with it so make sure its controls are intuitive to you and your wife and the buttons are comfortable.

[SlammedNiss]

I already have my 3-4 year old 4MP Elph that we'll be taking along as well.

Just bought it from Newegg, along with the Canon starter kit/bag and 8GB SDHC card. Spent $791 shipped, which is less than what I would have had I bought it at Best Buy ($760+tax). I only got 6 months interest free financing, but won't be a problem to pay it off on time.

Thanks for all the input. I better get laid tonight!

Edited by SlammedNiss, 11 September 2008 - 05:56 PM.

[lezerder2291]

SlammedNiss, on Sep 11 2008, 04:55 PM, said:

I better get laid tonight!

LOL
as a reward
ahahahah


so what camera did u decide to go with?
didnt seem to specify in ur last post.

[SlammedNiss]

lezerder2291, on Sep 11 2008, 07:03 PM, said:

so what camera did u decide to go with?
didnt seem to specify in ur last post.

Same one I linked to above, but from Newegg instead of BB.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx...N82E16830120262

[lezerder2291]

ohhhhhhhhhh
u got the XSi.
niceee

[BobbyT]

Congrats on a nice camera. All of the Rebel line is capable of taking some great photos.

[ehcalum]

I am biased to Minolta/Sony. I currently shoot with a Minolta 5D, 7D and 2 Sony a700. Yes I'm a professional photographer

Canon's are fine cameras, as long as you put out for better models and canon glass. Non L series lenses work, but dont have as nice color and speed as non L series glass. Bodies: the Rebel Xi is good, but I would aim for a D40, 20, 30 or 10.

Nikon: Nikons are the snobs of the camera world. Their sensors are the same as Sony sensors, as Sony makes em. Nikon glass is good on all levels but pricey. You should be able to get come killer deals on the D200 now.

Minolta/Sony. Minolta invented the wireless flash and autofocus. Minolta, up until the end ground their own glass and many old timers love the color that only minolta glass gives. The Beercan is the best lens in the world. Sony/Minolta have stability built INTO the body rather than havin to pay extera $$$ for lenses with VR/SR. Sony glass is expensive, your better off looking for 2nd hand Minolta Glass or going with Tamron XR and Sigma EX series glass. Look at the a100, 200 and 300/350 series. a100 was replaced by the 200 and 300 and should be good deals. The 350 has a flippy view screen.

Good luck!