What Camera Should I Buy?
Dec 8th, 2006 by Jeremy
I have to hedge this one a bit actually because I really do enjoy talking about photography and I am never one known to not share what knowledge I have. For those of you that don’t read between the lines, you get me started talking on this subject and you have to walk away and maybe even walk fast to get me to stop. Funny how a normally fairly quiet guy can open up when the subject matter fits. Anyway, back on subject. I get asked, often, for camera advice.
In the interest of saving time with some online buddies, here are some valuable links:
DPReview.com - www.dpreview.com
If you want the most in-depth reviews of cameras, photo examples, expert opinions along with feedback from actual users, this is the place. Before I make any camera purchase or give advice for that matter, I start here.
Nextag.com - www.nextag.com
There are tons of price comparison sites, so one is pretty much as good as another. I have typically found the best price at NextTag though. One thing to watch out for, though, is don’t just jump to the lowest price. Often the first 5 or so at the top are shady outfits that will call you to “confirm” your order for a chance to upsell you overpriced accessories. What’s worse, is if you say now to their upsells many of those outfits will “lose” your order. Do a little research on the site before purchasing online. If you are scared online, stick to B&H Photo, who all pro photogs will readily recommend; great service and they don’t jerk you around. If that doesn’t work, try Costco is always a good option for a decent price.
NY Times - link to article
Looking for more direct advice? The NY Times has been running a “best under $300″ article each of the last several years that is a good comparison for a reasonably priced camera. There are tons of other options above that price, but this pretty much covers the price range most are looking for to get a camera for family shots.
So again, though I don’t mind offering my advice, in the interest of my sanity leading up to Christmas, this should push a good number of you in the right direction!
I will definitely be looking at these articles as my husband just bought the Digital Canon XTI for me for Christmas. I am allowed to read the book(s), but can’t start using the camera officially until Christmas Eve. I have always loved taking pictures and own about 10 cameras as of this writing. And finally decided to go “big time” with the Digital.
My preference has always been Canon. There is only one camera that I did not like that I still have - the Canon T50. I used it a couple of times and just never really liked it.
I love the Canon EOS Rebel X - I still prefer taking pictures with film - to me they seem to be more “crisp” looking than digital - even though you can enhance the digitals - but you can now also do that with the film photos since you can have them on CD’s immediately.
I just need them to be able to show me the way to take the pictures–the next camera I will be buying is the one to take with me to the conventions and such, so I have some ‘unusual’ requirements.
Portability is high on the list–trying to pack around my current camera with the costumes is awkward at best-since it doesn’t easily fit into a pouch/pocket or purse.
Next–manipulating the thing. At the very least, try putting on a pair of dress gloves and operating these things! Or longer nails than you are accustomed to having–trying to explain this to a couple of the folks at local shops was driving me insane–is it so hard to understand that I WON’T be able to find the itty bitty little button or slide and move it under these circumstances?
Yes, I want decent resolution–but honestly, unlike my brothers, who take after our dad and do a LOT more GOOD photography than I do, I don’t need to enlarge beyond 8 x 10, and I’m not likely to do that really either. I want to remember that fantastic outfit, or who was at my son’s party.