Buying first digital camera...HELP!

[cowboydoc]

No offense Bob but there are NONE in my area. I looked under yellow pages and there just aren't any.

 

[cowboydoc]

Everybody that has contributed,

Is it worth the $1600 for the EOS or the $800 for the Nikon compared to the $400 for the S1? I don't want to do professonal stuff. Just take pics of the girls that look good and the horses for the sale ads??

 

[PineRidge]

Richard here is a well written article on the Nikon CoolPix 8700 with sample pictures. Even I can understand what they are trying to get across. click here

 

[Gatorboy]

Well, from my experience:

I currently have a Fuji 6900Z and have taken about 9000 pictures with it over the past 3 years. This camera is an SLR-like camera similar to the S1. It takes great pictures, but I am now wanting to reach out and do things I can do (or do better) with my film cameras (which I have not used since I bought my digital one).

You would be happy, I'm sure, with the S1 or other similar SLR-like camera. But if you enjoy photography and want (or think some day you may) to take high-quality pictures, action shots, night shots, time exposures, etc. I would look into a digital SLR. The Canon EOS 300D Rebel is a real nice camera that costs less than $900. I have considered this one myself.

 

[cowboydoc]

Gator,

Do you think the SLR would be necessary if you didn't want to be able to change lenses? Would you get about the same photo quality?

 

[Gatorboy]

<font color="blue"> Do you think the SLR would be necessary if you didn't want to be able to change lenses? Would you get about the same photo quality? </font>

Not necessary. In my opinion, you will get a higher quality photo with lenses that can be put on/off a camera rather than one built in. But depending on how **** you are for quality -- you may not notice much difference. You may want to go the path I have taken -- get a lower priced camera and really see how much you will use it and enjoy it. If you find yourself yearning for more, then consider a digital SLR.

When I get around to getting my new camera, my old one will be used by my wife for around the house, family type pictures.

 

[cowboydoc]

<font color="green"> get a lower priced camera and really see how much you will use it and enjoy it. If you find yourself yearning for more, then consider a digital SLR.

When I get around to getting my new camera, my old one will be used by my wife for around the house, family type pictures.
</font>

Yep this is exactly where I am at. I take thousands of pictures every year of the horses for sale ads and of the girls. I'll sometimes take 200 pictures of a horse to get 5 good shots that will show the horse how I want them to be seen in an ad.

I want to get a good camera but I'm not **** either. I know with my limited time it will be something that needs to be easy to use and ready to use at all times. I highly doubt I will ever take the time to change lenses or any of that. What I really need the most is one that will take really good action shots. That is my problem now is I just can't get any good action shots. Still shots the Sony is great, but anything with fast movement is usually not too good of quality.

 

[bmac]

<font color="blue"> Yes I can take still pictures fine and have a really nice Nikon for that. </font>

Richard,

Is your Nikon a 35mm SLR? If so, you may already have an assortment of lenses that would work with a Nikon digital body. If so, you will limit your expenses considerably by staying with the Nikon brand. Should you buy a Canon, then you will need to buy the Canon lenses.

You can call B&H Photo and talk to their sales staff. Tell them what camera / lenses you have and they can advise you on compatibility with a digital body. I have done business with this company for a number of years. Unlike many mail order camera places, these guys are real pros. No high pressure, no bait and switch. You have to be EXTREMELY careful when buying photographic and electronic merchandise online or via the telephone, particularly with New York / New England stores.

My Fuji S1 Pro digital SLR is actually based on a Nikon 35mm body with Fuji electronics. Therefore, it uses Nikon lenses and accessories. As I mentioned earlier, we have made thousands of pictures with it at my office without any technical problems. However, it is used in a controlled environment and is not subjected to the dust, dirt, etc. that yours will be. My model was replaced with the S2 Pro and I understand the S3 Pro will be out soon, if not already (BIG $$$$ for the S3 as I understand).

The reason I bought my wife a digital camera a few years ago was because of the same experience you are having. She would take several rolls of film in for processing and have only a few "keepers" for her scrapbooks. The savings in film processing alone have more than paid for the camera.

Sounds like there are other TBNers who may be more up to date on current models than me. I have not shopped cameras for some time and the models and specs are changing continuously.

Good luck with your purchase.

 

[cowboydoc]

Well I took the plunge today with a Nikon D70. I did this for a couple of reasons. The foremost reason being that I already have four lenses and flash that fit the D70 perfectly from my nikon 35mm. I talked to a friend who is a professional photographer and he said I would be much happier with the SLR as it would give me the shots i was looking for. He narrowed it to the EOS Rebel and the D70 for my experience level and what I wanted to do. He preferred the D70 but said go look at both of them and see which one felt better to me. I looked over both today and I agree. I like the D70 and it's very similiar to using the Nikon 35mm. As soon as I get some pics I'll let you all see them.

Thank you all so much for your help. Talking with my expert you were all right on with your advice and selections. Thanks again for the great help.

 

[bmac]

Richard,
Hope the D70 works well for you. I enjoy helping others spend their money. In your case, however, as I didn't get you to buy additional lenses as well, I feel somewhat unfullfilled. Maybe I can talk you into buying a tripod or something. /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

This forum is wonderful. I have been helped on a number of occassions, directly or indirectly, by many generous members, including you. But, because I really know next to nothing about tractors, I rarely have much to give back. I'm pleased to have been able to offer something useful.