A friend of mine who took a photography course bought a camera that cost about $1000. What websites would you recommend for getting the most bang for your buck with a camera purchase - should I talk to a photography professor to find out what cameras they recommend to their students who want to do this long-term? The technology is changing all the time and the costs may be going down with that in mind.. I just don't want to overspend.
ALSO - what's the best week/month of the year to purchase cameras?
2006-12-30 17:43:24 · 10 answers · asked by Katie 3 in Consumer Electronics ➔ Cameras
Digital camera (I have photoshop, so I can edit my work too).
Great advice so far.. thanks everyone!
2006-12-30 18:29:09 · update #1
From way back when I was big into photography I remember this story. (30 yrs ago) There was a raft trip down the Colorado river in the grand canyon. there were two people on the trip in with all the other people, the first a lady with lots of expensive equipment and the other, a guy with a simple "el cheapo" camera. The guy caught a shot of a raft load of people going down the face of one of the rapids that made the cover of Look magazine and won several prizes. The lady with all the equipment was angry that he with his camera got all the recognition where she had all the "right" equipment. It is not the camera or how many attachments and gadgets you have, it is how well you use what you have. You have to decide what field you are going to work in and let that direct you. I would suggest you set a top of about 4-500 dollars for your camera and learn to use all its features very well. then you will be able to answer your own questions, but remember it is not how fancy the equipment is, it is how good you use it. Have fun (by the way I now use a simple digital with a 5X zoom while my big SONY sits home)
2006-12-30 17:57:37 · answer #1 · answered by auhunter04 4 · 2⤊ 0⤋
If you choose to buy a camera on the internet, be very careful. There are many people who sell grey market items. Make sure it comes with a U.S. warranty card and find out what the stores return policy is before purchasing. Personally, I'd buy from a local reputable dealer. That way if you have a problem you can always go back to the store. Internet purchases require RA #'s, shipping, etc.
As far as what to spend, that depends on what you want to do. Will a simple "point and shoot" do or do you need interchangable lenses? If so, you'll need a DSLR (assuming you're looking for digital not film). Also, the more megapixel's the sharper the image and the higher the cost. Do you need a 10+ megapixel or will a 5 megapixel suffice?
Once you determine EXACTLY what you need, then you can make an informed decision.
2006-12-30 17:56:12 · answer #2 · answered by 1badharley 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
digital or film? Didn't specify.
There is nothing wrong with taking with a professor about starter cameras. They will give you good advices. I tend to like film. You can't beat the feeling when you are developing your own pictures. It's time consuming but you get great results when you know what you are doing. Digital is so instant. Great if you are short on time. Just keep this in mind, what ever type of camera you buy, film or digital, make sure it is the same company. If you want to save money in the long run choose cameras where the lenses are compatible. It's just easier to have a collection of lenses that will mount to film or digital camera body.
I believe Nikon has one for $600 the D40 but the D50 ($899) is better.
2006-12-30 18:02:38 · answer #3 · answered by buddhaboy 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Any SLR camera with interchangeable lenses should be fine for your purposes. Don't ask people, do your own research on CNET or similar review sites. The nicest cameras historically have been canons and nikons though. A good site to look is bizrate. Enter model number and it will give you a number places you can buy with ratings for the stores.
Best time to buy is right before a new model comes out and the model you are buying is being discontinued.
2006-12-30 17:48:11 · answer #4 · answered by Jim Z 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It looks like you want to get intophotography in a big way. Your friend COULD be right. The type I suggest is a digital Single Lens Reflex or DSLR. The Website your on now is excellent, try also dpreview.com My first choice would probably be Nikon. Don't forget with DSLR'S you have complete control over settings, exposure etc. ,as compared to a just point and shoot camera.
2006-12-30 23:46:23 · answer #5 · answered by Vintage Music 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Not necessary to spend a thousand - especially if you are good at editing. I'd say right now is a good time to buy - when there are tons of after holiday sales - stores want to get rid of things left over from holidays to make room for new stock. Either that or back to school sales!
2006-12-30 17:46:11 · answer #6 · answered by Jared L 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
For reviews, sample pictures & price comparisons, I recommend http://www.steves-digicams.com
Generally most professionals choose the products of NIKON, FUJI & Canon
Best cameras in the $1000 - $2000 DSLR category are currently the Nikon D200 + the Fuji S3 Pro
http://www.steves-digicams.com/2006_reviews/d200.html
http://www.steves-digicams.com/2005_reviews/s3pro.html
Under $1000, I say the Nikon D50 + D80
http://www.steves-digicams.com/2005_reviews/nikon_d50.html
http://www.steves-digicams.com/2006_reviews/nikon_d80.html
Though if you look up some of the pictures I have up for review at http://www.thephotographersworkshop.com (username = jduck1979) you can see what I can pull off with a 4.1MP Fuji Finepix A345 digital compact (with the shutter button held in place with Superglue & cellotape after it fell off 5months after I bought it) if I really put my mind to it.
You may be just as well off with something like a Fuji S5200/S5600 or S9000 which are half way between a digital compact & a digital SLR (I guess the term would be similar to a 35mm "Rangefinder" film camera), if doing it just as a hobby instead of going fully pro
http://www.steves-digicams.com/2006_reviews/fuji_s5200.html
http://www.steves-digicams.com/2005_reviews/s9000.html
2006-12-30 23:19:15 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Sony Alfa DSLR
2006-12-30 18:24:32 · answer #8 · answered by koRngear 4 · 0⤊ 1⤋
ASK THE PROFFESSER WHAT HE RECCOMMENDS MOST SCHOOLS WANT YOU TO BUY FROM THEM AS TEND TO MAKE A PROFIT FROM THE SALES DONT BE DUPPED FIND OUT WHAT YOU NEED THEN GO ON EBAY AND BUY ONE
2006-12-30 17:48:21 · answer #9 · answered by jse3_1962 3 · 0⤊ 2⤋
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www.dpreview.com
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2006-12-30 17:45:57 · answer #10 · answered by Fun Haver 3 · 0⤊ 3⤋