I want a good digital camera?

Question

I've been looking at Nikon. Are they any good? Here's the thing, I want something with a good megapixal and mainly, I want a camera that will take still pictures from an active. I want it to do so good that I can wave my hand in front of it and it take a still picture (If that's possible.) Zoom is important to me too but I will take less of that for better pictures. Like I said, I've been looking at the Nikon, but if you have other suggestions, please ... feel free to say so. Thank you guys so much.

Answer 1

Your questions requires other information before it can be answered.
1. Are you looking for a digital SLR (DSLR)?
2. What is your price range - in us dollars?
3. Other than "stop action", which I assume you mean when "waving a hand in front of lens" means, are you looking for? Or did you mean something else?
4. What kind of shots do you take mostly - wide angle, normal, telephoto (far away subjects)?

With that info, we might be able to help. I will say, as a Nikon user for 40 years, you can depend on both Nikon or Canon DSLR. Both have cameras for any level user, any use, and any price range. If you want DSLR, they both have full range of lens or you can buy third party lens - cheaper but not the same quality.

Norm

Answer 2

Stopping action is a product of shutter speed. It also depends, to some extent, on the direction of the action. A runner moving towards you is easier to "freeze" in mid-stride than one moving parallel to you. (While driving down the road notice how things in front of you, such as signs, come at you. Then glance out the side window at the roadside. You'll notice a tremendous difference).

A fast shutter speed is dependent on other factors as well. One is the aperture (aka f-stop) another is ISO and another is the available light. On a bright sunny day, with an ISO of 200 and an f-stop of 5.6 you'll probably be able to stop most action. (An old film Rule of Thumb, called the Rule of 16, states: "On a bright sunny day set your f-stop to f16 and the shutter speed to the reciprocal of the film speed." So if you were using ISO 200 film you'd set the shutter to 1/250 and the aperture to f16 and expect properly exposed negatives. Works just as well with digital). If its overcast you'll have to either "open up" a stop or two to f4 or even f2.8 to achieve the same shutter speed with ISO 200. Of course you can always change the ISO to 400 or even 800. Image quality may suffer some but an advanced camera should have Noise Reduction which helps with higher ISO settings.

In my opinion you need to do more research before making a decision. A good place to start is by reading photography magazines and books on photography. Once you buy your camera, check your local high school or community college to see if they offer adult continuing education courses in photography.

I also strongly suggest you buy your camera from a local camera store. The employees are trained and knowledgeable about the products they sell and can answer questions and offer advice. Try getting that from a big box discounter or a department store or a mailorder house.

Answer 3

I agree with edwin. In addition, you can just use bright light. With more lighting, even a cheap camera can get a clear image in a short amount of time. If you are getting a point and shoot digital camera, make sure it has a "sports mode." It will probably be shown by a picture of a guy running or something like that.

Answer 4

ive trusted canon when it comes to camera. they have all the features you want and more. plus, their cameras are stylish and some are thin enough not to be a burden when you carry them around. you can even use them underwater provided you also purchase the all weather case

Answer 5

i think you should look around sony cybershot cameras like w50 ,n50 .i have w50 and it works great to do those things you've mentioned.