Camera Help (what should I buy)?

Question

I am interested in photography and I would like to get a digital camera for about $500. I am not looking for a professional camera, but I do want my photos to look nice. Please don't tell me what model to buy, but please answer my questions if you can. I would like to have clear pictures, because I like to take close-up pictures of flowers and such, so I would like to know how much optical zoom and megapixels I should have. I also would like to take pictures in motion, like of someone jumping or diving into water, so how many frames per second should I have, or how fast of shutter speed? And should I buy the lense seperate or together with the camera? Lastly, what brands sell the best quality cameras? I am not looking for compact, just as long as it takes good pictures. Thanks!

Answer 1

>> how much optical zoom and megapixels I should have

This answer may come up a lot: it depends. What else do you see yourself using your camera for? Do you see yourself taking pictures of wildlife, sports, or other distant objects? Then you'll need more optical zoom. For the aforementioned subjects, the more, the better, look for 10x or up. However, if you just need some "general use" optical zoom, then you may not need that much, maybe 3-6x zoom. Again, it depends on your use. With an increase in zoom generally comes an increase in the size/form factor of the camera- most of the 10x zoom bodies are "SLR like" in their appearance and size, so that's a consideration.

Megapixels- #1 determinant of this would be how large are you going to print? If you're going to be making large e.g. 13x19inch prints, you'll need more. A good baseline is made using dpi, or dots per inch. As you enlarge your photos, the density of pixels (the dpi number) will decrease. The more pixels you have, the slower that density decreases. As an example, a lot of print labs like your files to be 150-200dpi for enlargements.

As an example, I have a 6mp DSLR that produces 3072 (w) x 2048 (h) resolution pictures. Lets say I wanted to make an 11 x 14" print at 200dpi. Multiply the dpi by each attribute to find out the resolution you need. In this case, you need 2200 x 2800 resolution prints, so my camera would just about meet these requirements. So, use that formula to figure out the resolution figure you need, and then find a camera that produces that resolution or better. The sweet spot in the market right now seems to be 7-8 megapixels.

>> how many frames per second should I have, or how fast of shutter speed?

Here's the distinguishing characteristic of your purchase. As the other poster mentioned, DSLRs are the camera to have if you want a high frames per second rate with low/no shutter lag and capability for high speeds. Again, the number varies according to application- Canon DSLRs range from 3 - 10 frames per second. So, if you really want those capabilities- high fps, low shutter lag- you really may have to save your money for a digital SLR.

If a digital SLR or saving your money is out of the question, look for a camera with a max shutter speed that is greater than 1/2000sec, like 1/2000, 1/3200, 1/4000.

>> And should I buy the lense seperate or together with the camera?

If you get a digital SLR, you'll need the lens, otherwise you won't be able to take any pictures, obviously. If you do get a dSLR, get the kit lens that comes with the camera. Despite people whining and complaining about them, these lenses (usually an 18-55mm lens) are fine starter lenses until you figure out what you need this camera for and then can buy better lenses.

For your flower photography, you will need a dedicated macro lens, which will a prime (fixed focal length- doesn't zoom) lens. Again, this is where a critical decision needs to be made. If you buy a digital SLR, be prepared to invest money in lenses- you'll probably spend many times over the camera cost alone in lenses if you get quality glass. Are you prepared to make periodic investments in lenses? All of these questions need to be considered if you might be purchasing a digital SLR.

Attachments are available for non-digital SLR cameras that are supposed to enhance the ability to take macro photos, but more often than not these attachments will degrade the overall image quality and I believe are not substitutes for a dedicated macro lens on a digital SLR.

>> Lastly, what brands sell the best quality cameras?

This is a question with no definitive answer. Canon and Nikon are consistently ranked 1-2 at the top of the digital photography industry, and for a reason. They are companies primarily dedicated to the manufacture of cameras, and that shows in the quality and sales of their equipment.

Hope this helps to answer your questions. I am not suggesting models, just informing you- if you do make the decision to plunge into the world of digital SLR, the cheapest camera bodies equipped with the basic kit lens will cost your budget and maybe a little more.

Digital SLRs will open up a whole new world of photography for you. It will offer you unparalleled control over your images, and the potential is nearly boundless. There is a steeper learning curve, and you may go through a few months where it seems nothing goes right, but once you get through that period, it will pay off. I would really suggest if you can to save up a little more money and go for a digital SLR, but if you would like suggestions on an advanced point-and-shoot to buy, then feel free to edit your post or contact me.

Answer 2

You have a lot of desires for a small amount of money. So you'll need to shop carefully. One feature to look for is macro focusing since you want to take close-ups. Another feature you'll want is a 6x or so optical zoom. One of the major issues with digicams is called "shutter lag". Some have less than others and its getting better with newer models.

IMO you need to visit a real camera store - not a store that sells 10,001 other things and cameras - and discuss your needs/wants with a trained camera salesperson. They are knowledgeable about every camera they sell. Handle different cameras and see which one has the best "feel" to you. Now BUY your camera from the salesperson who has helped you make an intelligent, informed decision. You now have access to someone who can answer questions, help solve problems and offer intelligent advice. Some stores even offer an hour or two of hands-on instruction with your new camera. Try getting that level of service on the internet or at a discount store.

Its possible that a real camera store may have a trade-in department. You might score a DSLR and a lens or two for your $500 budget. There are plenty of people who simply have to have the latest and greatest and take pennies on the dollar to trade up.

Answer 3

Canon A 640 Canon A 630 Canon A710IS Fuji F30 Fuji F20 Super Zooms: Canon S2 IS Canon S3 IS Sony DSC-H2 Fuji S5200

Answer 4

Here is a good place to start:

http://www.steves-digicams.com/best_cameras.html