Digital SLR?

Question

I'm a tech buff who can't make decisions. I love aviation and I want to get into plane spotting and love to take videos and pictures of exterior and inflight pictures/videos of planes. The guy who made this video: http://youtube.com/watch?v=4X5bPZcfFOo said he had a Fuji Finepix S9100. The sound was EXACTLY like a real flight and the video had good quality. I want the same quality but don't want a Fuji, Pentax, Kodak, or Panasonic camera, as I don't have faith in those brands. My favourite brands in order are Nikon, Sony, and Canon. I want to spend under $500, and eBay is totally awesome with me. I like the Nikon D80, but it's way too expensive, and thought that the Sony DSC-H9 and Canon S5 IS sounded good. I'm only thirteen, but LOVE photography, am responsible, and extremely intelligent to technology and innovation. So basically, I want a very solid, higher-line SLR camera that will be the start of proffesional photography. What is the smartest choice between the two and others? Thx

I don't want a camera like the Canon G9, I want a dSLR or SLR camera. Sorry Edwin!!!

Not 35mm! I want a digital one!!! And I won't buy it used.

Answer 1

There is no $500 dSLR that does all you want. The DSC-H9 isn't a dSLR, neither is the Canon S5 IS.

So is it safe to assume your references to dSLRs are spurious.

However - to answer your question properly, you need to think about what you want the camera to do, and look beyond brand image (although being 13, it's all to easy for you to get brand fixation).

You've seen a Fuji 9100 produce the results you're after - yet you discount a Fuji. You should consider your reasons for doing so and weigh up if they are valid and important enough to discount a camera that you've seen can produce excellent results. The latest in the 9000 range is the S9500. It's good and has 10x optical zoom. It's also full sized and handles just like an SLR - proper manual focus rings and a zoom lens you have to zoom with your hand, not by using a button. This is a very good thing to have, it's far quicker than using a button on the camera to compose your shots.

Another on your list of non starters in Panasonic. I have seen some excellect aviation shots produced with a Z8, although I personally prefer how the Fujis handle. In the Z8's favour, it does have a 12x optical zoom and Image Stabilization that does work well - especially for zoomed in shots of moving planes.

Of the two you like, the Canon is a better camera, just don't be too heavy handed with the screen. Canons since the G2 seem to die with errors relating to the screen connectors failing. In my experience of owning one, and using others belonging to friends, the Sony cameras aren't incredibly reliable or long lasting.

Enjoy whatever you get, but keep an open mind and research your facts a little more beforehand.

Answer 2

DSLRs cannot take videos.
The Fuji S9100 is not a DSLR. The Nikon D80 is.

If you don't like Fuji and Panasonic, you're certainly throwing out two of the top brands in digicams. Nikon DSLRs are one of the best, but their smaller digicams are not really keeping up.

It sounds like you wan tan Ultra zoom style camera. Consider the Panasonic FZ18, the Fuji S8000fd, the Olympus SP560uz or maybe the Canon S5IS. Sony has gotten slammed on their newer H9 over the lousy interface.

I don't prefer the Canon, not for it's lack of quality, but with an 18x zoom lens, the left out the wide angle. 36mm doesn't hold a candle to the 27/28mm wide angles on the Fuji, Panny or Oly. You'll be able to be much more creative with a real wide angle.

Answer 3

Sony Cybershot DSC H9 and Canon Powershot S5 IS are not SLR cameras.
You cannot get a solid higher-line SLR camera under $500.
Some good and economical SLR cameras are:
1. Canon EOS 400 D ( Approx cost USD 925 ) It comes with a standard 18 - 55 lens. You can buy additional Tamron lens with canon fittings to save money rather than going for original canon lens.

2. Nikon D 40 X ( Approx cost USD 1000 ) Comes with a std 18 - 135 lens. For additional lens, buy Tamron lens with Nikon fittings.

The better ones are:

1. Canon EOS 30 D
2. Nikon D 200.

But these are little more expensive.

The best SLR in a low price segment is Canon EOS 400D.

Answer 4

Check the Canon G9. Its around your price range and by the time you master all its features you'll be ready for a DSLR - and probably learning to drive.

To find a DSLR for under $500.00 you'll be buying used. Check ebay or craigslist for your area. Call local camera stores and ask if they have any trade-ins. Some people just have to have the latest version of anything and are always trading up.

When you say "SLR" do you mean a 35mm film one? If so there are dozens to choose from on ebay.

8:10pm Edit: You might find some Chinese knock-off of a DSLR for $500.00 but you certainly will not be buying a Canon or Nikon or Pentax or Sigma. You're beginning to sound like a spoiled little brat to me.

Answer 5

i might say digital! First in case you're asking this question, you're no longer a expert. digital is lots greater low-fee on the training curve. I actually have a advantageous little Cannon digital SLR and prefer it. As to the customary, the straightforward individual can't tell the adaptation interior the prints. additionally my community digital camera shop advised me that Kodak is fixing to tug out of the action picture industry, i think of we are able to assert it relatively is the initiating of the tip. some will combat it, yet like archives and cassette tapes, action picture cameras would be a piece of the previous for the straightforward individual. BTW in case you establish you desire a common SLR, i will sell you my previous one. Works basically advantageous, the only element I hated became into utilising action picture. ;-)

Answer 6

Unfortunately, most NEW DSLR's start at $500 and above. And none take video. I think you can get a Nikon D40 for around $500 but once you buy the memory card and other accessories you'll need, you'll go over the budget.

Answer 7

Consider a Nikon D40 or used D50. You might even be able to find a D70 out there under your $500 price range.

Currently, you can get new D40's for under $500 with an 18-55mm zoom.

It's a pretty powerful camera with easy to use beginner auto modes, and many advanced manual features.

http://www.stunningnikon.com/picturetown

Here's some photos I took with a D50.
http://www.spmsportspage.com/images/college/football/2007/California-45-Tennessee-31-09-01-2007/DSC_0065_GHYoung.html

I hope this is helpful. Please ask, if you have any questions.

Answer 8

Well try doing research, I sell alot of the D-80's for its 10 megapixels. It is a very well made camera and have yet to hear a bad thing about it