$700 budget, what camera and what lense?

[Allmost]

Sorry, but that's completely false.

maybe I used bad point and shoot ones

I could never lower the shutter speed on my point and shoot to take pics of moving fish ... but again, my photo taking skills suck so that must be a big part of it as well. another problem I used to have was Depth of field [somethng new I learned from "understanding exposure" book lol ]

for someone like me, with not much artistic sense, DSLR was a good decision.

 

[BlueCorn]

Nope not completely false ...

even with no editing .. a DSLR takes way better pics than a point and shoot ..

many factors help us do that ... prime factor being the size and type of sensor that an slr camera has is way far better than a P&S

and also there arent many P&s's that let you decide on the shutter time and aperture ..

Sorry, but you're wrong too.

Used by someone who knows what they're doing, maybe. By anyone else, nope. Countless numbers of folks in this forum shop for their new camera, they get it and the pictures are still terrible. Over 90% of the time it's not the camera's fault. My point was based on the fact that a P&S used properly will make better images than a DSLR in the hands who has no idea what they're doing.

Did you know that the sensor on a Canon G1X is larger than that on many DSLRs?

Even the 2mp Kodak I had 10 years ago had aperture/shutter priority. Is that the same as manual control? no. Is it enough to take good photos? yes.

 

[coralreefdoc]

Keeping in focus with the title of the thread, for everyones future research, any opinions/knowledge on that Oly E-520 setup ???

Understand the OP now wants to go Nikon due to his "frommy" having some nice equipment ...

 

[Misled]

Just get a Nikon kit and use mom's lenses, though I can count the amount of pros around here with a really good macro lens on one hand. That also is if she'll let you. No one uses my lenses unless I'm there. Any DSLR will do. Heck, you can pick up a used D80 for a few hundred. The problem will arise though, that if your mom doesn't shoot aquariums, tell her to read the stickys up top. Shooting reef with our strange lighting tends to throw off the best of them.

Also CRD, I don't know anyone that uses that set-up.

 

[Thatgrimguy]

Sorry, but you're wrong too.

Used by someone who knows what they're doing, maybe. By anyone else, nope. Countless numbers of folks in this forum shop for their new camera, they get it and the pictures are still terrible. Over 90% of the time it's not the camera's fault. My point was based on the fact that a P&S used properly will make better images than a DSLR in the hands who has no idea what they're doing.

Did you know that the sensor on a Canon G1X is larger than that on many DSLRs?

Even the 2mp Kodak I had 10 years ago had aperture/shutter priority. Is that the same as manual control? no. Is it enough to take good photos? yes.

Not a single constructive comment from you In this thread. Either help a brother out or find another thread.


Sent from my iPhone4s using Tapatalk

 

[BlueCorn]

Not a single constructive comment from you In this thread. Either help a brother out or find another thread.

My first post was trying to save you $700. Apparently that wasn't what you had in mind.

 

[Robb in Austin]

Get a 'low end' Nikon kit(d3100/5100) with the two lens option. It will run $6-700. Or, as Misled mentioned, get a gently used older body.

Use GIMP for software editing. It's free.

See if mom will lend you a macro lens(if she has one) and some pointers.

Bluecorn was simply trying to say, if you want to take good pics, you need to have some understanding of photography basics otherwise a DSLR wont do any better than a P&S. This is because you'll most likely start with it in auto, just like most do with either DSLR/P&S, and the pic quality would be the same. You might have some improvement due to better lenses. But, you wont be taking pics like BC, Misled, Recty, etc take without understanding and practice.

 

[Thatgrimguy]

Get a 'low end' Nikon kit(d3100/5100) with the two lens option. It will run $6-700. Or, as Misled mentioned, get a gently used older body.

Use GIMP for software editing. It's free.

See if mom will lend you a macro lens(if she has one) and some pointers.

Bluecorn was simply trying to say, if you want to take good pics, you need to have some understanding of photography basics otherwise a DSLR wont do any better than a P&S. This is because you'll most likely start with it in auto, just like most do with either DSLR/P&S, and the pic quality would be the same. You might have some improvement due to better lenses. But, you wont be taking pics like BC, Misled, Recty, etc take without understanding and practice.

Thank you for your help!! I just downloaded GIMP, what a feature rich program for free! Perfection.

I think there is a misunderstanding on what I consider learning. My hesitation saying I'm willing to jump into photography comes from my Mom. She is very advanced and can only speak in terms of multi thousand dollars of equipment and acts like going to a week long class in Photoshop is required to take a picture.

I'm just looking for advice on how to get started. What's a good first time DSLR, what's a good online class to learn without having to pay at ton for the class. I'm not expecting to point and click and get pics as good as my moms. I would like to get pics as good as I can get on my disposable starting off and have something I can grow with so I don't have to run out and buy a new camera as soon as I learn a little.

 

[Robb in Austin]

Well, that's a different story then!

Grab a copy of Peterson's Understanding Exposure. Read the manual. Consider Thom Hogan's guide for which ever camera you get. Join Nikon Cafe. Ask questions. Sounds like your mom could give you some lessons too. Then practice, practice, practice.

 

[ST1Doppelganger]

Nikon or cannon DSLR kits both are respectable brands.

 

[Robb in Austin]

I forgot to mention it. Go to a real camera store, not Best Buy etc, to purchase it.

 

[rogerwilco357]

i would use your mom for any advice if she is a pro why not and if she has all that equipment why not get close enjoy some bonding time never know she might find taking pics of the tank a challenge and buy one her self and you guys can then bound on that level ..I have alot of equipment and alot of kids but none have shown interest so far I have 3 extra bodies just waiting for one to say hey dad can you show me or help me ..one day it will come ..till then talk to your mom..time is important and never comes around again use it wisely ..good luck cannot wait to see your pics..

 

[dgiglio]

Not a single constructive comment from you In this thread. Either help a brother out or find another thread.


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LOL you tell em. Whats up man, we both frequent the same local board... If you buy anything, go DSLR, Nikon, or canon. I shoot canon, others nikon. Either way you go, go DSLR and stick with one of those brands. and you cant go wrong!

 

[Misled]

LOL you tell em.

So I understand you think that's funny, but read through the entire thread and you may understand better. I see nothing in your comment that helps in the least. Also if you notice the stickys above, you'll notice "all" the info in this thread has been discussed at nausim there. It gets old dealing with people that don't think to look around or just think they can get a camera and be a good photographer. I can pretty much guarantee after the OP gets a camera, he's back here asking more questions as to why he's getting the same results after spending his 700 bucks on something.

 

[Thatgrimguy]

So I understand you think that's funny, but read through the entire thread and you may understand better. I see nothing in your comment that helps in the least. Also if you notice the stickys above, you'll notice "all" the info in this thread has been discussed at nausim there. It gets old dealing with people that don't think to look around or just think they can get a camera and be a good photographer. I can pretty much guarantee after the OP gets a camera, he's back here asking more questions as to why he's getting the same results after spending his 700 bucks on something.

Maybe you should read the whole thread... My only goal is to out do a cell phone. I'm not trying to be a good photographer. In fact my experiences with photographers thus far has just made me realize how little I want to get involved in that hobby.

 

[Misled]

If your truly not interested in "learning photography or post processing" save your money. A new camera won't suddenly make your pictures amazing.

Have your Nikon friend take the pics for you. Pay him the 700 bucks.

And your answer came in the first two posts. If you can get the pic you want with a disposable, buy any point and shoot. That's what they are. If you look around here though, you'll see good pics from iphones. I don't know why you can't get them. First you say you don't want to learn anything. Then you say you know the basics. Then you want a DSLR but you don't want to get into it and have to photoshop. Are you beginning to understand what I'm saying?

You are arguing with yourself. None of us really care what you buy. All we can do is give you info. No one can tell you what is going to be a good camera for you. You have the opportunity to try things out using your mom's stuff. Try that first. You like disposables, but a point and shoot.

 

[Thatgrimguy]

And your answer came in the first two posts. If you can get the pic you want with a disposable, buy any point and shoot. That's what they are. If you look around here though, you'll see good pics from iphones. I don't know why you can't get them. First you say you don't want to learn anything. Then you say you know the basics. Then you want a DSLR but you don't want to get into it and have to photoshop. Are you beginning to understand what I'm saying?

You are arguing with yourself. None of us really care what you buy. All we can do is give you info. No one can tell you what is going to be a good camera for you. You have the opportunity to try things out using your mom's stuff. Try that first. You like disposables, but a point and shoot.

So I'm wanting a camera that is better than my Iphone. My tank is 2 ft deep and I can't get a decent pics of most of my corals on my phone.

I have $700 to spend total. I want something that isn't too hard to learn and will take good enough aquarium pics. I'm not trying to get into photography though and really would rather not have to fully learn photoshop. Any suggestions, I prefer Nikon because I have a friend who is a Nikon freak and will help me learn it.

This was the first post buddy...

Hmmm.... I never said i wouldn't post process.
Never said I wouldn't learn photoshop
And never said I don't want to learn anything. Just not everything.
I know enough to know that I plan to get a dslr. All I freaking asked was what body is a good value in my budget.

So once again.. try reading the thread before posting.

 

[Misled]

I am just not going to spend $2500 on camera body lense and software. There is a happy median between iPhone and starting a whole hobby...

I have $700 to spend total. I want something that isn't too hard to learn and will take good enough aquarium pics. I'm not trying to get into photography though and really would rather not have to fully learn photoshop. Any suggestions, I prefer Nikon because I have a friend who is a Nikon freak and will help me learn it.

Just get a Nikon kit Any DSLR will do. Heck, you can pick up a used D80 for a few hundred.