Need Help Choosing A Camera

[zmazza]

I've always enjoyed photography and want to move up to a nicer camera so that I can take better pictures. I'm not sure if a standard camera or a digital camera would be better. I'd like to stay under $200 dollars if possible. Nothing more than $250 including shipping.

I have no idea what to look for in a camera, but I'm looking for something that is very reliable and produces quality pictures. I prefer an optical zoom over a digital zoom, though.

Can anyone point me in the right direction?

Thank you very much. I can't wait to post some pics with the new camera!

 

[Rosseau]

would you be willing to go used?

this may allow you to get a better camera for your price range... well, it's possible for sure to get one that will take nice pics for $200 (new as well).


I can't think of any off of the top of my head, but what will you use this camera for mostly? Full tank shots, up close macro shots, outdoors, shooting people?

 

[Rosseau]

not that about.com is always that credible.... but.. you'll get an idea here


http://cameras.about.com/od/choosingacamera/tp/under200.htm

 

[zmazza]

Thanks for the links. I really like the macro shots myself. The nicer, the better. I would like it to be a good all-around camera though. The occassional full tank shot, outdoor shots, portraits, etc.

 

[michael43]

Ill sell you my "like new" seriously sony 8.1mp with touchscreen. Have all original box paperwork etc. Will do $300 shipped. I paid like $500-$550 or something. It was barely used at all.

 

[zmazza]

Find a better camera?

From what I've heard... after like 5-6 MP it really doesn't make a difference. 5 is the same as 10. Is that true?

 

[Rosseau]

Megapixels really only matter when considering making prints.


A higher megapixel camera will be able to make much larger prints than a lower one.

No quality difference exists between megapixels.

Here's the general breakdown.....

(source http://www.scrapjazz.com/topics/Photography/Digital_Photography/413.php)

So, it depends on what size you plan to print/view on the computer.

 

[edwing206]

If you are looking to do macro shots, you will most likely need an SLR. And those usually cost more than 250.

 

[beatle]

You don't absolutely need an SLR to do macro shots. Many P&S cameras have nice macro. I'd look into a used Canon S2 IS. It's within your budget and is a very flexible, capable camera for all kinds of shooting. It's what I had prior to my Rebel XT, and for a few months, I was wondering if I'd made the right decision!

 

[Rosseau]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=9584972#post9584972 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by edwing206
If you are looking to do macro shots, you will most likely need an SLR. And those usually cost more than 250.

Actually my Canon Powershot Pro1 (no-longer-in-production big-daddy to the S3 IS) was capable of great macro shots. It had "L" glass built into it and could get very very close in "super macro mode".

Now, with the DSLR I have to go buy a macro lens (or working ext tubes) and in the end and am going to have similar macro capabilities for a higher cost.

I'm not sure about the macro abilities of $200 P&S' though. Testing them in the store on coins or something would be a good place to start.

 

[zmazza]

You know, I ended up going with the Nikon Coolpix L6 on a recommendation. I've got to say, for $165 dollars (Camera and 1g memory card), I'm really impressed. I've already taken some great pictures... what I would consider great for a p & s. It gets close enough for a good macro shot and has some really cool features for the price. I'm getting used to the whole "taking better pictures with what I have" before moving on to a nice SLR. I plan on dropping at least 7-800 dollars on a nice SLR next year at tax time.

For the moment though, I really think this is going to be a big step up from my measly 1 MP VGA camera phone, lol.

This camera is a 6.0 MP, so it works out really well. I'm still confused on what ISO means and how to set it. I've played around with the exposure and white balance, though. The panorama assist is AWESOME!

What does ISO stand for and why is it good to have for taking better pictures?

 

[edwing206]

I said "Most likely". But that doesn't matter though.
ISO: International Standards Organization.
Here's all you need to know about cameras.
http://www.ximinasphotography.com/lessons/index.html

 

[Rosseau]

heh good link edwing, reef related too. Did you ever get that copy of photoshop?

 

[edwing206]

Not yet. My school has photoshop in the digital photography room so it's all good for now.

Got any pics with the new cam zmazza?

 

[zmazza]

Thanks for the link. I'll be sure to check it out. So much to learn with this new camera, lol.

Here are a few pics I uploaded this morning. I'm on a 56k, and since I forgot to resize my pictures, I had to go back and resize all of them to be able to upload them in a decent amount of time.

Needless to say, I only uploaded a few, but more will be going up tonight!

Here's the new pictures... let me know what you think!

Closeup Shrimp

Full Tank Shot

YWG

Turbo Snail

Peppermint Shrimp

Gourami In Dwarf Val

 

[zmazza]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=9601041#post9601041 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by edwing206
I said "Most likely". But that doesn't matter though.
ISO: International Standards Organization.
Here's all you need to know about cameras.
http://www.ximinasphotography.com/lessons/index.html

Thanks a TON for the link! It's REALLY helped me understand photography and how to take the perfect picture. It's really making me want to get an SLR, though, lol! But for the moment, at least I can take some super pictures with my p & s!