what kind of camera is best? educate me!?

Question

i would love to major in photography. i dont have a camera though. i have a $100 dolla digital camera. i really dont know anything about cameras and i would love to get a good one to help me in my major. what should i get? what should i look for? where can i find them?

Answer 1

Ok, if you are going to be a photography major, you are going to want an SLR. The first question you need to ask yourself is, film or digital? Do you want to go for the artistic aspect or do you want to get into photojournalism. My thought is that unless you are planning on being a photography major just for the sake of taking artistic black and whites and really want the "film" look, go for digital. Todays professional world is the world of DSLR's for the most part. Now that we have that out of the way, its brand discussion. Obviously the two major choices are Nikon or Canon? Sony also now has some good DSLR's as well. I am canon shooter, but its just preference, the DSLR war is forever being fought. If you are serious about photography and it seems you are, you are going to want a decent camera something that you can grow into. You are obviously going to start wanting to be paid, so you need something that can deliver. My suggestion for canon in order of price from low to high would be an EOS 30D used or new, the just released EOS 50D, a used 1D mark II, or a new or used EOS 5D. The 30D, 50D and 1D mark II are all better for sports, and while the 1D mark II is older, has an older processor, it is a pro body, and is highly regarded as one of canons better cameras even now. The 5D is the only full frame camera in the bunch and so might be appealing to a photography major because it mimics the field of view of a 35mm film camera, and it also has great high ISO peformance. However the 5D has fewer fps and so is not a great sports camera. Any of these cameras would serve you very well however, and all are rugged and built to last. I would steer away from the digital rebels, they are good beginner cameras, but I grew out of mine in less than a year. You may want to start with something cheaper like the 30D and then spend more money later on when you know what you want more.

For Nikon, im not as sure, but something like the D70, D80, D90, or D200 or D300 if you want to spend a little more.

All in all you want a camera that feels good in your hand so go to a camera store and check out both a canon and a nikon so you can get a feel for the interface. If you want to go online, amazon.com bhphotovideo.com adorama.com ritzcamera.com all work well. keh.com often has really good deals on used gear as well. flickr.com is also a great source of info once you join, make a profile and join the canon and nikon dslr user groups. Good luck and I hope this helps!

Answer 2

What gives a camera its picture quality?



The short answer is that it is mostly the skill of the photographer that produces high quality pictures. The lens and camera are very important, but the ability to set the scene, adjust the cameras settings, and hold the camera very still or use a tripod with auto or remote shutter actuation when required is what gets the great pictures.



Many of the new cameras come with only an LCD screen. Would suggest that you find one that also has an optical view finder because the LCD screen is almost impossible to see in bright sun.



Higher mega pixels may not really be the best thing to look for. It is more expensive, takes longer to process, and may not be needed unless you are making a really large picture or blowing up a small part of a picture. http://www.kodak.com/eknec/PageQuerier.jhtml?pq-path=398&pq-locale=en_US&_requestid=2039 ...



Lots of great camera tips in these two links. http://www.danscamera.com/Learning/going_digital/#resolution ...

http://www.kodak.com/eknec/PageQuerier.jhtml?pq-path=38/10468/6368/333&pq-locale=en_US ...



Check this camera. FUJIFILM - FinePix 10.0-Megapixel Digital. This is more camera for the money.

Wide-angle shooting, a 12x optical zoom and picture stabilization mode combine in this camera for exceptional shooting performance, even at a distance. Plentiful scene modes, autofocus and automatic white balance controls make this camera a snap to operate. Life time Warranty (Parts & Labor).You may be able to find it on the Internet for a lower price ($144), but be careful of the vendor.

http://www.bestbuy.com/site/olspage.jsp?skuId=8879234&type=product&productCategoryId=pcmcat152400050001&id=1212192673855 ...



This could be the best slim line camera. It's PINK!

http://shopping.yahoo.com/p:Sony%20Cyber-shot%20DSC-W150%2FR%20Digital%20Camera:1995337750;_ylc=X3oDMTB0bjZzaWNuBF9TAzk2NjMyOTA3BHNlYwNmZWVkBHNsawNlbGVj ...



The information about my camera is just to show that you don't need the biggest and best. Just know how to use the one you have.



My camera has 5.2 mega pixel, but I use 3 most of the time because it gives great results, is faster, and takes less memory. Also, it only has a 3 x optical zoom and 7x digital zoom. I never use the digital zoom because making pictures larger works better on the computer. This is an old camera, but everyone is impressed with the quality pictures it takes ... like magic.



Check with the Geeks in several stores and compare prices. Ask what cameras they own. Once you select a camera read all about it in the owner's manual.



The source links will show most of the cameras out there with prices and help make your digital cameras work better.

Answer 3

I am, in a sense, in the same shoes as you.



I've been taking film photography classes, and just decided to get a digital slr camera. My photography teacher recommended the Nikon D60. He said to check amazon, but I'm going with Best Buy. They have some packages with an extra lens and other goods.

Answer 4

Asking what camera is best is like asking which martial art is the best. People will be loyal to what they know. That does not mean they are not right but you have to know what you want to do before you know what camera is best.



That said I am a Nikon person I have used them since the mid 70's and they have performed better than good. They are great cameras and the company stands behind them, The only camera I would like to have more than my nikons is a hasselblad and they cost more than my car. If you were asking me the beginner DSLR to get I would say the D40.



More megapixels is not necessary better

http://www.digitalphotopro.com/gear/imaging-tech/megapixels-how-much-is-enough.html

Answer 5

If money is not an issue get a camera with the highest megapixels and from a good brand Canon ect. at any electronics store