Looking for a good camera

[john m.]

I am looking for a really nice camera sometime later this summer and am not really sure what to get. I know I want an SLR but not sure brand or model. Obviously the two main ones I know are Nikon and Canon. I know some people have liked the Nikon D40 and I have a friend who really like his Nikon D80. Not sure on Canons models though.

If it helps, I will be using the camera for detailing pictures, car shows, air shows even though those will need a different lens, and for overall photography fun taking pictures of whatever. So if anyone has any kind of experience with these cameras and any tips or suggestions that would be great!

TIA,
John

[Murr1525]

Re: Looking for a good camera

You might want to ask if you can spend some time with his camera, even if supervised.

[Eddie6th]

Re: Looking for a good camera

my SLR days are over(with 35mm).I just stick to a decent 10pix(price).They're fine for doing close-ups with your car,using the macro function.But things like airshows or similair events are better with an SLR.

I used to really like Minolta stuff,but i don't know about digital?I used a second hand Manual minolta slr for years and it was the best camera i ever had.

I think between the Nikon and the Canon will be a tough decison.I suppose it will be down to how you like it's functionality that will suit your needs.

[RamAirV1]

Re: Looking for a good camera

Stay away from the Sony Alpha DSLR's the autofocus is terrible! They are rebadged Minoltas. Sony acquired the line when Minolta got out of the business. You won't go wrong with either Canon or Nikon. My favorite Nikon is the D700 and for Canon I like the 5D MK II. That being said a Nikon D5000 or a Canon XSi will serve you very well!

RamAirV1

[Jeff U]

Re: Looking for a good camera

Check out

www.kenrockwell.com

The guy makes a living reviewing cameras & photo type stuff. Makes his money on donations and is not paid by any manufacturer.

From his site:

"Best Serious Camera: $450 - If you don't have the time to read the rest of this page, you want a Nikon D40"

There is a lot of good info there for the camera challenged. I got a Nikon D40 and could not be happier with the purchase.

I had a professional photographer tell me the lenses are much more important than the camera body. Lenses hold their value while a couple year old camera body has very little resale value. He said he has some 5 to 10 year old lenses that are worth more than he paid.

[ghaines]

Re: Looking for a good camera

I am looking for a really nice camera sometime later this summer and am not really sure what to get. I know I want an SLR but not sure brand or model. Obviously the two main ones I know are Nikon and Canon. I know some people have liked the Nikon D40 and I have a friend who really like his Nikon D80. Not sure on Canons models though.

If it helps, I will be using the camera for detailing pictures, car shows, air shows even though those will need a different lens, and for overall photography fun taking pictures of whatever. So if anyone has any kind of experience with these cameras and any tips or suggestions that would be great!

TIA,
John

I have a D80 and dig it. DSLR's from Canon or Nikon are the way to go. I don't think you can go wrong with either brand. I went with the D80 b/c of some extra features/performance over the D40. That being said, the D40 is smaller & less money. You can check out my pics with the D80 in this link http://meguiarsonline.com/forums/showthread.php?t=33965

Good luck.

[john m.]

Re: Looking for a good camera

Check out

www.kenrockwell.com

The guy makes a living reviewing cameras & photo type stuff. Makes his money on donations and is not paid by any manufacturer.

From his site:

"Best Serious Camera: $450 - If you don't have the time to read the rest of this page, you want a Nikon D40"

There is a lot of good info there for the camera challenged. I got a Nikon D40 and could not be happier with the purchase.

I had a professional photographer tell me the lenses are much more important than the camera body. Lenses hold their value while a couple year old camera body has very little resale value. He said he has some 5 to 10 year old lenses that are worth more than he paid.

Great link! Ive been reading through everything this morning Not sure which to get still though. Bump for more thoughts

[AeroCleanse]

Re: Looking for a good camera

Be sure to check out http://www.dpreview.com/

[Blake Beamish]

Re: Looking for a good camera

Just go to a local camera store or Best Buy and pick up whatever comparable Nikon and Canon fit within your price range. They have pretty different button layouts and menus so just play around with them and get whichever feels right in your hands. You can't go wrong with either a Nikon or Canon for both the body and lenses.

[10degreesbtdc]

Re: Looking for a good camera

Hey, John. Here's one that will save you a load of cash and is right up your alley being young and all.

http://www.target.com/Look-at-Me-Camera/dp/B001E2AHME/sr=1-2/qid=1245350390/ref=sr_1_2/191-4450503-1429920?ie=UTF8&frombrowse=0&index=target&rh=k%3Acamera%20toy&page=1

[CieraSL]

Re: Looking for a good camera

Hey, John. Here's one that will save you a load of cash and is right up your alley being young and all.

http://www.target.com/Look-at-Me-Cam...a%20toy&page=1

[john m.]

Re: Looking for a good camera

Hey, John. Here's one that will save you a load of cash and is right up your alley being young and all.

http://www.target.com/Look-at-Me-Cam...a%20toy&page=1

The only thing I dont get is why you are showing us your camera

[CieraSL]

Re: Looking for a good camera

10degrees' camera looks too complicated for you. How about this one? Wouldn't want you to get confused!

[10degreesbtdc]

Re: Looking for a good camera

The only thing I dont get is why you are showing us your camera

It's for sale! Only $3 shipped!

Ciera:10degrees' camera looks too complicated for you. How about this one? Wouldn't want you to get confused!

That's the one I wanted when I got mine, but they were out of stock! Point and shoot! I love it. This one is still complicated for me because you have to have a photographic memory to use it!

[CieraSL]

Re: Looking for a good camera

OK now 10degrees, this is as simple as it gets:



I don't think they make cameras any simpler. If that's still too complicated for you, then you've got some real issues.