I need a good camera


GTFUN

GTFUN

GT Owner
Aug 19, 2009
271
Atlanta,Ga
I have been looking at some of the pictures you guys have taken
here and they are truly incredible.

I want a camera to take these hi-res pictures and would really
appreciate recommendations for which camera (and how many megapixels)
I need to take really great shots.

Thanks, Harvey
 
A first step might be a good super-zoom all in one, like the Canon PowerShot SX20 IS- about $400.

But for great photos, you need a big, pain in the ass camera with changeable lenses. Basic kit might be

Canon EOS Rebel T2i 18 MP $900
Canon 70-200 IS 2.8 telephoto lens $1900
Canon 17-55 IS zoom lens $1100
Canon 50mm 1.4 portrait lens $350
Plus flash, clear filters to protect lens glass, tripod, etc.

About $5000 total
 
I use a Leica M8, there's a new M9 now available too... however, they are not just point and shoot jobs.

Anything over 10MP will give you good results, so you don't need to spend a fortune to be honest - knowing your way around Photoshop (or similar) would be useful.
 
I have a Canon Rebel XS. I'm pretty happy with it but beware.... As soon as one buys a nice camera there will always be a "better" one... Getting into photography opens the floodgates of spending... lenses, cases, flash, better cameras etc.

Read up on different models and see what can fit your budget and needs.

http://www.amazon.com/Canon-XS-Digi...1?ie=UTF8&s=electronics&qid=1274454090&sr=8-1

Have fun!
 
I'm no expert but I love my olympus-E3. I'm taking photo's of my little guy and it makes me look like I know what I'm doing. The auto mode is fantastic. These are straight from the camera, no touch-ups...photoshoping

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There are lots of good digital SLR's. It's really all in the lenses. If you get lenses like PeakCompletions has, you'll feel really really good about your shots, but you'll also have spent a small fortune.

I use an EOS 5D. The lens that comes on it is pretty good for being included. I also use a Sigma wide angle that isn't that great, but makes for reasonably cool looking shots without breaking the bank.
 
You want a Panasonic Lumix (w/Leica lens built in).

Can be had for $175 on Amazon.

http://www.bestbuy.com/site/Panason...70031604&skuId=9767123&st=panasonic&cp=1&lp=2

I have NEVER ever used a camera; and bought this 2 yrs ago, to take pics of vintage watches to sell. I just set it to auto setting and it takes amazing pics. It picked up the edge line of font on the dial of a submariner.

Lots of my pics get rave reviews here, and its from this.

Also, it fits in front jean pocket; and can do video (15min) as well.

I took 700 pics at Pebble Beach with it.

The big plus is if it gets stolen in luggage, wet, broken, its not a big loss. With others size, complexity, $ value, qaulity, etc always make one leave it behind.
 
Camera

Kayvan's suggestion is a good one - I have a Lumix and it's the best bang for the (low end) buck.

I've got and have used many SLR's and rangefinders over the years. (Nikons Canons, Leica's, Hassleblad) and I've still got them. They always seem to get in the way and take too much space, time and attention to use to their possible limits.

I have compromised with a super pocket camera with the best quality in this style of camera. I'm presently using the "Leica D-Lux 4" it is truly remarkable. There are some shots I simply can't get - but on average for all the benefits, I'm not giving up much. Take a look at one.
 
Canon SX series cameras.

centerpunch said:
A first step might be a good super-zoom all in one, like the Canon PowerShot SX20 IS- about $400.

But for great photos, you need a big, pain in the ass camera with changeable lenses.
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I use a Canon PowerShot SX10 IS, which has a 20x optical zoom and takes great video as well. $350 and you never need to buy any special lenses. It's a bit bulky so I also have a Canon 5x compact camera I wear on my belt when I want to keep a camera with me.

I don't want a huge $5000 camera with 6 different lenses so simple and cheap work for me. I have many amazing pictures from these inexpensive cameras.

Chip
 

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I have a full blown Nikon SLR rig, 4 lenses etc etc. Awesome camera, and great lenses. When I want to set it all up.........but the best pictures you get are the ones you TAKE. So I've also got a little pocket cam so that I CAN get the shot where ever I am. I prefer the pocket cams from Canon, but I like the Panasonic's with the Leica lenses too. Really, Nikon, Olympus, Leica if you can afford it, they're all quite good. Get one that you like the feel of in your hands, and then make sure you take it with you so you CAN get the shot.
 
Get any Nikon SLR.


Thats what I use. Lemme get some pictures up here
 
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I have more if you would like... The 2nd and 3rd were taken with a D70 (ancient SLR), the 1st with a D700 (new camera)

I just got photoshop CS5 too. I might go and do another photoshoot tonight, so we'll see.


Good luck!
 
DBK said:
There are lots of good digital SLR's. It's really all in the lenses. If you get lenses like PeakCompletions has, you'll feel really really good about your shots, but you'll also have spent a small fortune.

I use an EOS 5D. The lens that comes on it is pretty good for being included. I also use a Sigma wide angle that isn't that great, but makes for reasonably cool looking shots without breaking the bank.
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I could not stop laughing, specially when the alleged suspect started eating the evidence:lol, sorry for the hijack
 
I like Canon and have an EOS 5D Mk II DSLR with a couple of the L series zoom lenses which in my opinion captures fantastic shots. And yes sometimes it is a pain in the behind to carry it and all my gear. Recently I got the Canon G11 which is has a non-interchangeable zoom lens, but really is a great camera for taking when I don't want the hassle of my 5D. Has many great features that through time beginners will learn how to use and that more advanced people can use. To me the secret is to get a camera that capture the images in RAW format. Working with the images in programs like Photoshop they can then be really enhanced.

I agree with other posters that their are many fine cameras out on the market which will capture the moment. I started with Canon and will probably end with Canon. The key is to carry the camera with you always and take many, many shots. :banana
Looking forward to capturing some great pics at Rally V with what ever camera I bring.

Magic
 
Magic said:
...The key is to carry the camera with you always and take many, many shots. :banana

Magic
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+1

When people ask me what camera takes the best photoes, I always say "the one you have with you!"

I have a 5D MKI with large selection of lenses, but the one I carry most often is a Panasonic Lumix.
 
GTFun, the number of possibilites is staggering. Please go to www.cnet.com. I have always found them to be very reliable for evaluations in short form and very current. While I too like the Panasonic with the Leica lenses (I have nothing but Leica microscopes throughout my hospital), Sony also makes some nice cameras with Zeiss lenses.

The BIG problem with the small digital camers is that they don't really have a good close-up mode.
 
fjpikul said:
The BIG problem with the small digital camers is that they don't really have a good close-up mode.
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I think the biggest problem with the smal camera are their poor performance in low light. The biggest problem with SLR cameras are they are BIG.
 
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BlackICE said:
I think the biggest problem with the smal camera are their poor performance in low light. The biggest problem with SLR cameras are they are BIG.
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Go to bed, its way past your bed time.:biggrin
 
HHGT said:
Go to bed, its way past your bed time.:biggrin
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Goodnight :biggrin
 
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