CAMERA'S

[williamlayton]

This is probably an oft discussed thing but since I have been here it has perked my interest--seeing and comparing my own pictures with some of you fellers pictures.
What I am interested in knowing is: If I were to buy a canera for my own personal use what kind would you reccommend.
By that - what kind of lens. I would want a small digital that I could adjust the size to fit on most boards but would like it to pick up the detail that I see you boys get, but I can't.
I realize that there are other variables.
I share a camera with my wife now but am not sure it is what I really need.
Blessings

 

[Straightshooter2]

So many variables involved there. How much do you want to spend? What pictures, other than firearms, are you going to be shooting. Do you want something that will fit in your pocket? Do you want to use interchangeable lenses?

CW

 

[andrewb70]

Two things to decide on first.

What is your budget?
Do you want the ability to change lenses?

Andrew

 

[JJEH]

... If I were to buy a canera for my own personal use what kind would you reccommend.

I asked the same question in 2010 on another board. And I got a really good answer (I'm a beginner and not really good in taking pictures).

Fujifilm FinePix S2500HD 12.2 MP Digital Camera

It's a bridge cam and does perfect for my needs and skills.
For 99% I use the automatic mode

 

[Faulkner]

I am a SLR camera guy. After several thousand bucks I have a couple of Nikon SLR's and a bag full of lenses and I love them. But, I bought my wife a Nikon Coolpix P500 (around $160.00) a year ago and I'll be dad-gummed if she doesn't get as good a pictures as I do with my high doller cameras and lens.

The Nikon P500 is very easy to use, takes high quality pictures, and has a very good close up and telephoto ability. For somebody who wants the flexibility and quality of a SLR but does not want to make the financial investment, I highly recommend looking at this one.

 

[cmort666]

I am a SLR camera guy.

Likewise.

I simply can't take a decent picture with a point and shoot. I'm a Canon fan (Digital Rebel Xt/EOS-350D), but the Nikons are also excellent cameras.

 

[Straightshooter2]

I'm a Canon fan (Digital Rebel Xt/EOS-350D), but the Nikons are also excellent cameras.

As are Pentax and we don't have to buy our shake reduction or VR over and over with every lens. It's built into the Pentax so I get shake reduction with even my 1950's preset lenses.

Actually JJEH has a pretty good recommendation. Bridge cameras like the Fuji FinePix are easy to use for the non-photographer. Depending on the OP's skill level, we may be over-recommending equipment.

CW

 

[loutent]

Check out the DPR site - there is a lot of info on all types of cameras and also forums of each brand so you can read owner experiences etc. It is owned by Amazon, but you don't need to buy from them of course:

Cameras hub: Digital Photography Review

 

[DCWilson]

Are bridge cameras the same as the "prosumer" cameras that cram high-end functions into a single-lens compact?

I have been very pleased with a Canon PowerShot G12. The macro function and image stabilization facility allow me to take fairly good revolver photos without resorting to a tripod. The flip and twist viewing screen lets me compose easily even when I am holding the camera in an up-and-away position.

When I do get serious and use a tripod, the results are excellent.

The only awkward thing about the G12 is that it is the heaviest and blockiest compact you will ever see. You can get pretty much the same optical features in a smaller body with the Canon SX95, but I haven't used one of those. I'm just comparing specs.

I have been a Canon fan since the days of film, but any feature-rich modern digital camera is going to have the power to take about 99% of the photos that most people want to take.

 

[Gunslinger808]

I run a Canon EOS 10D I picked up for $400 used.

 

[OK Hog Shooter]

There was a time that I thought when I retired I would become a professional amateur photographer. I started "shooting" pics in 1971, so I've been through the digital revolution. I've had/have Minoltas, Canons and Nikons. I've used SLRs and point and shoot. They all have plus and minus points. My current cameras are a Nikon CoolPix P5000 and a Nikon D200, with a wide array of lenses, accessories, bags, filters and tripods. Then there's the software to "edit" what you take. The list goes on and on...

Now for the good news. Choose a camera that fits your budget. Learn whats good and bad about it and how to use it. Buy an extra set of batteries and keep them charged at all times (a lesson well learned!). Keep it handy and take tons of pics. ...and most of all... enjoy it!

IMHO, there are no wrong choices.

Blessings,
Hog

 

[H Richard]

Do what Hog Shooter says, and get a tripod. Use the self timer to keep vibrations to a minimum.

 

[OK Hog Shooter]

Do what Hog Shooter says, and get a tripod. Use the self timer to keep vibrations to a minimum.

Oh yea, get a tripod and use the self timer as H Richard says. He's a wise man!

 

[7tenz]

Just this last week I picked up a Nikon Coolpix s4100 compact. It'll do extra high def, but I don't think as good as an slr. I like the touch screen, eliminates the need to carry an owners manual with me all the time.

Nikon has them for $80 off the $179 retail price on their web page.

After I practice some more I'll post some pics as the subjects come up. Like a poster in revolvers signs out, "Pics, or it didn't happen"

Edit: Here's a quick attempt at my p&r Model 29. It's unfired btw. Setting is for general pc use about halfway down the resolution scale.

 

[dlbx2]

I have a Canon SX30 IS, 14.1 megapixel, HD video, pop-up flash, manual or auto, and a lot of stuff that I haven't learned to use yet. I took a photo class years ago in college, and this one can be used like an old thirty-five as well as all the other bells & whistles. The price isn't too bad. I keep it safely tucked away when not in use in a Pelican Case. But....I have seen sunsets, low light photos, and many others that my wife, who has no photography training, just as good, and in some cases better than I have done, and she has a 10 megapixel Fuji that you can stick in your pocket. Buying a camera is about the most confusing thing that I can imagine someone who is not familiar with the terminology undertaking. Nikon has some nice cameras that are about 2/3 the size and weight of my Canon. Since buying mine, most of what I have taken are gun photos, so the size and weight are not an issue. This probably isn't much help, and if I was just starting out, I would decide my budget, write down everything that I could think of that i would use it for, and go to a well established camera shop and let someone help me decide. Don't forget your software for manipulating the photos, as it can make as much difference in the outcome as the original shot does.

 

[J. R. WEEMS]

A Nikon AW100, will fill the bill. Costcos has them, or you can even find one in camo. They are water proof as well. For gun photos, use a tripod and the self timer. JMHO - I best not post a photo because of © Laws. I have had two P&S, and they worked fine for what they were. I have other cameras, such as my D 700, but will be picking up a aw100 before my trip out West next summer.

 

[deadin]

I tend to use a remote release rather than the timer. (Kind of like the old cable release except electronic..)
If I really want to get rid of any vibration I use the mirror lock-up function on my Canon D60.

My biggest difficulty is lighting. I have floods, strobes, flashes, etc. I know that natural is best, but if you note where I live, any kind of sunlight is somewhat scarce as is the ability to even set up outside without getting rained on. (Especially this time of year)
I have a light box, but not a dedicated place to set it up and leave it set up. My "work desk" also contains my copy stand which is big enough to put my product table on, but that's about it.
A home studio would be nice......

 

[cmort666]

I tend to use a remote release rather than the timer. (Kind of like the old cable release except electronic..)

I built one using plans I found on the web. I used an old stereo headphone extension cable and parts I bought at Radio Shack. It cost me about 1/3 to 1/2 what a storebought one would have cost locally.