Help me shop for a camera....

[dobbs]

I sold my chiller recently (thanks for the help Matt)...now I'd like to use those funds on a nice camera. I'm open to all suggestions. $300 - $400 range. D40 maybe?

Thanks in advance,
Dave

[Zibba]

If you're in the $300-$400 range, I don't think that the d40 will fit. If you really want to get into DSLR - realistically, you're looking at $700-900. You could do the d40 w/ the 60mm Nikon Micro if you're looking at taking coral photos and using the kit lens for day-to-day - that would likely run around $900 (+ cost of tripod/memory cards/lens filters...etc.)

For a lower priced option (still pretty high - $400-$600), you could look at something like what Morty just got - the Nikon CP8800, which is a "prosumer" as listed as an option on this site:
http://www.ximinasphotography.com/lessons/lesson08/camera.html

There have also been some nice pictures taken and posted on this board with some of the newer Canon Point and Shoots. Those run anywhere from $200-$350.

[dobbs]

If you're in the $300-$400 range, I don't think that the d40 will fit. If you really want to get into DSLR - realistically, you're looking at $700-900. You could do the d40 w/ the 60mm Nikon Micro if you're looking at taking coral photos and using the kit lens for day-to-day - that would likely run around $900 (+ cost of tripod/memory cards/lens filters...etc.)

For a lower priced option (still pretty high - $400-$600), you could look at something like what Morty just got - the Nikon CP8800, which is a "prosumer" as listed as an option on this site:
http://www.ximinasphotography.com/lessons/lesson08/camera.html

There have also been some nice pictures taken and posted on this board with some of the newer Canon Point and Shoots. Those run anywhere from $200-$350.

Thanks Zibba. I'm seeing the remanufactured D40 (not the D40x) bundles on eBay for approx $400.00. Am I better off looking at something like the CP8800 than the D40?

[Zibba]

Thanks Zibba. I'm seeing the remanufactured D40 (not the D40x) bundles on eBay for approx $400.00. Am I better off looking at something like the CP8800 than the D40?


What are you planning to use the camera for? That's probably the best place to start.

The d40 is pretty nice and will give you the option to upgrade lenses as you get more interested in photography - and if you find yourself in a position where the d40 isn't giving you enough, you can always upgrade the body and have a nice lens base to fall back on.

There are just so many options with photography. Everything from taking the pictures to post processing of the pictures that you take. Probably best to research a little bit on where is best to spend your money. Most would recommend buying a decent body off the bat (doesn't have to be the best) and spend your money on a few good lenses. I like that recommendation too, but it's important to remember that you need to process those pictures. A program to do that can go from $150-$1000. Again, it depends on how far you want to take this hobby. I should also mention that there are plenty of trial programs that you can use in the mean time to get a feel for what's available and what works for you.

[Wags]

Like was said earlier you have to decide what your application is. I just went through this same exercise on deciding what camera I wanted to take with me on my trip to Roatan. I had specific needs for an inexpensive underwater housing since I didn't want to pay a ton of $ for a DSLR and then a ton more for a housing. They can be up to an additional $500 - $1k for an Ikelite for a DSLR.

I ended up with the Canon G9 which is their newest point and shoot prosumer model. Its 12 MP which is way more than you should ever need - I wish they would have made it an 8MP with a larger sensor instead. Maybe that will be next.

I also ended up with the Canon underwater housing which was pretty cool. It has a built in red filter right in the housing so the pics turned out pretty true right out of the gate. We have an old Olympus 5MP also that we also used to compare pics.

[dobbs]

What are you planning to use the camera for? That's probably the best place to start.

...wildlife, cars, trips/vacations, reef tank, family events, etc. I have a P&S for the times I do not want to carry a larger camera.

[kylesmoney]

i would recommend a d40 if you want to go that route, or a cannon point and shoot if you dont. keep in mind the d40 has more expandability, but it will cost you. lenses are.....not cheap. The point and shoots are the best point and shoots out there, and there inexpensive but dont offer the expandability of the d40. They are also about 1/10 the size.

i have no experience with the g9 but the g5 was a popular camera when it came out. people used to come into work all the time to get them, also the cannon powershots5is prices have plummeted. its a good "near" SLR camera. High zoom, all the manaul features, some exchangable lense adapters but they wont have the quality of a good slr lense. but its a lot of bells and wistles for $350

[RogersCG]

I've also read Canon makes a very nice P&S.

The D40 is a very nice camera also, but it will not autofocus with all Nikon's AF lenses. The D40, D40x and D60 do not have a lens focus motor in the body so you need to stick with the better AF-S series lenses which have a focus motor in the lens itself. You will pay more for the AF-S lenses but you get a better piece of glass also.

For Example:

60mm f2.8D AF Micro - 400.00 mail order
60mm f2.8G AF-S ED Micro - 570.00 mail order

The second lens is a better lens than the first and either will work on a D70, D80, D200, D300 fine but the first will not auto focus on the D4x and D6x lineup.

Just something to keep in mind...

[dobbs]

Thanks guys. I think I'll stay away from the SLR for now. It sounds like it might send me into the same kind of spending the reef hobby has ;)

I think I'll go with one of Consumer Reports P&S "quick picks" - they are highlighted with a * in the left column. What are your opinions on the 5 listed in the picture below?

FWIW - I found a Canon Powershot S5IS "bundle" for $281.00 shipped. Thanks for the heads up on this camera.
http://www.bwayphoto.com/ViewProduct.aspx?ID=3227019&l=LowPriceDigital

http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j184/dobbelmann/cameraoptions.jpg

[dobbs]

Now I can't decide...

G9 Bundle (case, full size tripod, cleaning kit, and a LCD screen cover) for $335 + 20 $shipping.
http://www.dpreview.com/news/0708/07082005canong9.asp

S5 IS Bundle for $279 shipped.
http://www.dpreview.com/news/0705/07050703canons5is.asp

Both prices from http://www.bestpricecameras.com/welcome.asp

[Chris Goetz]

Those sound like crazy low prices! Good deal if you can get it.
I know when I've shopped for cameras in the past it can be tough to get the lowest price without buying a bunch of expensive addons, etc...

FWIW: I have a Canon Powershot G2 and it still works great. I've recommended the Powershots to many family members and bought my inlaws a G6 for their anniversary a few years ago.

I personally am looking at the D450 due out in April. I haven't read a ton but when I last researched them the Rebels seemed like they were a decent balance of what I'd need/use and what my budget might tolerate.

[Zibba]

Looks like you're getting it narrowed down to a few nice products.
Sorry I can't help more because I don't have any experience with either of those cameras. You might like having a tripod - I really think it is necessary for taking coral shots. Maybe it's just because I have such a hard time holding the camera steady, but it might be one of those things that you decide to pick up after playing around with whichever camera you decide on.

[mattb]

I've also read Canon makes a very nice P&S.

The D40 is a very nice camera also, but it will not autofocus with all Nikon's AF lenses. The D40, D40x and D60 do not have a lens focus motor in the body so you need to stick with the better AF-S series lenses which have a focus motor in the lens itself. You will pay more for the AF-S lenses but you get a better piece of glass also.

For Example:

60mm f2.8D AF Micro - 400.00 mail order
60mm f2.8G AF-S ED Micro - 570.00 mail order

The second lens is a better lens than the first and either will work on a D70, D80, D200, D300 fine but the first will not auto focus on the D4x and D6x lineup.

Just something to keep in mind...

Was that your wicked fast lens that you had at Glen's meeting?

[RogersCG]

No mine is just an 80-200 2.8 AF-D... Like 900 bucks I think from B&H.

The S version is a AF-S VR Zoom-NIKKOR 70-200mm f/2.8G IF-ED...

About 1650 mail order at B&H.... Smokin' lens. Almost a 1/2 lb heavier too.

[mattb]

wow.... that might not be happening in the near future.... need to save a prety penny or something...

[christensonjes]

I like my Canon A720is alot. There is a seperate macro lens that you can buy for it too.

[dobbs]

Can you check out this package for me? Is it worth the extra $135? If so - do I want the wide angle or the 2x tele lens?

http://www.bestpricecameras.com/prodetails.asp?prodid=762381&display=2

They also have other packages avail on the G9 as well...I want a full size tripod for sure.
http://www.bestpricecameras.com/search.asp?string=g9

[Wags]

Would you ever use the things in the bundle for the extra money?

I'm not sure how effective the lenses would be.

How much is the tripod if you were to buy is seperately and just get the basic package?

[zryder]

the G9 is a great camera, no doubt about it. I would take a G9 over a D40 any day of the week.. the 6mp dlr seems a bit light for me.. but the G9 can shoot in raw, wich is huge.

[dobbs]

Would you ever use the things in the bundle for the extra money?

I'm not sure how effective the lenses would be.

How much is the tripod if you were to buy is seperately and just get the basic package?

I think I would use most of it. I called them to see what models the add-ons are. They told me that they were all listed and linked here...

http://www.bestpricecameras.com/prodetails.asp?prodid=902448

[latazyo]

D40 is $479 shipped from amazon, its where I got mine

I also have to say that there are some really good PNS cameras out there

[Zibba]

I think I would use most of it. I called them to see what models the add-ons are. They told me that they were all listed and linked here...

http://www.bestpricecameras.com/prodetails.asp?prodid=902448


Dobbs,

This site is a scam. Google it and you will find plenty of the terrible reviews. Order from a reputable dealer online or go local to Nat. Camera. Pay the extra money to get all the right cables, cords, etc. that are suppose to come with the product.

[RogersCG]

Dobbs,

This site is a scam. Google it and you will find plenty of the terrible reviews. Order from a reputable dealer online or go local to Nat. Camera. Pay the extra money to get all the right cables, cords, etc. that are suppose to come with the product.

I would be very leery too.. You just don't beat places like B&H Photo by 100.00 on a 450.00 camera legitimately... Something is up... All those accessories look like cheap knock offs too. If you do go with this deal, just get the camera and buy a name brand tripod mail order. You don't need a real heavy tripod with a P&S. Something like this would be good:

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/428995-REG/Bogen_Manfrotto_715B_715B_Digi_Black_Tripod.html

Memory cards seem to be loss leaders at the big box stores now so you should be able to get one cheap. You don't need anything rated as super fast.

[dobbs]

OH *****...I ordered it yesterday before you guys, or the guy from RC, warned me about this place. I'll see what happens over the next few days. I know it's a hassle - but, I can always dispute the purchase with my CC company.

[dobbs]

Well...I just got the up-sell call from them. The pkg did not include a battery. An excuse to cancel my order...whew. I'll look elsewhere...and keep an eye on my online CC statement. As of a few minutes ago - nothing shows up.

[Zibba]

Dang. Sorry about the late warning. Hopefully everything turns out ok.

[RogersCG]

What a scam... Glad you got out of it.

Here's the list of what is included from Canon off B&H's site:

• 32MB Secure Digital (SD) Card
• NB-2LH Lithium-ion Battery Pack
• CB-2LW Battery Charger
• IFC-400PCU USB Interface Cable
• AVC-DC300 AV Cable
• NS-DC6 Neck Strap
• Digital Camera Solution Software CD-ROM
• User Guide
• 1-Year Canon Limited Warranty

What was the charge for the battery that Canon already supplied them?

[RogersCG]

Starting tomorrow National Camera has all their Digital Cameras on sale.

http://www.natcam.com/ebay/mkt/friday_ad/friday.pdf

[dobbs]

Dang. Sorry about the late warning. Hopefully everything turns out ok.

...nothing to be sorry about bud. I'm thankfull that you guys posted the info...

OK - here's another dealer with a decent rating, and decent reviews...
http://www.profeelvideo.com/showpage.asp?itemid=7614&source=dealtime

reseller rating...
http://www.resellerratings.com/store/PROFEEL_Profeel_Video_12

[dobbs]

My Canon G9 arrived 2 hours ago. I got the battery charged...and then took my 1st "out of the box" test pics. Here are the 1st 4 I took. All taken free-hand. Auto setting + Macro, and cropped with irfanview.

http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j184/dobbelmann/test1.jpg
http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j184/dobbelmann/test2.jpg
http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j184/dobbelmann/test3-1.jpg
http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j184/dobbelmann/test4.jpg
http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j184/dobbelmann/test5.jpg
http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j184/dobbelmann/test6.jpg
http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j184/dobbelmann/test7.jpg
http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j184/dobbelmann/test8.jpg

[Zibba]

Nice. Where did you end up getting it from?

Get some tank shots up now!

[dobbs]

Nice. Where did you end up getting it from?

Get some tank shots up now!

Thanks. Got the camera from profeel. Got the tripod, and the 4GB memory card from B&H.

Here's a tank shot of the tank we're currently setting up at work...;)

http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j184/dobbelmann/180AGA.jpg

[dobbs]

Get some tank shots up now!

...still playing with the settings. These are mostly with the auto, or the aquarium setting.....

http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j184/dobbelmann/IMG_0029.jpg
http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j184/dobbelmann/IMG_0050.jpg
http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j184/dobbelmann/IMG_0066.jpg
http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j184/dobbelmann/IMG_0026.jpg
http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j184/dobbelmann/IMG_0058.jpg
http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j184/dobbelmann/IMG_0069.jpg

[gruntmon]

fabulous photos

[RogersCG]

Great shots... Looks like a winner!!