New Camera

[rana]

Hello all:

I have a Sony Cybershot and the camera sucks. I cannot get good photographs with that camera. I could not take pictures in an auditorium when my kid is on the stage, all the photographs I took are bad, all memories gone down the drain. :mad:

I am looking to buy a good camera this boxing day. I need something which would serve my purpose as mentioned above. I do not want film I want a memory stick, crystal clear pictures from far as well when its a bit dark (light turned down) in an auditorium and the stage is lit and am willing to spend around 500$-600$. Can some photography gurus recommend me a good camera which will not make me loose these precious moments in future. Thank you.

[Marko]

Sure, my pleasure to help and Welcome!

Question - do you know any photography basics?

[rana]

Sure, my pleasure to help and Welcome!

Question - do you know any photography basics?

Hi Marko:

Yes I have had camera's in the past and have a basic knowledge about cameras, pixels, adjust exposure, focus, shutter speeds....... mostly gained from the previous cams I had. Even good on PC where I have to use the tools to make adjustments to the photos and uploading etc....

Thanks

[Marko]

Then I would get a DSLR you can't even compare it to a point and shoot.

Nikon D80 might be one to consider or a used Canon 30D or 40D
hope that helps
marko

[tirediron]

Agree with Marko, a DSLR is a good choice, but if you don't see yourself changing lenses, or taking advantage of a lot of the features that a DSLR offers, perhaps one of the super-zoom cameras such as the Canon Powershot G10 (http://www.usa.canon.com/consumer/controller?act=ModelInfoAct&fcategoryid=144&modelid=17624) or some of the Fuji models. (http://www.fujifilm.ca/x972.xml)

[djKianoosh]

I think you could easily get a used nikon D50 with the 18-55mm kit lens and a lot more for under $500. I really recommend the D50 to start with. it's got a great combination of automated settings plus fully manual ability. D80 is good too though. and since the D90 is out, the prices for those are coming down a little, so you can really get good deals.

[rana]

Feels like Canon camera is recommended than Nikon

http://www.photography.ca/blog/?p=9

Where can I get deals for Canon? Good place to shop!

[mindforge]

Right now with all the cameras out there I am looking at the D90 for my family pic up and go camera. $1200 for probably the best memory keepsake camera out there. You got 720i video recordings and incredible ISO capabilities.

[rana]

Right now with all the cameras out there I am looking at the D90 for my family pic up and go camera. $1200 for probably the best memory keepsake camera out there. You got 720i video recordings and incredible ISO capabilities.

Nice Camera. Cannot afford to spend 1200$ though. Maximum I can stretch is to 700$. Thanks for your input.

[The_Camera_Poser]

Ok- if you want to come over to the Good Side of the Force, you could go for a Canon 30D- either used or refurbished, with a EFS 18-55 IS lens (make sure it's IS) and a Canon 50/1.8 Mk II. I recommend the 30D over other oldies-but-goodies such as the 350D or 20D because it has a spot meter, which you might want when taking photos of the kid on stage. Also, with this set-up you can add the very nice, new Canon 55-250 IS lens in the future for a few hundred bucks, and have all the bases covered.

Until you want to photograph birds.... :-)

[The_Camera_Poser]

You can get a refurbished 30D (I got one a year ago and have had no worries) for $549, and a refurbished 18-55 IS for $119, leaving you a bit of money for the 50/1.8 (around $75) and the other bits you'll need. PM me if you want the store info- I don't know if you can post it in public on here. It's a big and reputable US shop.

Cheers