Camera perfect for photography?

Question

I really want a new camera for my birthday this month. Right now I have a crappy Sony Cybershot s700. It's not that bad but I want a better one.

Here is what I am asking:

-Which camera brand would you recommend? A few people have suggested canon or nikon but im not sure which one to get, theres so many D:

-I usually like taking photos of animals close and far (such as at the zoo) and need a camera with a good MACRO function or lense to take extremely up-close shots, such as of insects ect

-A camera with excellent quality

-or possibly a camera that you can buy different lenses for (i dont know much about lenses, would someone care to explain?)

And that's about it.

To get to the point, can you please recommend a good camera that takes great shots up close and in the distance?

Thanks a lot, anything will help. Hopefully I can get a good enough one to join a photography course.

Answer 1

Hi there...it's great to hear that you want to upgrade to a newer and better camera. I would suggest purchasing a canon, like some others have told you. I am a GIANT canon fan and i would suggest getting a Canon Rebel EOS XTi or XSi. It's a great camera and is well worth the money spent $499-899. Either one comes able to interchange lenses, they have excellent functions including Macro, DOF(depth of field) which is where you can shoot things with the fuzzy backgrounds. The camera's take great quality photo's and you'll be happy with it.

Different lenses which can sometimes be pricey are used for various things. Some are meant so that you can ONLY shoot things from far away and make them appear close. And some are ONLY for macro...They even have some that are just for landscapes, portraits and other things.

I would suggest purchasing the camera at best buy because they sell a waranty which you can purchase and it'll cover you if you ever drop your camera. As long as you take the pieces back to them, they'll be happy to fix it...or give you a new one. I've done it once and got back a new one! haha...anyways...i hope this helps...if you're interested in finding more information on this camera, you can email me at [e-mail].

I'll post some links to some photo's that i've shot with my XTi.

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3062/2734...

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3014/2734...

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3060/2708...

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3018/2695...

Answer 2

Have a look at the Nikon D40.  It's a perfect DSLR starter.

Another one to have a peek at is the Canon XSI.

If you're on a budget stick with the Nikon.

Answer 3

First of all, let me explain the difference between an SLR camera and a POS.

A POS, or point-and-shoot, is the type of camera you have now.  It usually has many automatic settings and very few manual controls.  It is designed to be cheap(er) and easy to use, so that almost anyone can simply point and shoot a good photo.  Although POS cameras nowadays can take some really great photographs, they can be very limiting to someone who wants more control over the settings in certain situations.  Especially when those automatic settings just aren't getting the right shot.  

An SLR, or Single Lens Reflex camera, is a camera with many manual controls and interchangeable lenses.  Many enthusiasts prefer this type of camera because they can completely control the settings for each shot (as well as use some automated settings), and they can use specific lenses as desired for each situation.  SLR cameras also have many more accesories and add-ons to aid photography, such as a larger flash or filters that are placed on the lenses for different affects. SLR's can be film or digital.  Film SLR's tend to be cheaper.  Many beginner's courses might require a Film SLR so be sure to check that out before you enroll in one.

Jumping into the SLR world can be expensive. The camera body's are pricey on their own, and lenses can add up overtime.  Other accesories can also cost a pretty penny.  For instance, you'll need a good bag or backpack to protect all your equipment.  Most Digital SLR's require memory cards called CF cards, or Compact Flash, which cost more than POS SD cards. Of course, you can buy things used and simply upgrade as you go by starting off with good beginner's equipment and eventually acquiring more professional equipment.

As for taking macro or up-close photos: With a POS, many cameras have a macro setting.  But for an SLR, you will have to buy a lens that is specifically for close-up or macro photography.  I have a Canon Powershot SD800 IS (POS) that has always taken pretty good macro photos.  However, the quality is not THAT great, since it is only a POS.  For my Digital SLR, I have a zoom lens that also has a macro setting.  The quality is much better, but the lens wasn't cheap.  

About lenses: Every lens has a certain length that defines it.  For instance, a "normal" lens that is best for everyday situations is a 50mm lens.  For situations where you require more scenary, any measurement below 50mm would be ideal.  For instance, I own a 17mm-35mm that is considered to be a "wide" lens because it lets me capture much more in a single image. The range between is the amount of zoom.  I can focus at 17mm (far away and more scenary), or anywhere between, or at 35mm (closer and alittle less scenary).  A close lens is anything over 50mm.  I also own a 70mm-300mm with a macro setting.  At 70mm, I have a relatively close range, but still pretty normal.  When going up to 300mm, it is significantly close and applicable to macro photos.  Some people refer to these lenses as "long" lenses because the body structure is longer than most lenses, and the focal range is usually further away.  Accordingly, lenses under 50mm are usually referred to as "short" lenses for the opposite reasons.

Here is a very technical explanation about lenses: http://www.rags-int-inc.com/PhotoTechStu...

And a guide that makes it easier to understand the different types of lenses: http://ezinearticles.com/?Photography-10...

Now, between Canon or Nikon: I definitely recommend the same.  They are both good brands and very popular.  I believe the Nikon D40 (someone confirm?) is THE cheapest Digital SLR and a great beginner's camera.  Canon's cheapest and beginner's camera is the Canon Rebel XT.  Though, I believe they have just released a newer version of the Rebel, called the XSi.  It is the most expensive Rebel camera.  I personally have the Rebel XTi, which is an updated version of the XT and second cheapest.

Canon: http://www.usa.canon.com/consumer/contro...

Nikon: http://www.nikonusa.com/Find-Your-Nikon/...

The best way to choose is to go to a store that has the two brands on display.  Pick them up and use them. Play with all the controls.  I have many friends that prefer Nikon. I personally prefer Canon because it was much more user-friendly to me.  I had NO knowledge of SLR's when I first picked up the Canon Rebel XTi, but I was instantly amazed and captivated when I began shooting with it.  And when I had picked up a Nikon previously, I had actually found it boring and was unimpressed.  They are both very different systems and either one may appeal to you.  Try them each for yourself before taking anyone's opinion seriously.  

Again, like I said above, if you plan on joining a course, see what kind of camera is required before you buy one.  Canon and Nikon also offer great (cheaper!) film cameras if that's what is required.  You could easily pick up a used one and resale it when you're done, if you want to move on to digital after.  

Sorry it was so much information.  I hope some of it helped!  Good luck and keep shooting!  =)  

Answer 4

You'll hear a lot that it's not the camera but the shooter of the camera.  That is true, but having a nice camera you can use will give you more confident and options. What you need is a DSLR, but with all the feature you want, it would be costly because of the lenses you want for it. If you are ready to spend more than $1000, then you can get a DSLR with all the lenses to give you the kind of shot you wabnt to take. Any of the 2 brand will do, and they are good cameras - starting with a Canon XTi and up, and Nikon D40x and up - plus a 35-200 lens, and a macro lens. You'll want a image stabilizer feature in your lenses, also.

But if you want something affordable and take great photos, that could start you up with photography, you can check this camera - Panasonic Lumix FZ18, it has a really good lens.- and the site for it on samples of shots it made.

http://www.dpreview.com/reviews/panasoni...

http://www.dpreview.com/gallery/panasoni...