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View Full Version : Which camera to buy?


tria
08-16-2012, 06:58 AM
Finally I found the money to buy a better digital camera and a tripod for my joe-photos and my upcoming joe-dio-story...

Could you help me out with this one, because I am a total newbie? (recommended models, what should my camera have, which camera do you use in your joe photos etc)??

Thank you!! :)

pbarny1701
08-16-2012, 07:39 AM
1st question: what is the budget. After that, answers can come. It does no good to recommend a $500 camera if the budget is $400 etc.

tria
08-17-2012, 12:41 AM
[QUOTE=pbarny1701]1st question: what is the budget. After that, answers can come. It does no good to recommend a $500 camera if the budget is $400 etc.[/QUOTE]

sorry!

The budget is 400$ - 500$ for camera.

troopsofdoom
08-17-2012, 09:24 AM
The advice I got from professionals was simply buy the most expensive camera you can afford. Nikon is the best, Cannon second.

lardman
08-17-2012, 10:08 AM
I suppose the next question would be what lenses (and flash equipment) are necessary in order to get the types of shot you want, so you can work out the cost of a body (or the spec of a bridge camera), etc.?

Lt. Faceless
08-18-2012, 07:13 AM
It depends on how you shot.(i am by no means a pro at this,so take all my advice with a grain of salt).When i was looking,i went with megapixal count and i got the best(16.3 MP) i could find at the time.As far as flash goes,if outside,i let the sun be my flash.If inside,i use prop lights,i only use flash if i have too.I have a Sony by theway.

M1General
08-18-2012, 11:31 AM
You might not have to spend that much, Amazon has a good selection of Nikon 16.1 mp cameras for under $200. But if your like me and want to see it up close, Best Buy/HH Gregg have a decent range of Nikon 16.1 in the $2-300 range. Save your money for the accessories. :D

lardman
08-18-2012, 10:30 PM
I'm also no expert, but this is what I'd suggest. By all means chip in with corrections/comments.

I'd also check the macro mode and how close you can focus, and also how easy it is to manually focus the camera (assuming we're talking about "bridge" cameras, i.e. high-end point and shoot with a single non-changeable lens) to make sure you get the right thing in focus.

The f-stop the camera can shoot at will determine how easily you can create "out of focus" backgrounds (smaller the better f stop setting - this also varies with lens zoom), though you'd probably need to either try for yourself or see some example images (which perhaps people could provide with example cameras - I'll do something this afternoon with my Finepix HS20 if it's of interest)

Being able to shoot raw might be of interest, if you want to do lots of manipulation after the fact, though I imagine that JPEGs will be fine for most people (me included so far).

Not a biggie, but can the camera be triggered remotely to avoid camera shake if you're shooting a low light scene?

Last but not least, if you decide to go with external flashes (or think you might one day - see the recent thread on them), does the camera have a hot shoe or a PC sync (I know nothing about the latter), with which you can attach either a physical flash (via a cable if necessary) or an RF trigger to trigger unconnected flash units.

tria
08-19-2012, 02:29 PM
[QUOTE=lardman]I suppose the next question would be what lenses (and flash equipment) are necessary in order to get the types of shot you want, so you can work out the cost of a body (or the spec of a bridge camera), etc.?[/QUOTE]

maybe...but first need to buy a proper camera!

So, the conclusion from here until now is
A Nikkon or a cannon (thanks troopsofdoom) but I will save money for accessories
(thanks M1general). It seems that an aditional lens would be necessary..

Then, I will check the macro mode, f-stop etc (thank you lardman).

About lighting I will go with Lt faceless advice (thanks!)

I would like to go to a shop but I dont feel comfortably specifying to the employee in the shop the main use of the camera... Fortunately, there is internet... :D

lardman
08-20-2012, 05:48 AM
[QUOTE=tria]maybe...but first need to buy a proper camera!

So, the conclusion from here until now is
A Nikkon or a cannon (thanks troopsofdoom) but I will save money for accessories
(thanks M1general). It seems that an aditional lens would be necessary..

Then, I will check the macro mode, f-stop etc (thank you lardman).

About lighting I will go with Lt faceless advice (thanks!)

I would like to go to a shop but I dont feel comfortably specifying to the employee in the shop the main use of the camera... Fortunately, there is internet... :D[/QUOTE]

If you're going for a DSLR then no need to worry too much about the macro mode and f-stop as the camera should be able to do the job as long as you have the right lens (I was commenting more if you were planning to buy a high-end single lens bridge camera). The only thing you might look at is what lens packages they do with the camera and choose the one that will work for what you plan to shoot.

If you want to discuss in the shop I guess you could say you want to take shots of flowers/insects/plants/something else that's about the same scale as a Joe.

HTH

Dreadnok Dread
08-20-2012, 02:46 PM
If you want something good for about 400 bucks the best I can think of is the camera I ahve now that I spent about 2000 on about 8 years ago is about 400 bucks art office depot now. Its a canon dslr 8.1 mega pixels. Unless your shooting to output/print posters you dont need anything over 8 mega pixels. I know my stuff, and have been told I take excellent pics so look through my shots if you want the proof.

1. a dslr so you can change the lenses
you want a macro lens 60 mm f 2.8
and a regular lens which says 24-85 or 18-118 depends.

what you really need is any camera that will hold a tripod
and you can change the shutter speed and f stop
the F-stops are the hole in the lens that lets the light in. The number is just the bottom (ok, the denominator) of a fraction.
Shutter speeds control how long the lens lets the light in. The number is just the bottom (ok, the denominator) of a fraction.
as long as your camera has that theres no problem with what you get.

I got a canon and have used a canon for many years
the controversy between nikon and canon was years ago and it was basically that nikon was better because they were universal with the lenses and other applications. while canon used specific motors in there lenses and were only compatible with other canons.
hope this helps anything else hit me up id love to help even though im not on this site to much anymore. remember any camera will do as long as it had a timer, fstop and shutter speed.

tria
08-20-2012, 03:13 PM
[QUOTE=lardman]If you're going for a DSLR then no need to worry too much about the macro mode and f-stop as the camera should be able to do the job as long as you have the right lens (I was commenting more if you were planning to buy a high-end single lens bridge camera). The only thing you might look at is what lens packages they do with the camera and choose the one that will work for what you plan to shoot.

If you want to discuss in the shop I guess you could say you want to take shots of flowers/insects/plants/something else that's about the same scale as a Joe.

HTH[/QUOTE]

Thats a really good idea... but I went once and told that I am interested in taking photos of flowers and the employee called another employee, who actually has as a hobby taking photos of flowers... I was really embarassed, because I have no clue not only about photos but also about flowers...
Furthermore, I really dont feel comfortable lying about this one...
So, the only solution is internet!

tria
08-20-2012, 03:37 PM
[QUOTE=Dreadnok Dread]If you want something good for about 400 bucks the best I can think of is the camera I ahve now that I spent about 2000 on about 8 years ago is about 400 bucks art office depot now. Its a canon dslr 8.1 mega pixels. Unless your shooting to output/print posters you dont need anything over 8 mega pixels. I know my stuff, and have been told I take excellent pics so look through my shots if you want the proof.

1. a dslr so you can change the lenses
you want a macro lens 60 mm f 2.8
and a regular lens which says 24-85 or 18-118 depends.

what you really need is any camera that will hold a tripod
and you can change the shutter speed and f stop
the F-stops are the hole in the lens that lets the light in. The number is just the bottom (ok, the denominator) of a fraction.
Shutter speeds control how long the lens lets the light in. The number is just the bottom (ok, the denominator) of a fraction.
as long as your camera has that theres no problem with what you get.

I got a canon and have used a canon for many years
the controversy between nikon and canon was years ago and it was basically that nikon was better because they were universal with the lenses and other applications. while canon used specific motors in there lenses and were only compatible with other canons.
hope this helps anything else hit me up id love to help even though im not on this site to much anymore. remember any camera will do as long as it had a timer, fstop and shutter speed.[/QUOTE]

I am going to print your advice, give it to the employee and say "I want what he says!"

I have also checked your photos and they are really clear! (btw very nice ideas and set ups)

BTW I really like your sig! Nietzsche is one of my favorite controversial philosophers.
The concept of this phrase probably appears for the first time in the work of Thucydides, when he describes the siege of Milos from Athenians. (the powerful Athenians appear to say to the powerless Milos citizens, that the powerful determines what is true and what is right.)

a rather cynical but timeless statement...

Dreadnok Dread
08-20-2012, 08:54 PM
[QUOTE=tria]I am going to print your advice, give it to the employee and say "I want what he says!"

I have also checked your photos and they are really clear! (btw very nice ideas and set ups)

BTW I really like your sig! Nietzsche is one of my favorite controversial philosophers.
The concept of this phrase probably appears for the first time in the work of Thucydides, when he describes the siege of Milos from Athenians. (the powerful Athenians appear to say to the powerless Milos citizens, that the powerful determines what is true and what is right.)

a rather cynical but timeless statement...[/QUOTE]




I loved Nietzsche, not to controversial when your dying from syphilis my friend. more like a truth teller! I love thus spoke Zarathustra especially the idea of the über man. People say that he was the person to bring about the Superman from his writings. That is one of the best lines i've ever read to tell you the truth even though it is a lie. Power can determine as well as undermine! :)
Glad you like mi pics brother!


The Camera I Have is a Canon rebel, but Like i stated as long as it can be put on a tripod, has a timer and can change the f-stop and shutter your golden! The timer is merely because when clicking the button to shoot your shots theres the smallest amount of camera shake with your finger but if its on a timed delay you dont even have to touch the camera when its taking its picture! cheers anything I can do to help my friend!

Dreadnok Dread
08-20-2012, 08:56 PM
By the way if you dont want to tell people your shooting toys tell them you take pictures of small items for catalogs. Like jewelry, cars, or watches! :D

lardman
08-20-2012, 11:33 PM
[QUOTE=tria]Thats a really good idea... but I went once and told that I am interested in taking photos of flowers and the employee called another employee, who actually has as a hobby taking photos of flowers... I was really embarassed, because I have no clue not only about photos but also about flowers...
Furthermore, I really dont feel comfortable lying about this one...
So, the only solution is internet![/QUOTE]

Whatever subject you choose you could always say you're just starting out and what books, websites would he recommend, (and camera!)

tria
08-21-2012, 11:31 AM
[QUOTE=Dreadnok Dread]I loved Nietzsche, not to controversial when your dying from syphilis my friend. more like a truth teller! I love thus spoke Zarathustra especially the idea of the über man. People say that he was the person to bring about the Superman from his writings. That is one of the best lines i've ever read to tell you the truth even though it is a lie. Power can determine as well as undermine! :)
Glad you like mi pics brother!


The Camera I Have is a Canon rebel, but Like i stated as long as it can be put on a tripod, has a timer and can change the f-stop and shutter your golden! The timer is merely because when clicking the button to shoot your shots theres the smallest amount of camera shake with your finger but if its on a timed delay you dont even have to touch the camera when its taking its picture! cheers anything I can do to help my friend![/QUOTE]

Hope now is everything ok...as Nietzsche said: that which does not kill us, make us stronger.

I ve said controversial, because his theories were used from totally opposite theories like the "famous" theory of statism, Nationalsocialism (Hitler said that this über man is a fascist man) and variations of Anti-statism, like Anarchy... (Especially the part where Nietzsche claimed that in order to create a new world with new values, you need to destroy the old one... and for the anarchists über man was a man who dont have to be a slave nor a master, a man who managed to overcome the social stereotypes, who is a anti-christian and against all religions.
Generally, Thus spoke zaratustra is a M U S T read book, which really B L O W S and F R E E S your mind ! !

about the camera...
I think now I know what I want. I ve already started looking for prices and bargains...
Thanks! I really apreciate your help! :)

roguetiger
08-21-2012, 12:09 PM
[QUOTE=Dreadnok Dread]By the way if you dont want to tell people your shooting toys tell them you take pictures of small items for catalogs. Like jewelry, cars, or watches! :D[/QUOTE]

Or say your taking pics of toys for sale on Ebay. Then your only 1/2 lying. :p

Dreadnok Dread
08-21-2012, 01:46 PM
[QUOTE=roguetiger]Or say your taking pics of toys for sale on Ebay. Then your only 1/2 lying. :p[/QUOTE]



Lmfao only half the liar! Lol

tria
08-21-2012, 03:21 PM
[QUOTE=roguetiger]Or say your taking pics of toys for sale on Ebay. Then your only 1/2 lying. :p[/QUOTE]

hahahaha

Thats the best idea!

I am going to try it tomorrow!

tria
09-05-2012, 12:36 AM
I ve finally bought a nikon d3100 dslr...
thank you very much for the help! :)

lardman
09-05-2012, 01:28 AM
Great!

What lens(es) did you buy?

We look forward to hearing (and seeing!) what you think of it :)

tria
09-05-2012, 03:22 PM
[QUOTE=lardman]Great!

What lens(es) did you buy?

We look forward to hearing (and seeing!) what you think of it :)[/QUOTE]

The camera has a AF-S NIKKOR 18-55 vr kit.

I am going to buy a macro 60 mm f2.8, but a new one is freaking expensive!!! Also, since its my first dslr camera, I think that I am going to use the standard lens for the first couple of months to get familiarized with the camera settings and then I am going to buy the macro lens...

I am really eager to take photos of my joes, but I will have to wait one week more... right now I am in Greece and my joes are in Germany!

Really hope that you will also like the result!

rnrhero
11-22-2012, 10:02 PM
If your still looking for a lens, the Nikon 40mm Macro is great for Joe pics. I use it quite often. Maybe sometime soon I will start posting pictures again. I don't think I have posted anything in over a year and a half.