Babies: 9 - 12 Months

XP: Help me pick a camera

Re: XP: Help me pick a camera

  • I also don't know a lot about photography, but we have a nikon and recently took a class. Hands down cannon or nikon DSLR (and this was the recommendation in our class). If he chooses to get more advanced, this camera body will allow him to do that. Adding lenses can be expensive, but some very good lenses are reasonably priced 130-400 (I know, 400 isn't exactly reasonable, but you'll get great results). 
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  • Seeings how you're getting no replies, I'll chime in.  Just realize that I am no expert by any means - I just did a LOT of research before jumping into the DSLR world almost a year ago, and have continued to do a lot of research since then.  If it were me, I'd go with the Canon Rebel.  My MIL has the Sony, and I have a Canon Rebel xsi - the Sony simply feels cheaper.  I can't tell you about the picture quality compared to mine, as she only ever shoots in Auto, with the onboard flash.  However, you'll notice that the two big names in DSLR cameras are Canon and Nikon, and this does play a part in lens availability, ease of service (if the camera needs to be fixed, etc), and availability of parts, upgrades, etc.

    The bundle pack is expensive - have you tried just pricing out the camera itself?  Is there any particular reason you're choosing WalMart?  I personally prefer Amazon.  If his original camera is film, then he will need a memory card (comes in the bundle) - however, these can be bought fairly cheap these days, so it doesn't add a whole lot of value to the bundle pack.  Does he already have a camera bag?  If so, then that may not be worth it to you, either.  The extra battery would be nice, but to be honest, my battery life is amazing in my camera.  Yes, it's always nice to have a backup, but it also isn't hard to keep an eye on your battery meter and just charge overnight once it starts getting low.  This would be a personal decision.

    The lens that is included is the "kit" lens, which most people will replace as soon as they can, simply because it is a starter lens.  However, there's nothing wrong with a starter lens until your husband decides what kind of photography he's into.  For portraits he'd probably want to go with a lens that has a large aperture (but don't be fooled - the smaller the number, the larger the aperture) and a fixed length (otherwise known as a prime lens).  If he's into landscapes and architecture, he'd want a better zoom lens and aperture won't play as big of a part.  A "kit" lens is a great tool for getting to know the camera, and figuring out what you're "in" to from there.

    They also include a second zoom lens.  This lens would be alright for outdoors, but to take indoor pictures, it will require some sort of flash, or a LOT of indoor light, because the aperture only goes to a 4.  This would not be my first choice, and, in my opinion, is not worth the extra money that the bundle is costing.

    I would recommend purchasing the Canon Rebel XS with the kit lens.  Amazon has that for $499.  If you feel confident in the type of lens/type of photography that your DH would want, then you could purchase just the camera body ($399) and purchase an additional lens on top of that.  I, personally, would recommend the Canon 50 mm f/1.8 lens for your budget ($128 on Amazon).  You should also purchase a memory card for him - at the low prices that they are available at (also on Amazon), I would go with a minimum of 4 GB of memory.

    Good luck! 

    "One healthy, little giggling, dribbling, baby boy." -DMB Lilypie Third Birthday tickers Lilypie First Birthday tickers
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  • Thank you very much for your replies. I have no reason to select walmart , except that is what i have around here (also I have family that works there so I get a discount!!!) I have been looking at amazon today and based on what people are recommending, i think the canon xs is what I will go with.

    Basically I'm trying to get a good camera for the price. I realize that the more I spend, the better it will be, but at some point I would be wasting my money due to the fact that this is a hobby!

    Also, yes we have a bag, but it is small, and designed specifically for the Pentax, so I will be looking for another!

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