NBR - Kind of. Camera rec's?

lest12 · March 2014

Not pregnancy related except that it is, because I only want a new camera because the baby is coming.

Not that it matters, but it's actually going to be somewhat of a gift for DH... he really likes taking photos but our camera truly isn't all that much better than the camera on our cell phones (the cameras on our cell phones are good, though!). I'd like to upgrade to something a little better and I think he'll especially enjoy it.

Anyone have any recommendations?

ElTrain5 · March 2014

We are thinking of getting a GoPro camera.

Pepper6 · March 2014

Are you looking for a point and shoot, or a DSLR? Either way, we are a Canon family for our cameras. I have a Canon Powershot p&s, which has worked great for us on vacations (much easier to hand off a tiny little p&s to passerby to take our picture than an expensive DSLR).

When DH decided to take on photography, he got a Canon Rebel xsi and it was a great starter DSLR. Very easy to use on auto if you didn't want to make any adjustments, but also great features to learn when you want better quality pics.

lest12 · March 2014

@pepper6 - I think maybe a DSLR. This would be a starter one for us as well!

@eltrain5 - DH thinks the GoPro is the coolest thing ever. Maybe I should research that option.

deedee830 · March 2014

We've had the Canon G9 for a few years now and love it. I'm not sure if they've introduced newer models in the series since we bought it, but it's an amazing camera.

ETA: it looks like they may be up to the G16 now.

lest12 · March 2014

KrystaJ said:

I have a Canon EOS Rebel something that I got for Christmas and LOVE. I think they have them on Zulily right now.

ETA: They do: https://www.zulily.com/e/canon-79182.html?ref=search&ns=ns_201205758|1395337120740

Awesome - that's the same one (I think) that @muffinhny mentioned.

Is the higher priced one worth the extra $ ?

Pepper6 · March 2014

@lest12 GoPros are awesome for action-type filming, but not for regular every day stuff. There's no way to view what you are filming in real time. We've had one for years that we've used while scuba diving, skiing, mountain biking, etc, but we just recently bought a regular handheld video camera to use for baby.

If you are going to go for a DSLR, I highly recommend reading up on photography so you'll know how to actually use it the way they are meant to, and not just on auto all the time. I think THIS is the book my DH always recommends for learning basics.

gmc222 · March 2014

Another vote for a Canon Rebel! We have the T3i and I absolutely love it.

When I was pregnant with DD we decided to get a nice video camera, which was a complete waste of $$. When DD was 6 months old we splurged on the Canon Rebel and we use it all the time. Both sets of grandparents loved our camera so much they went out and bought one of their own.

I found a great package deal on a website called www.getitdigital.com - check that out.

MrsP419 · March 2014

I vote DSLR too if you can afford it. If you see no chance that you will upgrade someday (I eventually wanted a nicer camera), and really just want it for the family, the Sony Alphas are comparable to the Canon rebels but cheaper. Zulily has Canon rebels right now, but not sure if it is a good deal or not.

I started with a Sony a390 but when I started getting more serious about photography on the side, I upgraded to a Canon 60d (used from ebay). I love/d both.

lest12 · March 2014

Thank you guys! Seems like canon rebel is a big hit... But I might check out the one you mentioned @mrsp419, if it's comparable but less $ it's worth looking at. Thanks again!

chloephoebecali · March 2014

I recommend a DSLR. I went with a Nikon (I wanted one step up from the current Rebel, and the Cannon variation wasn't reviewed as well as the soon to be new Nikon variation). Either brand is good, but I think at the Rebel level, Cannons are probably better. (This was my research quite a while ago, though.)

aravis121 · March 2014

While the Rebel series is certainly the most popular choice, there are other choices out there! Most cameras geared toward the beginner set offer very similar features. DPReview, arguably the best gear website out there, has a few recommendations here.

Some of those are mirrorless, which tend to be smaller, lighter, and cheaper. DSLRs have larger sensors and tend to perform better in low light. Basically, the best camera FOR YOU is the one that you'll use! To get the photos that look most professional, you'll probably want to buy at least one more lens in addition to (or instead of) a kit lens - a lot of people find that a prime lens (one that doesn't zoom) offers that nice creamy background and slow enough shutter speeds to capture babies on the move. When you do buy a camera that has interchangeable lenses, remember that you're buying into a system. If I were starting right this moment, I'd probably go with Nikon, just to have their 35mm lens.

If you'd like more info, the Photography board here has lots of informed shooters - and lots of beginners!

MissBHaven1024 · March 2014

I love my Canon Rebel T3i. I bought mine on QVC and used their easy pay option. The lenses are easy to work with and the camera has great features! I love taking pictures with it!

dragonfly711 · March 2014

Love my Nikon D90. Few years old but awesome camera. I still have to get some more lens for it however.

otter1103 · March 2014

aravis121 said:
While the Rebel series is certainly the most popular choice, there are other choices out there! Most cameras geared toward the beginner set offer very similar features. DPReview, arguably the best gear website out there, has a few recommendations here.

Some of those are mirrorless, which tend to be smaller, lighter, and cheaper. DSLRs have larger sensors and tend to perform better in low light. Basically, the best camera FOR YOU is the one that you'll use! To get the photos that look most professional, you'll probably want to buy at least one more lens in addition to (or instead of) a kit lens - a lot of people find that a prime lens (one that doesn't zoom) offers that nice creamy background and slow enough shutter speeds to capture babies on the move. When you do buy a camera that has interchangeable lenses, remember that you're buying into a system. If I were starting right this moment, I'd probably go with Nikon, just to have their 35mm lens.

If you'd like more info, the Photography board here has lots of informed shooters - and lots of beginners!

^This! Check out DPReview. The Hubs is a total camera buff. He was totally Canon until a couple of years ago and now has switched to Sony after meticulously researching & comparing sensors. A lot of cameras have the same internal parts so sometimes you are paying more o en less for a name and some other features. DP Review is a great resource to get the down low on stuff.

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