Author Topic: The Camera Thread (Read 392 times)

Chiprocks1 · « **on:** March 08, 2014, 03:44:07 pm »

Okay, I could really use your input here. I'm currently looking into getting my first DSLR Camera. Up till now it has bascially been Compact and Point and Shoot Cameras. But now that I'm looking to get serious about taking pics that I would want to do for design work (posters, prints, etc...), it times to step up.

So, do you have any hands-on DSLR experience? Any of your friends? I will soak up whatever information you guys have. I also want to hear about what cameras you use, regardless if they are Point and Shoots or DSLR's. I did a walk through at Staples (only 1 DSLR on display, which was the Canon EOS Rebel T3) and did a walk through at Target. They didn't have more than 2 on display and I can't remember the make and model. With so many cameras out there, it's kind of overwhelming to zero in on a few. I've watched a few videos of different makes and models and that too is overwhelming.

Price range for me, given that I'm starting out with an entry-level/beginner's camera isn't much of an issue. Under 1k would be nice. Would like to also be able to shoot high quality video as well for video shoots, etc... So Mac, Neumatic, I await to hear what you guys use and what you look for in cameras.

Chiprocks1 · « **Reply #1 on:** March 08, 2014, 03:50:07 pm »

One other thing I forgot to mention is that I also want a camera that shoots well at night time (both photography and video). I want to take pics at night of the Downtown Skyline as well as general use.

Mac · « **Reply #2 on:** March 09, 2014, 08:33:52 am »

I bought a Olympus VR-350 about a year ago at Best Buy. I chose it because of price, ease of use, large view screen.

I AM NOT a photographer. I just use it to capture some things. Nothing worth posting or sharing or such. I know very little about photography, so would be of little use in tips and tricks. I come across a ton of articles on "How to..." from Zite, but don't really read them. I could post them here though.

The Olympus is a pretty much a point and shoot. I can make some minor adjustments, like color enhancements. It's very thin and light and very easy to travel with me. It's got a huge view screen which helps my failing eyes.

Transferring to the computer is a breeze.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S5KX5f6QQQs

Chiprocks1 · « **Reply #3 on:** March 09, 2014, 08:38:53 am »

Thanks for the post. Along with getting a DSLR Camera, I am looking to get an even smaller (i.e. thinner) Pocket Camera just to carry and have on me cause you never know when you're gonna need it. My FujiFilm FinePix crapped on me about a year ago. I've been using a Kodak EasyShare since then. Even though it's compact, it's not small enough to want to carry it around in my pocket. Definitely "bulky" by comparison to what is out there today.

Chiprocks1 · « **Reply #4 on:** March 09, 2014, 11:02:04 am »

Okay, digging a bit deeper with trying to save as much money, I was comparing prices from eBay to that of Amazon for the same type of Camera. For example. I'm looking at the Nikon D5200 at the moment and on Amazon it's listed at $749.95 for the Kit that includes the 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 AF-S DX VR NIKKOR Zoom Lens. Not a bad deal. The same Kit goes for about $200 less plus free shipping on eBay.

Something was fishy, especially since the eBay merchants actually are packing more 'stuff' into the kit auction, be it carry bags, tripods, wide-angle lens, etc... So, I investigated further to find out that most of their cameras are 'Imported' versus those that are shipped direct to USA from the factory. What's the big deal right? Same parts, same functions, same everything. Well, reading futher I see that any Import Camera will not be serviced by Nikon (same for Canon as well per their cameras) during the duration of the Warranty. Second hand repair shops will also turn you away and if you can find one that will actually work on your camera or lens, they will charge almost the same price of a new replacement part.

Has anyone dealt with this USA Vs. Import situation before? I've always bought straight from a local store when it comes to electronic purchases, like my Sony TRV 900, which was 15 years or so ago. With eBay in the mix now, it's a whole new ballgame for me. Any thoughts? Should I just get it from Amazon or a local dealer? Anyone know of any online stores that sell USA product at a discount compared to the big Nationwide Chain stores?

Mac · « **Reply #5 on:** March 09, 2014, 05:39:28 pm »

Have not dealt with import on cameras. Be cautious sounds about right.

Have you tried deal news.com. I think they have amazing deals on 'refurbished'. Not sure how you view that.

Mac · « **Reply #6 on:** March 11, 2014, 08:20:52 am »

http://dealnews.com/

Might run across a good deal.

Chiprocks1 · « **Reply #7 on:** March 11, 2014, 10:22:33 am »

Thanks for the link. I did a search for Nikon D5200, but no hits. Does this site sell new or is it like Craigslist? Never heard of it before. And yes, I have decided that the 5200 is exactly the camera I want and need. Now it comes down to finding the absolute best price for a New camera.

Mac · « **Reply #8 on:** March 11, 2014, 10:27:12 am »

The particular site is collection of coupons, ads, promo's, etc from legitimate companies. For instance, you'll see deals from Best Buy, Cabella's, Dell.

Pretty much a heads up kinds of announcing. I did a search on sites like Deal News and got quite a few more.

Good luck on your quest

Chiprocks1 · « **Reply #9 on:** March 13, 2014, 01:16:42 pm »

Anyone have any hands on experience with Quibids? Just saw a commercial for it where they hype that you can get Factory New items for up to 90% off. Gonna read into it but would like to know if you guys have stories, good and bad about the site.

Mac · « **Reply #10 on:** March 13, 2014, 03:44:58 pm »

No stories... but I'll be the old man here and cliche.... Nothing is for free.

Go cautiously.

Chiprocks1 · « **Reply #11 on:** April 09, 2014, 04:28:16 pm »

Just got my Nikon D5200 delivered to me today. Still have to go through learning all the buttons and whatnot and then take some test photos and see if everything is on the up and up. I got this off eBay and if it turns out to be a solid, working and Brand New Camera (which at the moment it appears to be), then I scored a hell of a deal at the price I got it for. More to come.....

Chiprocks1 · « **Reply #12 on:** April 09, 2014, 05:25:20 pm »

I thought the camera would have a Shutter Count somewhere inside the menu. It does not. So, I had to take a couple of pics and then upload to a 3rd party Shutter Count service (all free) and it was at 4. That means it's Brand New. I was expecting to see something like 100-400 clicks. Ya can't be 100% certain about what you are getting on eBay....especially when it's a super deal. So far, everything is shaping up nicely.

Chiprocks1 · « **Reply #13 on:** April 27, 2014, 08:16:49 am »

UPDATE:

Getting a dSLR isn't something that you're just gonna pick up, especially if you don't have a complete understanding of what Photography is all about. It doesn't help if you're coming straight from do-it-all point and shoot cameras like myself. There are plenty of videos you can find on YouTube that will talk about theory, camera operation and whatnot and they are informative...some more than others. But I have found that a lot of what's online is junk and is more about branding themselves as "teachers" and trying to sell you something. That's all good and somewhat expected. I'd do the same thing if I posted videos on YouTube if I had the time.

With that said, I've had to hit the Library and check out some books to get a bit more knowledge of what it takes to be a photographer that can take good pics. I'm currently reading The Digital Photography Books by Scott Kelby. The books themselves really don't need a review because they are more of what kind of settings, shutter speed, f-Stops you should be shooting in for the shot it's talking about. This doesn't offer any kind of theory. It's more of a paint by numbers kind of walk through and something I will get a lot of mileage out of. Currently reading Understanding Exposure which is more theory and THE book that most photographers online recommend. So, that's where I am at currently in my new hobby. I have taken a series of test shots, learning the ins and outs of my camera. Once I get through the book, I will start doing photo projects and seeing what kind of results I get. Stay tuned....

Chiprocks1 · « **Reply #14 on:** April 27, 2014, 10:24:06 am »

The 3 DSLR Lenses You Need (and 2 More You'll Crave)

A solid write-up of what kind of Lens one needs for those that want to take their hobby to the next level. I'm still a ways off before I get into this part of photography, but I am watching a few auctions on eBay to see what they (Used Lens) normally go for.

News:

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