Digital Camera Recommendation

aznw82 · 04-29-2009, 12:52 PM

hey guys,

I'm planning on buying a digital camera for my vacation trips.
Any recommendations on which model??? I prefer price to be around $300 or so. I've looked online for bunch of reviews, it mentioned about the Nikon D40 is good if you're a beginner. D60 is good as well, but pricey.
what kind do you guys use?? is it user friendly??

thanks...

singular · 04-29-2009, 02:56 PM

IMO...depends on what you're after on your vacations.

If you need to make awesome scenery shots, wide-angle, zoom, close-ups, etc. you may want the full capabilities of an SLR (like the D series cameras). But keep in mind that you will have to lug a big camera around along with whatever lenses and other equipment you need. You will also stick out like a tourist and your camera will be a significant part of your on-board luggage.

If your just after memory shots, you can do a lot with one of the millions of small digital cameras (like the Cannon powershot series). You can keep one in your pocket and whip it out whenever very discretely. Easy to pack.

Rachel · 04-29-2009, 03:28 PM

I have both a DSLR and a point and shoot. I am very partial to Nikons. But yeah, depends on what you're shooting. Any more info on what you're looking to do with it?

I have a D80 and S600

cimbali · 04-29-2009, 03:32 PM

I like the Sony W300...small, easy to use and takes great pics.

ML · 04-29-2009, 04:13 PM

I have a 3 MP Casio Exilim as a true point & shoot. It's functional, small and light. If you take the time to actually learn how to use it, it can take decent pictures. It's a good choice if you are just looking for a point & shoot.

I also have a Leica D-Lux 3 but its priced at about twice what you are looking to spend. The Leica is about the size of most other compact digitals, except it has a larger than typical lens on it. It is still small enough to attach to the strap of a backpack and hike with without being obtrusive. In addition to having a couple of good point & shoot modes, it retains all the functionality of an SLR, including aperture priority, shutter speed priority and fully manual modes. The D-Lux 3 is a native format 10 MP 16:9 camera with excellent picture quality. It's just expensive for a small camera.

aznw82 · 04-29-2009, 08:46 PM

thanks for the inputs..
I would like to take some good scenery shots, and close-up shots as well.
A lot of people have told me to get the D40, because it's light weight easy to use. especially its a good starting point for beginner. since i'm new to this, I would like to learn the basics first.

Rachel--Is there a difference in pix between the D-series & point and shoot? do you have pictures from those two cameras?

EINSER M · 04-29-2009, 08:47 PM

the new Nikon D5000 ftw!

BlackNWhite · 04-29-2009, 09:16 PM

D90

Call · 04-29-2009, 09:20 PM

Recommending a camera that will cost more than twice what his budget is doesn't help so why even post? Cute, real cute...we are here to help or stay out of the way.

Call

ML · 04-29-2009, 09:50 PM

A Nikon D40 at $300 will be a camera body only. Expect to pay at least $100 more for an entry level wide angle lens in a package deal. You also mentioned that you wanted to do some close up stuff, in which case you should look for a lens with a macro function.

Lester · 04-29-2009, 10:30 PM

Keep in mind that Megapixels is not as important that the quality of the lens and the speed of the electronics. No point in getting an 8 Megapixel camera that has a small slow plastic lens and an underpowered CCD. I would rather have a used 3 Megapixel camera with a high quality lens and fast CCD. Also - some of the cameras use less than intuitive menus. Have the salesperson show you how the camera works, how you adjust things to see if it makes sense to you.

arrutled · 04-30-2009, 06:11 AM

I have used my fathers D40 and it takes very good pictures. you can learn a lot on this camera and it will take much better pictures than a point a shoot. and dont forget about the feel factor. it just feels good to snap a pictures on a dslr. manual focus mode is also nice to have on the dslr which you wont have on a point and shoot i dont think. I personally have a D90 and find that yeah it does a shit ton of stuff and does it well, but its just and improved D40. the D40 will do what your asking and you wont regret spending the extra money it costs to get Dslr. of course the lens is crucial, but the good news is you dont HAVE to buy the kit lens. i made my own kit on amazon and it was cheaper and better. So, first I would say go to a camera store like wolf camera and chat it up with them and try all the cameras. then come back and let us know what you think!

andrew9223 · 04-30-2009, 06:19 AM

Ricoh CX1 is probably the best point and shoot on the market right now,

rawbert54 · 04-30-2009, 06:33 AM

canon g9 or g10.

ZedClever · 04-30-2009, 07:46 AM

Check out DP Review. Great reviews and great information on cameras and pic taking. I personally hate sony cams, have had three iterations and all died. I currently have an Oly E510 that I love DSLR. There's some real crap out there, read a lot of reviews so you know what your getting.

135iUSN · 04-30-2009, 08:46 AM

humm - review of D60 as I was looking at this too - or do I get a small HD camcorder..

http://www.wired.com/reviews/product/nikon_d60_dslr

amazon price 575 but it is the D60 you reference.

http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg...X0DER&v=glance

best of luck - let us know what you decide and don't forget to post your pics once you get the shots moving along

singular · 04-30-2009, 09:43 AM

Another alternative: go analog!

You can get some awesome COMPLETE outfits on eBay of film cameras. For example, for $300 you should be able to get an OM-10 with a large variety of wide-angle, zoom, telephoto, etc. lenses. Also a couple of spare bodies. Reasonably recent Cannon and Nikon analog SLR's are also available. For $300 you can pick up an outfit that would have cost you thousands 10 years ago, before digital took over.

No it's not as convenient as digital, but you will have a much wider range of capabilities available to you and it will take you back to the roots of photography. Ansel Adams didn't have digital. Neither did Man Ray.

If you want to digitize your pictures, you can take the negatives of the ones you really care about to a photo shop and have them scanned, or you can buy a film scanner for about $100, more if you're really serious and want the highest quality scan.

aznw82 · 04-30-2009, 10:34 AM

thanks guys. i'll definitely post my pictures once i get my camera..

spk74 · 04-30-2009, 11:15 AM

I have a Canon G9. It (or the G10) is a good compromise between point and shoot and SLR.

135iUSN · 04-30-2009, 11:55 AM

G9 review from sep 2007 - great review..

http://www.wired.com/reviews/product/canon_powershot_g9

ORRRRRR

G10 on amaxon 444
Powershot G10 14.7MP

http://www.amazon.com/Canon-Powersho...1110525&sr=8-1

REALLY I have too much time on my hands sometimes...

Redbeemer · 04-30-2009, 12:39 PM

Two points: If you really are into (or want to get into) photography, you will probably wind up with both a point and shoot and a DSLR. As has been pointed out, there are times when you want to shoot the best possible photograph and for those times you will use the DSLR. Other times you don't want to stand out or be obvious or you just don't want to lug around the DSLR and for those occasions you will want a pocket camera. Finally, remember that you are buying into a brand when you get your DSLR and that any lenses you buy for it will not fit another brand if you decide to switch later on. Therefore, I would suggest that you stick with either Nikon or Canon for the DSLR since they are the two big guns and have just about any kind of lens you might want and they both take excellent pictures.

singular · 04-30-2009, 01:19 PM

The D40 is a great start but it *is* a plastic camera with plastic lenses. That's why it's cheap and light. You can fit real lenses on it, but will lose AF features.

A real DSLR will cost plenty more than $300 when you factor in a decent lense(s) and other accessories (bag, UV filters, tripod, etc).

04-29-2009, 12:52 PM	#1
aznw82 Year One of the 1 4 Rep 93 Posts Drives: 08 135i Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: tewksbury, MA iTrader: (0)	Digital Camera Recommendation hey guys, I'm planning on buying a digital camera for my vacation trips. Any recommendations on which model??? I prefer price to be around $300 or so. I've looked online for bunch of reviews, it mentioned about the Nikon D40 is good if you're a beginner. D60 is good as well, but pricey. what kind do you guys use?? is it user friendly?? thanks... __________________ Last edited by aznw82; 04-29-2009 at 01:14 PM..
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04-29-2009, 02:56 PM	#2
singular Captain 21 Rep 935 Posts Drives: BSM 135i ppk cab Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: SF Bay Area iTrader: (0)	IMO...depends on what you're after on your vacations. If you need to make awesome scenery shots, wide-angle, zoom, close-ups, etc. you may want the full capabilities of an SLR (like the D series cameras). But keep in mind that you will have to lug a big camera around along with whatever lenses and other equipment you need. You will also stick out like a tourist and your camera will be a significant part of your on-board luggage. If your just after memory shots, you can do a lot with one of the millions of small digital cameras (like the Cannon powershot series). You can keep one in your pocket and whip it out whenever very discretely. Easy to pack.
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04-29-2009, 03:28 PM	#3
Rachel Dangerous Curves 98 Rep 1,148 Posts Drives: better than the boys ;) Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: Shirley, MA iTrader: (1) Garage List 2011 Ducati 848EVO [0.00] 2008 135i [0.00]	I have both a DSLR and a point and shoot. I am very partial to Nikons. But yeah, depends on what you're shooting. Any more info on what you're looking to do with it? I have a D80 and S600 __________________
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04-29-2009, 03:32 PM	#4
cimbali Private 2 Rep 73 Posts Drives: BMW Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: us iTrader: (1)	I like the Sony W300...small, easy to use and takes great pics.
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04-29-2009, 04:13 PM	#5
ML Change for a Nickle? 14 Rep 875 Posts Drives: 2006 M3, Mazda truck Join Date: May 2008 Location: Westfield, MA iTrader: (1)	I have a 3 MP Casio Exilim as a true point & shoot. It's functional, small and light. If you take the time to actually learn how to use it, it can take decent pictures. It's a good choice if you are just looking for a point & shoot. I also have a Leica D-Lux 3 but its priced at about twice what you are looking to spend. The Leica is about the size of most other compact digitals, except it has a larger than typical lens on it. It is still small enough to attach to the strap of a backpack and hike with without being obtrusive. In addition to having a couple of good point & shoot modes, it retains all the functionality of an SLR, including aperture priority, shutter speed priority and fully manual modes. The D-Lux 3 is a native format 10 MP 16:9 camera with excellent picture quality. It's just expensive for a small camera. __________________ "I tasted death many times on the river today. Do you want to know what it tasted like? Do you REALLY want to know? Well I'll tell you then: it tasted like BEEF JERKY." - unknown paddler 8/1/09
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04-29-2009, 08:46 PM	#6
aznw82 Year One of the 1 4 Rep 93 Posts Drives: 08 135i Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: tewksbury, MA iTrader: (0)	thanks for the inputs.. I would like to take some good scenery shots, and close-up shots as well. A lot of people have told me to get the D40, because it's light weight easy to use. especially its a good starting point for beginner. since i'm new to this, I would like to learn the basics first. Rachel--Is there a difference in pix between the D-series & point and shoot? do you have pictures from those two cameras? __________________
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04-29-2009, 08:47 PM	#7
EINSER M Major General 377 Rep 5,730 Posts Drives: BMW i3 rex Join Date: May 2006 Location: SoCal iTrader: (44) Garage List 2018 I01 i3s \| CURRENT [0.00] 2018 G01 X3 \| CURRENT [0.00] 2017 I01 i3 \| SOLD [0.00] 2017 F48 X1 \| SOLD ... [0.00] 2016 I01 i3 \| SOLD [0.00] 2017 F22 M240 \| SOLD [8.00] 2016 F25 X3 diesel ... [0.00] 2006 E60 550 \| SOLD [6.00] 2011 E90 335 \| SOLD [8.66] 2012 E82 135 \| SOLD [5.50] 2011 E82 1M \| SOLD [7.94] 2007 E85 Z4M\| SOLD [4.50] 2003 E53 X5 4.6is S ... [9.00] 2008 E92 328 \| SOLD [0.00] 2008 E82 135 \| SOLD [0.00] 2008 E90 335 \| SOLD [0.00] 2003 E46 M3 \| SOLD [7.50] 2006 E90 330 \| SOLD [10.00] 2003 E46 330ZHP \| SOLD [0.00]	the new Nikon D5000 ftw!
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04-29-2009, 09:16 PM	#8
BlackNWhite Banned 15 Rep 131 Posts Drives: Oreo Cookie Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: TriState Area iTrader: (0)	D90
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04-29-2009, 09:20 PM	#9
Call Call 21 Rep 683 Posts Drives: 08 135i, 08 & 07 X5, 05 MCSC Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Gainesville, GA iTrader: (0)	Recommending a camera that will cost more than twice what his budget is doesn't help so why even post? Cute, real cute...we are here to help or stay out of the way. Call __________________
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04-29-2009, 09:50 PM	#10
ML Change for a Nickle? 14 Rep 875 Posts Drives: 2006 M3, Mazda truck Join Date: May 2008 Location: Westfield, MA iTrader: (1)	A Nikon D40 at $300 will be a camera body only. Expect to pay at least $100 more for an entry level wide angle lens in a package deal. You also mentioned that you wanted to do some close up stuff, in which case you should look for a lens with a macro function. __________________ "I tasted death many times on the river today. Do you want to know what it tasted like? Do you REALLY want to know? Well I'll tell you then: it tasted like BEEF JERKY." - unknown paddler 8/1/09
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04-29-2009, 10:30 PM	#11
Lester Brigadier General 295 Rep 3,350 Posts Drives: Join Date: Oct 2007 iTrader: (0)	Keep in mind that Megapixels is not as important that the quality of the lens and the speed of the electronics. No point in getting an 8 Megapixel camera that has a small slow plastic lens and an underpowered CCD. I would rather have a used 3 Megapixel camera with a high quality lens and fast CCD. Also - some of the cameras use less than intuitive menus. Have the salesperson show you how the camera works, how you adjust things to see if it makes sense to you.
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04-30-2009, 06:11 AM	#12
arrutled Colonel 104 Rep 2,474 Posts Drives: Olsa Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: Western Mass iTrader: (0)	I have used my fathers D40 and it takes very good pictures. you can learn a lot on this camera and it will take much better pictures than a point a shoot. and dont forget about the feel factor. it just feels good to snap a pictures on a dslr. manual focus mode is also nice to have on the dslr which you wont have on a point and shoot i dont think. I personally have a D90 and find that yeah it does a shit ton of stuff and does it well, but its just and improved D40. the D40 will do what your asking and you wont regret spending the extra money it costs to get Dslr. of course the lens is crucial, but the good news is you dont HAVE to buy the kit lens. i made my own kit on amazon and it was cheaper and better. So, first I would say go to a camera store like wolf camera and chat it up with them and try all the cameras. then come back and let us know what you think! __________________ AW 135i w/ blackette, performance short shift kit, BMW alarm, Performance rotors, APEX ARC-8 wheels, Direzza Star Spec 235/275, Dinan stage 3 suspension, M3 wishbones/tension rods/front sway/rear subframe bushings and thats all folks!
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04-30-2009, 06:19 AM	#13
andrew9223 Enlisted Member 1 Rep 39 Posts Drives: 135 Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: space iTrader: (0)	Ricoh CX1 is probably the best point and shoot on the market right now,
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04-30-2009, 06:33 AM	#14
rawbert54 Private First Class 6 Rep 129 Posts Drives: sedona Reda 128i Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: fort lauderdale iTrader: (0)	canon g9 or g10.
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04-30-2009, 07:46 AM	#15
ZedClever Private First Class 4 Rep 109 Posts Drives: 09 135i space grey/black Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Charlotte, NC iTrader: (0)	Check out DP Review. Great reviews and great information on cameras and pic taking. I personally hate sony cams, have had three iterations and all died. I currently have an Oly E510 that I love DSLR. There's some real crap out there, read a lot of reviews so you know what your getting.
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04-30-2009, 08:46 AM	#16
135iUSN 19 X5 1998 M Roadster 64 Rep 1,503 Posts Drives: 135i Alpine White / Terra Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: SW Florida iTrader: (1) Garage List 1998 BMW M Roadster [0.00] 2009 135i [0.00]	humm - review of D60 as I was looking at this too - or do I get a small HD camcorder.. http://www.wired.com/reviews/product/nikon_d60_dslr amazon price 575 but it is the D60 you reference. http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg...X0DER&v=glance best of luck - let us know what you decide and don't forget to post your pics once you get the shots moving along __________________ '09 135i Dinan In BMW heaven 09.28.2022 - Stage 2/Alpine White w/Terracotta /High Gloss Black Trim/ZCW/ZPP/ZSP w/313's /CA/PDC/Steptronic/
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04-30-2009, 09:43 AM	#17
singular Captain 21 Rep 935 Posts Drives: BSM 135i ppk cab Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: SF Bay Area iTrader: (0)	Another alternative: go analog! You can get some awesome COMPLETE outfits on eBay of film cameras. For example, for $300 you should be able to get an OM-10 with a large variety of wide-angle, zoom, telephoto, etc. lenses. Also a couple of spare bodies. Reasonably recent Cannon and Nikon analog SLR's are also available. For $300 you can pick up an outfit that would have cost you thousands 10 years ago, before digital took over. No it's not as convenient as digital, but you will have a much wider range of capabilities available to you and it will take you back to the roots of photography. Ansel Adams didn't have digital. Neither did Man Ray. If you want to digitize your pictures, you can take the negatives of the ones you really care about to a photo shop and have them scanned, or you can buy a film scanner for about $100, more if you're really serious and want the highest quality scan.
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04-30-2009, 10:34 AM	#18
aznw82 Year One of the 1 4 Rep 93 Posts Drives: 08 135i Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: tewksbury, MA iTrader: (0)	thanks guys. i'll definitely post my pictures once i get my camera.. __________________
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04-30-2009, 11:15 AM	#19
spk74 Private First Class 15 Rep 100 Posts Drives: 2011 BMW 335d Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: Columbus, OH iTrader: (0)	I have a Canon G9. It (or the G10) is a good compromise between point and shoot and SLR.
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04-30-2009, 11:55 AM	#20
135iUSN 19 X5 1998 M Roadster 64 Rep 1,503 Posts Drives: 135i Alpine White / Terra Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: SW Florida iTrader: (1) Garage List 1998 BMW M Roadster [0.00] 2009 135i [0.00]	G9 review from sep 2007 - great review.. http://www.wired.com/reviews/product/canon_powershot_g9 ORRRRRR G10 on amaxon 444 Powershot G10 14.7MP http://www.amazon.com/Canon-Powersho...1110525&sr=8-1 REALLY I have too much time on my hands sometimes... __________________ '09 135i Dinan In BMW heaven 09.28.2022 - Stage 2/Alpine White w/Terracotta /High Gloss Black Trim/ZCW/ZPP/ZSP w/313's /CA/PDC/Steptronic/
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04-30-2009, 12:39 PM	#21
Redbeemer Ne Plus Ultra 88 Rep 264 Posts Drives: Portimao Blue 2022 M240iXdrive Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: San Antonio, Texas iTrader: (0)	Two points: If you really are into (or want to get into) photography, you will probably wind up with both a point and shoot and a DSLR. As has been pointed out, there are times when you want to shoot the best possible photograph and for those times you will use the DSLR. Other times you don't want to stand out or be obvious or you just don't want to lug around the DSLR and for those occasions you will want a pocket camera. Finally, remember that you are buying into a brand when you get your DSLR and that any lenses you buy for it will not fit another brand if you decide to switch later on. Therefore, I would suggest that you stick with either Nikon or Canon for the DSLR since they are the two big guns and have just about any kind of lens you might want and they both take excellent pictures.
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04-30-2009, 01:19 PM	#22
singular Captain 21 Rep 935 Posts Drives: BSM 135i ppk cab Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: SF Bay Area iTrader: (0)	The D40 is a great start but it is a plastic camera with plastic lenses. That's why it's cheap and light. You can fit real lenses on it, but will lose AF features. A real DSLR will cost plenty more than $300 when you factor in a decent lense(s) and other accessories (bag, UV filters, tripod, etc).
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