What Camera Should I Get

[MAC RULEZ]

hey

so i just orderd my first mac as a grad present, totally maxed out the mac pro, im getting some money from my grandparents so i figured i should get a new digi cam to go along with it. im going to europe and maybe south america for a few months this summer so i want the best, highest megapixels etc. what should i get?

[Kebabselector]

i want the best, highest megapixels etc. what should i get?

You don't mention if you want a compact, DSLR or even a Medium format digital.

What experience do you have? as there's no point recommending a top of the range Canon/Nikon DSLR as in inexperienced hands they'll be not much better than a point and shoot.

[Everythingisnt]

Just what you need

http://img.skitch.com/20080519-rc7cke4id3wc8was6t13ciht8c.jpg

http://www0.dealtime.com/xPF-Disney-Mickey-Mouse-One-Time-Use-Flash-Camera-14

[thr33face]

Maybe you're being sarcastic, considering the username and the bragging, but if not:

Thing is, you are being very unspecific. These things would help:

-What is your photographic experience?
-Current camera?
-Budget?

I suggest looking around on dedicated photography sites to get a picture of current line up and waht the user base has to say.

Another important thing is: Don't buy a camera because someone says it's good. Go into a store and try them out. That way yo ucan determine if the camera feels right in your hands (this is important)

Be informed that 'highest megapixels' doesn't equal best image quality.

[MAC RULEZ]

You don't mention if you want a compact, DSLR or even a Medium format digital.

What experience do you have? as there's no point recommending a top of the range Canon/Nikon DSLR as in inexperienced hands they'll be not much better than a point and shoot.

whatever one is the best, i can get someone to show me how to use it i guess. just not too heavy

okay so i dont have a camera right now, i just use my iphone, but i figure if im going n this trip i better get a good camera right? so maybe something with a good auto mode bu one that gives the best pictures

[Everythingisnt]

After further consideration, this one is probably best for you :)


http://img.skitch.com/20080519-t9fjbu6mr9tdf7y927uxun4a4m.jpg

http://www.geniusbabies.com/say-cheese-baby-camera.html

[Kebabselector]

The best?

Probably Hasselblad Medium format, though have you got $40000? and it's heavy

Next best Canon Eos 1Ds Mk III and Nikon D3, though heavy again. And not really a camera to pick up and learn.

I could go on, but really for travelling probably something like the Canon G9 (http://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B000V9D6FQ/ref=nosim?tag=econv-1-315-21).

It's small, light, takes great shots.

(other similar cameras are available)

[MAC RULEZ]

okay thanks i ca probably get something up to around 5000$

[nick9191]

Please say you didn't get that 32gb RAM, and those 4 x 1tb HDD's off Apple.

[MAC RULEZ]

yeah why? just ordered it yesterday

[shecky]

this is the best thread ever.

[compuwar]

whatever one is the best, i can get someone to show me how to use it i guess. just not too heavy

Hasselblad H3DII, definitely one of the "best," 39MPix too! :rolleyes:
Nikon D3, less MPix, but not too bad, better high-ISO :D

Now, if you'll just answer thr33face's questions, maybe you could get some serious help...

BTW: The mods will catch on to the "inflated post count" game pretty quickly.

[Kebabselector]

okay thanks i ca probably get something up to around 5000$

Oh well, get a Canon 1D MkIII/Nikon D3 with a few lenses. Remember to set it for full auto so it takes 'nice' pictures.

[MAC RULEZ]

Oh well, get a Canon 1D MkIII/Nikon D3 with a few lenses. Remember to set it for full auto so it takes 'nice' pictures.

okay thanks

[66217]

After further consideration, this one is probably best for you :)


http://img.skitch.com/20080519-t9fjbu6mr9tdf7y927uxun4a4m.jpg

http://www.geniusbabies.com/say-cheese-baby-camera.html

Are you completely sure?:confused:

I have also putted some serious thinking to the OP issue, and I think that is just way too much for him. I mean, would it even work with his Mac Pro? I don't think it would be able to handle so many megapixels.

[compuwar]

okay thanks

FWIW, the D3 body is about $4999.95, so you won't be able to get any of the "nice" lenses *and* it's probably going to be a worse point and shoot than a new D60- because it's not designed for someone who knows nothing about photography.

The 1D mk III is ~$3600, so you could actually get one good lens and a "cheapie" to go with it, but again, it's probably going to be a worse point and shoot than a Rebel XSi.

Only someone very naive would think a more expensive camera will make them a better photographer. Trust me, you can take some very bad pictures with a $4700 camera body and $7800 lens even when you're trying very hard not to. If you don't know the first thing about photography- especially digital photography, then spending a lot of money on your first camera is going to give you worse pictures- especially if you're simply looking for more megapixels (hint: there's a trade-off between megapixels and other things that are important to good photography- see if Google will tell you what those things are.)

Search this board for camera advice, read it, then come back with some real answers and some real questions that contain some substance- perhaps then you'll be taken more seriously.

[nick9191]

yeah why? just ordered it yesterday
Just pointing out that instead of paying 9000 dollars off apple, you could have paid 3000 dollars off crucial for the exact same ram, and fitted it yourself.

[gauchogolfer]

Is this for a grad present from primary school?

[nick9191]

By the way sorry if it seems like were flaming you, were just amazed at how fricking rich you are :eek:

[Everythingisnt]

Is this for a grad present from primary school?

Wow, Primary??

And I thought you meant preschool! :p

[MAC RULEZ]

no im graduating from university, my dad said to buy myself a computer since my current one is like two or three years old, it was just easier getting it all from apple obviously.

okay so now everyone is telling me different stuff. just tell me which models is the best, around 5000$ and easiest for me.

[Everythingisnt]

Don't worry - I'm sure all the different stuff is very confusing!

Maybe a bridge camera would be best for you - the Fuji Finepix line comes to mind immediately..

Seriously though, there's no point in spending 5,000 on a camera if you actually need to ask PEOPLE YOU'VE NEVER MET which one will be "easiest"..

Visit your local toy-store and get the mickey-mouse 35mm, I'm sure it will more then suit your needs.

[Grimace]

"Best" is in the eye of the beholder, but it sounds like you want to dive into photography in a general sense, with really good gear. For your price range, I would look at:

Canon 40D
16-35mm f/2.8L
24-70mm f/2.8L
70-200mm f/2.8L IS

Nikon D300
12-24mm
24-70mm
70-200mm

p.s. it might help to tone down the *intense* fonts/colors/smilies in your $17,000 computer signature.
p.p.s. I have a used Canon that I keep meaning to put up on the selling forum. PM if interested.

[Everythingisnt]

Grimace - in terms of 'easiness', I'm not really sure he (or she) will be wanting to lug around that many lenses.

Maybe an 18-200mm? (Not sure about those exact measurements, but you know what I mean)

[Grimace]

Grimace - in terms of 'easiness', I'm not really sure he (or she) will be wanting to lug around that many lenses.

Maybe an 18-200mm? (Not sure about those exact measurements, but you know what I mean)

Good point. Other than lens creep, the 18-200mm is one of the best all-around lenses.

[mikeeramones]

no im graduating from university, my dad said to buy myself a computer since my current one is like two or three years old, it was just easier getting it all from apple obviously.

okay so now everyone is telling me different stuff. just tell me which models is the best, around 5000$ and easiest for me.

so youre saying, that even though you barely know about photography, you are willing to spend 5000 dollars on a camera.
let me tell you something

buying an expensive camera wont make your picture come out great.
seriously, buy yourself a decent point and shoot.
having an expensive camera without any or little knowledge of photography can make you look cocky, and foolish. no offense



and btw.
just tell me which models is the best, around 5000$ and easiest for me..
trust me, there will be no camera that is easiest for you to use with any 4000+ dollars camera. its for professionals.
seriously. before i explode, get a decent point and shoot

:eek:

[compuwar]

"Best" is in the eye of the beholder, but it sounds like you want to dive into photography in a general sense, with really good gear. For your price range, I would look at:

Canon 40D
16-35mm f/2.8L
24-70mm f/2.8L
70-200mm f/2.8L IS

Nikon D300
12-24mm
24-70mm
70-200mm

p.s. it might help to tone down the *intense* fonts/colors/smilies in your $17,000 computer signature.
p.p.s. I have a used Canon that I keep meaning to put up on the selling forum. PM if interested.

First camera, in point and shoot mode? That's just silly IMO. A D40 with an 18-200 at the *most*. The extra money could go towards a photography course or a good workshop or two- otherwise a high-end P&S is probably a much better option. The savings could go to postcards ;)

'Course if he ups his budget, he could hire me to follow him around and take pictures- best of both worlds ;)

[Grimace]

First camera, in point and shoot mode? That's just silly IMO. A D40 with an 18-200 at the *most*. The extra money could go towards a photography course or a good workshop or two- otherwise a high-end P&S is probably a much better option. The savings could go to postcards ;)

S/he probably doesn't need a $17,000 computer either. I was trying to fit the user to the class of gear that s/he wanted to obtain. A bridge camera is probably the "best" option in my view (lovin' the Canon s5) but $400 might be "too little" when trying to buy into what the big boys and girls shoot.

I don't think this user wants to change lenses, but it also doesn't sound like any "mistake" purchase would be a big deal.

[compuwar]

S/he probably doesn't need a $17,000 computer either. I was trying to fit the user to the class of gear that s/he wanted to obtain.

Ah, but to me photography is more about the results than the gear, and for the results they seem to want, I'm of the opinion they'll be better off with those picture modes on a D40/D60 than a D300 if they really want holiday snapshots.

If you're not already a photographer, then a bag full 'o gear really isn't going to be useful for most people. Given the amount of research the OP seems to have done before coming here and after getting lambasted here, I doubt they'd be willing to sit through the 40D or D300 manuals, let alone figure out how all those settings are relevant to their pictures.

While I've heard some people thinking "P" on the Nikon bodies stands for "Professional" mode, we've all seen results that show otherwise ;)

[MAC RULEZ]

okay so i went on amazon and found some stuff, a canon d5 and 70-200mm lens, gonna get those. i dont want to have to be changing lenses all the time, and that 70-200 looks like it has the most zoom. i also got a few of the 32gb cards for it. thanks to everyone who helped and to those who insulted me and told me to get a kids camera **** YOU:):):D:D:cool::cool:

[chas0001]

After further consideration, this one is probably best for you :)


http://img.skitch.com/20080519-t9fjbu6mr9tdf7y927uxun4a4m.jpg

http://www.geniusbabies.com/say-cheese-baby-camera.html

Is that the 5 megapixel model?

[66217]

okay so i went on amazon and found some stuff, a canon d5 and 70-200mm lens, gonna get those. i dont want to have to be changing lenses all the time, and that 70-200 looks like it has the most zoom. i also got a few of the 32gb cards for it. thanks to everyone who helped and to those who insulted me and told me to get a kids camera **** YOU:):):D:D:cool::cool:

Either you are a terribly spoiled "kid", or you simply are full of lies.

You said you wanted something "not heavy", and ended up buying a heavy camera with one of the heaviest lenses canon has to offer. One doubt tho, did you went for the f/2.8 or the f/4?

[Kebabselector]

a canon 5D and 70-200mm lens, gonna get those. i also got a few of the 32gb

Have you budgeted for a flash gun? As the 5D doesn't have built in flash.


You said you wanted something "not heavy", and ended up buying a heavy camera with one of the heaviest lenses canon has to offer. One doubt tho, did you went for the f/2.8 or the f/4?

He probably has a servant to carry equipment.

[compuwar]

okay so i went on amazon and found some stuff, a canon d5 and 70-200mm lens, gonna get those. i dont want to have to be changing lenses all the time, and that 70-200 looks like it has the most zoom. i also got a few of the 32gb cards for it. thanks to everyone who helped and to those who insulted me and told me to get a kids camera **** YOU:):):D:D:cool::cool:

A 70-200 isn't a good focal length for buildings, landscapes, or most of the tourist things you'd want to take a picture of in Europe.

Seriously.

[MAC RULEZ]

how heavy is it?

i guess i can still get a flash for it, which one does it takE?

[66217]

how heavy is it?

i guess i can still get a flash for it, which one does it takE?

So you just bought a camera without even noticing it doesn't has a flash? Without seeing how heavy it is?

GOD,I don't know why I am even replying. I must be really bored. =)

[Kebabselector]

Depends on which version. The f/4 IS is fairly light at 760g, the f/2.8 however is 1,570g.

Another lens which compliments the 5D well is the 24-105 f/4 IS. At 670g it's not too bad. The 5D and 24-105 usually are available as a kit.

As for flashes, 3 Canon options (others make them, but I stick with Canon).

220EX - Very basic, fixed head
430EX - Fully moveable head
580EXII - As above, but more powerful (and heavy).

(I know the 430/580 have more features, but no point going into them here)

[Everythingisnt]

Don't get the 70-200! It doesn't have the most zoom at all!

Get the Canon 600mm :). Trust me, people will in awe of such a big lens, and I'm sure it will more then make up for where you are photographically - or anatomically - deficient :D.


Failing that, you COULD follow my previous suggestion: (@ Chaos0001, nope - it's the professional 7.9 megapixel model :))

http://img.skitch.com/20080519-t9fjbu6mr9tdf7y927uxun4a4m.jpg
Features:

Shutter button makes a loud pleasing shutter sound when pressed
Made of 100% machine-washable cotton
No small parts
Bright colors and a lovely velvety texture
Viewfinder you can see through!!


As I've said before, it has all the features you'll need :D

[svndmvn]

Graduating University? isn't his/her spelling kind of bad? I think he changed the size/font of his signature, but still, looks childish to me..
As you don't care about money, if you really exist (is there any way you can demonstrate you do?) get a D40 (Nikon) and if you like it and you want to keep shooting stuff and get a little bit more professional about it, get a D80 or a D90 later on, a D300..
Leica, Panasonic, Canon Point and Shoot cameras would be a not so stupid choice as well.
PS What car do you drive? What countries are you visiting in Europe? Why didn't you get a MacBook Air and/or Pro as well?

[Kebabselector]

Get the Canon 600mm

/anal mode on

But the 600 is not a zoom. It's a prime lens.

/anal mode off

Besides, the 800mm is the new king (I know the 1200mm is bigger, but not made anymore)

[66217]

Why didn't you get a MacBook Air and/or Pro as well?

Because he/she is going to take the Mac Pro wherever he (I really think it's he, not she:cool:) goes. I mean, it's not that heavy after all.

[Everythingisnt]

Yes but it has the most zoooooom!! /whine/

Okay well then.. how about this :)

http://img.skitch.com/20080519-e7wj77391nkdspka1cc9n4wtab.jpg


Edit: Don't worry, it's not heavy at all :)

[MAC RULEZ]

i might bring a laptop with me, im thinking of getting an air

and i'm a guy

and how and why do i need to prove that i exist?

[Kebabselector]

Okay well then.. how about this :)

Love the tiny camera hanging off the back of it.

[Everythingisnt]

I personally love the fact that it has an external scope.. lol..

[66217]

Nah, I think it is better to sacrifice a little reach and buy this beauty. It is fairly light, at just 550 pounds. And is a 1,700mm lens.

http://reviews.cnet.com/4531-10921_7-6647512.html

[Everythingisnt]

Stylish! :) Funny how there isn't an Apple logo on the side ;)

[mikeeramones]

okay so i went on amazon and found some stuff, a canon d5 and 70-200mm lens, gonna get those. i dont want to have to be changing lenses all the time, and that 70-200 looks like it has the most zoom. i also got a few of the 32gb cards for it. thanks to everyone who helped and to those who insulted me and told me to get a kids camera **** YOU:):):D:D:cool::cool:

... *roll eyes*

[gauchogolfer]

i might bring a laptop with me, im thinking of getting an air

and i'm a guy

and how and why do i need to prove that i exist?

You don't need to prove you exist. You don't even need to prove that you're buying a $17,000 computer on a whim. We'll even accept that you are going to drop lots of cash to buy a pro dSLR for a trip to Europe.

Really, we buy the whole story. I'm about to change my sig to reflect the 2 MBAs I just bought, so I can have one at the office and one at home. Oh, and I'm going to put 24" iMacs in every room of my house (which is a mansion of course).

[Everythingisnt]

Watching this thread is like watching a train wreck in slow motion - terrible, but entertaining in some twisted, morbid way :).

[mikeeramones]

Nah, I think it is better to sacrifice a little reach and buy this beauty. It is fairly light, at just 550 pounds. And is a 1,700mm lens.

http://reviews.cnet.com/4531-10921_7-6647512.html

oooooh now thats something you should carry around.
550 pounds, 1700mm lens, stylish.

[mikeeramones]

Either you are a terribly spoiled "kid", or you simply are full of lies.

You said you wanted something "not heavy", and ended up buying a heavy camera with one of the heaviest lenses canon has to offer. One doubt tho, did you went for the f/2.8 or the f/4?

roco im sure he knows what those are.

[66217]

Really, we buy the whole story. I'm about to change my sig to reflect the 2 MBAs I just bought, so I can have one at the office and one at home. Oh, and I'm going to put 24" iMacs in every room of my house (which is a mansion of course).

:D

I couldn't resist the temptation. Told my dad if he could give me his pocket change and bought myself this Mac Pro.

[svndmvn]

man, this has to be one of the funniest threads on macrumors..
MAC RULEZ, why demonstrate that you exist? at least I am curious, and maybe people would help you even more if you did..
you still haven't answered what places you're gonna visit in Europe, what car you drive, what's your address, do you leave your door unlocked at night?(just kidding with this one, but you can reply to the other questions)
can we see a screenshot of your specs?
it's all just curiousity, as I was saying, what university did u go to?
i'd suggest cancelling your 5D order, you could buy that later on, while for the Canon 5200mm lens, couldn't you just attach that to your 3G iPhone? on both cameras if it will have em..
and Roco, I thought he would take his Mac Pro with him as well, but both ACDs? Why not buy them directly in the countries he would intend visiting? and then just give em to poor children or something

[chas0001]

Are you completely sure?:confused:

I have also putted some serious thinking to the OP issue, and I think that is just way too much for him. I mean, would it even work with his Mac Pro? I don't think it would be able to handle so many megapixels.

Oh...it works with my Mac Pro, you have to buy the knitted USB cable :rolleyes: The great thing about this camera it is that if you drop it, it just cannot get damaged. I think they use some special type of polymer.

[bking1000]

yeah why? just ordered it yesterday

Umm... I'd say a Canon SD870 for about $200. If you really want to throw away the other $4800, I'll send you my address, and you can write me a check :D

[Dustman]

Wow.. This thread.. Wow.


I second the need to see screen shots of your specs. I'm sorry but I cant believe that someone who types and acts like he's 14 can afford a $5,000 camera to plug into his $17,000 Mac Pro.

BTW, Just picked up a tank. It was expensive but the saftey features are phenominal.

[gauchogolfer]

Wow.. This thread.. Wow.


I second the need to see screen shots of your specs. I'm sorry but I cant believe that someone who types and acts like he's 14 can afford a $5,000 camera to plug into his $17,000 Mac Pro.

BTW, Just picked up a tank. It was expensive but the saftey features are phenominal.

He says he just placed the order, so lets at least give him a week to receive it. It'll take a little extra time for Apple to build such a sweet machine. :p

[mkrishnan]

Thank you to all the cast of this thread for providing us all with entertainment. :) You're done now. Roll credits. Srsly.