Camera for Christmas

natedawg5280 · 11-02-2007, 05:58 AM

The camera I have is royally messed up and cannot take nighttime pictures or any of stars or the moon. I want a camera that can do stuff like that well, but I don't want to push it with all this extra stuff, because I can't afford very much.

So what should I be looking at?

tht00 · 11-02-2007, 09:59 AM

Price range?

Looking for a point and shoot (compact/full body)? DSLR?

What do you have now? What do you like and not like about it?

For a comparison, I've got a Kodak z612 which has done extremely well for me. I used it while working at a summer camp and took thousands of pictures with it there. Excellent use as point and shoot, and has decent manual modes.

It is capable of night shots, but they can be noisy. Here's a moon shot I took the other night (I used the Gimp to straighten the image... now the EXIF doesn't seem to be intact. Hmm...)

Edit: fixed the EXIF.

**redbaron** · 11-02-2007, 10:17 AM

if you have the budget, nikon d40.

natedawg5280 · 11-02-2007, 01:49 PM

Right now I have a broken Fujjifilm FinePix A210. Atleast that's what it says on it. My older brother gave it to me.

Price range I'd like to think could go up to two or three hundred. If it's WAY smarter (or inevitable) to spend more then that, maybe I could, but I'd prefer under 300.

tht00 · 11-02-2007, 10:18 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by natedawg5280

Right now I have a broken Fujjifilm FinePix A210. Atleast that's what it says on it. My older brother gave it to me.

Price range I'd like to think could go up to two or three hundred. If it's WAY smarter (or inevitable) to spend more then that, maybe I could, but I'd prefer under 300.

Well, that's really up to you. I kind of see cameras like guitars. Sure, there's always nicer (and more usable) cameras out there... and the sky is the limit on price. You have to decide for yourself what you want/need and how much you're willing to spend on it.

Eventually, I'd love to get a DSLR (such as a Nikon), but I don't plan on actually getting one for a while. You can get decent results from the right point-and-shoot cameras. Are you looking for an investment, or just something to last you a few of years? (Granted, it is 'digital' technology, so anything will buy will eventually be 'obsolete'.)

natedawg5280 · 11-03-2007, 07:09 PM

I don't think I'm looking for investment. Within the next couple years I could upgrade. For now I just want one that does everything well. It doesn't have to do it all the best. The one I have doesn't do very much.

bobthecockroach · 11-03-2007, 07:21 PM

The Fujifilm F30 (which I have) is quite nice, in your price range, and known for being good at night shots for a compact.

**Rainer.** · 11-03-2007, 09:44 PM

I'd totally get a DSLR. But I really like Canon's compacts, if a small camera is your cup 'o tea. (not so much the Elphs, the others are grand, though)

natedawg5280 · 11-03-2007, 10:06 PM

How much is a DSLR? (or what is the name of one?)

PatrickStar4491 · 11-03-2007, 10:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by natedawg5280

How much is a DSLR? (or what is the name of one?)

I know the Nikon D40 kit is around $500. Nikon and Cannon are the two biggest names in DSLRs. I believe I've also heard a good bit about Pentax. Look at some retailers for prices on Digital SLRs. It's usually a separate category on their websites.

Cadence · 11-06-2007, 02:39 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by natedawg5280

but I'd prefer under 300.

ha i wish i could only spend that much. I've spent well over that just on memory cards.