What type of camera???

kathysboxer · #1 11-30-2008, 08:51 AM

Ok guys, I am in a stump here. I am completely dumb when it comes to computers, cameras, all that kind of stuff. I was wondering what type of camera would work best for me? I currently have an easy share which I really like, but I'd like to have a "normal" film camera also. I need something that I can put a zoom lens on also. I know there are Cannon, Minolta, and that type. But I can't really break the bank either. I could go as high as maybe 150.00
I was going to check ebay also, but I know you all know your stuff

Thanks for the suggestions. As I said, I'm totally clueless with this type of stuff.

**Boxerworld** · #2 12-04-2008, 11:52 AM

I still have a Minolta film slr (I can change the lens) and I am very happy with it. I do not know its value now but for $150 you will not get a great choice of lenses.

At http://www.dpreview.com/reviews/Q408budgetgroup/ you have a review of nine digital compact cameras ranging from around $90 to just under $150

Why would you like to have a "normal" film camera? You will not be able to change the ISO whenever you want etc. With a digital camera you can print the photos you like and not the whole set. A film camera can be fun if you want to develop the photos in black and white yourself per example but is it what you want to do?

kathysboxer · #3 12-04-2008, 07:46 PM

When I fist posted this, I thought you could only change lenses on regular film cameras. I have been trying to research cameras and came to find I could also do this with digital.
May I ask what an SLR camera is? I would be willing to spend around 150. Like I said, I am completely stupid when it comes to this stuff.
I am definately going to check out the website you posted.
Once I got to thinking of it, I realized that with a digital I could download my pictures and send them to my DS in Colorado and DB in Tennessee.
I would love to be able to take all different kinds of pictures. One time I got a beautiful picture of a snowbird. It took me 2 hours, but managed to get about 4 feet from it.
I did find a website (for dummies

) that explains the different kinds of lenses and what all the numbers and letters mean. Just haven't had time to read it all.
Is one type of camera better than another. For example Canon vs. Minolta, etc?
Thank you Ollie for taking the time to help me with this. I just have no idea what I'm doing. The only camera I've had is an Easy Share

**Boxerworld** · #4 12-08-2008, 08:17 AM

I think almost all brands are good nowadays. The big ones are Canon and Nikon then you have Pentax/Samsung, Sony (they took Minolta-Konica), Olympus etc

You have two main kinds of cameras which are the compacts (the basic point and shoot cameras used by most people) and the SLR (for Single Lens Reflex) that have interchangeable lenses and usually a lot of manual controls.
SLR cameras are usually a lot more expensive than point and shoot cameras. Unlike point and shoot cameras you need to get the lenses to attach to the camera body and the lenses often cost a lot more than the body.

If you do not know what you are doing

, do not get a SLR because you need to know your camera settings well to get the most of it while with a point and shoot camera you can get good photos easily in most situations

I also have a Kodak: it is a 4 years old Kodak EasyShare DX7440 and it still works. I used it for the last time less than a month ago.

kathysboxer · #5 12-09-2008, 07:29 AM

One of the main reasons I was leaning toward a SLR camera is my DD is graduating next year. It is a large graduation, and I need a good lens that I will be able to get good pictures from a distance with. When BF's kids graduated (same school) and I used the Kodak easyshare, I couldn't get enough zoom. The pictures all came out extremely dark. And my oldest DD just got engaged, so I'd like good pictures when she gets married. When we go to camp, I take alot of pictures of the elk. Although there are times when we can get extremely close to them (last visit we got about 20' from a huge bull elk) there are times we can't. I just like the idea of having a camera that I have many options for. My BIL is an excellent photographer, so he is willing to help me, and I have been doing tons of online reading. I am now learning about the lenses, the ISO, etc. I thought if I puchased it soon, that would give me alot of practice before then.
Thank you for taking the time to educate me with your knowledge of cameras. I do appreciate it.

**gmacleod** · #6 12-09-2008, 08:13 AM

I think you would have some trouble finding a DSLR for $150 - unless you try for a second hand one on ebay. The lowest new prices for entry-level DSLRs is around $450-500 (E.g. Nikon D40). And you'd also need to purchase a telephoto lens to get what you want.

You might be better off buying a 'bridge' camera. It's more than a compact, and they often have quite decent lenses inbuilt. The downside is that you cannot change lenses. In this case, something like the Canon PowerShot SX10 IS is probably exactly what you need (has 10 megapixels, a 20x optical zoom, and image stabilizer). It is a bit over $300 though. If that's a major issue, you could perhaps look for one of it's predecessors (or ebay for a used one).

kathysboxer · #7 12-09-2008, 02:24 PM

I may check into the Powershot. I was thinking of only 150.00 if I got a regular film camera. I wouldn't mind spending 300 or more on a good quality digital. I'll definately be checking out the powershot though. I definately need a good zoom with whatever I do finally decide.
Thank you GMACLOAD for your input. You take wonderful pictures and I really enjoy looking in your gallery.
I have always been interested in photography, but put it on the back burner for a good while. Now with Tyson, I have ample opportunity for practice.

Shane72 · #8 12-14-2008, 09:45 PM

I've got an Olympus SP-550 UZ that's a great "tweener". It's compact, takes sharp photos with good color, has an 18x optical zoom and best of all to me, it shoots in RAW format (as well as JPEG)! I checked and Amazon had several used ones in the $200 range listed as excellent condition. You make could do even better with an auction. If you want a good zoom, these are great cameras. I also have a Canon XTi DSLR (and a few others

but I don't hesitate to use the Olympus when I don't need the bulkier Canon.

My brother has an SX5 IS, The predecessor of the Canon SX10 and it is a fantastic camera as well. They're a bit more expensive though.

Many of the smaller point and shoot cameras take great pictures but you're going to be hard pressed to find a pocket camera with more than a 3X zoom. If that's enough, you should be able to find a decent new camera in your price range.