D.C. Area Nesties
Dear Community,
Our tech team has launched updates to The Nest today. As a result of these updates, members of the Nest Community will need to change their password in order to continue participating in the community. In addition, The Nest community member's avatars will be replaced with generic default avatars. If you wish to revert to your original avatar, you will need to re-upload it via The Nest.
If you have questions about this, please email help@theknot.com.
Thank you.
Note: This only affects The Nest's community members and will not affect members on The Bump or The Knot.
Our tech team has launched updates to The Nest today. As a result of these updates, members of the Nest Community will need to change their password in order to continue participating in the community. In addition, The Nest community member's avatars will be replaced with generic default avatars. If you wish to revert to your original avatar, you will need to re-upload it via The Nest.
If you have questions about this, please email help@theknot.com.
Thank you.
Note: This only affects The Nest's community members and will not affect members on The Bump or The Knot.
Talk to me about DSLRs
OK, I think we're going to do it and buy one. I'm just not happy with the pictures we take with our point and shoot. I think some of it is that I'm not a great photographer, but I also think the camera is to blame to some extent.
So, talk to me about what to look for, a good one to buy, how much I can expect to spend, etc. I don't need something amazing, but something decent that is as easy to use as possible would be great.
Re: Talk to me about DSLRs
Unless you really plan on learning the ins and outs of your camera and think you will need the ability to change lenses, I wouldn't bother with the expense and the heft of a DSLR. If you plan to use it in auto the whole time with the pop up flash (and there's nothing wrong with that), it's a lot to haul around.
I would take a look at the higher end Canon Powershots like the G12. My FIL has something in that line and loves it. Plus the zoom is actually much better than the reach of the 18-55 kit lens that came with my Rebel.
ditto
since 2008, i've used my panasonic lumix and though i did just buy a DSLR, i will still use it. the model i have has been updated but these are really good cameras. my friend who has a DSLR was very jealous of the zoom. it does have some manual capability but is still a lot less than you would spend on even the most entry level DSLR. i also like that lumix uses leica lenses, they are some of the best. most of the non-iphone photos on my blog were taken with my lumix.
HTH
I know this isn't what you're looking for, but I have a Canon Powershot SX40 that I love. It's not a a DSLR, but has some more advanced features (and 35x optical zoom). It's great because you can just point and shoot, or mess with the settings. I've taken beautiful photos with it. I have no complaints, except it's bigger than other cameras I've owned, so I can't just put it in my purse.
http://www.bestbuy.com/site/Canon+-+PowerShot+SX40+HS+Black+12.1-Megapixel+Digital+Camera+-+Black/3098129.p?id=1218382128420&skuId=3098129
Planning Bio
Ditto everything MrsPhil said. I have a Canon Rebel XS and 2 additional lenses. However, if I shoot in Auto on the DSLR, my photos basically look exactly the same as what I can take with my point and shoot. Maybe the megapixels are higher and the quality is a bit better but to the naked eye, you can't really see the difference.
However, if you want to invest the time into learning how to use the different functions of a DSLR, you will definitely see your photos improve. There's so much you can adjust once you get out of auto and start to understand how to manipulate the settings to get the result you desire. However, it does take a time investment and a desire to practice, learn, and grow.
If you aren't sure if you want to get a DSLR, I would recommend is to check out the book "Understanding Exposure" by Bryan Peterson from the library. It explains photography at a high level and will show you some of the differences you achieve by adjusting your settings on a DSLR. It's not a difficult read but it's a good introduction to photography. If after reading the book, you excited to learn more about photography, then I would lean towards getting a DSLR. However, if you know you are only going to shoot in auto, I wouldn't spend the money.
With all of that being said, I really enjoy my photography hobby. I started in the fall of 2009 and it's been a really good creative outlet for me. I also enjoy the photos I am able to get of my kids growing up.
I'm going to suggest a micro 4/3rds camera. It's small like a point & shoot (well, much smaller than most dSLRs) and it has the ability to take good low light photos with faster shutter speeds (thus, being able to take photos of moving babies inside w/out a blur or lots of grainy-ness).
We bought this one (I think it's the model):
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/808134-REG/Olympus_V205031BU000_E_PL3_Digital_Camera_with.html
It's ain't cheap (about the price of dSLRs) but if you don't see yourself getting much beyond "auto", I think it's a better use of money b/c you still get great quality (the above Olympus does much better in low light than my Canon 40d or my husband's Canon 50d, FWIW) but at a much smaller size. You can do custom settings (so, shooting on manual or aperature or whatever mode) but it's not as fast to change as dSLRs. There are also changable lenses. We currently just have the kit lens (14-42mm) & because of the conversion factor, it's been a really good all-around lens for us.
PLUS, it does HD video which we've used quite a bit actually.
Sony & I believe Nikon have micro 4/3rds cameras too.
I agree with the other posters. We have a P&S as well as two different DSLRs. If you are going to take time to learn the camera, we love our Nikons. DH has a semi pro model where as I have the entry level. You can find a good deal usually at Penn Camera. The one in Tysons has a consignment section. Someone said it, the lenses are very expensive. The kit lense tend to be lower end, so I would plan on upgrading almost immediately.
We took some classes through Ffx County Adult Education ad those where very helpful. DH took it to humor me, but I found it really helpful.
We are a Nikon family, DH is really into photography and passes down his stuff to me. So I have a D70 now, as well as a speed light and a 50mm portrait lens, in addition to the 18mm-70mm lens. DH buys a lot of lenses used, the ones made for film cameras fit digital Nikons. He also likes B&H online store for his camera and accessories purchases. See if you can buy a used camera in good condition.
If you're not that serious, see if you can find something used either through craigslist (although, be careful that way), penn camera, ritz (not sure if they sell used?), adorama, b&h, and i think clicking' moms has a used section.
I know of 2 people that got great deals on barely used cameras.
While some people recommended going with a higher end point and shoot, I would suggest if you're going to spend upwards of $500, you should just get one of the lower end dslr Nikons or Canons. You can always upgrade the lens later if you find it's something you want to do.
I have the Canon t2i and it's awesome. A lot of people start off with the Canon Xsi. You can get the body for about $400 and you can get a decent lens for around $300 (although, you can get a 50mm lens for about $100 these days). However, if you're not that worried about it - you can get the body and kit lens for about $500.
We make the rockin' world go 'round.
this is what i was talking about with the micro four thirds. it's going to be the next wave of pro-sumer (aka, consumer grade "pro") cameras, IMO. I saw my first one about 5 years ago at a camera show and now there are several brands out there. It's only going to grow from there. And, as I said in my previous post, low light photos with my Olympus are insanely good...FAR better than my mid-level dSLR. Like 6400 ISO has just a whiff of noise.
I love, love, love my Nikon (D80). Am getting ready to upgrade to the D700.
Penn Camera just filed bankruptcy and are closing a bunch of their stores (if not all). Not sure how their prices are, but thought I'd mention it to all. I do know that they have been willing to match - and beat - the prices on lenses that Adorama and B&H have.
"They say with time it gets better. Not true. With time you only get used to it."