Camera suggestions?

[HajiWasAPunk]

My 15 year old is really into photography (not motocross, just in general). She's got a "basic" digital camera now. We're looking to get a fairly nice one but I don't know anything about it. Anyone have recommendations that I won't need a 2nd mortgage to get?

 

[Moose]

I'd think for beginning, you should look into getting a digital camera with manual settings and a decent amount of mega pixels.

I'm not loyal to any brands, but if you look at Rich's thread, he picked up a Canon and is taking some pretty decent shots with it.


<a href=http://www.dirtrider.net/forums3/showthread.php?t=143275> Link. </a>

 

[Okiewan]

How far does she want to take it and what's the budget?

 

[Rich Rohrich]

For the money ($ 559.95) the new Nikon D40 DLSR is an incredible value and it has the advantage of being able to use nearly any Nikon lens made in the past 30 years. I played with one today and was really impressed with it. For a beginner camera it offers a lot of features that she can grow into as she gains additional skill.

http://www.nikonusa.com/template.php?cat=1&grp=2&productNr=25420
http://www.popphoto.com/cameras/3475/hands-on-nikon-d40.html
http://www.dpreview.com/reviews/nikond40/
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/con...s&Q=&sku=471716&is=REG&addedTroughType=search

 

[HajiWasAPunk]

How far does she want to take it and what's the budget?

I was hoping in the $500 neigborhood. I have to admit that sounds like an expensive camera for a 15 year old, but then my 12 year old rides a $3000 dirtbike!

Rich, thanks for the reply. I'll check out the links but that one sounds like it maybe just what we're looking for.

 

[Okiewan]

A dSLR with interchangeable lenses and all it's other features / abilities for $599 is ROCKING for a beginning photog!

 

[SpeedyManiac]

I was going to recommend a Canon Powershot G series camera, but that's a smoking deal for a DSLR.

I have a Canon Powershot G3 that I got for highschool graduation (2003). It is a great camera that has pretty much all the same features as a consumer level DSLR, except for interchangeable lenses. It has served me well over the last 3.5 years. That said, a DSLR is still better overall, except for weight.

 

[HajiWasAPunk]

Ok, we're getting closer to making the purchase now for her birthday. For some reason she's been stating that she really wants a 10 mega-pixel camera. So my question is, is that a big deal?

Rich the one you recommended was 6.1. Was that because of the beginner level and trying to recommend something at a decent price? Or does it not really make that much difference?
Thanks again.

 

[Rich Rohrich]

Rich the one you recommended was 6.1. Was that because of the beginner level and trying to recommend something at a decent price? Or does it not really make that much difference?
Thanks again.

If you are a good shooter it doesn't make any difference at some point. The lens and how the image is exposed will have far more importance.

I can't see any real difference between good shots I've taken with my 6.1mp Nikon D70 and shots from my 10.1mp D200. I've managed to take crappy pictures with both though. ;)

A good example. A lot of shots you've seen in Sports Illustrated over the last few years were shot with Nikon D2Hs Pro bodies . They only have 4.1 mp sensors but they have high frame rates and burst speeds, so lots of pros still use them. ;)

Cameras don't take great pictures, people do. The sooner she learns that the more fun she'll have. ;)

 

[Okiewan]

The only real-world impact higher megapixels have is the printable size of the image. Other than that, it's all about marketing. more has to be better, right? :)

 

[Kawidude]

If you're looking at a $500 camera with 10 megapixels, make sure you take a look at the new Canon G7. I believe it's priced right in that ballpark. It can be used in typical "automatic" modes or it can also go to the manual mode where you can dial everything in yourself. Some seasoned dSLR pros aren't thrilled with it due to no RAW image shooting, but it sounds like it may be an outstanding option for someone to learn with until they're ready to make the jump to a dSLR. I've seen some stunning images taken with this camera.

These images were posted by someone else on a photography forum to show the kind of shots he was getting with the G7 on its second day of use.

 

[r0yal]

yes, like others said that amount of megapixels isnt really necessary, unless she is gonna be printing out massive pictures. lol

I'm still using my 2 megapixel camera, lol.

I'm looking at getting a Nikon D50 right away, its cheaper than the D40, because they are no longer making them, so if you pick one up now, you can probably find a good deal.