help starting photography

Hello all, I am a avid backpacker and have been on the market for a camera to help me remember all the trips i take and to capture some of the amazing views i get to see. I was just wondering if someone could school me on what to look for in a camera. I was thinking about a DSLR or a compact system camera. DSLR seems to be pretty pricy but for good reason i assume. any input?

 

bestbuy (or similar) usually has good entry-level DSLR's. i bought a canon t1i with two lenses and have been extremely happy. if you want to step up your photography, dslr is the way to go.

 

Any suggestions on a good semi affordable dslr

 

^ nice pics ben! im looking at a powershot as we speak

 

im glad you said that i saw that it was 8MP and i was confused...i guess im a newb and thought that the higher the MPs the better

 

Im thinking about getting the nikon 1 j1.....anyone have any experience with this cam?

 

Imma say that for what you want to do with the camera, a dSLR isn't for you.

Probably something in the pocket range that's more than something in the $100 range and is flexible enough to get you a great picture most of the time.

I'd guess that a camera that's similar to a Canon S90 would be about right. It's a small camera that can work in fully manual mode or fully automatic and modes in between.

Of course there are cameras in the Nikon lineup that are similar in design and ability. I can't speak to them since I'm a Canon guy but I will say they're equally as good and will make nice pictures too. The Panasonic Lumix series are also worth looking at.

The Nikon J1 looks like an interesting camera and it's the beginning of a new generation of dSLR cameras. What I've read is all favorable and it looks like a great camera.

 

Try the Canon T3. It's a DSLR in a small package.

 

If you want a nice, cheap DSLR, thats lightweight.... maybe a Nikon D40 or D40x would be good for you. They're inexpensive and can handle all the 'cheaper' G series lenses.

Megapixels is a marketing gimick. Sensor size and glass clarity ultimately determines quality. Put your 8MP cell phone camera up against a Powershot, and then put your Powershot up against a Nikon D2x.... you'll see the differences.

 

I agree that a dSLR probably isn't for you. Remember, the camera doesn't make the photo, the shooter does. I think something like the Canon S95 would be a perfect balance of quality and compactness

 

hmmm thanks for the tips guys and gals looks like its back for researching

 

http://www.nikonusa.com/Nikon-Products/Product/Compact-Digital-Cameras/26293/COOLPIX-AW100.html

weatherproof Point and Shoot

 

Truer words could not be spoken...

 

weight is a issue i try to look out for....

weather proof is a big plus

 

http://www.bestbuy.com/site/PENTAX+...lack/2462567.p?id=1218328956197&skuId=2462567

Im liking how this one sounds

 

I've been looking at this and the Canon D10 (not to be confused with the 10d). The Nikon is a bit slimmer. At this point, I'd give the nod to the Nikon.

 

I have the panasonic waterproof camera, I love it so far for fishing and camping...just fogs up sometimes but that happens with my DSLR as well.

Panasonic Lumix DMC-TS3 12.1 MP Rugged/Waterproof Digital Camera with 4.6x Wide Angle Optical Image Stabilized Zoom and 2.7" LCD - Red

http://www.amazon.com/Panasonic-DMC...Z0JC/ref=sr_1_4?ie=UTF8&qid=1320165734&sr=8-4

 

Just FYI. Do you know about dpreview.com? Lots of reviews available. Good source of information.

 

Canon G11, G12, G(whatevernumberthey'reonnow).

It's all the features of a DSLR, good large pixels on the sensor, 2.8 glass, etc. It takes great pictures.

I always check the camera models on flickr to see what kind of real world shots people get out of them.

http://www.flickr.com/groups/canongseries/pool/

If you're wanting to "get into photography," I assume that means you're going to want to creatively use the camera to capture interesting images, rather than just point and snap. The G series gives you easy adjustability of the big three (ISO, Shutter Speed, and Aperture) which means you'll have better creative control over your images. If you get a P&S that has manual controls as an afterthought, you'll never use them b/c they'll be clunky menu settings that will stand between you and a good shot.

Given a DSLR and compact P&S with identical glass and sensors, the pros will always take DSLR's because of how easy it is to make the camera do what they want. The G-Series is a really good step b/t a compact and DSLR, while leaning more towards DSLR.