Selecting a new camera help...

[junkmanhunter]

OK folks, I know there will be a 100+ opinions on this. I know we have some professional and amateur photographers on here.

I am looking to buy a new full size digital camera. I am looking for something pretty simple but don't want junk. The camera will be used for family outings, hunting trips and general use. I also need a camera my wife can take pictures with and not get overwhelmed.

I am going on a hunt to New Zealand in June and really want to have a good camera for that hunt. So size and weight might play a small factor.*

My last new camera was 2006, it was a Panasonic self focus. It has ran it's course.

OK, I don't know if I can get both manual and auto focus with the same camera. If I can, that would be great. Multiple lens or a single lens???*

I would like to keep it under $1500. If that is not reasonable for what I am looking for I can go up but prefer not to. It would take a lot of convincing to have to spend more than that..


Thanks in advance for your help..

***
This is also posted in around the campfire

[swanjts]

Just like a new bow, go to the store and play with them and see what you like. I have had Cannon in the past and now shoot Nikon. Look at the package deals that each have. You can get the body an one or two lenses in a case as a starter kit and stay at or under $1K.

Good luck and have fun with whatever you buy.

[HillCountryHoyt]

You can get a lot of camera for $1500. Look at some of the kits. I shoot a Canon 70D. It is fairly easy to use and shoots video. But, I would suggest that you look at a bit of a lesser camera and spend money in the glass. For New Zealand...a good zoom will be needed. To save on weight and size...consider a multiplier. With a Crop Body and a 1.4X a 100mm is actually closer to 225mm (but you loose a f/stop).

[junkmanhunter]

You can get a lot of camera for $1500. Look at some of the kits. I shoot a Canon 70D. It is fairly easy to use and shoots video. But, I would suggest that you look at a bit of a lesser camera and spend money in the glass. For New Zealand...a good zoom will be needed. To save on weight and size...consider a multiplier. With a Crop Body and a 1.4X a 100mm is actually closer to 225mm (but you loose a f/stop).

Ok explain a little bit more. I know what a multiplier is and have an idea about f/stop. If it's auto does that matter much? where is a good place to start looking? Best buy, or go to a camera only shop?

[Limbwalker]

If you're not ready to become a student of photography, then I'd suggest a "bridge" camera. The image quality will be very good and the learning curve will be pretty simple.

http://www.techradar.com/us/news/photography-video-capture/cameras/best-compact-camera-2013-34-reviewed-963985/2

If you decide to go full SLR, it's tough to beat the sales they are having these days on the two-lens kits from either Canon or Nikon. Both will have program and "green box" modes that effectively make the camera a big point and shoot, so no worries for the wife there.

I've spent +/- 20 years studying photography as a hobby, learning on film and full manual bodies, and I can tell you there is really no substitute for a good photography book. You need one that walks you through all the exposure modes and explains exposure, depth of field, and the relationship between shutter speed, aperture and ISO. This understanding is critical for anyone interested in making great photos.

Best of luck!

[wsteffen]

I agree with HillCountryHoyt, except that I stay away from the multiplier. The lose in speed and clarity with them is too much for me. I had a Canon multiplier and got rid of it for that reason.

[Casey]

I agree with HillCountryHoyt, except that I stay away from the multiplier. The lose in speed and clarity with them is too much for me. I had a Canon multiplier and got rid of it for that reason.

Good glass + good multiplier will render fine results. I've used my Kenko 1.4x on a Canon 300 mm f4L L with great results. Speed loss is acceptable and I find clarity loss to be almost imperceptible.

It all tends to start with a good lens though.

[d_e_smith]

Multiplier on your typical kit lenses are going to be iffy.

[Henry]

$1500 isnt much in camera gear terms.

If i had that money, id buy a used 60d for around $500-$600, or t3i $300-$400 (body only) then a good used lens such as a 100mm-400mm (since your going to New Zealand) for about $700-$900.

Or you could go for a great walk around lens such as a used 24-105mm for about $600

Or,
You could splurge on a Canon 6D ($1200 used) and just rent some nice glass until you save up for something. (the 6d is simply amazing by the way )

[Bill M]

OP if interested I'm getting ready to sell a Canon 60D, probably less than 300 images through it. Less than a year old. If interested shoot me a PM.

[Limbwalker]

OP if interested I'm getting ready to sell a Canon 60D, probably less than 300 images through it. Less than a year old. If interested shoot me a PM.

Ooh that's a good offer!

[Gwasshoppa]

OP if interested I'm getting ready to sell a Canon 60D, probably less than 300 images through it. Less than a year old. If interested shoot me a PM.

If the OP isn't interested are you going to post it here in the classifieds? I'm not trying to step in on anyone but my older camera needs replaced and I am looking.

[junkmanhunter]

If the OP isn't interested are you going to post it here in the classifieds? I'm not trying to step in on anyone but my older camera needs replaced and I am looking.

^^^^^^not going to step on my toes.. I am still looking at all my options. I am not sure when I will be ready to buy..

[HillCountryHoyt]

Ok explain a little bit more. I know what a multiplier is and have an idea about f/stop. If it's auto does that matter much? where is a good place to start looking? Best buy, or go to a camera only shop?

Do a quick Google search for Crop vs Full Frame...but basically with a Crop your image is a full frame and the crop is only a portion of the frame. There are arguments to both. With a full frame you can use a lower ISO and get the same light than a Crop body camera.

Example:
Canon 5D, 50mm, f1.4, ss 1/125 ISO = 20
Canon 60D, 50mm, f1.4, ss 1/125 ISO = 200

Being able to use lower ISO reducing the noise. Less noise = clarity

I Shoot a Canon 70D (crop) with a Canon 1.4 "multiplier/extender" on my "L" glass with good results. There is not much loss on focus speed. With the Extender you can get away with less zoom...especially with a crop body.

Of course...there will be a lot of opinions...all of them to be respected Ultimately it boils down to what you can afford and what / how you will use the camera. I am not a pro and I usually take pics of wildlife, kids sports, etc...

Hope this helps.

[HillCountryHoyt]

If you're not ready to become a student of photography, then I'd suggest a "bridge" camera. The image quality will be very good and the learning curve will be pretty simple.

http://www.techradar.com/us/news/photography-video-capture/cameras/best-compact-camera-2013-34-reviewed-963985/2

If you decide to go full SLR, it's tough to beat the sales they are having these days on the two-lens kits from either Canon or Nikon. Both will have program and "green box" modes that effectively make the camera a big point and shoot, so no worries for the wife there.

I've spent +/- 20 years studying photography as a hobby, learning on film and full manual bodies, and I can tell you there is really no substitute for a good photography book. You need one that walks you through all the exposure modes and explains exposure, depth of field, and the relationship between shutter speed, aperture and ISO. This understanding is critical for anyone interested in making great photos.

Best of luck!

Great advise Limb! My wife has a Nikon CoolPix and it take real decent pics with good zoom range. She is not interested in understanding the relationships between Shutter Speed, Aperture, ISO...etc. So it works well.