LNC Posted April 17, 2013 Share Posted April 17, 2013 I have had pocket digital cameras and my latest takes HORRIBLE photos. I really want to learn how to take great pics, but not spend much while I learn. My husband said Sam's has great package deals on the Nikon. Good choice? I will order a book and look for recs of website tutorials. Recs for that? Thanks! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mama Geek Posted April 17, 2013 Share Posted April 17, 2013 I just looked through some reviews on photography sites and they all indicate that it is a good starter DSLR camera. I have a Nikon d7000 and really like it. I also have a Nikon coolpix that is a point and shoot that I usually carry with me all the time. One thing to consider in going to a DSLR is that they are larger and heavier and won't fit into your pocket or purse. I am not sure how you mostly take pictures but that is something to seriously consider. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
prairiewindmomma Posted April 17, 2013 Share Posted April 17, 2013 Yup. I have a D3100, and it has lots of stuff that makes it easier for a beginner to shoot good photos. There's also a lot of room to grow in technique. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Word Nerd Posted April 17, 2013 Share Posted April 17, 2013 I just got a D3100 and am very much still in the novice phase, but I like it a lot so far. Someone here recommended Ken Rockwell's website. He thinks the Nikon D3100 is "a great camera" but that the D3000 is "a good camera all by itself, but it's the worst DSLR Nikon has ever made." Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cindyz Posted April 18, 2013 Share Posted April 18, 2013 If you're looking for a high quality DSLR style with changeable lenses, I suggest you look at the mirrorless micro four thirds hybrid cameras. I own professional camera gear and trust me, it's not fun to drag around with you. Right now there is a really nice sale on the Panasonic Lumix G5 with two lenses that will cover most of what you will need. Not only does it shoot beautiful photos, but the video capabilities are stellar and very easy to use as well. This camera and lens will easily fit in your purse or in your coat pocket, and won't weigh you down. The low light capabilities of this camera are wonderful as well and far surpass that of the Nikon3000. Plus imagine shooting professional quality video allowing you to focus with the touch of your finger on the touch screen using the same camera! Sale price at Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B008MB71IS/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B008MB71IS&linkCode=as2&tag=whispesprin0e-20 Here's the two lens deal. You get the camera, the kit lens and the 42-150 and save $200. At the current price, that makes the second lens cost $29.11! Keep in mind that this will give you the equivalent range of 28 - 300mm (since micro four thirds is doubled). This is an incredible deal. With the Nikon you would only have 18mm - 55mm compared to 28mm-300mm. That's huge. Btw, I just ordered this deal myself! http://www.amazon.com/gp/feature.html/?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&docId=1001165971&linkCode=ur2&pf_rd_i=B008MB71IS&pf_rd_m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&pf_rd_p=1533480062&pf_rd_r=1F8XJ25ZAZHHTFTQBR68&pf_rd_s=hero-quick-promo&pf_rd_t=201&tag=whispesprin0e-20 Here's a video review of the camera. :) http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ml45eLEOE-8 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Posted April 18, 2013 Share Posted April 18, 2013 D3000 is a good camera. No, it isn't a $3000.00 camera, but it is still a very good camera. I have owned it for about three years and it has taken some amazing pictures. I have put it up against my mom and cousin's Rebels, and the pictures are comparable. I think some of the reviews you read online try to compare a lower end (pricewise) camera to high end ones, and they CAN'T compare. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GSOchristie Posted April 18, 2013 Share Posted April 18, 2013 My dh is a professional photographer who uses Canon 5D Mark III's. He recently ordered a mirror less camer from Fuji. Some photographers are even shooting weddings with them. I'm not sure of the exact model, but this was a fixed lens (35 mm). It was around $1200, I think. Anyway, it didn't work out for him, but he said it took good pictures, and for him to say that, they must be really good :). Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GSOchristie Posted April 18, 2013 Share Posted April 18, 2013 Fuji X 100S was the model. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cindyz Posted April 18, 2013 Share Posted April 18, 2013 My dh is a professional photographer who uses Canon 5D Mark III's. He recently ordered a mirror less camer from Fuji. Some photographers are even shooting weddings with them. I'm not sure of the exact model, but this was a fixed lens (35 mm). It was around $1200, I think. Anyway, it didn't work out for him, but he said it took good pictures, and for him to say that, they must be really good :). I think mirrorless will soon take over the prosumer camera market. I can't carry around my Canon 5d mkii with 70 - 300mm every time I go to the park to take pictures and videos of my son, but you better believe I'll carry around the G5 shown above that fits in my pocket and rivals the quality of the larger size dslr cameras. It gives me the full manual control and lens changeability that I'm used to or super fun creative auto modes if I don't feel like thinking and just want to snap. The fact that it will go in my purse to be pulled out anytime, anywhere? priceless. :) Can you tell how excited I am for mine to arrive on Friday? :) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LNC Posted April 18, 2013 Author Share Posted April 18, 2013 Is the Nikon d3100 worth the extra $150 from the d3000 for a total beginner? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mama Geek Posted April 18, 2013 Share Posted April 18, 2013 http://digital-cameras.techcrunch.com/compare/226-227/Nikon-D3000-vs-Nikon-D3100 http://www.dpreview.com/reviews/nikond3100 The 3100 takes higher resolution pictures, which comes into play if you want to do big enlargements, you can take movies with the 3100 and not the 3000, the battery life is better on the 3100 and it has a new feature called live view which lets to take pictures without looking through the eyepiece. A friend of mine just got the 3100 and I saw this work. It is a nice feature. The 3100 is more flexible in the lenses that you can use with it as well. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Moxie Posted April 18, 2013 Share Posted April 18, 2013 If you're looking for a high quality DSLR style with changeable lenses, I suggest you look at the mirrorless micro four thirds hybrid cameras. I own professional camera gear and trust me, it's not fun to drag around with you. Right now there is a really nice sale on the Panasonic Lumix G5 with two lenses that will cover most of what you will need. Not only does it shoot beautiful photos, but the video capabilities are stellar and very easy to use as well. This camera and lens will easily fit in your purse or in your coat pocket, and won't weigh you down. The low light capabilities of this camera are wonderful as well and far surpass that of the Nikon3000. Plus imagine shooting professional quality video allowing you to focus with the touch of your finger on the touch screen using the same camera! Sale price at Amazon: http://www.amazon.co...hispesprin0e-20 Here's the two lens deal. You get the camera, the kit lens and the 42-150 and save $200. At the current price, that makes the second lens cost $29.11! Keep in mind that this will give you the equivalent range of 28 - 300mm (since micro four thirds is doubled). This is an incredible deal. With the Nikon you would only have 18mm - 55mm compared to 28mm-300mm. That's huge. Btw, I just ordered this deal myself! http://www.amazon.co...hispesprin0e-20 Here's a video review of the camera. :) http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ml45eLEOE-8 I'm confused by this. Is it $600 for the camera and 2 lenses or should there be another discount? Mother's Day is coming!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mama Geek Posted April 18, 2013 Share Posted April 18, 2013 For those interested in the longer lenses like the 28-300 go to a camera shop and put your hands on one. One disadvantage is the weight and another is that to use the longer portion of the lens you pretty much need a tripod or you will likely get blurry pictures, because it is very difficult to hold the camera that still. I am not saying to not buy it just be aware of this. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cindyz Posted April 18, 2013 Share Posted April 18, 2013 I'm confused by this. Is it $600 for the camera and 2 lenses or should there be another discount? Mother's Day is coming!! The prices are bouncing around all over the place today, but when you put the camera and lens in your cart, it will then deduct $200 from your total before you check out. So yesterday when I bought it, I paid $527 for the camera with kit lens plus the 42-150mm lens (which is a stellar deal). HOWEVER, today the price went down to a total of $372.49 for BOTH!!! I called Amazon and they gave me a price adjustment and a refund of $154.00. I couldn't be happier. It looks like right now the camera + kit was at 359.99, and then it sold out, and the price went up. Then they restocked and the price went back down. I see now that the price is back up to $498 for the kit which is still a good deal when you pair it with the 14-150mm lens deal. I wouldn't be surprised if it goes down again today. If you buy it at the current price and you see it go down again, call them up and they will price adjust. In fact, they will price adjust within the next 30 days if the price goes lower. That's one of the reasons I love shopping at Amazon. The reason that price is going down is because they are selling out stock as the new model has just been leaked and is about to be announced. But cameras are like cars, you never buy them when they are fresh on the market. You'll pay the highest possible price for it, and you'll get to deal with all the issues. Buy right before the new model is released for the best deals. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GSOchristie Posted April 18, 2013 Share Posted April 18, 2013 He really, really wanted to love it (the fugi 100), so he could sell one of our Mark III and our 35 mm lens. In the end, it just wasn't fast enough for what he does. He is very photo journalistic, to the point the he doesn't want to interrupt the day at all, if possible. The pics were great, even macro shots, like the ring, so I think for someone who has time to compose the shot and doesn't need to capture so much emotion packed into one day, the mirror less is the way to go. In fact, when out old 5D bites the dust, I think that's what I'll get :). Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Moxie Posted April 19, 2013 Share Posted April 19, 2013 The prices are bouncing around all over the place today, but when you put the camera and lens in your cart, it will then deduct $200 from your total before you check out. So yesterday when I bought it, I paid $527 for the camera with kit lens plus the 42-150mm lens (which is a stellar deal). HOWEVER, today the price went down to a total of $372.49 for BOTH!!! I called Amazon and they gave me a price adjustment and a refund of $154.00. I couldn't be happier. It looks like right now the camera + kit was at 359.99, and then it sold out, and the price went up. Then they restocked and the price went back down. I see now that the price is back up to $498 for the kit which is still a good deal when you pair it with the 14-150mm lens deal. I wouldn't be surprised if it goes down again today. If you buy it at the current price and you see it go down again, call them up and they will price adjust. In fact, they will price adjust within the next 30 days if the price goes lower. That's one of the reasons I love shopping at Amazon. The reason that price is going down is because they are selling out stock as the new model has just been leaked and is about to be announced. But cameras are like cars, you never buy them when they are fresh on the market. You'll pay the highest possible price for it, and you'll get to deal with all the issues. Buy right before the new model is released for the best deals. Harumph. I guess I missed this deal. It says $750 now. How did you find this deal? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LNC Posted April 22, 2013 Author Share Posted April 22, 2013 I talked to a pro photographer who recommended the Nikon v1 over the Nikon 3100 for portability. I'm so confused! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mama Geek Posted April 22, 2013 Share Posted April 22, 2013 LNC, you can buy a good point and shoot and learn how to take pictures that come out good with it, you can buy a DSLR and learn how to use it and how to take good pictures with it, or you can buy a mirrorless camera and learn how to use it and and how to take good pictures. I am not yet familiar with the new mirrorless cameras, but I can talk to some of the pros and cons of the point and shoots versus DSLRs Point and shoots: Pros: Easy to pick up and start using Lightweight & fits into a pocket Inexpensive Cons: They are not as fast as a DSLR You can't change out lenses, they are what they are DSLR: Pros: Very versatile as far as being able to change lenses, put on a tripod, add a flash etc. Is much faster at taking a picture than a point and shoot Cons: Expensive Heavy and bulky Rather large learning curve in particular if you aren't familiar with cameras other than a point and shoot. As I said earlier I have both a DSLR and a point and shoot. Both take good pictures, but I have also spent almost 20 years taking lots of pictures and reading about how to take better pictures. Yes you can get a bad camera that no matter what you do you can't get a good picture, but you can get good pictures with lots of different cameras. What are you mostly taking pictures of? It is easier to get the pictures of my dd with the DSLR, because it takes the picture faster, but I have also gotten great pictures of her with my point and shoot and my camera on my phone. Once again the advantage of my point and shoot is that I usually have it with me. So if we stop at the park to play and I particularly want a picture, I have my point and shoot available. For doing nature photography, for sporting events, for weddings, I will hands down say a DSLR. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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