Camera Advice

[soupcreek]

Howdy,
I am thinking about getting a new camera and would like one that is a little versatile. I don't have a lot of photography experience but would like the ability to take professional quality pictures. I want a camera that will work for both wildlife/outdoor pictures AND can take some nice portrait style pictures of my kids.
About 6 months ago we bought a Panasonic Lumix (12x optical zoom) for about $250 from Costco. It is was a big upgrade from what we previously had and I really like it. Now I want to move up to a professional camera, but have no idea where to go.
Any suggestions? I am a beginner, but am willing to learn the ins and outs of a good camera.
Any advice would be great.
Thanks,
Soupcreek

 

[redrabbit]

LAST EDITED ON Mar-04-10 AT 09:05AM (MST)[p]I am not a pro, but here is my opinion. I would choose which manufacturer's lense system you want first for the lens selection, and then the body. Put your money into quality lenses that you can keep as you upgrade bodies through years. Stick with the Canon L series or Nikon gold-ring lenses. Your budget will determine whether you go full or crop frame format, and how long a lens for wildlife you can afford.

Tony/Tfinalshot had a good discussion of lens choices for wildlife if you search in the past threads. You'd be looking for something in the 400-500mm range for best results.

Some third party lenses do well at quite a bit less money than the Nikon/Canons. One such lens would be the Tamron 17-50 f/2.8, which would be good for your family shots and landscapes.

Get a sturdy tripod and head.

Here are some sites for reviews and discussion.
http://www.photozone.de/all-tests

http://www.slrgear.com/reviews/index.php

http://dpreview.com/

http://www.fredmiranda.com/reviews/

http://photography-on-the.net/forum/ (Canon oriented)

Give Joel at CameraLand a call for his help and good pricing.
http://cameralandny.com/

Hope this helps



http://dougkoepsel.smugmug.com/

 

[Cameraland]

There are many great choices out there and I would be happy to help you out. The most important thing you need to determine is your budget. That will ultimately determine where you end up. Then they key lies what type of photography is the mainconcern. That will lead you to lens selection. I am in all day every day from tomorrow thru Saturday, except Thursday. You can call me toll free at 1-866-9optics to discuss.


Joel Paymer
Camera Land
575 Lexington Ave
New York, NY 10022
212-753-5128
www.cameralandny.com