What kind did you get? I'm going to be looking for a DSLR sometime soon so I might get some photos done for TB.
John, I got a mid-level Canon T2i. For me, working in visual effects, this was the best option as it includes full 1080p video. Video features almost double the price of the DSLRs, so if you're just looking for a stills only, you can find some great models for little more than you'd pay for a good point and shoot camera. And the DSLR offers full control over shutter speed, aperture, iso, ect., ect. Our first class was last Monday, and the instructor recommended sticking with either the Nikon or Canon brand as they continue to support compatibility through out their line. Other brands can be good, but say 5 years from now you look at getting a new lens, it might be very difficult to find a compatible option.
Canon and Nikon are excellent, but there are other good options. For example, Olympus and Panasonic (four-thirds and micro four-thirds lens mounts) have outstanding lenses and some great features. If I were buying a camera today, I would take a close look at micro 4/3.
Looking forward to seing your new photo endeavors, Mark. I had a Canon POS, and loved it. It broke (my fault), and I picked up a Nikon Coolpix for a price I couldn't refuse (free). Still wish the Canon worked. Liked it a ton more than the Nikon. Truer colors, and better flash control.
My current film camera is my late father's Canon AE-1 and I LOVE it. I imagine I'll be going to a real camera shop (not Best Buy or anything) for it. I saw a few DSLRs in the $800 range. Ouchies!
I have a Canon PowerShot A 640. Close up: And I can take videos, but I can't zoom during record. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ShT6DFlyel8 Wolfgang
When buying a new DLSR system, common wisdom among photographers is to buy the least expensive camera you can live with, then spend as much as you can afford on lenses. A cheap camera with a quality lens will give a much better picture than a top camera with a cheap lens. Plus, lenses are upgraded much less frequently than cameras so the lenses you buy today will still be non-obsolete by the time you decide to upgrade your camera to get all the features you decided not to get today for the same price.
I saved over 30% on my entire camera package by purchasing on Amazon. I believe TrainBoard can even get a little commission if you use the search box at the bottom of the page! Also, be careful of some "real specialty stores". Fancy stores often have 'fancy' prices, and poor return policies. A place like Best Buy often has excellent sales, rewards programs, and an amazing return policy.
I agree. I have a simple Pentax K100D (bought four years ago) but I use the lenses from my old film camera - some have the AE setting so it's easy to use the new camera's features. And the old lenses are a far sight better in quality than the ones supplied with the camera.
My Dad still uses his AE1. And has one as a back-up. He swears it still takes better pictures than anything digital! In many cases, I tend to agree with him.
That is actually fact. Digital sensors read each pixel brightness through 4 filters, red, green, green, and blue, to make up the final color of that pixel. However, because that information needs an escape path for each of those filters, they must be placed side by side. In film, the material that resolves color all right there, so each filter is able to be placed on top of the next. This means film has 4x the resolution of any digital sensor. Can the human eye tell the difference? No. But that is what it is.
