What to look for in a Camera

[nikos30]

My girlfriend is literally obsessed with camaros and thats probably how she came into dating me
Anyway, she LOVES taking pictures and editing them. However, she does not have a good camera. I have around $350-$400, and I can save a little to get somethin even more than that. I know almost nothing about cameras besides 1080p is the best and I am pretty sure that the more megapixels you have, the better.

Can somebody please tell me what to look for when buying a camera? or please suggest one that is around or a little above my price range? if it helps, we dont care much about videos as we do with pictures.

And sorry if this is the wrong forum to place this under, I figured that the media forum would be the best.
thanks for everyhting

[Aries240SS]

The Cannon EOS Rebel is a good starter camera for someone looking to do more. Lots of lenses available, and shoots in full HD.

[SPARTAN sui]

I'd also suggest a DSLR. However, there's nothing wrong with an advanced point & shoot. I have an S3IS I bought 6 years ago, still takes great pictures, even though it's only 6.0MP. It's not just about the MP, it's about the image sensor. I can get nicer looking shots from my S3IS compared to my compact Canon point & shoot that is 12.1MP.

I'd either go with this guy, right here, which is an advance point & shoot, lots of options, but no interchangeable lens.

http://www.amazon.com/Canon-Digital-...8581022&sr=8-5

Or spent a bit more and go with the Rebel T3.

http://www.amazon.com/Canon-Rebel-T3...8581022&sr=8-7

I absolutely love Canon. They make great devices.

[Interlux]

No opinion for you but I'm hoping this thread takes off as I'm interested!

[nikos30]

haha I guess were on the same page. I knew I was either going to go with a nikon or cannon. I was trying to buy a nikon so that I could color the last 'n' black and it would say niko (thats my name). I thought it would be funny

What is SLR and DSLR and how hard is it?

[Atlas]

Originally Posted by nikos30

What is SLR and DSLR and how hard is it?

SLR = Single Lens Reflex

D - digital

Therefore a DSLR is a Digital Single Lens Reflex camera, whereas an SLR camera utilizes film

[nikos30]

OH, then I definitely want digital. Thank you.

Atlas, what would you suggest?

[Atlas]

Originally Posted by nikos30

OH, then I definitely want digital. Thank you.

Atlas, what would you suggest?

Your welcome! For the best bang for your buck, I suggest picking up a nice Canon crop sensor body, like a Rebel T1i or even the T3i which does HD video, and a good lens. The photos below were taken with a $100 Canon 50mm f1/8 lens, arguably Canon's best kept secret.
This one -> http://www.amazon.com/Canon-50mm-1-8.../dp/B00007E7JU
attached to a Canon 50D body. Though the body is more expensive, your lens selection is what will really determine your photo quality.

[newb]

I am a Nikon guy. The D3100 or 3200 is an excellent choice. User friendly and full of features. Definitely not advanced but a great starter DSLR. And it makes a great backup camera if she decides to upgrade later. As someone stated, stick to Nikon or Canon and you can't go wrong. Whichever you start with, you usually stick with as lenses are transferable if you upgrade. The D3100/3200 has a help feature that is mostly useless but does come in handy sometimes(for complete beginners).

Good Luck

[Shastrich2005]

A great camera would be any Canon DSLR really. Rebel series is a great starter. I use my OG Rebel still- much lighter to carry around than my Mark II But in all seriousness, it's one of the best DSLR's out there for the money!

[SlowSS]

Okay so as you see most everyone is going to tell you to get a DSLR, but you dont have to get one. Most are double the price range you posted. Here are two you may want to check out. They are super zoom cameras and are within your range

1. Canon SX40 HS this camera is a 12mp with a 35x zoom. Which is usable with 1080p video or still shots.

2. Nikon P510 This camera is a 16mp with a 42x zoom. Which also can be used with 1080p video or still shots.

I can't how ever tell you which one is better as I am currently trying to decide which one I like better. I will tell you that even though you may be able to take better quality pics with a DSLR (because you can adjust the shutter speed, f stop, etc.) you don't have to spend that much $$ in order to have great quality pics. Hope this helps!

[StealthZ28]

I go Nikon but thats just personal Pref...

[MrGood]

sony just came out with a 18mp point and shoot. i bought one and totally love it. needed the money though so i had to return it. i think it was 250 or so.

[newb]

The Nikon canon debate is just as polarizing as ford Chevy.

If you can afford it, an entry level DSLR is way better than any point and shoot. If she already enjoys editing, the capabilities are endless. Point and shoots will always be limited by the fact that they process the pictures and offer no raw capability (trust me, for editing she wants raw pics).

Ask any photographer, a $500 DSLR will always be better than the best point and shoot. If she serious, get her a DSLR. And yes you can get one new for under $500 all day.