Camera advise

[YankeeMagic]

I am looking to upgrade my camera. I have a point and shoot Sony. I am looking for better quality pictures and the ability to take pictures of my son playing sports (fast speed no blur). Having said this, I am a total novice.. any advice?

[rolling_stone]

what distance will you be taking pictures from, what kind of sports?

[Melas]

They are more difficult to use. Most users by a decent SLR, keep it on auto and then wonder why never have good pics. If you’re not willing to forgo the auto and scene settings and set your own iso, white balance, shutter speed, etc, you’re wasting your money. Really, take a good look at the Nikon 1. It’s the best hand-holding camera I’ve ever seen.

[YankeeMagic]

School sports, baseball/basketball

[RegulatorCountry]

The Canon Eos Rebel 2 or 3 has gotten several recommendations, and they’re fine digital SLR cameras, little reason to spring for. 3 over a 2 Ti though, imho. You’re talking in the range of 500.00 for those, though, if that is an issue. The new Canon Powershot just below those is gettong very good reviews, if you’re looking in a lower price bracket.

[Irenic]

I don’t know much about this at all. The mister uses a http://www.cameralabs.com/reviews/Nikon_COOLPIX_P90/

I think it takes really nice pictures, he tells me there are a lot nicer ones especially if you are going for action/movement shots. Anyhow, the one the mister uses is decently priced and I am happy with the photos he takes. I use my phone mostly, (hahaha) so I know jack.

I am sure SWAMPSNIPER will answer your questions best and steer you towards the best camera.

[Randy Larsen]

Was that you just a minute ago on the Kim Kamando Show asking the same question?

[builder]

I bought a Casio Exilim EX-FH25 about a year ago for super slow-motion videos of my Nephew pitching. It also takes fine pictures with a fairly wide lens. Paid about $400 new from Ebay. You can go to their web site and see it in action or to my You-tube site BCCFUN and see videos i have taken. Especially note the detail on the super slow Jetskii video. it also takes ten rapid fire pictures in a second, and you can use the best. I am very happy with it.

[Newbomb Turk]

I take great BB pics with a canon 50D I bought used for $400 I think. I use a 70-200 lens thought that cost 1200.00

Pretty much any camera that takes good sports pics will take great family photos. If you desire to get very close to the action you will may want a camera on which you can change lenses. Some of these cameras with digital zoom are taking amazing photographs now days though. I have 3 Canon professional cameras EOS 1D, 5D, 50D I bought the 5D off craigslist for about half what a new camera sells for. Sky is the limit when you get into photography money wise.

One way is to find someone taking say basketball pics and ask them what they use. Most photographers are glad to share their knowledge about what cameras, lens, software they use with you.

[rabidralph]

I would recommend a nice zoom lens, 70mm-300mm. I have a Nikon DSLR and I've used that lens to take great sports pictures, when I shoot from the sidelines.

B&H Photo is great for buying electronics and photo gear. They offer great prices and customer service and they deliver quickly.

[YankeeMagic]

Nope wasn’t me.. what did she say?

[al_c]

I use both a Nikon D40 and a Canon Rebel XT. Both fine cameras ... even though these particular models are old.

With either brand, you can’t go wrong.

[Randy Larsen]

Go to www.komando.com to read about cameras.

That was truly uncanny!

[Newbomb Turk]

I have always used Canon since way back in the film camera days but Nikon just announced a full frame 36.3 camera for $2999.00. I would love to try one.

[YankeeMagic]

Seriously same question?

[Randy Larsen]

Try this...

http://search.komando.com/search?site=default_collection&client=default_frontend&output=xml_no_dtd&proxystylesheet=default_frontend&q=cameras

[Randy Larsen]

Exactly the same...

She wanted to take school pics and record church sermons!

[rolling_stone]

For those sports you will be probably at least 50 or more feet away and will likely need a lens as others suggested 100mm to 200 mm or even 300 mm on the long end. The Canons are good choice and just need practice and some basic knowledge on settings for action photography. You can start with the fixed program settings. Go to your library and check out some free books or use google tons of hints on the internet! You will have a good time learning and will help you taking pictures the rest of your life. One suggestion no matter what you get get a UV filter for the lens which will help protect it from scratches and if you drop it might break the filter not the lens.

One quick trick to try with even your current camera if the action is moving parallel to you try “panning” the camera at same speed as the moving object. It can have sharp focus on the moving object and the background will be blurred.Im not pushing any vendor, but I have never had a problem with B&H.

http://www.wonderhowto.com/how-to-use-panning-capture-great-action-shots-with-movement-377596/

[yarddog]

36.6 megapixels really is impressive but don’t forget that Nikon’s latest pro model the much more expensive D4 has dropped the pixel count down to 16.2MP.

Still I would not be surprised to see a 36.6MP sensor in a pro model before too long.

[Newbomb Turk]

I think we are approaching the end of the mega pixel wars because as you stated 16 and above really is not all that useful. Shutter speed, pics per second and usable ISO ranges are more important.

Hasselblad has a 56.9 mega pixel if your a lottery winner.

Photography is always fun though. Many times I have seen some of the best pictures come from really inexpensive cameras. Location, timing and subject is everything. I love toys though !

[BillyBonebrake]

I just picked up a Fuji x10 and love it. Point & shoot with optical viewfinder. Just what I need when not using my DLSR. Have fun buying a camera!