Posted on 02/26/2012 12:10:37 PM PST by 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?
I have a Canon Rebel 2 that I am happy with.
Takes great pictures in darkened rooms (like a concert hall).
Thanks.. have you tried taking any sports pics?
I got my son a Go-Pro Hero 2 camera for Christmas. He loves it. Takes up to 10 pictures per second.
Nope.
Main purpose for me buying it was to be able to take pictures of documents in places like libraries and courthouses.
Ping to Swampsniper
(check out his gorgeous picture posts)
Since you’re a total novice, check out the Nikon 1. It’s fully capable of action photography and beginner friendly. However, I would recomend something along the lines of an EOS Rebel or Nikon D series if you’re willing to invest the time in learning to operate the camera.
If taking sports pics, you have to pan the camera with the moving object if you are in hopes of getting a clear picture of the subject using typical shutter speeds. If you have the ability to use defined shutter speeds, you have the ability to stop most everything but you also loose depth. You also need to learn how to squeeze the shutter button just like shooting a gun. If you jerk the button, the image itself will be jerked as well. This is the most common mistake when shooting action pictures.
Find articles on how to take racing pictures to get a better idea, but most times it is the subject you want and not the background in focus. Not knowing the ins and outs of digital SLR’s, I would need to see if it is the same as regular film SLR’s.
What kind of price range are you talking about ?
What sports ? Lenses have a lot to do with sports photography over cameras.
I’m a Canon fan but Nikon just introduced a 36.3 megapixel profession camera for under $3000 which I think will force Canon to lower their prices.
It depends on how much you have to spend.
Any name brand current DSLR is capable of excellent pictures. Some of the more expensive and newer ones will do better at higher ISO settings, and some of them are getting pretty close to amazing.
If your funds are limited, put your money into good quality optics, well that is a good idea anyway. Some of the independent lens makers are excellent as long as you get their top of the line. For instance the Tokina, Tamron, Sigma, 80-200 80-210 f2.8 are good for sports.
Also an 85mm f1.8 is typically extremely sharp and not too high. Also a 50mm f1.4, or f1.8 are often great deals.
I’d go with the Canon Rebel as well. Reasonably priced and very capable for your needs.
I have been looking at the Canon Rebel T2i or Rebel T3i.
Just hope they wouldn’t get me in over my head and I would miss a good pic..
I also have the 430 EX II Speedlight flash which is a great help for even outdoor shots when working close up.
I think you can find a used 50 D for small money at Craigslist or B&H Camera also has used stuff.
Good luck.
Camera advise
Oh I forgot, do not worry about megapixels. They all have plenty. Even my old Pentax 6 mp does fine for nearly everything.
I like Sony, I can use all the great old Minolta Maxxum lenses, lots of great deals.
I use a Nikon D90 DSLR for stuff at work and around the house. It’s a little expensive, but man, does it ever take great pictures.
I have used digital SLR NIKON cameras for some time with a selection of lenses you can set it up for anything
http://www.nikonusa.com/Nikon-Products/Digital-SLR-Cameras/index.page
Recently purchased the Sony HX-100V. Couldn’t be happier. Has all the bells and whistles, including numerous factory settings that make picture taking a breeze, while still enabling you to do your own settings. Paid $386.
I son plays baseball and basketball, so looking for a camera that’s good for that and also just family pics..
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