Any recommendations on a new camera? good or bad

What is your budget?

Tom,

What class of camera are you looking for? A point-and-shoot/compact model or a digital SLR? Both have their advantages/disadvantages but choosing the class you want (and amount you want to spend) is an initial decision you need to make that will allow you to hone in on additional considerations.

I would say that at this point, digital cameras and videocams are separate devices unless your needs are really basic for one or the other. Many specific cameras “emulate” the other type to a limited extent, but there really isn’t one device that does it all well, in my opinion.

-- It is better to wear out than to rust out. --Cumberland

It really depends on what you plan on using it for. Just like woodworking tools, you have to choose a camera based on the job. I have several cameras. I just bought a Nikon Coolpix for about $130 that I am taking on a backpacking trip…small, lightweight, uses AA batteries, 10 megapixel, nice optics. My main camera is a Nikon D80 which has interchangeable lenses, 10 megapixel, and amazing optics. Best Buy has a page that will help you choose based on your needs. Check it out: http://www.bestbuy.com/site//olspage.jsp?id=abcat0401000&type=category

Stick with a well known brand. Read the reviews. Check out some editors choice editions of photography magazines at a book store. It is a very competitive market, so the major brands have some good choices with interesting features. My Coolpix actually warns me if someone blinked – no kidding. It also has a feature that will take the photos automatically as soon as everyone in the picture smiles. How cool is that?

-- Trent Tidmore, Grapevine, TX

my budget would depend on what I’m getting. Maybe somewhere around $500 each if there isn’t a decent combo. As far as what class, I don’t know, something that is good for my family and my projects. With my daughter I’ve had a hard time with the delay a digital camera gives you.

-- I'm not here for your amusement. You're here for mine - Johnny Rotten

Right. I don’t think there is a decent combo for that price – and aj_houston is right that the best way to deal with it with today’s technology is have one for each. The D80 is beyond budget as well – though it’s a lovely camera. The Nikon Coolpix sounds very cool, though. It would leave room for a snazzier video camera. Just watch the megapixels it can handle.

With $500, you are in the range of entry-level digital SLRs. They will not have the delay issues you mention and give you a lot more photographic flexibility. They are a superior class for taking pictures: better control and flexibilty with interchangable lens, better exposure management, etc. The tradeoff is that they are more expensive and much bulkier (you can’t put it in your pocket).

I agree with Trent that you should read some reviews (there are tons out there) and stick with major brands such as Nikon (which I have) and also Canon (which I also have).

Maybe the Canon EOS series or a Nikon D40 with kit lens dSLRs. These are entry-level: solid performers but basic, although better performance than a point-and-shoot.

You can spend all you care to and more on cameras so you need to pick your price point.

-- It is better to wear out than to rust out. --Cumberland

Tom,
I know most people are not so sure about buying expensive electronics off EBay, but I have purchased four Canon Rebel camera packages from an EBay store and had super service. There are a variety of packages that include several lenses, tripods, filters and accessories for reasonable prices. You didn’t say SLR or point and shoot. This camera does manual and automatic focus. The store also sells video cameras as well. I LOVE my Canon Rebel EOS !!

http://stores.shop.ebay.com/ShopSunshine__W0QQ_armrsZ1

They are a store in New York City. Check it out.

Lisa

-- I inherited the woodworking gene and it's gone into overdrive.......

Take a look at the Canon SX1IS. It is amazing!!!!!!!!!!

-- Chas F

Thank you all. I didn’t realize how much there is to this.

-- I'm not here for your amusement. You're here for mine - Johnny Rotten

I have a Nikon D50 (6MP digital SLR) that I love. I use it when I want really good pictures and a really fast reaction time from the camera. It is my camera of choice with the kids.

I also have a Kodak V1253 (12MP point and shoot that takes HD and standard video). This is the camera that we take places where we want small and lightweight. I do not like the delay from the camera, but I can usually deal with it. It also does awesome high-def video at 720p. I have actually started using this as my main video camera.

As other have said, you need to decide the budget and the threshold of pain you are willing to deal with as far as money leaving you pocket. There are a couple of web sites that are an absolute must when trying to choose a camera. Good reviews on both and the first one I am listing has a good run down on features. Give them a try.

Digital Photo Review
Steve's Digicams

Have fun shopping and take your time deciding. You will not regret thorough research when looking for a camera.

-- -- Rob Hix, King George, VA

I have a Nikkon D40. Love it!! Wish I’d had it years before. Oh, they had just brought it out when I got it :-)) It is a high quality, nearly professional camera for an amatuer’s price :-))

-- Debt is nothing more than the 21st Century's form of slavery.

If you are still looking for a great camera at a great price check this site out. http://www.bhphotovideo.com/ They have been around for a long time and have a great rep with in the industry, I my self have bought everything I own from them (has to be over 7,000 by now. Hands down the best price I have seen.

I agree with every one here about getting an SLR. You will not have the lag time that you get with a point and shoot and the entry level ones are around you price range.

Besides wood working I am also deeply into photography. My wife thinks I have to many hobbies but hey I like it and it keeps me out of her hair and space. So it all works out.

The entry level canon is a great deal, my brother just got that and has loved it. I am parcial to canon but that is me and eveyone is different.

Feel free to ask questions if you still have any. And good luck.

misspell Canon with 2 n’s in the middle and search on ebay. I got my EOS for $250 because of that and others were going for $500+ that were spelled correctly. An ebay junkie friend taught me that trick to misspell words and see if anything comes up.

I use a Canon EOS rebel with 8mp for most of my picture taking. Bought a zoom lens for going to events. My son loves monster trucks and with the rapid shoot / no delay I got some great jumping and crashing pics that he now has up in his room. I have been commonly asked if we bought the pics while we were there at the event.

I use a sony handycam digital 8 for my videotaping. It has a firewire cable that adobe premier and other software too can use but I can run the camera from the computer when editing or capturing video from the camera. I would like to have a newer one that got better video on teh sd card, but I can live with having to capture the old fashioned” way.

WOW thank you

-- I'm not here for your amusement. You're here for mine - Johnny Rotten

Consider a Panasonic DMC-FZ50. Price is about $350.00. 10.1 MP, 12x optical zoom, image stabilized. Many modes including full auto, full manual, shutter preferred, aperature preferred and video. Will also shoot RAW. Has dual mode viewfinder – LCD or back of camera that can be flipped down and rotated to view when it’s on a tripod, or an eyepiece viewfinder. Although it’s not a true SLR, both viewfinders show images from the chip, so it has all the accuracy of an SLR. The biggest drawback is that you can’t change lenses.

I’ve never seen one in a store, so you have to get it off the net. Ordered mine from Amazon and received it within days.

I’ve had it for about 3 years and it performs flawlessly. My daughter also has one with same results.

-- Joe

Thanks Joe

-- I'm not here for your amusement. You're here for mine - Johnny Rotten