What kind of camera?

[onescrappymom]

Okay... I'm think I'm going to be purchasing a new digital camera in the next couple months...

what do you all recommend? I want something that can grow with me, but also isn't too complicated for a newer user... I have had a digi camera for YEARS but never used features and what not... lenses, etc...

Suggestions?

Thanks!!

[Marriedin79]

I have a Canon Digital Rebel XT that I am still in the process of learning to use. I think it will be a long process fraught with many challenges. But then, I manage a shot like this one (http://www.digitalscrapbookplace.com/gallery/showphoto.php?photo=139127&nocache=1) that confirms the decision was a good one.

For this shot, I used a 75-300mm lens that I just purchased with my birthday money! WooHoo!

[Karen]

Are you looking for a point and shoot or a DSLR?

[onescrappymom]

Point and shoot, I think :confused:

Which is better for a newer user? I do want the ability to grow with my camera should I need to or want too... expecially if I am going to spend a good amount on a good camera, if that makes sense...

[Quirky]

there are several SLR cameras out there that still have the programed point and shoot options on it...if you are willing to spend the money I say the slr..that way you would have PLENTY of room to grow...but still be able to hand someone the camera on auto and get great shots!

[Karen]

Well one that quite a few people have here is the Canon S2IS, it gives you the option of using the auto settings as well as aperture priority, shutter priority and full manual, there is a newer verson out now the S3IS so you may be able to pick an S2 up a little cheaper :)

[onescrappymom]

In the cases where the photos are crisp and backgrounds are blurred, or less focused and also the color accented things... does Camera play a roll in any of this? or is that strictly the editing program?

Sorry for all the questions... I read the book on my digi camera and I have NO idea what any of it means! LOL so this is all new.

[Marriedin79]

In the cases where the photos are crisp and backgrounds are blurred, or less focused and also the color accented things... does Camera play a roll in any of this? or is that strictly the editing program?

What you are referring to here is known as depth of field. There is an excellent thread in this forum (http://www.digitalscrapbookplace.com/forum/showthread.php?t=15172) that goes into detail about depth of field.

As for your question, camera does play a part in this. A DSLR has the options to set the focus to allow for a blurry background, similar to my photo of a sunflower (http://www.digitalscrapbookplace.com/gallery/showphoto.php?photo=139155&cat=500&ppuser=17857). A P&S (point and shoot) camera might or might not have settings that will allow you to replicate it. I found this blog (http://photospot2004.blogspot.com/2004/07/depth-of-field-third-dimension.html) that gives some good information about depth of field as it relates to using a P&S camera. Here's a good description about P&S and DOF: "The reason why we see most of the things clearly captured in point and shoot camera is because their depth of field is very large - typically starting from 5ft and upto infinite distance. Moreover, this depth of field is fixed for point and shoot camera."

If you're leaning toward a P&S camera that's around $300, I found this online (http://www.calumetphoto.com/item/NZ4013.html) (Googled "depth of field point and shoot camera"). The camera has "a 10-step Aperture Priority setting offers creative control over depth of field" according to the information on the site.

[ekrieg]

I have a Canon S2, the one that Karen recommended. I bought it to replace my Kodak Easyshare. I wasn't ready to invest in an DSLR (I didn't feel like I was at a high enough skill level with photography to justify the cost), but I wanted a camera that would allow me to experiment with manual settings, have white balance (which most do now, but my easy share didn't), and have a pretty big optical zoom. Here's a link to an area of my gallery where I have photos I've taken. These are all straight out of the S2, no editing, cropping or post processing. What you see is what you get.

http://www.digitalscrapbookplace.com/gallery/showgallery.php?cat=3315

The S2 has aperature priority (which allows you to practice doing the blurred backgrounds with the subject in focus), but many digital cameras have that these days. The Canon has a very good reputation, and this particular camera has a good rating. It takes good photos in any light condition (some others I was considering had issues in lower light conditions). I am very pleased with my investment. I feel as though it will be a good stepping stone to a DSLR when I'm ready, which probably won't be for 3 or 4 more years. The biggest difference between the S2 and the S3 is the resolution. The S2 is 5MPs and the S3 is 6MP. It just depends on your budget, and how much cropping you plan on doing. 5MPs will let you print a photo quality print up to 11x14 if you don't do any cropping. So you can still crop a little and get a good quality 8x10. The 6MP camera is going to allow you to crop a little more. I find that for my purposes, the 5MP is good. It forces me to work on my photography skills and really think about the photo I'm taking. I no longer just shoot any old thing and think that I can fix it on the computer later. I really believe that is how you become a better photographer.

I hope some of this helps you. You really need to decide what features you are looking for in a camera. That will be the best place to get started. www.dpreview.com is a great website for side by side comparisions of cameras. It helped me a lot in figuring out what I needed and would be happy with. Keep posting questions.

Erin :)

[onescrappymom]

WOW... Thanks Ladies!! This definetly helped me understand things somewhat better. It's confusing as I read the manual and they don't really "explain" things... so I have no idea what features my camera really has and what those features even do. I do have a Kodiak Easyshare CX7530 5MP right now. I'm going to post in another thread asking for help with some of the features. Perhaps learning something about this camera will help me make the right choice in buying a new one... it will be a tax time treat so I have a few months :p

Thank you so much AGAIN!! This forum is awesome!! :D