Posted: 11/30/2009 8:21:10 AM EDT
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I'm looking to buy a higher end digital camera as a Christmas gift for someone. I'd expected to spend $800 or so, give or take a couple hundred. My main concern is buying right the first time but, of course, something that will do the job for less is always a plus.
Besides the megapixel rating, what features should I be looking for? I'd like something with a low to non-existant "shutter speed". The person in question has complained before about losing good pics due to the delay between when the button is pressed and the photo is actually taken. A variety of pics will be taken (close-ups, landscapes, etc.), so I'm probably looking for a kit with an additional lens attachment...although I'm really just shooting in the dark here. Something compatible with a PVS14 would be tops, as well. This person will likely use the camera for work as well as recreation. Any help would be appreciated. Specific models with links would be fantastic. Here's where I've been looking so far: Costco Camera Deals Thanks in advance. |
| I have been around cameras, low end, high end, for a long time. I mostly carry a compact these days and they fill the needs of most. The most important camera is the one you have with you at all times, and a compact will fill that bill. If recharging is an issue, get a version that takes standard batteries. I have run the Nikon Coolpix cameras for a long time and currently have two. |
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Quoted:
Price range would sure help a ton. ETA: if you buy a Canon or Nikon DSLR off that page you linked, you're golden. Really doesn't matter which one, they are good. I'd say budget determines. Truth...sorry. No set in stone price but I expected to spend $800-ish, give or take a couple hundred. I've seen a few kits on sale here and there for $500 or so but I have no idea what to look for in either brand or features. |
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Do you know that they want an SLR? SLR's are great, but they also get left behind quite often because of size. If they are mainly going to take candid's of their kids playing you may want a good compact. I don't. The only thing I know for certain is that the "shutter speed" issue is the main complaint. My friend has a Nikon Coolpix, as does Evil Junior. They're great little cameras but the second or so delay between "press and pic" is the gripe. I expect that she will keep using her Coolpix for everyday, out of the pocket photos. This new camera will be for planned events and professional use (private investigator, security consulting and the like). |
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Quoted: I have been around cameras, low end, high end, for a long time. I mostly carry a compact these days and they fill the needs of most. The most important camera is the one you have with you at all times, and a compact will fill that bill. If recharging is an issue, get a version that takes standard batteries. I have run the Nikon Coolpix cameras for a long time and currently have two. Same here. |
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Quoted: Quoted: Price range would sure help a ton. ETA: if you buy a Canon or Nikon DSLR off that page you linked, you're golden. Really doesn't matter which one, they are good. I'd say budget determines. Truth...sorry. No set in stone price but I expected to spend $800-ish, give or take a couple hundred. I've seen a few kits on sale here and there for $500 or so but I have no idea what to look for in either brand or features. The last two Canons on the Costco page, look into reviews on those, but I'd be way fucking thrilled to own either one. |
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Price range would sure help a ton. ETA: if you buy a Canon or Nikon DSLR off that page you linked, you're golden. Really doesn't matter which one, they are good. I'd say budget determines. +1 both the Canon and Nikon DSLR's are excellent and both do HD video now. I have a Rebel XSi in 10.1MP and I love it. I havent even touched what it can do. Here is a cool picture I took while in Seattle at Pikes Market. This is scaled way down from the actual size. 
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to reinforce what's already been said dpreview.com you can't go wrong with a canon or nikon get good glass I have a Nikon D80 that has been serving me well for about 4(?) years now. |
| We bought my daughter the Rebel XSi in early summer after she begged and begged for it. After the new wore off she quit using it and we returned it to Costco within the 90 days no questions asked. The camera was great but my daughter just didn't use it and I wasn't going to have that much money tied up in something she didn't use. I would say go with the Costco package deals for sure. I also recently returned a Xbox360 I bought there in 2007 that just quit reading discs. They refunded that again with no questions asked. Costco stands behind what they sell so they get my business each and every time if they have what I am looking for. |
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I think I've decided on the Canon EOS Rebel T1i. While doing some Christmas shopping yesterday, I spied an in-store package deal that appeared to include an extra lense assembly and some other items for a couple hundred more.
Any last minute input? |