Author Topic: Looking for a new camera!! (Read 7612 times)

wastickslinger · « **on:** January 20, 2008, 11:50:23 AM »

Wife gave me the go ahead on a new digital camera. All I have ever had is just the compact point and shoot with 3X optical zoom type cameras. I would really like to start taking better pictures out at a little further distance. I am not looking to take pictures for a profession, just a hobby. Any suggestions on an entry level camera that is user friendly and easy on the pocket book. I know I am being pretty vague about what I want but just started looking and i thought I would see if any one had a suggestion where to start. Thanks.

HuntingFanatic · « **Reply #1 on:** January 20, 2008, 12:37:38 PM »

I was directed towards a panasonic fz-18. Boy am I happy with it. Lots of fun to play with.

boneaddict · « **Reply #2 on:** January 20, 2008, 01:27:18 PM »

If you have alot of money and want more professional stuff D80, D200, and alot money D300 or the Canon 40D you are looking at about $1200 for camera and then another grand for a good lens. If you don't mind point and shoot with a little play, and very decent pictures for an affordable price, the FZ18 can't be beat with its lieca glass and 18 power digital zoom. It's what I use.

wastickslinger · « **Reply #3 on:** January 20, 2008, 02:05:50 PM »

I have the panasonic DMC FX9 for family and work. I love the camera. I though about staying with panasonic. Leica lense is great.

Thanks for the start. I will have to check out the FZ 18. I didnt want to spend more than about $600 total. I know, I am a tight wad but it was like pulling teeth to get her to agree to that much.

wastickslinger · « **Reply #4 on:** January 20, 2008, 02:09:14 PM »

Looks like the FZ 18 is around $350 before any extras. Does that sound right? And any suggestions as far as the best place to pick one up? And can any lenses be added to that or changes later?Thanks

boneaddict · « **Reply #5 on:** January 20, 2008, 03:17:00 PM »

Digitalmegastore.com

Its a good source for all your FZ18's needs. I don't think so. I thought I read you could add a mutiplier lens but I don't see how. It comes pretty loaded for a little camera with the ability to take macro shots etc with that lens.

Wea300mag · « **Reply #6 on:** January 20, 2008, 05:27:06 PM »

Another vote for the FZ-18 here. It would be great for those long distance Desert shots stickslinger.

Antlershed · « **Reply #7 on:** January 20, 2008, 06:39:47 PM »

I love my D80, but like was stated, it will cost you. I am also still trying to learn all the functions, so it is probably more than I need. You might be able to get away with something like the D40 even.

searchnfor · « **Reply #8 on:** January 20, 2008, 06:40:34 PM »

I just bought the FZ-18 a few weeks ago, I'm still learning it. I really like it, it takes great pictures for the money. I found it at vans.com for $328.00.

jackelope · « **Reply #9 on:** January 20, 2008, 09:40:13 PM »

i love my fz18 for what it is, and for the size and convenience of it, and it takes nice pictures. if i had to do it over again and had a $600 budget, i'd be leaning towards the nikon d40 or the canon digital rebel slr's. they take better pictures...flat out. for another couple hundy you can get a big lense for them too as a package deal.
the downfall for a hunter/fisherman/hiker is the size of them. the fz18 is awesome size-wise and there are 4-5 cameras in the 350-400 range that are all great for the money. another specific one to look at is the canon s5 i.s. it has a 12x optical zoom rather than a 18x, but it has other options that the fz18 doesn't have like a hot shoe for an add-on flash.

Antlershed · « **Reply #10 on:** January 20, 2008, 09:47:37 PM »

With my 18-200 lens I can still get my camera under my raincoat if it is raining, but once I slap the 80-400 on there, it doesnt fit under my coat too well.

gramps · « **Reply #11 on:** January 21, 2008, 05:53:08 PM »

Does the FZ-18 have the auto-bracket feature?

wastickslinger · « **Reply #12 on:** January 21, 2008, 05:59:39 PM »

I was doing some research on the FZ18 and I found that some packages include a wide angle lense and a 2X Telephoto lense. I dont see how it attaches. Im sure that if it comes in the package it will work but no one seems to think you can add those that I have talked to. Anyone know about this. It would be nice to have the doubler. Thanks

searchnfor · « **Reply #13 on:** January 21, 2008, 07:11:47 PM »

The FZ does have the auto bracket feature. I'm not sure on the other items.

MuleySniper · « **Reply #14 on:** January 21, 2008, 10:57:31 PM »

Get rid of that mangina of yours and go get whatever camera you want!! I wont tell your wife.
MS

wastickslinger · « **Reply #15 on:** January 21, 2008, 11:00:04 PM »

If I get whatever one I want I won't be able to come over and go fishing any time soon.

MuleySniper · « **Reply #16 on:** January 21, 2008, 11:03:28 PM »

Too bad your job doesnt have any "cash incentives" for ya. Thats how Im able to buy half of my hunting stuff without the wife finding out

MS

wastickslinger · « **Reply #17 on:** January 22, 2008, 05:46:18 PM »

I think I am sold on the FZ 18. Thanks for everyones help.

jackelope · « **Reply #18 on:** January 22, 2008, 06:35:44 PM »

Quote from: wastickslinger on January 21, 2008, 05:59:39 PM

I was doing some research on the FZ18 and I found that some packages include a wide angle lense and a 2X Telephoto lense. I dont see how it attaches. Im sure that if it comes in the package it will work but no one seems to think you can add those that I have talked to. Anyone know about this. It would be nice to have the doubler. Thanks

i was told by joel at cameraland to not bother with those other lenses...fwiw.
try the camera out first then decide if you need/want to spend the money on them.

wastickslinger · « **Reply #19 on:** January 22, 2008, 07:17:27 PM »

thanks jackalope!

boneaddict · « **Reply #20 on:** January 22, 2008, 07:20:51 PM »

The 18 power zoom is about as max as you want for magnification for good pics anyways. the digital zoom out to 72 power is enough to document any buck....a long ways away. I don't think a 2x amp would do you much good.

wastickslinger · « **Reply #21 on:** January 22, 2008, 07:27:48 PM »

Thanks again. There is a package deal from a power seller on e-bay that includes both lenses, case, 4MB card, and a few extras for $409.00 plus $18 for shipping. He has a lot of them. If i go that route it is only $60 for the extras. Not bad but if they will not be worth while I will just save my extra $$. Ebay scares me though. I have always had good luck but I still get nervous.

boneaddict · « **Reply #22 on:** January 22, 2008, 07:33:58 PM »

Make sure you get the one made in the USA....not the foriegn one. It comes with its own warranty for a year. Its a common fraud thing on ebay and some of the othe knock off places. GO USA!

wastickslinger · « **Reply #23 on:** January 22, 2008, 07:38:02 PM »

Will do.

Also what is the advantage of the RAW photo ability. I notice that it seems to be a popular bonus with this camera.

jackelope · « **Reply #24 on:** January 22, 2008, 08:21:41 PM »

RAW allows more doctoring, or more detailed anyway. if you want to adjust white balance, in RAW you can adjust just the white balance, where if it's a jpeg, you're adjusting the whole image rather than just the white balance.
http://hunting-washington.com/smf/index.php/topic,3356.0.html
check that out for more info.

wastickslinger · « **Reply #25 on:** January 22, 2008, 08:29:03 PM »

Thanks. That answers my question.

So i should shoot it in RAW if I want that life size wall poster of the 200 incher.

popeshawnpaul · « **Reply #26 on:** January 22, 2008, 08:35:20 PM »

I've never shot my camera in a method other than RAW... You should always shoot in it IMO. If you are limited on space on your card and you are sure your exposure is 100% spot on, then shoot .jpg if you need to.

Shawn

wastickslinger · « **Reply #27 on:** January 22, 2008, 08:55:00 PM »

Thanks

wastickslinger · « **Reply #28 on:** February 07, 2008, 05:00:50 PM »

I just waslked out of Cosco with the FZ 18!!!!

popeshawnpaul · « **Reply #29 on:** February 07, 2008, 08:10:32 PM »

Does your wife know or are you hiding your toys like the rest of us?

Lets see those photos...

Wea300mag · « **Reply #30 on:** February 07, 2008, 08:17:16 PM »

Good choice stickslinger, I like mine a lot.

wastickslinger · « **Reply #31 on:** February 07, 2008, 09:29:21 PM »

Actually the wife knows about his one. She wanted a new point and shoot, I wanted an SLR, I think we compromised and got one we can both enjoy.

The are so many frigging setting I dont know where to start. I am use to turning my camera on and snapping pictures. Hope you guys dont get tired of me asking questions in the near future.

I am going to try and get out Saturday for a while. I will be in Spokane for two days so maybe I will start with some snow shots. Plenty of it here.

boneaddict · « **Reply #32 on:** February 08, 2008, 06:23:27 AM »

SWEET! You will really enjoy it. That 2.8 is pretty nice.

vanhornhunter · « **Reply #33 on:** February 08, 2008, 06:21:22 PM »

Hey guys-I need to also be pointed in the right direction as far digital slr's go.Been looking online a little and theres a lot to choose from.I'm thinking around the six hundered prie range.Any Ideas are greatly appreciated

boneaddict · « **Reply #34 on:** February 16, 2008, 11:47:48 PM »

Point and shoot, you can't go wrong with the pani...as for dslr, aobu thte only one I can think of off hand that has a good rep is the Nikkon D40. Its a few back in terms of newest out there, but has a pretty good reputation. Lots of used ones out there if you want to put your money into a lens, or new will put you in about that range with its standard lens I believe.

popeshawnpaul · « **Reply #35 on:** February 17, 2008, 02:07:55 PM »

There was a good condition Canon 30D on craigslist this morning for $300... Of course it's already gone, but I regularly see 10-30D Canon cameras on there for $300-$700.

Oh, I guess there are also some Nikon's occasionally...

yajsab · « **Reply #36 on:** February 21, 2008, 10:39:28 AM »

And don't forget about the little brother Rebel.

Skyvalhunter · « **Reply #37 on:** February 21, 2008, 11:43:18 AM »

One thing to remember with a DSLR is if you have some nice lenses from a SLR you might be able to use them on your DSLR depending on the model. For example I have some Minolta lenses. Sony bought them out so my Leanses will fit on their a100 or a110.

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Author Topic: Looking for a new camera!! (Read 7612 times)

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