Saturday, February 19, 2011

Say "CHEESE!"

So, I've go this old Paul Simon song playing in my head... a real ear-worm, if you know what I mean. 

"I got a Nikon camera 
I love to take a photograph 
So Mama, don't take my Kodachrome away" 
- Paul Simon


Now, you may wonder what brought that particular song to my mind. (Even if you don't, at least pretend.) Well, the truth of the matter is I've always liked taking pictures. There are many reasons behind this - not the least of which is the fact that if I am behind the camera, I don't have to be in the pictures! BONUS! But, there are other reasons, too. I love to capture scenery and people, situations that are humorous or touching. I keep thinking to myself that I need to get me a nicer camera. The one I own is okay, but it doesn't have a lot of zoom or flexibility in it. So, I'm asking for some advice. Let me know what kind of cameras you have found are the best bang for the buck. Here are some of the things I'd like in a camera - though I doubt I'll find one that has everything for the price I'll be able to pay.

- ability to take photos in all types of lighting situations - bright, dim, etc.
- ability to take decent photos while moving
- ability to capture quickly moving objects without blurriness
- good optical zoom (as opposed to digital)
- video capability
- flexibility to add on features later when I feel I can afford it
- durable/well-made
- fairly straight forward to use - doesn't need to be overly simple, but I don't want to have to take a physics class to run it.
- decent size screen that can be seen even in bright light

Sounds like quite a list, right? I admit that it is, but I figured a few of you out there in blog land could give me some insight into what you have found has worked for you.

3 comments:

  1. I'm leaving a comment so stop your whining.=) Some of the better brands I've seen would probably be your Sony, Nikon and Cannon. A camera like mine doesn't have the video capability and is probably a little more than what you're looking for. Jared's dad has a higher end point and click that is a Cannon. I've noticed with the Cannon camera's I've looked at that they have the knob on the top that allows you to change your settings i.e. Nightshot, portrait, landscape, etc. There was a Cannon at Sam's Club for about $80 that had that and it looked pretty good. Hope that helped.=)

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  2. My Nikon D3000 has proven to be the perfect "starter" DSL for me. It has an automatic settings as well as more advanced options, and it's possible (although it can be pricey!) to acquire more specialized and sophisticated lenses. The latest version, the D3100, includes better video options. Watch for sales: I purchased mine as a kit, with case, charger, and memory card included.

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