SO I'm summing up my undergrad and I'm going to head to get a masters in zoology and wildlife conservation since I know I'm not getting into Vet school. Well I've always has a passion for photography and during my research and studies I would like to use that time to upgrade my photo taking skills. Anyone know any good professional cameras that's not too expensive? I was looking at a few Nikons', but I'm not really sure what to look for. Help please. Thanks
You can has a camera? I kid, Ms. Eve. I'm a Canon dude, and have the "lower end" SLRs with a few lenses, but nothing too extravagant. I've been able to build up my arsenal of gear... but... one question: What is your budget? I could recommend MARK series to D series to T'series in Canon, but I don't know what you're willing to spend... do you have formal training, or did you just have a knack for it? I would recommend just getting the consumer-style series for starters, then build up from there. That's just my opinion if you're just doing this as a hobby. When you get better, get some gigs and then buy the better body of camera with better lenses. I'd say about 90% of a great shot is the photographer, not the camera. You CAN get into VET school, you just don't want to. TRY.
You need to have a budget first, then someone can recommend a "professional" camera "that's not too expensive". BTW, in most cases and for most people, there probably is no such thing as a professional camera that isn't expensive.
Like SwoLy-D & Dr of Dunk said, need a bit more specifics to answer your question with any sense of authority. But, if the point & shoot digitals don't faze you, and this might be considered an investment into your first camera, I'd go with an easy, inexpensive first DSLR, the Canon Rebels. I've enjoyed mine for 3-4 years. It's been up in the mountains of Mexico to the beaches of Tobago and never performed less than expected. But I'm no expert, just a guy who doesn't mind taking 500 pictures to get 1 great one. :grin:
Canon released the 50D and just recently released the 7D. That means there are probably people selling their 40Ds to by 50Ds or selling 50Ds to by 7Ds. If you can find a used 40D (or 50D) that would be a great camera to get. They will run in the $500 range. Just make sure, if you buy a used one, that the selling INCLUDE the kit lens (or some lens). Kit lenses for the 40D included the Canon 17 - 85 IS USM which is a fine lens for a beginner.
Since you will use the camera for research and study, I suppose the following features are important - light weight, you wouldn't want to carry a lead in your field trips (also multiple lens are not practical when you are shooting for research and study) - Great zooming power, optical 15X or above would be nice - Powerful flash light (or a hot shoe for external flash unit) is NOT necessary - Fast response on focus, anti-shake I suggest you start with Pro-sumer grade camera before you buy your first DSLR or M3/4. They are way cheaper yet offer almost every functions of a DSLR. Canon and Fujifilm produce very good quality Prosumer cameras. [Disclaimer] I am not a Professional Photographer.
You should pick the brain of some people here: www.texasphotoforum.com Lots of local pros and amateurs. A lot of it depends on what you plan on shooting, landscapes, portraits, wildlife, sports. I have the Canon 7D and love it.
Where in the world is Jeff San Diego? He'd shed some light on this subject... he'd get you focused properly... he would take a good shot... he... hot dang, I'm running out of cheesy photographic puns... Are you saying we're not good enough?
I'm budgeting around 500 since I want to start with a I guess you can say a beginners camera. I'll be going to Alaska for 2 weeks to visit my sister and get some time in at the Animal Research Center in Anchorage. I went a few summers ago and ran into a family of Caribou, a baby I think it was a either a Kodiak or Black Bear, a few reindeer, and a lot of different types of birds. Of course a regular digital camera only does and zooms so far. -Swoly. I've had a little training but not that much. I think I may take a photography class the my last semester. Oh and hopes Vet school is over. If you saw my grades this last semester you'd laugh at me, and it only gets harder. That and the fact that its much harder to get into vet school because its not very many of them. -chase and freemaniam I will check into those that and the forum site others have suggested. Thanks everyone
NOT LIKE THIS. NOT LIKE THIS. And I would NEVER laugh at your grades, madam. Not ANYONE's grades... except if you played for the Utah Jazzholes... Are you saying we're not professionals? Jeff!!!! Get in here!!! Jeff!!! Jeff?
I got a Nikon D60 last Christmas, and have used it extensively. I have been mainly shooting high school football games with it, which brings its own challenges. I have found it to be simple to understand and use and very flexible with the lenses you can add. I would probably choose a D90 now instead, but hindsight is 20-20 and for the most part, I love my camera.
I don't know much about photography, but I bought a Canon Rebel XS as my first DSLR. One of the cheapest of the entry levels and a year old I think, but it seems like there are only minor differences among other cameras in the same price range. One bonus is it has live view in the manual modes, which is very handy on a tripod. Other cameras in this price range don't have it. I figure I'll step it up if/when I get proficient and actually know what I want out of a camera. I used the extra money I saved on a tripod and accessories. It's a big step up from my point and shoot and well worth it IMHO.
