We're off to Africa at the end of February and I am looking for good camera/lens suggestions in the $800 - $1400 range. Anyone have any positive camera experiences to share? Thanks
What are your preferences, dear sir? Do you prefer point-and-shoot, hand-held or DSLR, non-detachable lenses or detachable lenses, interchangeable or shoe-mount flash, four-thirds, digital or film, Fuji, Canon, Sony or Nikon? Just want to know what you prefer here... there are pros and cons for each, then we'll narrow it to models based on your preferences.
congrats on the trip bobrek! No camera suggestions -- except to get a big lens. I'm supremely jealous.
As far as the body goes, I recently got the Canon t3i and I love it. If you're interested in videos as well as pictures, it's one of the best DSLRs at doing both. http://www.amazon.com/Canon-T3i-Digital-Imaging-18-55mm/dp/tech-data/B004J3V90Y There's only a few differences between the t3i and the t2i, so if you want to save a little for a better lens, you can go with the t2i. http://www.lightandmatter.org/2011/...n-t3i-vs-t2i-is-the-t3i-worth-the-extra-cost/ As far as the glass goes, I'll leave that suggestion for someone else.
I would say Africa sounds like group photos and landscapes so get a Canon 60D and a Canon EF 17-40mm f/4L.
I have a pretty good Sony Video camera but am looking for a DSLR (sorry Swoly) with changeable lenses. Spending time at White Sand Resort in Mombasa, then on to the Arusha Coffee Lodge, then on the Kusini Camp in Serengeti National Park, then to Swala Camp in Tarangire National Park, then to Gibb's Farm near the Ngorongoro Crater, then to South Africa to Krueger National Park.
Whatever body you get, you should really take a look at the Canon 17-40mm F4 L http://www.the-digital-picture.com/Reviews/Canon-EF-17-40mm-f-4.0-L-USM-Lens-Review.aspx
here's a good guide that covers various camera types. http://www.theverge.com/2012/1/2/2663464/camera-buyers-guide just saw it the other day.
i think you could get the canon that band geek mentioned plus the sigma 18-250mm F3.5-6.3 within your price range.
Have fun in Kenya while you are in Mombasa. I lived in Malindi for 3 months which is about 2 hours north. I've driven by White Sands many a time while picking up groceries at Nakumat, think African Wal-Mart. Have lots of fun and enjoy every second. Just hearing about your trip makes me want to get back there pronto
Grab a Canon T2i. (I use this) Its about 600-650 on amazon with the kit lens and with the extra budget you could pick up a killer lens. I assume you are doing a safari. Youll want a good long range lens. Have fun. I have done it before and it was great!
This thread got me looking at DSLR cameras and I noticed something that doesn't make sense to me. This camera package is the cheaper of two packages: http://www.bestbuy.com/site/Canon+E...?id=pcmprd168400050010&skuId=9999168700050010 But it seems to me that the lens is not as good as the one in this package which is 50 bucks more: http://www.bestbuy.com/site/Canon+E...?id=pcmprd168400050008&skuId=9999168700050008 Is a lens of 55-250mm better then 75-300mm? In my mind that seems backwards.
eh they are all the same. ones wider, ones a little more telephoto. they are standard consumer grade lenses. you won't notice any image quality differences. the "mm" just refers to focal length, not the quality of the lens.
to the OP: rent some lenses. that's what i do when i go on trips and need a special lens. i HIGHLY recommend you get a telephoto lens like this one http://www.lensrentals.com/rent/canon/lenses/telephoto/canon-100-400mm-f4.5-5.6l-is
I was looking for a new compact digital camera before Christmas and almost bought a Nikon 1 J1, or a Sony NEX-5N. Both are fantastic compact camera systems. I would be happy with either one. I think they run around $700-800 with an interchangeable zoom lens. Instead, I purchased a Canon s100. Why? I can put it in my pocket, it has many of the features I wanted, and takes excellent images. It was a little over $400. If you go with the Nikon or the Sony, I think you'll be happy, and you won't have to carry a heavy bag around, as I used to do with my Nikon FTn, or my Canon F1, both SLRs.
that's a great little camera but he's going to AFRICA. he needs a lens/lenses with much more coverage.
So.......I "should" have the time and inclination for photography, but I just haven't give it it's due, and I'm thinking about divesting myself of most of my gear. I've only got a 50D body, but I've got a host of Canon glass including some L lenses along with lost of other stuff (gitzo and manfrotto tripods, really right stuff and manfrotto ball and pan head, etc..........even a nodal ninja). Where's the best place to sell this stuff...........ebay.
Exactly. Heck, if I were going on that trip, I'd buy one of the two compact systems I mentioned (or something better, but more expensive). I was just saying what I purchased, not that he should get an s100, not for what he's going to do! The Nikon and the Sony systems are both in the price range he mentioned.
