camera recommendation

[JoeMac]

It seems like there are some knowledgeable photogs here and I am pretty new to the photography world. I'm fairly certain that I want digital unless someone can give me a good argument not to but it seems like digital is the standard now.

I want to get into nature and wildlife photography. I need something that will produce magazine quality photos. I don't want to spend an arm and a leg but I realize this stuff isn't cheap and a good telephoto lens can run in the thousands. It seems like Nikon and Canon are the front runners. Recommendations?

 

[photo]

I need something that will produce magazine quality photos. I don't want to spend an arm and a leg :shrug:

I am no photography genius however you may need to rethink your question because to take those kind of photographs in most cases you need to spend at least one arm and possibly both legs and have lots of experience taking photographs to get those kind of results.

BTW
I have never been accused of being politically correct, sorry

I use a Nikon and most people I know use Nikon as well, but it is not the camera manufacture but the person using it and the techniques they use that allows them to take those kinds of photographs.

 

[JoeMac]

I think what I was trying to say is I want a camera of that quality but an entry level model. Not a $3k camera and a $7k lens.

 

[aps45819]

I think what I was trying to say is I want a camera of that quality but an entry level model.

good luck
Pick a price range and ask for recommondations.

Magazine quality wildlife photography requires a LOT of time and effort.

 

[JEB]

Here's a site with strong opinions on a wide range of cameras and lens.
KenRockwell.com
Especially the 'best value for your buck' areas.
Good techical advise too.

 

[itsbob]

I think what I was trying to say is I want a camera of that quality but an entry level model. Not a $3k camera and a $7k lens.

Nikon 40/60 or 80 series.. Decent DSLR that can use the cheap lenses OR the REALLY expensive ones as you progress.

 

[jbr13]

JoeMac, Well I think you have the information you need. Any of the Nikon or Canon DSLR cameras can get the quality you are looking for, even the entry level ones. If you want wildlife stuff, the lens will be the expensive part. Most cases, unless you are hiding in a blind, you won't get close enough with out getting a 300mm lens at minumim. There are a few other problems you will run into. First will be low light levels for shooting wildlife. Most good shooting will be toward evening, and a 70-300mm F4-5.6 lens($500) will really give you trouble in lower light. Second thing, a entry level or mid level lens like this just isn't going to give you that sharp crisp image of your magazine quality. That kind of quality is in the lens and when they use $$$ lenses. If you are just looking to have fun and don't have expectations of getting the same pictures you see in magazines, then entry level stuff will be fine. As said in other posts, the camera and lens are a part of it, the rest is you how to get what you want out of a camera, the lighting, and luck!

Good Luck, and if you have any other questions, feel free to PM me!

Nikon shooter as well.

J

 

[JoeMac]

good luck
Pick a price range and ask for recommondations.

Magazine quality wildlife photography requires a LOT of time and effort.

No, I was asking what's the price range I need to be in for what I'm asking was what I was looking for and then what's the recommendation for that price range. I already know it's up to me to take good pictures but I want the camera to be better than my skill level so I can grow into it.

JoeMac, Well I think you have the information you need. Any of the Nikon or Canon DSLR cameras can get the quality you are looking for, even the entry level ones. If you want wildlife stuff, the lens will be the expensive part. Most cases, unless you are hiding in a blind, you won't get close enough with out getting a 300mm lens at minumim. There are a few other problems you will run into. First will be low light levels for shooting wildlife. Most good shooting will be toward evening, and a 70-300mm F4-5.6 lens($500) will really give you trouble in lower light. Second thing, a entry level or mid level lens like this just isn't going to give you that sharp crisp image of your magazine quality. That kind of quality is in the lens and when they use $$$ lenses. If you are just looking to have fun and don't have expectations of getting the same pictures you see in magazines, then entry level stuff will be fine. As said in other posts, the camera and lens are a part of it, the rest is you how to get what you want out of a camera, the lighting, and luck!

Good Luck, and if you have any other questions, feel free to PM me!

Nikon shooter as well.

J

Thanks for the informative response. What's your opinion on the point and shoot digital cameras that use the changeable lenses? I guess they don't use the mirrors of the better cameras but use digital and you can use any of the good detachable lenses.

 

[jbr13]

Thanks for the informative response. What's your opinion on the point and shoot digital cameras that use the changeable lenses? I guess they don't use the mirrors of the better cameras but use digital and you can use any of the good detachable lenses.

The image quality of the Point and Shoots with changable lenses are better than a regular point and shoot, but not as good as a DSLR. You can also take great pictures with a point and shoot. If you get a point and shoot that has the manual and priority modes, that give you the ability to learn to take better pictures that any cameras Auto mode. For $300-$400 dollars you can get a good point and shoot. I just sold a photo I took with my mothers point and shoot two years ago. It was a macro of a flower, and the 16X20 print turned out great.

 

[forceofnature]

The image quality of the Point and Shoots with changable lenses are better than a regular point and shoot, but not as good as a DSLR. You can also take great pictures with a point and shoot. If you get a point and shoot that has the manual and priority modes, that give you the ability to learn to take better pictures that any cameras Auto mode. For $300-$400 dollars you can get a good point and shoot. I just sold a photo I took with my mothers point and shoot two years ago. It was a macro of a flower, and the 16X20 print turned out great.

The image quality is really not bad at all for the Panasonic GF-1, Olympus EP-1, 2 and EPL-1 they are slow to focus though. That could be a definite issue if you are trying to take photos of birds in flight. I have seen some great photos from these cameras.

If you are focusing on distant photos needing a telephoto or zoom lens try the 4/3 system Olympus or m4/3 Panasonic or an APS-C sensor camera from any manufacturer since you car a magnification boost anywhere from 1.5 to 2 times the rates lens range.

 

[forceofnature]

Wow this thread is older than I thought LOL sorry