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I am not super knowledgable and we did not want a DSLR camera. Therefore, we decided on a sony HX1. It is fairly easy to use and takes GORGEOUS photos. It is a step down from a DSLR and it is under 400 but I would recommend a warranty.
Good luck! Have a great time on the safari!
We got a Canon Rebel EOS and we LOVE LOVE LOVE it. I'm so glad we got it! It's really flexible and can be fully automatic or fully manual and everything in between. I love it!
We bought a Canon EOS XSi DSLR camera and is is FANTASTIC! The picture are professional quality. We bought it as a package with two lenses, a case and a memory card through Costco. Also, the best learning is seriuosly a DSLR for Dummies book. One of my friends who is a professional photographer recommended that and also a series that I have in .pdf version that I have been reading through. The Scott Kelby "The Digital Photography" series (3 books). In terms of learning to use the camera, it's just practice.
If you go with a DSLR, Canon and Nikons are the best and are what professionals use. On mine, I love that there are a number of pictures settings. There is one completely manual setting, 4 manual settings for each major attributes. There are 5 different manual settings, but there is one completely automatic camera setting, and 4 other automatic settings based on what you are doing (sports, landscape, close up, and night portrait).
I love that this has a live view screen so that I can both view pictures I have already taken and also set the camera to take a picture from that like a little compact point and shoot (very helpful when giving the camera to someone else to take a picture of us).
Thanks for the tips, ladies! Both the sony hx1 and the canon rebel look good...the only downside with the rebel is the cost--it looks like amazon sells it for about $615, although I can of course shop around for a better price.
Any other suggestions? Especially from photography novices:)
@Mrs. Louboutin: do you find that you use the manual settings or the automatic settings more often?
My suggestion: don't get a DSLR. I have one and I LOVE it. But kit lenses suck and and on your budget you really can't afford to get what you need for a dslr. Go to amazon and research some prosumer cameras... i don't know much about them but you should be able to find a pretty good and compact camera for a few hundred bucks :)
I am still really a novice. I used just the automatic settings, although I used the scene automatic settings. I'm really looking forward to learning more about photography in general so that I can learn how to modify the settings to create truly beautiful pictures. Did you ever see the movie "A Lot Like Love" with Ashton Kutcher? The girl is a photographer and she creates these pictures where she leaves the shutter open for longer periods of time so that everything slightly blurs except for the subjects. If you have seen the movie, you know what I'm talking about since this was a main part of it. Anyway, that is just one example of changing these manual settings.
The three books I have go into this, although they are for photography in general as opposed to the Canon specifically (although there are books just for the Canon). Now that I've used the camera for two straight weeks on our honeymoon and I'm comfortable with how it works and where all the functions are located, I'm going to start reading the books and playing around with the camera.
Even if you just use the manual settings, the pictures will turn out much more vibrant and beautiful than with a little point and shoot. We brought both cameras with us - the little one for when we were on the beach and by the pool and the DSLR for when we were going to beautiful areas, out to dinner, etc.
We really wanted to get this so that not only would we have some beautiful honeymoon shots (I'm planning to blow up five landscape shots to 8x10" size, turn them into sepia, matte and frame them for our living room), but that we would also have it to take great pictures of kids (when we start having them).
I hope this helps!
Here are some pictures taken by normal non photographer people with their own DSLR's at home/ on vacations:
http://www.flickr.com/groups/canon_dslr_photos/pool/
Many of my pictures just using the manual settings came out looking like professional pictures, which was amazing!
@Mrs. Louboutin: wow those are amazing! They give me hope for my paltry photograhy skills :)
What do you guys think about the Olympus Pen? I must admit, their commercials are very appealing...
http://www.amazon.com/Olympus-Interchangeable-Lens-14-42mm-Silver/dp/B002CGSYKS
I have a Nikon D3000, and it's in your budget, and I am in love with mine. It's a really fantastic camera, and easy to use as a beginner. I have a lot of photography experience, and it still keeps me satisfied.
Here's a picture of my kitty. More to show off the kitty than anything :)
http://www.target.com/Nikon-10-2MP-Digital-Camera-18-55mm/dp/B002JCSV5I/ref=sc_qi_detaillink
I bought mine at a smaller Camera store, and they price matched the Target price for me.
http://www.target.com/Nikon-10-2MP-Digital-Camera-18-55mm/dp/B002JCSV5I/ref=sc_qi_detaillink
I bought mine at a smaller Camera store, and they price matched the Target price for me.
@ILikePink: Thanks for the suggestion--it's going on my list of cameras to check out :) We'll probably go to B&H, which is a photography store here in Manhattan, and I want to have a good list of cameras to check out when I go. That pic is great (and your kitty is adorable! ).
Canon makes a really nice point an shoot as well if you want to step away from DSLR (I agree with Corgitales--especially on a honeymoon you don't want to tote around lenses, hoods, the giant battery/charger etc). I have a Powershot G10 (the newest version is the G11, retails ~ $450, but the G10 is just fine too) and really love it. You can go all-manual or all-automatic, you can do video, and you can even attach an external flash as well. It's heavier than your average P&S but the quality is really good.
I brought the G10 as an emergency backup to a wedding I helped shoot last weekend, and when my DSLR started having memory card issues, set the flash on it and it worked really well in the meantime.
@MsJeep23: Thanks! The reviews of that one seem great as well. I'll definitely check it out. And I definitely don't want to be lugging around equipment or anything...would I most definitely need more than one lens if I did get a DSLR? Is there one kind of all purpose one that would work for our honeymoon?
If you want animal shots etc, you're going to want a zoom lens on top of the wide angle. Nikon and Canon make the best (and most available gear) for a DSLR. My suggestion, is to pick up and feel both. The layouts of the menu's and buttons as well as the direction you twist to zoom and the "feel" of the camera are going to be different between the two brands. Go for what "feels" better. Your hands (and eye) are just as important to composing pictures than the camera itself.
The G11/10 are great camera's! You can add an external flash, shoot RAW files, AND manually control it.
I would either go with a higher quality point and shoot (i.e. get video options) or a base DSLR. If you go with the latter, just know that once you start, it gets really expensive and hard to change brands later :-)
I have the Canon Powershot G11 and I'm very happy with it. It's a nice middle ground between a DSLR and point-n-shoot. The pics are high quality and the camera is sturdy, but pretty compact. It has an awesome LCD screen that can flip out. I'm especially impressed with the low light and macro capabilities.
If you've worked with a Canon before, the controls should be familiar to you. I had a Canon before this one and it was no problem to learn the controls. :)
@KLP2010: Sorry, stupid question--so I would need to buy two lenses, a wide angle and a zoom? Do DSLRs typically come with one of them?
Ugh - I just lost my response!
Long lost response short, it depends on how you buy. Most have bundles available at the lower levels. At higher levels, like the Nikon D3 or Canon 5D mk II, you buy body only.
You should be able to get the Nikon D3000 with both lenses for $619.
The equivalent Canon base looks like it would be about another 1-200 for 2 lenses with the body.
If you have a little more ($879), the D5000 has HD video. you will have to manually focus, but that's how it is with video on any DSLR.
G10 - $449
Lumix DMC LX3 (another pro favorite for a p&s) $367
(I know the G10 now has a G11 available, not sure about the lumix if there's now an upgraded version, but either upgrade would be more expensive and probably not 'worth it' to you.
You have to buy the lenses for the DSLRs. If you got a zoomy lens & an animal was upclose, you'd have to change lenses to capture it. Or, if an animal was realllly far & you only had your wide angle lens, than you'd have to switch lenses. So, I'd recommend to get a middle range lens.
DSLRs don't come with lenses, unless you get a kit & that raises the prices.
I would actually not recommend a DSLR if you don't have time to learn the camera. Probably, the sooner you get one, the better. Cause if you have a great camera but all your pics turn out blurry cause the settings weren't right, you won't be happy. However, if you learn it, you have complete control of everything & the quality is much better too!
The lower level DSLR's are very user friendly, and their "automatic" settings are pretty good. Complete controls gives you the best output but they do just as good on "auto" as any point and shoot.
The package I linked above has a 18-55 and 55-200. If you were let's say in a jeep and the animal was literally right next to it, you could still get it at 55. But at 55 that elephant under a tree in the distance will look really tiny :-) At 55mm you're still "wide enough" for things close on a safari. If you were in a petting zoo I'd say use the 18-55 if you could go right up to the animal. Your guide should also let you know if you're going to be "coming close" to a group on animals or just "look out there." You should have time to change, but I'd be more concerned about getting dirt and dust inside the camera while changing. It's best to not let that happen ;-)
The other option is bring your old point and shoot and give that to DH to use for things up close :-)
Also, I'd contact your home insurance to get it covered. (but make sure it covers trips abroad) in case it breaks or is stolen, etc..
@hilsy85: If you're going to go for s DSLR, honestly, I wouldn't pick a Rebel. The sensors in them are tiny (ie lower quality) than the better DSLRs (EOS40D and above). I'd either stick to a point and shoot, or go with something professional (again 50D or above). Going halfway with a DSLR that is subpar isn't really worth it.
To start you really only need the 18-55mm - this is a great starter lens. Don't spend money on additional lenses until you learn how to use the camera and figure out what you are going to be shooting most. Many packages come with a zoom lens, which I found somewhat useful, but the best starter is a 18-55mm.
Costco has some great package deals on Nikons and Canons and with their return policy, its totally worth it if you try it out for a couple months and decide you don't want it.
http://www.costco.com/Common/Category.aspx?ec=BC-EC10604-Cat83&pos=1&whse=BC&topnav=&cat=87150&eCat=BC|79|83|87150&lang=en-US
Also, when you decide what brand, whether you go for Nikon, Canon or another, keep in mind that many of them (Nikon and Canon) specifically - all of their lenes are interchangeable on their various DSLR cameras. This is great if you do get a starter (I would also recommend checking into getting a refurbished to start if cost is an issue), get really into photography and want to upgrade to a better camera down the road. As long as you keep within the brand, all of your lenses will work.
I went for a Canon since I found and read that their interface is easier to learn than the Nikon. A girlfriend of mine has the Nikon 5000 and also loves it, so I think that comes down to personal preference.
I just saw that Costco doesn't have many package deals anymore. I was referred to this website by a photographer - they have the best prices around.
@crayfish - In regards to not getting a Canon Rebel because the sensors are sub par as you say, but to go for a 50D, those cameras are true professional DSLRs and are in the THOUSANDS of dollars. I can't see how that would be practical for someone starting to dabble in photography. Also, the Rebel takes far superior pictures to a digital point and shoot. Here are some pictures from what I have. My camera is definitely not a 50D, but I think it takes beautiful pictures.
3796847034_5314e74dc0.jpg (122.7 KB, 5 downloads) 1 year old 3796847034_5314e74dc0.jpg (122.7 KB, 26 downloads) 1 year old
I aways check
pricegrabber.com
for camera's it will show you all the major retailers so you can find the best deal. Sometimes its at adorama, B&H or 42nd street... All depends on the day... lol
It's like kayak of retail
The main reason I suggest the longer zoom, is for your safari. It will come in handy. If you could only get one, the 18-55 is the best "everyday" lens you can get and will probably keep you in your budget.
The higher up the "body" chain you go, the camera gets more and more geared for a person who knows what they're doing. i.e. the bottom camera's are more "novice" friendly.
i would get a entry level dslr. totally disagree with the the canon rebel being subpar- their awesome cameras!!!! i bought the canon rebel xs for 500 bucks for 500 on ebay- check ebay for prices- get them alot cheaper and you can get them from a canon seller with a warranty. honestly for the price yo will spend for a high level point and shoot you can get a nice DSLR for the same price and have so much more capabilities and freedom with it (the ability to change lenses). plus you cant go wrong with a canon or nikon (thier the best brands when it comes to cameras)
Haha, I was going to recommend the D3000 but KLP beat me to it!
@LBPhotography: Great minds think alike :-) I may actually get the D3000 for our honeymoon. I shoot with D3's (plural not D3s) and want a small camera with HD video for the honeymoon. The point and shoots either have customizing functions like the G11 and subpar video or HD video with lack of control over pictures.... Figure for the same price I'll just get yet another Body... lol
Holding out for the D700s with video ;-)
I have a Canon Rebel xti and it has been great for me and very versatile. I do have a variety of lenses, but the kit lens is good for everyday use. I think Canon does great dslrs for great prices. I am also very intrigued by the olympus pen series and will eventually buy one to play with on the side I'm sure. Here are some of my shots with my Canon, some edited for color obviously:
I just want to say, ANGRY KITTY just totally made my morning while scrolling down the page....
I was chatting with some photogs about nikon and video (Oh Nikon and Canon, how your see-saw of who has the upper hand drives me nuts!) Nikon was the first to put it out but then Canon made it better and put it on the 5dMkII, Nikon is still sitting on releasing something comparable like a D700s which I want so badly even though it's not a camera yet, rant over :-)
Anyhow... One said that he got the D5000 for his wife and that it's a great deal and not too shabby of a camera. I'm sure the D3000 is great too, depends mainly on if you want video and are OK with having to manually focus when taking video...
Totally forgot - a great everyday lens that is AWESOME, if you go Nikon, the 35mm f/1.8 DX. At about $2 or 300 it's comparably cheap and a sweet all around lens. Great for everyday use! It even works amazingly on FX format cameras, but is technically made for a DX like the D3000 or D5000.
I have a Canon Rebel XS and you can get them on sale for $450 sometimes, it comes with the basic lens, and I haven't needed to purchase new lenses yet. It's a great starter DSLR, and extremely easy to use! I mostly use it on the auto function because I haven't learned all the settings, and it's wonderful. I would highly recommend investing the money on a DSLR, even just the starter one. It's so fast, and it takes amazing pics. I'd definitely go with a Canon! The only downside for me with DSLR's is how large they are, can't really take them everywhere, so I don't know if that's a factor for you. If so, I'd get a high quality Canon digital camera, they have some pretty good ones now.
Good luck!
I interned as a journalist last summer, and let me tell you, taking pics of kids trying to run after greased pigs is not easy. I used the Canon PowerShot SX120 IS. I'm not a professional photographer (more of a writer), and this fit the bill nicely. I could change settings or take a quick picture with the automatic setting. It's fairly light and very portable. If you're thinking of picking up photography as a hobby, it's also a nice gateway camera to one of the larger models.
However, if you're trying to catch a cheetah running at full speed, you might want to pay just a bit over budget and get a full-size SLR. These are heavy, bulky, hard to just 'figure out' without guidance and expensive, but a smaller camera will lag when it comes to very fast objects.
Hope some of this helps!
http://www.usa.canon.com/cusa/consumer/products/cameras/digital_cameras/powershot_sx120_is
Thanks so much for all the suggestions, everyone! It seems like either a canon or a nikon is the way to go, and most of you are suggesting DSLRs, so FI and I will have to go down to B&H and see what the prices are like and how heavy the cameras are, etc--I don't want something weighing down my neck when I'm on vacation :)
@Mrs. Louboutin: that pic is gorgeous, where was it taken??
We have a Sony DSC-TX5 that we use just for fun. It's panoramic, shock proof, and waterproof.
A word about waterproof/shockproof: You have no idea how valuable waterproof is until you've got a camera that can do it! Just this weekend, we had friends take the camera along with them on a Slip n Slide to do video of their rides and it was HILARIOUS! It is also great because we don't have to worry about it getting screwed up by our kiddo.
Anyway, it does a great job and we've been really happy with it. We really put it to work on our trip to Colorado last month. This Flickr set is about 90% from this camera. Of course, this is an example of professional usage on a non-professional camera, but still, you can get an idea of what it's capable of.
@hilsy85: I love your photos from your honeymoon!! What camera did you end up buying???
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FI and I want to get a nice camera to bring with us on our honeymoon (and obviously to have for when we get back, have kids, etc). I want something that can take crisp, vivid pictures and isn't just a basic point and shoot. We're going on safari, so it also needs to be fast/good at high speed stuff like animals running around, and potentially have a wide angle lens so I can capture landscapes. We'd prefer to stay under $500, if possible.
Anyone have any suggestions? I'm not super knowledgeable about photography, so I don't want something too complicated. But I'm very willing to read the instruction manual and learn how to use a cool lens or feature or something like that?