What would you do?

[jimintn]

WE want to buy a camera, but have a very limited budget. We can get a low end digital camera, or a good SLR 35mm camera. I am leaning towards the film camera that I looked at a couple of days ago that comes with several lenses and filters, all of which would work with the digital Canon EOS when we can get it.

What would you guys suggest?

[morea]

My personal preference is a digital camera... I have a tendency to take lots of photos that I end up deleting, and that way I don't have to pay for developing and film. That allows me to take a lot of photos without breaking the bank...

but the thought of getting an SLR that has equipment that would also work with a digital when you are ready to upgrade sounds like a really good idea.

[jimintn]

thanks morea.

I have gone back and forth as to which is best several times, and I'm afraid that whatever I end up doing, I will always think that I should have done the other.

[morea]

I know a lot of people do prefer film cameras to digital cameras, so one isn't necessarily better than the other - it's just what will work better for YOU.

I know what you mean though - I hate making decisions. I bet you would be happy with which ever you got.

[Neuro]

I personally like digi better because I want the freedom to shoot as much as I want and look through them later. I would have a lot (tons) more hesitation with a film camera because of the cost of film and development. I also like being able to edit them electronicly to correct any color issues or such that I might need to do.

I see how the film SLR would be attractive but I wonder if you will end up using it less and spending more on film in the long run. It is really going to take some looking at. If you haven't already, try to see what film and development would cost you and compare it to the cost of the digi.

That's my 2 cents for what it's worth. Good luck and just realize at some point you just have to make a choice. There will always be bigger, better and newer stuff out there you'll want. It's hard because things change so quickly and prices tned to be all over the place.

Not sure if any of this helped or just confused you more?! LOL!

[jimintn]

huh?


It does help, I just wonder if I could get some of the shots I want with the lower end digi. We have a small fish pond in our backyard (300 gallons) with several plants in it. Quite often there are a couple of small frogs on the leaves that float on the water of one of the plants (it's not a lily pad, I can't remember what it is called). I might be able to get the shot with different lenses.

[morea]

Neuro's Casio is about 4 years old and I absolutely love it - you can actually get that model on eBay pretty cheap... it takes GREAT macro shots, and has a 3x zoom, which seems pretty standard on a lower end digi.

If your budget allows for it you might want to check out the Canon I just got (on credit with no interest for a year through Best Buy, lol). It is a Canon Powershot 5 mega pixel, and allows you to add lenses and really adjust your settings.

[morea]

here's a review, by the way: Canon PowerShot (http://www.dpreview.com/news/0504/05042201canons2is.asp)

[D-Zine]

I would go digital just for the reasons stated above by morea and neuro - the cost of film and printing. I just got my digicam about 2 months ago and I'm in heaven, seriously. I love it and have NO second thoughts. I take tons of photos and am lucky if even 10 of them come out but I just download and clear my memory stick for the next day. Now if you want something printed you could do it at home or if thats not good enough (and I realize many times its just NOT) then you go to wal mart and get prints made. Now you can even send them online through their website to be printed and you can pick them up in an hour! I have a Sony Cybershot P200. I'm not sure exactly what you are looking for but the lower models (P100 & P150) also are still very good cameras.

I suggest you go to Best buy online and do a shop and compare. That will help you alot. I went with Sony because I know several ppl who have them and loved them.

How much of the lower end are you looking into Jim? What specs?

Good luck and I hope you feel great about whatever choise you make! :)

[jimintn]

Thanks, D-Zine! We are probably looking in the $200 range or so. I really want a digital, but I want something that "feels" like a camera and not a credit card with a screen on the back.

[EC]

I have the same camera as D-Zine. I originally had one of the older (more expensive, less superior) models and it "felt like a camera" -- but I'm utterly and totally impressed with this model. It's amazing what they can do with such a small amount of space nowadays.

[Neuro]

Ok, Jim...if that is what you are looking for then I recommend my Casio. It has been great for me and some of the added values are the 2" view screen and the great macro shots. It is a little weak on the distance shots but not terrible. From your information it sounds like you are looking for more close stuff.

I would definitely look on ebay and see what you can find. I know that I found several ppl selling my camera for less than 200. I think you would be happy with it.

Exact model is a Casio Exilim 3.2 Megapixel with 3x zoom.

[Tyger]

Jim, what kind of film camera is it and what kind of lenses? the reason why i ask because these lenses and filters may be worth purchasing. The body can always be replaced but in this hobby or creative interest, it is the lenses that get pricey. If you are happy with point and shoot and will settle with a fixed lens then the digicam is probably the way to go. If you are looking to get into photography a little more seriously or even as a hobby i would seriously consider the 35mm and lenses that it comes with.

Maybe you can start with the film camera already having the lenses and save up for a Digital rebel 300D, they will be going down in price even more so now with the 350D(XT) out.

I don't want to say too much now until i know what kind of camera and lenses you are getting. But again if you are getting lenses for the same price for a digicam i would consider the 35mm film and save up for a Rebel.

[woodwardo]

I used to own a Fujifilm 3800z and loved it. Excellent photos, great macro and affordable.
Here's a breakdown:
http://www.steves-digicams.com/2002_reviews/fuji_3800.html

[jimintn]

The 35mm I am looking at is a Canon EOS Rebel 2000 with a 28-80mm lens and a 80-210 lens. I believe it also has a fisheye lens. I've been told the lenses would work with a Rebel digital, and I don't think this person would tell me something that wasn't true. It just seems like a pretty good deal for well under $200.

[morea]

wow, I agree!