Need camera advice please

[morea]

I've been having a lot of trouble with my camera for a while now, though I had always attributed it to bad batteries. I bought about 6 sets of rechargeable batteries - energizers, duracells, and even a few other brands. I've spent over $100 in rechargeable batteries over the past year or so and NONE of them work. Some never worked at all, and once I've tried them in my camera, they won't work in ANYTHING - I have tried recharging them and using them in the tv remote, among other things - but they are completely dead.

Unfortunately, I never thought about this being a problem with the camera itself, so I never had it checked out. Now it's off warranty, which is a problem.

The Camera is a Canon PowerShot S2 1S. The Canon representative said that he thinks that the problem is the internal circuit board, and that it is not worth fixing... he said that it would be less expensive to break down and buy a new camera!

To be honest, I would like to get a better camera because I do love taking pictures, but I'll have to pick up a lot more freelance work or something before that happens. I am in no position to buy one right now.

I only have one set of (old) batteries that still work in the camera, and they aren't completely reliable. I can't buy more to carry as spares, because they just won't work in the camera. It's really frustrating when I do go out and want to bring the camera, because I never know if it will work or not.

I need to start watching for sales but I don't even know what kind of camera I should look for. I've been impressed by the shots posted by people using digital rebels, but I am not really sure about how versatile those cameras are withouth buying a whole bunch of lenses - and again, I'm really strapped or cash. I was expecting to use this camera for at least a few more years before I started looking to upgrade... but the Canon rep said that I am lucky that none of the batteries have exploded in the camera yet!

I'm not sure what to look for. I would like to be able to shoot RAW, I like being able to customize my settings and have a decent understanding of aperture and all that, and I'd like something with decent zooming capacity (the powershot has a 12X optical and 48X digital zoom, though with a higher end camera I would imagine tha this would be achieved with a zoom lens). My powershot is a 5 mega pixel camera, and I wouldn't want anything less than that, but that's probably the least of my worries.

Does anybody have any advice to point me in the right direction? I'm not even sure what to look at.

Thanks for reading this far.

[Two-Toe Tom]

are you considering getting a dslr? i've been wanting to get a dslr camera for a while, but i think they start at like $600 :\

[DesignVHL]

Morea, I can offer you some advice in this area....I own the Digital Rebel, and I LOVE LOVE LOVE IT! I also have a Canon Elph for my smaller pocket camera needs....I just got this one not too long ago....both are great. I use my rebel for client product shots, concert photography, and nature/misc. other photo shots...its a bit cumbersome to take everywhere w/ me - tho I have a backpack bag for it which is helpful for transporting and carrying it around. My Elph is used more for snapshots or for when I don't feel like carrying around the larger camera...

With the Rebel, yes you would need to buy lenses....and you COULD do away w/ the kit lens, though it isn't all that great. But one or two lenses is all you would really need. I work with Two lenses - a nice zoom lens with IS, and the other is a Prime 50mm 1.4 lens which can be used for a large variety of shoots.

It all comes down to what your budget is, what you want to do with the camera, and how long you think it will be before you can or want to upgrade again - in my opinion.

Not sure what type of problems your having, or what kind of batteries your camera takes. But if you've had yours for a while, it probably is time for an upgrade!

[morea]

Lenses are definitely a foreign language to me at this point... to be honest, I have a better understanding of french right now :D

I would love a DSLR Tom, but like you said, the cost is prohibitive. That is probably what I am going to be looking at though, because I don't want to spend the money and then have to upgrade again within a few years. I would be content to hold on to a camera for 5 years or more, as long as it was reasonably versatile.

I find that the PowerShot is weak in low light conditions and also for taking macro shots. (The little Casio Exilim I used to use took much better macros), and the PowerShot also can't shoot RAW.

I consider myself little more than an enthusiastic hobbyist when it comes to photography... I really enjoy it, and I do take most of my own shots for any design projects, but I am not marketing myself as a photographer by any means.

I'd like to be able to take nice macro shots, and also have some zooming ability. Those don't seem to go together in less expensive cameras. I also like to have the ability to customize my settings, but I do use and appreciate the presets that come on the camera when I need to get an unexpected shot off quickly without much time to think about it.

I am not even sure that I'm explaining this very well... but when the time comes, I would rather invest a little more in something that will last longer.

[Mynock]

Do you have CS2 or higher? Because CS2 is really the first Photoshop that supports RAW. I recommond checking out Steve's (http://www.steves-digicams.com/)Digicams (http://www.steves-digicams.com/). He has a wealth of information on there. More then you can even hope for. He also has a list of his favs which is worth checking out. It's what I referenced before I bought my camera two years ago.
http://www.steves-digicams.com/best_cameras.html

Looking back now, I almost wish I would have spent a little bit more and gotten a digital slr, but if money is an issue don't bother. It's a nice easy to carry camera good point and shoot with alot of options. Not much zoom only 4x optical, I don't bother with digital zoom. 7.41 Megapixel makes up for it. It's also very rugged, which is good because it has survived some drops.

[morea]

Yup, I bought CS2 last year.

Thanks for the tips. :) I'll check out those links.

[Two-Toe Tom]

digital slr cameras tend to last a while from what i've read. check out the nikon D40 (http://www.henrys.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ItemsDisplay?currency=CAD&affiliate=Cornerstone_Google&storeId=10001&departmentId=10404&itemID=184654&catalogId=10101&ddkey=SetCurrencyPreference), that's the one i've been eyeing, its for starters. you'd probably spend quite a bit more on lenses too :\ also note that you need special lenses in order for autofocus to work on that model.

[Danger_Mouse]

I just bought a Sony Power shot w55 (7.2 MP) and I am pretty impressed. Outside of purchasing a dslr, I am extremely happy with it so far. Takes fantasic macro and landscape pics and has idiotproof settings.

It's not a lens changeable SLR but it pars up with it on compatibility.

My last camera (lost at the zoo) was a Canon Digital elph, and while it took great vibrant pics, the macro and landscape features sucked hard.

If you are shopping for the "pocket weekend" camera, I would definitely check it out. I got a sweet deal on it for $219 (before tax).

Ill post some experimentation with macro I did last night later today to show you.

Cheers

[DesignVHL]

Morea, if you get your camera from say wolf camera or something, you get free digital camera classes to help you understand what your doing...I use these forums for my camera info needs:

www.photography-on-the-net.net
www.dpreview.com

both are EXCELLENT sites for info.

I am very against the PHD cams you have no control over the outcome, and cannot shoot in RAW. If as you say are more than an enthusiast, its worth taking the time to learn the ins/outs of a DSL, lenses, and how it all works. :) There are online classes, local classes I am sure, and TONS OF BOOKs for reading pleasure.

[Two-Toe Tom]

from what i understand the main advantages of a digital slr camera are higher picture quality (ie less noise), lower lag time and quicker startup, interchangeable lenses (ie you can get fast lenses for great action shots, etc), and less depth of field (so you can take those closeup pictures with a nice blurry background).

the disadvantages are that they're generally heavier, more expensive obviously, and you have to worry about dust getting into the camera while you're changing lenses.

[steve-o]

Morea,

Look into the Panasonic Lumix cameras. One of the content directors has one here at JI, and he has been very happy with it. They use Leica lenses, which are very good.

Here's a review of the one he bought:

http://www.dpreview.com/news/0607/06071904panasoniclx2.asp

Here's a link to the other Panasonic cameras:

http://www.dpreview.com/reviews/specs/Panasonic/

-Steve

[DesignerScott]

Hey Morea,
It's nice to finally be helping you for a change instead of the other way around.
Now, I've been using SLRs since I was a kid pretty much, but with the digital models, it couldn't be easier. Not only do they have preset modes like sports, landscape, and auto, but since its digital you should pick it up quickly just by reading the manual, and clicking away for a day.
As for lenses, I wouldn't worry about it until you get the basics down.
As a designer, it's definitely worth the cost just so that you can have control over the final image.

[DesignVHL]

The advantage of having a DSL is that it is what TRUE PHOTOGRAPHY is all about - YOU have full control over EVERY ASPECT of your image creations. The Quality of the photo will be larger, and fully editable in everyway if you shoot in RAW - which gives a higher resolution and less noise overall....

No matter what camera you use however, unless your shooting in ISO 400 or higher, your going to have some noise...that is why it is best to shoot at ISO 100 because you produce MUCH LESS noise. ]]

I'm quick to change lenses, and in the last 4-5 years i've had my rebel (shooting in dusty locations even), I've never had dust on my sensor or inside...just have to get good and quick on changing lenses!

Also, a lens is not really considered "fast" all that means is that the lens is better - it lets in more light - offers lower f/stops....if you have no knowledge of working w/ an SLR camera PERIOD - regardless of whether it is digital or not, you should DEFINITELY educate yourself....esp. if you want full control using Manual - which is all I use to shoot....

[morea]

Hey Morea,
It's nice to finally be helping you for a change instead of the other way around.

Aww, thanks Scott! I appreciate the tips!


Great advice, everybody. This is very helpful! :)

[obesebee]

Hi Morea, when I was buying my Nikon I was set to spend about £1400 ($2800?) on a Nikon D200 and a lense, but then I came across this site:

www.kenrockwell.com

It offered some great advice. I ended up spending £500 on a second hand Nikon D70 and a new lense.

Anyway, like you I'm no expert but like to dabble and it helped me so thought it might help you too (the site is a bit jumbled so finding the articles can take time but they're worth it)

[DesignVHL]

I would suggest you do a lot of research before deciding on what to buy - canon and nikon lead the DSLR world...I do not know Nikon very well, but I DO know that Canon sells some of the BEST GLASS out there right now....and they have a Very nice selection of lenses to choose from which is great....just keep in mind that you cannot use nikon lenses w/ canon and vice versa....Now often people will use other lens brands that are lower in price and work with both....and that would Be Sigma and Tamron....THere is SO much to this...my fav. site as mentioned is www.dpreview.com they review cameras, and have a form for just about every camera brand to discuss whatever you need to....it would be a good way for you to get more advice and compare that info to your needs....

[morea]

Much obliged for the insights guys!

[hewligan]

The Digital Rebel is certainly a good camera for its price point - and if you got one, you could probably be quite happy with the kit lens for a while, and buy other lenses when you wanted/could afford to. You don't have to buy more lenses - the kit lens will be at least as good as the built in lens you'd get on a compact.

And I'm not sure you can even find a camera with less than 5 megapixels anymore :D

Don't rule out something like the canon powershot's though - you can get much of the control you'd get with an SLR, but at a lower price point, and if the budget's tight, they're well worth looking at. Plus, I know at least some of the models do shoot RAW.

[Two-Toe Tom]

i have a powershot A710 IS right now, i like it, but i don't really have anything to compare it to. you can manually change the aperture and shutter-speed settings as well as exposure compensation and white balance modes. it's also got a bunch of digital filters like b/w, sepia, etc. i don't think it can shoot in RAW tho, but i could be wrong.

do you know what kind of photos you want to take? that could help in deciding what camera to get.

[urstwile]

I've been very happy with my Fuji FinePix E900. Lots of manual control, as well as the ability to shoot in RAW. Does a good job with videos as well.

[DesignVHL]

dpreview has a custom comparison guide...and its all unbiased - they touch on just about EVERY camera out there! Seriously Morea, i do suggest you go on there and post for some feedback, as well as browse reviews and read more indepth info about the cameras your interested in looking at...

I really didn't like the kit lens too much....it felt cheap to me....it'll be fine for your needs in the begining but once u get the hang of SLRs you will want to start buying new lenses and other accessories like UV Filters and the like...SO if you go SLR be prepared to have a new hobby - a new expensive hobby! I spent about 3K on all my lenses and the camera body...and i haven't spent a dime in years... (EVEN THO I have been wanting to so bad)....you just have to have limits (like me i'm saving for a mbp right now) :)

[nyc_skater]

DSLR's are great, but they're only as good as the lenses on them, and usually those cost more than the camera body for something decent.

For Point and shoot I love sony...I'm a big fan, I make sure it has a zeiss lens, li-ion battery and other gadgets...

[DesignVHL]

I had a sony p&S - the color often came out green - and I knew how to use it - all the features. I am not a big fan of sony for color accuracy...but they are definitely great for other things...thats my opinion and experience though...

Honestly, I'd stick to Canon or Nikon.....its more of a personal choice...but RAW shooting w/ a DSL is the way to go! I LOVE my REBEL its perfect for me! AND TRUST ME I would SO LOVE to get a 30D or something new and a bit higher up on the chain. But I think that not having the best out there can make you a better photographer - esp for when you can afford a more expensive one...

YES lenses CAN get pricey, but really you can get away w/ one or two good ones...and then spend a little here or there when your feelin' it....I'm not a pro photographer at all, and I have made it work. It IS a business expense...

I think every graphic design should have a dSLR camera - they have really come down in price - for so many reasons - from photographing their work for their portfolios, to being able to do good product photography - or something project related for their clients! Even just for artsake! :) Can you sense my passion! :P

[Drazan]

Should ask - What is your budget going to be? How long do you plan to save?

Honestly the prices here are ranging from a few hundred to several thousands invested. About every 12-14 months the cameras change. Find your budget range then look at every single camera in that range.

For example: Are you a complete shutterbug that takes pictures of everything and anything? I am and so is my roommate.

In not quite two years I've taken over 40,000 photos on a camera that's only rated for 15,000 images on it's sensors. Now everything is slightly blue. (Fuji s5200). Nothing that a trip through photoshop can't take care of. However when looking for a camera check to see what the sensors rate for quantity of photos.

When looking for a camera, you need to figure out what you take the most of? Is it fast action? or general snapshots? or photo studio work? or portraits? Then work backwords from that. For example: the Fuji I own is wicked at fast action, and is a generall all around camera. Can take Raw and has a fairly good macro setting. Not bad at all for under $500. What it doesn't have is the options for lenses. Not going to get above the 10x optical zoom and expect good quality photos. Nor does it have the best control at DOF, or specific focus, or shutter speed, or zoom.

**ends rambling**

[hewligan]

^^ I was going to post something similar to Drazan, but then she got in first ;)

Everytime the subject of cameras come up, we get a bunch of people saying that you *have* to buy a dSLR, and that it's not that expensive - why, with just a couple of thousand dollar lenses, you'll be fine!

Now, don't get me wrong here, I have an SLR, and I love it. I totally get your enthusiasm. But it's not the right choice for everyone. And it's not even necessarily a matter of price - sometimes the functionality of a particular compact will suit someone better. Or the size and weight might be a factor. Or you might just not have any use for any of that fancy SLR stuff.

dSLRs are, indeed, great, but not everyone needs one.

[DesignVHL]

I understand your pov also, don't get me wrong.... I was basically expressing my thoughts here...maybe I should clarify...any designer who does the same types of stuff that I do, lol :P should have an SLR! :) But honestly, I have been on both sides of the fence, and once I got my dSLR, I NEVER went back to my sony PHD cam...which is a camera at my FT in-house job...now whenever they ask me to shoot something for a product catalog or whatnot, I can get professional results...I couldn't get that w/ my Sony...the only thing I use my sony for now is to take shots of damaged goods when they come in! But your right, everyone does have a different use for cameras, and you should always take that into consideration when looking around to buy, along with photography knowledge & experience, and budget...I guess I was always interested in photography, so for me personally it only felt natural to get an SLR and nothing else...though I DO LOVE my elph for nights out w/ friends, snapshots, or when I'm riding my bike and see something cool that gives me some ideas! Inspiration! :)

I think you can get a pro-sumer SLR and some decent lenses within a budget.. I did....I used the same ONE lens for over a year before I got a second one...my 50mm prime 1.4.

Everyone has their own priorities, your right.... :) I guess I shouldn't have said all designers should have an SLR....but they all should have a digicam and scanner! :P

[cmont]

Nikon D80, it has the same sensor as the D200 and is less expensive. I shot in Venice with a D70 and loved it but was not satisfied with the mega pixels. The D80 solves this problem. There's oh so many more reasons why I suggest it but alas, I have to sleep. But yea, that's my 2c.

[Jack Dumphy]

For a DSL start the D70 would be a good choice and because of al the newer models I guess the prices should be moderate for used bodies.
Lenses: of course you can spend a lot of money, but there are some lenses with a very good cost-effectiveness. I liked the 18-70mm and for more focal length the 70-300mm. (the cheaper one).
Perhaps a bit special, but with a D70 you are also able to take IR pics. With all the other Nikons I wasn't happy in this field.