Camera Suggestions Please

glslvrfan on 21/9/2010 at 01:40

I've put in a shitload of OT the last two weeks and would like to get my girlfriend a nice camera. Its gonna be mainly for sports action shots, with good zoom. Both of her girls are super active. Softball, Basketball, Cheer, Volleyball, and probly a few more when the youngest gets in high school.

I'd really appreciate anyones suggestions, advice, and warnings.
Thanks a ton in advance.
Rob

Nicker on 21/9/2010 at 01:48

I assume you mean a digital camera?

What's your price range? Do you need essential accessories (tripod, case...)?

Are you thinking a little pocket camera or an SLR?

glslvrfan on 21/9/2010 at 02:17

I apologize. I do mean an SLR, and I would like to stay under 1100 for both the camera and lens . Case not necessary just yet.
My boss knows a professional who has one for sale, I'm waiting on info on that and will pass that on here to get any feedback on that also. Thanks again

Renzatic on 21/9/2010 at 02:52

I recommend the (http://www.google.com/products?hl=en&q=Nikon+D80&um=1&ie=UTF-8&ei=wxuYTIrAAoWdlgeE3YSQAQ&sa=X&oi=product_result_group&ct=title&resnum=3&ved=0CEkQrQQwAg) Nikon D80. 10MP, all the works, and a nice default lens. It's arguably the best DSLR you'll find in the $800-$1000 price range.

And I'm not saying that because I own one and always have to justify spending all that cash. It really is a damn good camera.

Muzman on 21/9/2010 at 03:22

I've heard it said that for pro stills you go Nikon, for everything else (cheaper,more lenses, not so pro, lotsa features etc) you go Canon.
Since Canon added video they've sold twice as many EOSs in half the time or something. And there's more to come. Everyone's falling all over themselves to add video and get new models out at the moment so there's a bit of a price war on. So you should be able to get a pretty decent deal for that much, with a large ISO and fast shooting options.

I've also heard it said that you should ask around and total up which lens mount your friends have the most lenses for and then get that one so you can borrow them. Which makes sense.
I ony really know about Canon stuff at the moment. You can get a lot of different lens bundles for their EOS range, if you're a lens changey sort of person. If not, for that sort of work you're going to want (or probably will end up with) a lens that'll go from 30mm to 250-300mm. The bundled Canon lenses don't usually rate that high on the (http://www.the-digital-picture.com/) lens wanker scales (not that those guys are all that hard to please really, but if there's chromatic aberration and vignetting problems they'll find it). If you're "only" going to spend that much you're probably not too lens particular and the default ones should be enough in any case.

(I'm not sure that helped very much)

Fafhrd on 21/9/2010 at 03:30

[edit]This would've made more sense coming directly after Renz's post.[/edit] I'd actually go for the (http://www.google.com/products?q=Nikon+D90&oe=utf-8&rls=org.mozilla:en-US:official&client=firefox-a&um=1&ie=UTF-8&ei=SCWYTIn1NYPUtQP0x42LDA&sa=X&oi=product_result_group&ct=title&resnum=1&ved=0CEwQrQQwAA) D90. It's higher resolution, shoots 720p video, and is around the same price. And the price is going to drop pretty precipitously in the next few weeks because Nikon is releasing the D7000 at the end of October to replace it (though the D7000 will be at a slightly higher price point. Around $1200 body only).

And of course you can't go wrong with the (http://www.google.com/products?q=Nikon+D3s&oe=utf-8&rls=org.mozilla:en-US:official&client=firefox-a&um=1&ie=UTF-8&ei=ASaYTJz9F5C-sQOykdXYDA&sa=X&oi=product_result_group&ct=title&resnum=1&ved=0CEwQrQQwAA) D3S. I kid. But god damn do I want that camera.

rachel on 21/9/2010 at 14:58

After doing my own research for a while, I'm going for the D90 myself in a couple of weeks. Top features and excellent grip. :)

Muzman on 22/9/2010 at 04:05

Why do you guys like your Nikons? Were Canon or Olympus (or Sigma or Sony for that matter) in the running when you chose?

Scots Taffer on 22/9/2010 at 07:31

I know that when I bought my D40 the comparable camera was the Canon Rebel XT and it just didn't feel right in my hand. Too small and plasticky, the Nikon grip was far superior.

I need to buy a new lens while I'm here in Singapore actually as my default one (which I never upgraded because it was very multipurpose) broke in Dubai 2 months ago. :(

rachel on 22/9/2010 at 07:40

Muz, as far as I'm concerned, I discarded the Sony line from the get go but otherwise I compared with the other brands, esp. Canon. I do admit a slight bias towards Nikon in terms of look, but functionally I like their button layout better and as said above the feel of the grip as well.
YMMV.