1.11.2010

calling all camera buffs

I'm having a hard time deciding which camera to upgrade to...any insight would be greatly appreciated. Several years ago I went in to the local camera store to buy a lens for my camera (Fugi S7000) and they told me not to bother (ouch) save money for a new camera. I appreciated their honesty, and took their recommendation to heart. So what's my problem? There is no clear-cut best fit (or so I thought) this time around...back in the day it was between my camera, and for some more $, the first Canon Rebel. Altho my camera has done a fine job meeting most of my needs over the years, I regret not spending the extra $. I didn't think it was worth it at the time, had I known better we probably wouldn't be having this conversation and my pictures would have been better all these years. I don't want any regrets this time. I want a camera I can grow with, that will last for even more years, possible use to enhance my profession, and not feel zoom envy at e.v.e.r.y.s.i.n.g.l.e event I go to - basically I can't get the shots I want!

With all that said, my new camera will primarily be used for shooting sports (specifically Hockey - indoor, low light, fast action, across the arena, Football -
outside, low/bright light, fast action, looong distance, and Baseball - yawn **just kidding** outdoor action) and of course, Horses (specifically ours - which may include all of the settings mentioned - ala horse). In three more years when the sports dwindle, the shift will be towards primarily equine photography.

I've looked at two cameras the Canon 50D (no video capabilities, and
it feels clunkier in-hand. I actually use the handy video feature and prefer not to invest in and haul around another piece of equipment if possible) and the Nikon D90 (the Canon has a higher mega pixel and I keep having flashbacks of my previous purchase). The next Canon up from the 50D is a 7D and it has video capability, but not only does it cost a lot more $ - it was recommended that I not buy it, apparently something is buggy with it. I haven't investigated further, nor tried it. Maybe I should forget the video feature and go with the 50D, which fits the "middle of the road" I can't decide syndrome I lean towards? Sigh. I don't know...

I see many, many amazing pictures posted on the blogs I follow, do you have any suggestions? What camera do you have? Have you heard good, bad or different about the camera's mentioned? Nemo, Koda, and Harmony thank you. They would really like it if I learned how to take better pictures of them (okay, so that's me) and had good equipment to do it with. I plan to take another photo class (es) once I've made my choice, if I can decide on a new camera...

6 comments:

Jeni said...

A lot of my pictures are taken with my iPhone 3G (old version). I have an older Kodak digital that takes awesome pictures too.

allhorsestuff said...

I really would like to get a Rebel...or one that I may change lenses on.
Right now I have a digital and it is a Canon Power shot.Very easy to use and some nice features( I learn slowly as I don't read directions) but I am learning to use it easily. You see my pics so you know what it does...I want to get better...the daily on the fly ones I can;t think so fast on what aperture..but when I do have the time to fiddle..wow!
Good luck!
KK

aurora said...

Thanks for the input! I wish I had an iPhone or a handy small(er) point-n-shoot as well, for on the trail. I'm kinda stuck in the middle, without either solution. I need to get back to the camera store and try some cameras out again...

Cheryl Ann said...

Aurora, I use BOTH Canon and Nikon cameras. I have an old Canon EOS and a Nikon D60 (which is actually hubby's camera, but I frequently "borrow" it)!!! I also have a little Nikon Coolpix that I keep in my purse. Each of them has completely different capabilities. I LOVE the Nikon because I am learning how to take macro shots with it, but it won't take the sunrise and sunset photos like my Canon! It won't just focus on the sky...the lens keeps moving back and forth! I'd say you need to decide what it is you want and keep asking questions and trying the cameras out! GOOD LUCK!

Cheryl Ann said...

I see you mentioned a camera for the trail. If I were on the trail, I would take my Canon because, with it, I just "point and shoot" and I never worry about the lens readjusting. It's simple and easy to use, yet it takes crystal clear photos. I don't think I've ever taken a bad or blurry photo with it, like I have with a Nikon.

aurora said...

Thanks for your valued input Cheryl Ann, and welcome to the blog :) I agree with all the different cameras out there they all seem to have a different "best use". I really need two new camera's (little & big) but I'll be lucky if I can decide on one! Right now I'm focusing (no pun intended) on the big one, and leaning towards Canon...