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Feb 16, 2017 09:28:08   #
Valerie Conlin
 
Recently discovered I'm pregnant! Done trying to capture moments with my iphone and looking to invest in an entry-level camera that captures somewhat professional looking photos. My budget is $1K (obviously less would be better!) Any suggestions, tips, advice is appreciated! - Momma to Be

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Feb 16, 2017 09:40:16   #
Marionsho Loc: Kansas
 
Valerie Conlin wrote:
Recently discovered I'm pregnant! Done trying to capture moments with my iphone and looking to invest in an entry-level camera that captures somewhat professional looking photos. My budget is $1K (obviously less would be better!) Any suggestions, tips, advice is appreciated! - Momma to Be


Welcome to the Hog, Valerie Conlin.
I had a Canon G10 that would fit the bill quite nicely. G15 or 16 now. Incredible little camera's. $500 new back then.
Or go with some mirrorless marvel. Congrat's on the pregnancy.

Marion

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Feb 16, 2017 09:46:49   #
mkaplan519
 
Congratulations!
'Professional Looking Photos; is more the photographer than the camera but I think we will get what you mean.
There are a lot of great cameras. If you are looking for a pocket camera to always have with you and want to keep it - in your pocket, I can suggest something like one of the Sony RX100 series cameras. There are a few models available which all have similar quality but add new features as you go to the more current model (they put out a new one every year) and of course, price keeps increasing.
For a great camera that you can use for anything, especially good when travelling and size does not matter, I'd look at the Panasonic LX1000. It is what they call a 'Bridge' camera. It is similar to a DSLR but does not have interchangeable lenses and goes from wide to a great zoom.
THe most important thing about both cameras is that it has a 1" sensor. The larger the sensor, the more light it can capture, The better the photo especially under lower light. Any camera, even an older phone can capture a nice photo in great light. It is when the light or conditions become more difficult that the better cameras will shine.
Good luck on whatever you choose.

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Feb 16, 2017 09:47:59   #
ed2056 Loc: Warwick, RI
 
Hi Valerie,
I've been a Nikon owner since 1976, so i'm prtial to Nikon. My daughter just bought a very nice Nikon D3400 kit with 18-55 and 70-300 lenses for Under $600 at B&H. Good luck

Ed

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Feb 16, 2017 10:26:40   #
Valerie Conlin
 
Ok thank you! I'll look into it.

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Feb 16, 2017 10:28:22   #
Valerie Conlin
 
Ok thanks for the info!

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Feb 16, 2017 10:44:54   #
G Brown Loc: Sunny Bognor Regis West Sussex UK
 
Look at the second hand market. Nikon, Canon, etc preferably a real shop not online, then you can handle and talk about it. They all have Auto settings to get you started and the means for you to learn how to get a better/different picture using different programmes/settings. As long as it works, there are no bad cameras!

However, being a parent you are in for dragging everything and the kitchen sink around for baby.....everywhere you go. A camera is just one more thing to carry. Why not look at upgrading your phone (Which never leaves your hand!!!) The newer phones have come a long way in improving their photo capabilities.

If you want to print large photo's (rather than facebook) then yes a DSLR is the way to go eventually. But it can get pricey depending on what extra kit you need. Tripods, off camera flash, long lens, short lens etc. The subject matter you photograph usually dictates what sort of extra kit you need to buy.

Think about WHY you want a camera? If it is to make and keep memories for yourself, a small compact camera in your handbag may be enough. you can print pictures for an album or online. They may be fiddly to use the various settings - but they do have them!
If you want to learn photography.....? 90% is HOW you take a picture, not what camera you use. A long lens saves you walking closer! The bigger the camera - the bigger you can make your prints (1) and the more flexible it is to use(2) The more you can do successfully with it (3 maybe) A Big camera is no guarantee of better pictures - that has all to do with your skills and 'being there' at the right time.

Not only do you need a camera but you will also need software - very few images are 'straight out of the camera'. They are post processed in Photoshop or equivalent software. You need to learn how to take a photo and at the same time as how to 'make that photo better' on the PC. Both have quite long learning needs. Photography is a long term hobby rather than a quick fix.

Photography itself is changing.....millions of images are uploaded daily...! many video blogs are done on a compact camera! Think why you need to do things differently......

It sounds like I am trying to put you off.....I am not!
Photography is a very wide subject. You can create exactly the Art YOU want and capture whatever images that makes YOUR heart sing! There is a whole lot of kit out there that allows everyone to do so in different ways....But it isn't just a single camera.

Look for the kind of photographs you want to create for yourself online. Learn what is needed for those PARTICULAR kind of photographs. Not necessarily the camera, but everything else : lens size, tripod(?) hide, movement shutter release maybe, filters, where , what time of day/night, etc How many light sources, what background material, how much to build/rent a studio...
This way you will know what to buy and what you need to learn to do. Also what you will have to do with a baby on tow. (or a toddler with sticky fingers, or even a moody teenager)

The more you look at and read now the easier it is to suggest both the camera and the resources you will need.

Photography is not going away....it will all still be available for many years.

enjoy the journey.

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Feb 16, 2017 12:22:04   #
LittlesPhotog
 
Hi! I became interested in photography after having my first child as well! I am still just learning. I just wanted to take my own professional looking shots of my kids. I now have two kids and I'm still learning!! I bought a Nikon D3200 at Best Buy for around $550, I think. It came with two kit lenses- 18-55mm and a 55-200mm. I used those lenses until recently when I also got a 50mm f1.8G at jet.com for $180. I love the results I get with it. I wish I had purchased it sooner with inside shots. It allows you to get close and lets in a lot of light. I struggle with low light in my house. You can get good results with the 55-200 if you take photos outside and get far enough away from your subject that you can zoom almost all the way in. Be sure your f stop is as low as it will go. You will get the blurry background. Photographing children just takes a lot of patience, but you always have a cute subject available to practice on! Good luck!

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Feb 16, 2017 18:31:11   #
Longshadow Loc: Audubon, PA, United States
 
Congratulations and welcome to the forum.

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Feb 17, 2017 06:18:06   #
Inglese
 
I disagree about the software comment. Most people can produce perfectly acceptable photographs without using any software whatsoever. I have used many cameras from so-called 'entry level' to much more up market models and usually they produce great photos from automatic setting without tweaking. No, I don't use auto these days having gone far beyond but j.pegs straight from the camera will satisfy anyone.

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Feb 17, 2017 07:03:52   #
Infinite Imager Loc: California
 
I highly recommend a Nikon D5500 with 18-140mm lens. Both have very high approval rates, especially for image quality. I've had many cameras since 1972 and this is far and away the best. Use snapsort.com to compare cameras.

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Feb 17, 2017 07:07:37   #
Jcmarino
 
being a novice look at the Sony 6000 series. 6000, 6300 and 6500 which ever fits your budget. What is great about this is in the view finder and the LCD screen, you will see exactly what you will get before shooting the photo. They are light weight and travel well. Babies move fast and are unpredictable, you only have one chance to get it right so seeing it before you push the button is an awesome feature. They also shoot great video.

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Feb 17, 2017 07:22:20   #
Szalajj Loc: Salem, NH
 
I'm going to add one more road hazard to your list, spilled drinks and food!

I had a soda spilled on a 35mm camera years ago, and it ruined the camera.

Just make sure that if you put your camera down somewhere, it's not going to be subjected to food or drink spills, or get knocked on to the floor with a destructive thud!

Plan ahead for safe shooting experiences!

Look at the expandability of your camera choice.

Can you upgrade your lens(es) as your experience grows?

Will those lenses work on your next camera body upgrade?

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Feb 17, 2017 07:28:11   #
Capn_Dave
 
Is being pregnant a requirement to buy a camera?

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Feb 17, 2017 07:28:21   #
Capn_Dave
 
Is being pregnant a requirement to buy a camera?

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