FYI Apple replaced my keyboard so I'm good to go.

I'm trying to remember what was said earlier about renting. I think this may be an option since most stores in the area have horribly, but understandably strict, return policies.

So, in order to have enough time and context to try the camera before buying, we might be in the market to rent.

Any advice on how or where to rent in the Santa Cruz, CA area? Also wondering about typical rates (hopefully not much more than $5-10/day for cameras $500 and under).
Note: Santa Cruz is reasonably close to San Jose.

Thanks. I did notice that I might have confused the 2 EM- cameras. It still seemed like a pretty good price but maybe not so much as a body only. However, I'm not sure I need lenses for the Olympus since I already have some.

This is more than tempting considering the price. Most quotes had it closer to twice that. Tomorrow we are going shopping in the San Jose, CA area for camera. I will include this on the last. We intend to buy several on our list and return what we don't want. We are going to call around for stores that have good return policies. We probably won't end up buying from any store-front. We will see what works and then buy it on-line.

Unfortunately Santa Cruz Co. is completely devoid of camera stores. But I plan to combine trips and get my keyboard returned at the Apple store in Los Gatos at the same time.

I did not leave Sony out.
I considered the RX-100 and Rx-10 as well as the A77 and the 65. I also looked at the NEX 3(N) and the NEX 7.

After reading CNET, consumer reports and Amazon, those cameras, while good were never the leader in their class, especially for the price.

Actually right now I'm leaning towards an SX-700 for my travel, a Panasonic FZ-200 for my super-zoom and/or the Canon rebel T3i for my SLR/like camera. I think I could at least 2 of those and probably 3 pretty close to budget. But this is by no means final. We could opt for the Canon 7d and one travel camera if I am not happy with any of the above. Keep in mind that I probably will not be able to use the canon 7d from the stands per stadium rules. I should find this out before I make my final purchase(s).

I will review my notes and the reviews on the SX-50. That might be a better option as there are complaints about the battery life and the wi-fi on the SX-700.

I was very interested in the Nikon 5300, 5100, and 7000 but I got scared away by reports that the Nikon's start having blackout s or equipment failure after a year or two and then it is hell getting Nikon to deal with it in a way that permanently solves the problems. I don't know to what degree that is true but even some of the better rated reviews from customers on Amazon mentioned such problems.

I was tempted to go with an Olympus OMD-E-M-10 so I could use my existing lenses but I don't really want to commit to Olympus as a company because, overall, I think they won't really be able to compete should I want to upgrade to a better SLR.

I'm not sure what I am going to do with my existing Olympus stuff. One option is to buy some film and use them to practice with. I'm sure I could learn a great deal using the older equipment.

Just for the record, my partner is a she.
I'll check them out

Thanks
I thought I had done that but I guess I didn't hit the update button. It has been corrected.

Sorry it is going to take a bit.
It takes me more than an hour each day just to read the comments on this thread.

I'm not in action mode yet.

I live in the Santa Cruz mountains near a small town called Ben Lomond. It is very, shall I say, picturesque.

I really appreciate your sensitivity to the issues around my old lenses. And the camera you mentioned was on my list. I'm still a long ways from making a decision

TO ALL: sorry I didn't get back yesterday. I am involved in a lot of other matters right now. You see, I have the month off and decided to fill it with a whole bunch of projects (workaholic??) The good news is everything is going well.

Second: In response to concerns about cameras being allowed in stadiums, I don't think that's an issue here. I have a parallel thread going on "thebearinsider" growls board and many folks have indicated what they use in the stadium, including some pretty nice shots.

In general I am very appreciative of the time being spent on this. I have been on the other forum for over 2 years and never get this much play or traffic. So I'm very flattered and appreciative, especially since my needs are somewhat self contradictory. I am especially appreciative of the numerous posts that suggest specific lens combinations. I know nothing about lenses and have already learned a great deal.

I think that getting both camera within the same brand is probably good advice as long as both can change lenses and/or are complimentary. I think my partner will like that idea.

What I'm likely to do is get the Canon P&S with the 20x for as cheap as possible and see how many needs it meets. Based on what's left over I will go after just one sports photography camera that can also be good for my partner and get an extra lense and some accessories. If that camera is an Olympus then I won't have to get lenses or flash and I can spend my $$ on batteries, memory cards and a tripod.

Having said this, I'm likely to change my mind tomorrow. :roll:

I really like the mac keyboard and it is under warranty. I just haven't had the time to deal with it yet. If I can't get a straight up in store swap then I will plug in my logitech while waiting for repairs. Thanks tho

No
It is more about creating attractive website color content and has very little to do with true sports photography which is journalism.

Thank you and I apologize for generalizing about the feedback in my prior post.

There have been many supportive posts like yours that suggest ways I can operate effectively within budget.

Incidently, many of the suggestions are consistent with what is on my list.

if someone can tell me how I can edit my post I will simply change it to all lower case and then we can get on with the actual point of this thread which is that I don't realize how much it is going to cost me to be a sports photographer.

The thing is that I was never trying to compete with maxpreps or sports illustrated. I think there is some confusion about that. My goals are much more modest than that. In fact my web designer is convinced I don't even need photos because he is providing much of that content by subscribing to various feeds.

Additionally I participate on sports forum where there is also a similar thread running. Many folks have already posted photos that are more than adequate with cameras that are under $700.

These days the standard for good shots amongst many professionals is well above anything that I intend to do. I want the shot to be in focus and have good color that grabs the eye.

That doesn't mean I don't appreciate all the advice. It just means that I'm finding it just as challenging to convey my needs as it is to type on a lowsy keyboard.

So keep the advice rolling in but I am not going to be jumping on any deals right away. I am going to take my time with this and then jump on a deal in a month or 2 or more when I am really clear what I want.

I am willing to spend more if I really have to. The larger issue is that I don't want to end up with a camera that I pay major $$ for if I am not going to spend the time learning how to use it properly or it stays on the shelf because I want something that travels better.

Anyway I find it interesting that the photographers on the sports site thread don't seem to think that I have to spend as much as folks here do.

One thing I am looking for before I buy a camera is some consistency. I am finding that certain cameras keep getting mentioned so I will probably end up with one or two of those.

The funny thing is that manuals used to intimidate me until I saw the movie "Gravity". Now, whenever my partner and I have to consult a manual or figure something out that requires reading the manual we always say "if Sandra Bullock can do it then so can we".

I did not realize that the all caps was some sort of violation or offense so I opted to use all caps because it was easier. I can still type normally but, because the right shift key is dead (not stuck), I have to use my left hand to both hold the shift key and type the character when I want to capitalize characters on the left side of the keyboard.

Now that I know it is a problem, I am putting up with the inconvenience.

I hope that explains everything well enough.

I apologize to anyone who was offended by the caps it was my only my 3rd post and my first introducing a new thread. I did not know the rules and it was not designed as an expression of feeling or anything like that.