Ugly Hedgehog Newsletter

What's the best digital to
purchase when getting serious about
photography and using one that is
easy to use, and still has what it
takes, to get the best photo's?

Your input is appreciated,
Nancy H.

Big Daddy Loc: Near Cleveland

Nikon D5000 or D5100, it really all depends how much you want to spend.. if your just starting out any of the lower end D cameras will be fine.

jdtx Loc: SA, Tx.

I think either of the 2 Canon or Nikon will perform well, and both have many lenses you can add as you get more "into" photography. Just depends on your bank account and how much you want to drain it as to which specific model you choose..good luck

RFranko Loc: Albuquerque, NM

Nancy, there is a saying, "It ain't the arrows, it's the indian." I also feel the same way when I'm out shooting and carrying my Canon 5D with a 70-200 mm lens and people comment, "that is quite a camera, I bet it takes great pictures." So, in answer to your question, you need to decide what you need by what you intend to do. For example, I don't own a Canon 600mm prime lens because I don't shoot sports from the sidelines. I do Own a Canon 100mm F2.8L IS macro lense because I shoot products and some portraits in my home studio and it gives me ideal image compression for portraits and allows me to shoot from a greater distance for my product while giving me super sharp images, while the F2.8 apature allows me to really control my depth of field from 0.2" on up.
Camera body here is how I rate them. Canon, Nikon, Sony.
Canon has the largest market share and has the best camera and probably the finest lenses on the market. Why are they #1? When digital first came out they dominated the market because they produced their own sensors while Nikon had to rely on 3rd party sensors, ie Kodak. When the 5D and later the 5D MKII came out they walked away with the professional market and remain king today. So, now that I have recommended Canon as a brand what level of camera do you need? You can buy what you need ranging from less than $1K to over $8,000 just for a body. How much can you afford and what do you need?
Now, a word of caution. There is about to be a major wave of camera changes before January 2012 and no later than June 2012. For example, Sony has increased their market share by 32% with their "Mirrorless" camera. But for the pro its not cool because they are use to looking through the view finder and, AND there is a lack of lense selection. Canon is expected to announce an upgrade of the 5D MK II before November and speculators have it before the end of this month. All pro cameras are expected to be making announcements as they are about at the end of the 3-4 year model cycle. The less pro models are cycling now but do so almost yearly while point and shoot pocket cameras are continueously hitting the market around holidays, back to school etc. So, what should you choose? First, take some time and list all the possible features a camera body offers down the left side of a page. List the Manufacture models across the top. I suggest picking 3-4 models from the Canon line in the price range and above what you feel you can afford. Compare specifications and offerings. Buy what you need and can afford.
One last thing and its important. If you are serious think "Brand." Why? If you are going to be serious you will eventually spend $$$thousand on lenses and accessories over the coming years so you want to stay with a leader. Nikon use to be the leader in pro cameras now because so many pros spent 10's of thousands on the Nikon brand they are locked in to Nikon unless the want to throw away all those expensive lenses. I know because when 35mm was the thing I was a Minolta lover. When digital came out they couldn't compete and were forces out of the market. All my Minolta equipment was trashed. Also, for my studio I spent over $12k on Mamiya 2-1/4 x 2-3/4 equipment,lenses and accessories. When digital became the thing along with digital editing, all my Mamiya gear is sitting in a closet. So, think "Brand". Is Canon going to hold the lead, will Nikon once again become king or will Sony, Olympus, Panasonic or another brand take over? Right now, I'd stick with one of the top two who have dominated the market for many, many, many years.

BUTTLERGILES

Very informative for me thanks. The new technology astounds me. I grew up with 4X5 press cameras and Rolliflex cameras and only black and white film. I still love the 2and quarter format. Hasslibd is out of my range now.

josoIII

I am not responding to this, the poster spelled "Hasselblad" wrong, I shutter to think how upset the photo Gods are with that...and yes misspelling Leica, would have been as bad...

JimH Loc: Western South Jersey, USA

Joso/3, you really should have 'shudder'ed to think...the shutter is the device in your camera. the SHUDDER is what you do when someone causes you to shake all over!

RFranko Loc: Albuquerque, NM

Buttlergiles
Me too! Started in 1961 as an Air Force Photographer and got tired of lugging around that Speed Graflex 4x5 and a sack full of film holders and GE blue dot flash bulbs. I started using my personal Mamiya twin lens reflex and Tri-X, Big potatoe masher electronic flash and battery pack. I outshot everybody and the newspaper found that the 8x10 prints I delivered for press were more than acceptable. Today I sure would like to buy a medium format digital camera with a 50mp back but I think I could buy a new car or good down payment on a summer cottage for less money.

josoIII

you keep writing my logo wrong, and you will not get an invite to my private gallery... now stop it....

RFranko Loc: Albuquerque, NM

Jim H;
Wow, that is gotcha!

RFranko Loc: Albuquerque, NM

Hey JoseII; Opps make that JosoII
I was going to hire you for my editor but if you are not going to invite us to your private gallery showing, I've changed my mind.
By the way is it, Speed Graflex or Speed Grafics? I'm getting to old to remember... or care.

josoIII

look at this guy, he comes out of nowhere and writes yours wrong... too many rights and wrongs going on in the thread...lol...

BUTTLERGILES

That is what happens when your old, fat, ugly, deaf, lazy , cripple and only speak Arkenise. Watch out for the old folks you will be there some daaaaay.

josoIII

Hey Josell, I be just a minute, I have got to got upstairs, I pissed my pants laughing at that one.. but I actual like the subliminal with that logo...hmmmm.

BUTTLERGILES

That is what happens when your old, fat, ugly, deaf, lazy , cripple and only speak Arkenise. Watch out for the old folks you will be there some daaaaay. It wasn't in the spell checker.