Camera Recommendations
Dec 4, 2011 18:26:23 #
I'm currently working on an ebook on decorative painting finishes. I would like to upgrade to a better camera but have a limited budget. Would like an entry level DSLR. Have checked out Nikon D3100, Canon Rebel T3 10-12MP & Panasonic Lumix. They all have attractive features, but I need one that will give sharp images of my hands doing each step with accurate colors from shot to shot. Will be doing some videos of techniques but have a camcorder so that is not as important. While I will be painting the finishes someone else (an amateur ) will be taking the actual pictures. I still would like to have both auto & manual controls, however for myself. How important is image stabilization? Most photos will be taken on a tripod but need versatility of movement as well.
Any help here would be most appreciated.
Any help here would be most appreciated.
Dec 4, 2011 18:35:55 #
The Canon T3i is an awesome camera especially for a DSLR upgrade. IS is very nice when a tripod is not in use.
Dec 4, 2011 18:48:02 #
Any of the 3 will do the job for you because they are all good cameras. I'm a Nikon person and have a D3100 so I'll stick to that camera. The camera will do all the work for you if that's what you want and are not familar with other settings and as long as the lighting doesn't change, you need to make very few adjustments. It has a remote shutter release or you can set an automatic time setting for 2 sec or 10 sec delays. The kit lens will have image stabilization which is recommended to be shut off if shooting from a tripod. I also have a D5100 but my bang around camera is the 3100 which I have a Tamron 18-270 PZD zoom mounted replacing the kit lens. I would recommend this camera, it has always done justice by me. My main suggestion would be to go to a reputable dealer and try them all out. If you find a good shop they will proably have a 30 day money back guarantee so you can grab one and give it a try at what you're trying to shoot--if you don't like it just return.............
Dec 4, 2011 18:58:11 #
Thank you. I was wondering about kit lenses as well. I'm in NYC so I can probably get a good deal at B&H Photo here in town. They've always been good and have a long history. The remote shutter release will be very helpful too. I've used them in the past to take photos over my shoulder when painting and have gotten great results. Unfortunately I'm at the stage where I need both hands in most of the photos to show technique detail, but there will still be time for some of my own shots. So I'm going to take a much closer look at the 3100. It was at the top of the list already.
Thanks again.
Thanks again.
Dec 4, 2011 19:04:18 #
I meant to ask - Is the T3i the next version of the T3? I'm trying to remember the MP. I don't need anything above 10-12 really. Most of these shots will be for the web but I may make a CD version for print-outs but the size of each image will still be relatively small and I seriously doubt much cropping will be done on them anyway.
But I appreciate both of your opinions and am glad I came to similar conclusions from my research.
Thank you both.
But I appreciate both of your opinions and am glad I came to similar conclusions from my research.
Thank you both.
Dec 5, 2011 08:25:30 #
Dec 5, 2011 08:48:20 #
Agree with coco 1964 on target. Good camera store is the place to start.
Dec 5, 2011 09:20:11 #
Look into a few Sony DSLRs, such as the A55, A580, or A390. These take consistently clear and crisp photos, and stack up very well with the higher end Nikons and Canons.
Dec 5, 2011 09:55:17 #
Dec 5, 2011 11:12:27 #
Image stabilization is built into the Sony. Not the other cameras, you mentioned. All of those you have on your list are good, but for me image stabilization is a plus. I have a A350, A55o, A580. As well as a Nikon D50, D5000.. I prefer the Sony A580 for most things and bring along the A550 body and another lens for back up.
Dec 5, 2011 12:14:22 #
digicamking
Loc: Raleigh, NC
Just an observation. If you are working with your camera close to your hands you will need a means to focus close up. Be sure to check the lens to make sure it will focus as closely as needed. If not you may want to purchase an extension tube to fit your camera or a set of close up filter lenses for the lens you will be using.
Dec 5, 2011 13:26:15 #
Sensei wrote:
On the Nikon D3100 the image stabilization is built into the lens not the camera body. The kit lens that comes with the camera has that option so don't worry you will have that feature on the D3100................Image stabilization is built into the Sony. Not the other cameras, you mentioned. All of those you have on your list are good, but for me image stabilization is a plus. I have a A350, A55o, A580. As well as a Nikon D50, D5000.. I prefer the Sony A580 for most things and bring along the A550 body and another lens for back up.
Dec 5, 2011 13:34:36 #
Dec 5, 2011 13:38:58 #
Dec 5, 2011 13:39:49 #
I just hate that feeling that I keep paying for what I should have gotten, when I paid for the camera. Lenses aren't cheap.
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