I don’t even own a camera.. (Page 4): Get a cheap point and shoot camera. Go to walmart or best buy and get something for under $200! The rest of the advice is BS...

ole sarg Loc: south florida

Get a cheap point and shoot camera. Go to walmart or best buy and get something for under $200! The rest of the advice is BS

sheadle wrote:

Hi there. I’m looking to buy a beginner-type camera for taking pics of my daughter’s sporting events...and to capture family memories via quality photos. Any suggestions on what brand/type of camera I should be looking at/for? Thanks in advance for the feedback.

billnikon Loc: Pennsylvania/Ohio/Florida/Maui/Oregon/Vermont

Architect1776 wrote:

Budget?
Canon is the top sports rated system in the world.
Look at sporting events and that is all you see almost.

Not so fast, first of all, it depends on the venue. And Nikon is well represented at MANY sporting events. And, according to who, or whom, is Canon the top sports rated system? I have seen and read many reviews and not one says Nikon, Sony, or Canon is the top rated sports system in the world. When anyone says one camera system is the top rated it is usually the person using that system.
There are many systems out there, and each has their strengths and weaknesses. It is up to the user to determine which system is best for them. All three companies produce equipment that can stop action and are great for sports. To say one is the top rated system in the world is slightly over the top. IMHO
And as a final note, yes, Canon makes some great stuff, but I am sure the OP is on a budget, and at the low end Canon, Nikon, and Sony models are not as good as their top camera models for sports. That is not to say that these models are not good at sports.

Idaho

1. You don't need an SLR (interchangeable lenses) camera for your largely casual type shooting. If you add extra lenses that is a big cost.
2. You won't have the "ideal set up" (meaning $$$) for sports but I assume you don't need that.
3. "Bridge cameras" are mentioned here sometimes. They have fixed (not removable) zoom lenses. Could be a good choice.
4. When shopping, you will be taking into account price range, size and weight of the camera, and size of the sensor. Bigger is better with
sensors.
5. The brand of the camera doesn't matter. There isn't much difference for the most part nowadays. Just get a known brand name.
6. Shop at an "old fashioned" camera store. The staff will actually know what they are talking about, they might offer classes, and you can
go back to them in the future with questions which you WILL have.
7. Consider cameras on sale (one year old) because they have been replaced by a "new" model.
8. Find classes - somewhere.

6. Shop at an "old fashioned" camera store.

Quinn 4

If you want a film camera, send note to me via PM.

MCoomber Loc: Hamilton ontario

Hi there. Welcome to UHH, the place were there are many opinions. Myself, i use Nikon as it suits my goals. For someone starting out and wish to take family events and some sports I would start with a Sony A6300 or A6500 with the kit lens and additional longer kit zoom. It is small for easy carry, lenses are sharp, and also offers good video options. Once you get your feet wet, then you can decide on if you want to go further with the hobby or not. Also look at the Fugufilm x70 with the same lenses. Just some options.

ebbote Loc: Hockley, Texas

Welcome to the Hog. enjoy.

Mac Loc: Pittsburgh, Philadelphia now Hernando Co. Fl.

hj wrote:

The OP asked about a beginner-type camera and everyone is trying to sell the idea of a DSLR..... for softball. Yeah right, break the bank with camera and many suitable lenses. The OP should start with a good bridge camera that has great controls similar to a DSLR and GREAT ZOOM for a fraction of the price. This person is not professional. Let them get their feet wet first in photography at a reasonable cost and if they decide to later up grade, they can.

It depends on at what point a person's bank breaks. Some banks break sooner than others.
An entry level DSLR with a couple of kit lenses goes for around $500-$550.
Only the OP knows at what price level he is comfortable with.

DanielB Loc: San Diego, Ca

First - Point and shoot and Mirror-less camera's will not work well for sports, they are too slow to lock on and focus on moving subjects. You'll have to go with a DSLR, Canon or Nikon are the ones you want to look at but know there will be a learning curve for most functions since your a novice photography. That being said there are automatic setting's you can use with these systems while you learn. You will have to have minimum 70-200mm lens for getting shots from a distance. As mentioned in a previous comment the Costco kit's are a good place to start as they usually will have the right starter pack with 2 lenses in it and the price is right for beginners. Good luck.

johnst1001a Loc: West Chester, Ohio

If you are a beginner, what's wrong with your cell phone. If buy a super cheap camera, your results will not be a whole lot better. It also depends on what you expect to do with the pictures. If you are just going to view them on the computer screen, a cell phone with 8 or more megapixels will be fine.

Jerrin1 Loc: Wolverhampton, England

sheadle wrote:

Hi there. I’m looking to buy a beginner-type camera for taking pics of my daughter’s sporting events...and to capture family memories via quality photos. Any suggestions on what brand/type of camera I should be looking at/for? Thanks in advance for the feedback.

I have owned 7 x Canon cameras over the years but only one Nikon. That Nikon is one of my two current cameras, the othe being an Olymous. I honestly believe that Nikon offers better sensors, especially for low light photography. If I were you, I would consider purchasing a good to mint condition used camera body and qually good second hand lens. You might consider an older 70 - 200mm f2.8 + a similar quality second hand 2 x teleconverter. Such a combination would provide great versatility.

mas24 Loc: Southern CA

sheadle wrote:

Hi there. I’m looking to buy a beginner-type camera for taking pics of my daughter’s sporting events...and to capture family memories via quality photos. Any suggestions on what brand/type of camera I should be looking at/for? Thanks in advance for the feedback.

You don't need an expensive camera to capture what you stated above. But, you do need a decent lens. And decent doesn't mean the most expensive either. I shoot kids soccer games in the summertime from the sidelines with a Nikon 50mm f1.8G lens. It cost about $220 today. I also have the Nikon DX version 35mm f1.8. You can get that brand new for $197. You can get good lenses produced by Third Party Manufactures too. Both zoom and primes.
For sports f2.8, f2, f1.8, are your best choices. But slower lenses can also work. Get a good entry-level Nikon or Canon camera with 24 megapixels. You can save money by purchasing Refurbished or moderately used. Nikon has several in that category. Good luck.

jimisready Loc: Sacramento/Carson City

My two cents says a point and shoot from one of the big 6 manufacturers so learning the menus
Will carry over if you upgrade to a dslr or mirrorless. So a Canon, Nikon, Fuji, Sony, Panasonic, Olympus.
Other brands have a limited future upgrade. Those $200-300 range can give great results in capable hands.

jimisready Loc: Sacramento/Carson City

My two cents says a point and shoot from one of the big 6 manufacturers so learning the menus
Will carry over if you upgrade to a dslr or mirrorless. So a Canon, Nikon, Fuji, Sony, Panasonic, Olympus.
Other brands have a limited future upgrade. Those $200-300 range can give great results in capable hands.

Brucej67 Loc: Cary, NC

I have seen many good photos taken with Nikon COOLPIX P900 Digital Camera with 83x Optical Zoom and Built-In Wi-Fi(Black) and this camera has a lot of zoom range built in (24-2000mm 35mm Equivalent Focal Length. Sensor Size: 1/2.3 inch), not bad for $500.

jimisready wrote:

My two cents says a point and shoot from one of the big 6 manufacturers so learning the menus
Will carry over if you upgrade to a dslr or mirrorless. So a Canon, Nikon, Fuji, Sony, Panasonic, Olympus.
Other brands have a limited future upgrade. Those $200-300 range can give great results in capable hands.

ToBoldlyGo Loc: London U.K.

Gene51 wrote:

I disagree. The D500 is probably the best DX or AP... (show quote)

I'm not looking to get into a debate and I respect what you say. I just didn't want the op believing that full frame is the only way to go. I like taking BIF pics, which is possibly different to what you and the op like to do. I don't want to confuse them, suffice it to say they should post more on what they want to get from a camera, budget, knowledge set and so on. My preferred solution may not be theirs in any case, and I'll happily admit I'm way off topic. Have a good trip Gene.