Find an app that lets you know what time this magic time is in your area, and go shoot just before, after and during. Play a little and you will see things with a blue hue, and a warm glow. The app that I use is Photopills, pictured below - you can see it gives me these time for any day I would like. Because it is more than sunrise and sunset times.

I like to shoot portraits during the golden hour as it produces soft shadows and warm glows. Take your girlfriend out and shoot during this time and bring the photos home to see the difference. You will be amazed at the different looks.

A good alternative to Photopills is "TPE" The photographers Ephemeris, is a free app.

Thanks again to all who have contributed. I kind of thought the big marketing machines of Canon & Nikon had a lot to do with it. As Sharpshooter and others pointed out, it is also about the total available compatible lenses and other parts of their systems that set the big 2 apart from the rest. These factors, plus their reputations of extraordinary customer service are the answer. It is however, refreshing to know that Pentax is not just a cheaper, lower quality option, but truly a great product that has some chalenges that are hard to compete with for a market share.
I think Olympus, Sony and others are probably just as good, based on the photos and comments I've seen here on UHH. I guess the bottom line is the very best camera for you is the one that fits your hands, your needs, style, and budget. Maybe this thread will end the tired Canon vs. Nikon type debates that appear here almost daily. Probably not! LOL

Hello, my name is Billie and I am a novice. Several years ago I wanted a DSLR, but didn't know much about them, The lady at the camera store sold me an Olympus Evolt e-510 because she insisted it was the best for me. I took her class, but never really got the hang of getting good photo's using manual. Basically, I used the camera less and less, because I set it on automatic and didn't get good inside photo's, and when I went on vacation I took a little pocket camera.

I am now wanting a better lens, or better camera and lens so that I can take photo's in a gym. My son plays basketball, and I really want those great action shots. A friend has a Canon Rebel that takes good photo's, but the salesperson at the camera store said that Nikon is better. And the lens she suggested was a Tamron 70-200. Now I am confused. I asked her if I could buy a new lens for my Olympus and she acted like it was a crap camera. lol.

So, could anyone tell me what I need to get good action photo's in a gym?

Thank you for your time.
Billie