Thoughts on getting a new camera
I’ve been using a Sony DSC-W1 for a few years now. It definitely serves its purpose, but it’s still a simple point-and-shoot, which means there are extreme limitations as to what you can do with it. I’m more than ready for an upgrade (to a DSLR). Sometimes I think I’m getting into something, and it turns out to be just a phase. But I’ve been into photography for over five years now, and I can’t help but feel as though I’d like to take it a step further. The downside: a step further means spending a lot of money. Money that I’m not able to spend right now… on a camera. Especially with the wedding and honeymoon coming up in May.
But let’s pretend I was an impulse buyer. What camera would I get? As of now, probably the Nikon D80. It takes really nice pictures. Obviously you have to know how to use it to take those nice pictures, but I think it’s that very challenge that makes it so rewarding in the end. From all of my brief research, I think it’s (or would be) the winner. But $1,049 for just the body, with an additional $200-300 for a basic (18-70mm) lens??? That’s tough to justify. Plus, then I would need a carrying case, and not to mention Nikon compatible memory cards to hold a decent amount of 10.2 MP images. So I’m assuming, altogether, I’d have to be ready and willing to fork out around $1,500—which is basically why I’m not getting a new camera.
While I’m pretending to be an impulse buyer, my other consideration is the new Sony Alpha DSLR (see sample pictures here). It’s not only cheaper, but I already have 512 MB and 1 GB compatible (PRO duo) memory sticks. Plus, at $1,000 (basic lens included and $50 less than just the body of the Nikon), I’d get an extra telephoto (75-300mm) zoom lens, which is awesome. I hate to sacrifice anything on such a big purchase, but at the same time, I’m not going to kid myself into believing I’m a professional photographer, nor the fact that I’ll become a professional photographer (and not that I want to), so part of me thinks getting the less-expensive, less-featured camera is fine. And to be honest, it’s really not missing that many features when compared to the Nikon. I’m sure, for a hobby, it would have absolutely everything I would ever need.
Back to reality. I can’t afford it right now unless I got a raise, so unfortunately, I won’t be getting one. But sometimes it’s nice to dream.
Nick Saturday, 24 Feb, 2007 Posted at 01:57AM
I know what you mean. I don’t think I’m even a skilled photographer by any means, but I love taking pictures. I’ve also got a Sony CyberShot (7.2 MP) and I’m pretty happy with it. Lately, I’ve been reading up on extended-exposure photography, the kind of pictures you often see taken at night where headlights on cars seem to blur and go on forever. I’d love to get something that can do that stuff…
Ryan Saturday, 24 Feb, 2007 Posted at 08:46AM
I took this picture of Stewart Hall one night while passing through. So to some extent, the cybershot can do the extended-exposure (you can see the bright strip of light near the road, that’s the cars going by). But you’d have to play with the manual settings to get the precise exposure you’re looking for.
Anyway, I’d like the ability to take shots from seemingly different perspectives, where you can isolate detail near or far (what you can get from a telephoto lens and DSLRs in general). Examples: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5.