Monday, May 10, 2010

Say Cheese!

Brace yourselves, Internetz, this is not a post about infertility, PCOS, dIUIs, two week waits, my cervix being like Chuck Norris (though it totally is), donor sperm, or anything of the like!

It's okay. Do you need a moment? Deep breaths. I promise I am not abandoning my infertility repartee.

But assuming this cycle fails (I'm not optimistic, but since I'm NOT blogging about THAT today, I'll leave it at that), I am destined to take the next cycle off because Irish Boy and I are taking a long awaited holiday! That's right. One month free of needles and progesterone up the hoo! We're going to Disney World!

More on that another time. I'm so super excited I can barely think straight.

As we make our plans and plot our "must sees" (does the Coach outlet count?), I am trying to convince my dear, sweet, beloved Irish Boy (you know he's reading this) that we totally need to invest in a better digital camera before we go away.

You see, we've always gone for a fairly modest camera - partly due to finances - partly due to the fact that I find shopping for these damn things super overwhelming. I'm more of the picture taker in this household and my current digital camera feels more like one hot photographic mess. Try as I might, I swear that many of my photos come out grainy - and before you say it's me (though that's probably partially true) - having read numerous reviews on my current camera, I see that I am definitely not the only one.

So I feel like before we take the trip that we've been waiting a long time to take together, we should suck it up and spend some extra money on a camera that's going to help us capture the wonderful memories that we're going to have. (See what I did there, that's called emotional blackmail. Are you taking notes, Irish Boy?)

I want to invest in a DSLR camera this time. My current one is essentially your basic digital 'point and shoot'. But, I'm a newbie with these, so I want a good 'starter' one. I don't want to break the bank but I do want my money spent to be worth it.

So I've been looking at the Canon Rebel XS - supposedly a solid, entry level DSLR for beginners. The plainer sister if you will to some of the newer Canon Rebel generations. The reviews definitely don't paint it to be perfect - but they do seem to suggest that for a first-timer, this isn't a bad investment.

So all you DSLR camera happy people out there, help a girl out! What is YOUR recommendation for a good starter camera?

30 comments:

Tillie said...

I LOVE my nikon D3000! I got it on amazon to avoid having to pay tax and it was so much cheaper. You can see lots of pics on my site or my flickr account...

http://www.amazon.com/Nikon-D3000-Digital-18-55mm-3-5-5-6G/dp/B002JCSV5I/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=electronics&qid=1273510275&sr=8-1

LRM said...

Ditto on the D3000, awesome, easy to use and super nice!

Stolen Eggs said...

I haven't stayed current with the beginner cameras (I have a Nikon and probably always will) but the Cannon Rebel line has a solid reputation for SLR beginners. I could recommend plenty of higher end Nikons but they might be more expensive than you want and they might prove to be more complicated than you need. Not sure this is much help but I think a Rebel will likely serve you well.

Andrea said...

I'm about to get the Canon Rebel T1i myself but only because I'm using all of my airmiles to get it for $0 ... prior to realizing I had enough points/miles for that I was totally aiming on getting the Canon Rebel XS ... I've heard nothing but good reviews on it for newbies on how easy it is to use and the quality of the images.

I've been using a Canon PowerShot A720 is and I have to say the Canon's have impressed me so much.

Kristin said...

Ooooh, I want a DSLR soooo badly. Have fun shopping.

Anonymous said...

i bought canon very first digital rebel and used if for many years.. the key to quality will be in your lens choice... the better the lens the better the quality of your images.

if you're looking for a great deal try henrys.com ebay store.. you can save a little more then retail AND it still has the henrys name behind it. you can also just buy the body and then pick a lens.. you might save some money this way depending on what lens you want.

V said...

Hey dude,
i was in the same boat as you last year before i got the same exact camera. its beginner pro but still point and shoot. you can start playing around with the strange number letter combos and it all starts making sense. Dont go buying and extra lens that'll end up costing more then the camera itself until you're more comfortable with the camera. it's so worth it and the pics are professional in quality. I love mine! had it for almost a year now :)

Circus Princess said...

Loving my Canon Rebel XS (except when little grains of sand got stuck in the lens and it decided not to work for a week). Highly recommend that little baby!

Busted Kate said...

Ah, I'm so happy for you! We did Disneyworld in March and it was a blast, I know you'll have a great time. You guys definitely deserve a break. I have a DSLR and I suck at it, so I have no good recommendation. But let us know which one you end up with :-)

Fran said...

Ah! my very own Irish Boy went through the same research almost two years ago. What you'll find is that the public is divided between Nikon and Canon. We actually went Japan before he got his camera (a Nikon in the end) and played the game "Nikon!" "Canon!" anytime we saw one to see which one were prevailing in the land of the cameras! I'd say it's pretty even. Now, what Mike has learnt is that the body of the camera doesn't matter too much (he went for a Nikon D40 instead of a 60D I think) but that's the lens that is the most important bit. My personal opinion is that those cameras are HEAVY! So yeah, you do get great shots but I am not carrying it around on my backpack when skiing and Mike doesn't feel confident enough to carry it himself (you know...the high mountains of Ireland have not trained many skiers!). Anyway, after this long winded comment, my suggestion is to go for a compact body and a lens that you can use in as many situations as possible (Mike got a 35mm F1.8, he says it works without a flash and it's small). Does it help? Fran

Fran said...

Hi Fertility Chick, this is Fran's Irish boy here (I just had to add my tuppence worth on the camera issue). Although he gets under some people's skin, I followed Ken Rockwell's advice when I got my Nikon D40. He has a recommended camera section on his website (http://www.kenrockwell.com/tech/recommended-cameras.htm). He may have a pro-Nikon bias, but I'm glad I followed his advice.

zengirl said...

Wow! Great to hear you'll be going on a long deserved break! Disneyland sounds like fun--fun amusing rides without the puking!

As for DSLR cameras, it really doesn't matter whether you go for Nikon or Canon. Loyal fans will argue to death that their particular brand is better than the other, but the truth is both brands are equally good, but have different strengths. If you're looking at long term investment what you should be looking at is which system you want to stick with. Each brand has their own lenses and accessories which are not interchangeable with one another. So if you buy Nikon, you pretty much have to stick with Nikon stuff. And if you go Canon, it will be Canon all the way. The main advantage Canon has over Nikon is Canon offers a huge variety of lenses at a more affordable cost than Nikon. If you are moving into DSLRs you will be able to use many types of lenses and Canon has a great range. If you've been pretty much a point-and-shooter photographer, any entry level DSLR would be a pretty good place to start.

I personally have the Canon system (2 DSLRs and quite a few lenses including professional ones) and they really are a pain to carry around-so heavy. Hubs and I are mad camera people and we've collected quite a few of them. We have at least 5 with us on any one trip. I personally would recommend the Panasonic DMC-G2 camera because it is actually more suitable for people who are not very serious photographers.We have one too and It's basically a great travel camera for tourists - it's not exactly a DSLR but it functions the same way-you can change lenses and there is no shutter lag. What's great s that it is smaller, more compact and lighter than a traditional DSLR, and you can also change the lenses. 2 other great things for inexperienced photographers--1) you can actually see the exposure change in the viewfinder before you take the picture so you can get it right the first time (with dslrs you have to take the picture first then check on the screen for results after) 2)It has a flip-out screen that you can rotate so you can shoot from the ground up or above your heads or at funny angles or from a tripod and still rotate the screen to face you so you can see what you are shooting.Traditional DSLRs don't have this and you'll be straining your necks most of the time in those positions, or you'll be shooting blind. This camera also allows you to video and has auto focus (with option for manual) while you video.DSLRs that have video function require you to focus manually.

I suggest that you go to a shop and compare the Canon/Nikon DSLR with this Panasonic. You'll be surprise how good it is for a travel camera. Email me if you need more info! Good luck.

zengirl said...

By the way, it's not the camera that makes a great photo. It's the person behind the camera. ;-)

zengirl said...

I meant to say that I have the Panasonic Lumix GH1. The G2 is the newer model and it should be out any time if not already.

Anonymous said...

I have no idea about cameras, but I hope you have an awesome trip! I need to take my hubby there, he has never been.

Phoebe Wilde said...

I have a Canon Rebel XS and I love it. I really think that if you are going to invest money in a DSLR you should really take a class or get a book on how to really get the most out of it.
But if you just stick it on auto than it should be fine...except that that is what your camera probably is right now...you are just going to end up with more mp.
But seriously Canon Rebel XS is my best friend.

Womb With A Story said...

Oh Disney World sounds SOOO fun!! I can't wait for my Husband and I's much needed cruise!!!

Erica said...

I have a Nikon D90, love it. I second the recommendation on getting a book, I have the Nikon D90 for Dummies and it has helped out immensely!

Jes G said...

Nikon D60 is an amazing camera!! I am a Nikon fan though... Go with the brand that you trust.

aladdinsane12 said...

OMG you're going to disney world!? that's my absolute favorite place in the UNIVERSE! unfortunately, i don't have a similar passion for cameras, so i can't help you out there :(

Lauren said...

My husband and I just bought the Nikon D3000. We love it so fat - a great upgrade from my Canon point and shoot camera. I'm excited to use it on our trip to Cali over Memorial Day weekend! If you decide on this one, definitely get it from amazon.

TwoDogMama said...

I know nothing about digital cameras or cameras at all, but just wanted to say I'm so jealous you are going to Disney World. I so want to go back there, but my husband is not into amusement parks. I can't wait to hear more about it and see the pics you get from that new camera. Have fun!

Unknown said...

awww how fun! we have looked at those camera's too but i feel like you in being overwhelmed so i don't have any advice. I love you blog and I can't wait to read more! We just did our first IUI on friday and have now entered the 2ww! It helps to read what others are and have gone through too! Have a wonderful time in disney world!

Crossing My Fingers said...

Ugh! I would kill for a DSLR...every time I decide okay, I'm going for it...some unknown expense comes up! Hope you get on and enjoy!

Chelle said...

I am no camera help, as I only have a point-and-shoot too. My pictures come out grainy too. I am no pro by any stretch of the imagination.

I hope you get an awesome camera! If you do, you will have to post a few pictures you take, especially if they are taken at DW!

Mrs. Chapman's 2nd Grade Class said...

I love my Nikon D60. It is perfect for what I need right now. I do hope to take a class and learn more about using the manual settings and become a better photographer.

Have fun on your trip if you end up going!

Three Cats and a Baby said...

I hope you have a great trip :)

Good luck with the camera buying. Think of all the amazing baby pictures you will someday be taking with your new camera. (That's how I got a video camera for our vacation-- by saying we would need one when the baby eventually comes.) :)

Jen @ After The Alter said...

ahhh the joys of choosing a DSLR camera. I will tell you waht I learned back in December. I ended up with an Olympus E520. Canon and Nikon have the best marketing..but I am told for someone who is a beginner for the price I wanted to pay the olympus was actually a better camera than the canon's and the nikons in the same price range. So that's what I went with and I am very happy. If you want to know more about why I went with tha tlet me know. i certainly did ALOT of research!

Bitsy Baby Photography said...

I'm a little outbid here but I'd say Canon Rebel XS...I've never used Nikon so I won't knock it!! Love to hear what you decide =)

Bitsy Baby Photography said...

I meant I'd love to hear what you decideD!!!

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