camera package advice?

Q. So im looking at packages such as this one: http://www.amazon.com/T3i-75-300mm-Telephoto-Accessory-Kit/dp/B005KUGXJW/ref=sr_1_11?ie=UTF8&qid=1368422743&sr=8-11&keywords=canon+rebel+t3i+packages
does this look like a good deal? do you know of any packages that come with canon brand accessories? Im looking for stuff under 750$ and want more lenses, filters, a memory card, and possibly a remote. thanks

A. http://www.amazon.com/T3i-75-300mm-Telephoto-Accessory-Kit/dp/B005KUGXJW/ref=sr_1_11?ie=UTF8&qid=1368422743&sr=8-11&keywords=canon+rebel+t3i+packages

This package isn't worth the money. A couple of flimsy tripods I wouldn't trust using with a point & shoot compact digital camera much less a DSLR. Canon's worst lens ever, the 75-300mm. A couple of cheap image degrading screw in attachments. Forget about this so-called deal.

Look at B&H for better deals. B&H has the T3i w/18-55mm zoom lens for $599.00 after a $50.00 'Instant Savings' that ends June 1, 2013. B&H also has a two lens kit - T3i w/18-55mm zoom and 55-250mm zoom - for $599.00 after a $200.00 'Instant Savings' that ends June 8, 2013.

http://www.bhphotovideo.com Just do a search for canon t3i and then make your decision as to which deal is best for you.

Original Question

Can most digital cameras now all do full hd 1080p video recording?

Q.

A. Most of them do 1080p HD video. However please be aware that most compact cameras, or smart-phones like iPhones, are not good at video recording. If light is good, they do an okay job. When light is dull, they are almost unusable. If you zoom in and do video, there can be lot of shake. You may be better off with iPhone or some digital camcorder that offers 30-40x zoom.

Read this article- it will provide you some relevant info:
http://photography-with-any-camera.blogspot.com/2013/03/video-recording-with-dslr-is-it-worth-it.html

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What Would be a Suitable Camera for Me?

Q. What are some really good cameras? I am an aspiring photographer, but I have your run-in-the-mill crappy camera. Next summer, I will be taking a school trip to Dublin, London, and Paris. I want a great quality camera for my trip but don't know where to look.
This is my ideal camera:
http://www.thephoblographer.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/01/Chris-Gampat-The-Phoblographer-Nikon-D5200-S1-and-J3-first-impressions-CES-2013-1-of-17ISO-16001-180-sec-at-f-4.0.jpg

Is that a good camera? Or do you think I should get a different one?

A. Yes, a Nikon DSLR is an excellent camera. Your picture doesn't say which model the camera is, but all Nikon DSLR's are excellent. But then so are Canon's, Sony's, Pentax and Olympus. Look over the Nikon line and decide which meets your budget.
http://www.nikonusa.com/en/Nikon-Products/Digital-SLR-Cameras/index.page

If you can afford the D7000, wait a few months, the newer D7100 probably will be announced and you might get a price break.

Original Question

Why is the Leica M8 so good?

Q. Why is the Leica M8 good what makes it Unique from the Dslr's?

A. Well, in a lot of ways, in 2013, the Leica M8 is actually not so good by current standards. It's a crop sensor digital camera with, what is now considered, poor high ISO noise redux. The M9 is another story however.

The reason the M8 used to be considered a great digital camera and still is if you're on a budget, is that it is a rangefinder camera. That in itself makes it unique from DSLR's because it is simply not a Single Lens Reflex camera.

If you want to study up on the differences between rangefinders and SLR's, there are hundreds of in-depth discussions all over the internet. Essentially it boils down to rangefinders being smaller, quieter, better at manual focusing in low light and due to the lack of a flipping mirror, viewing is more of the moment as well as handheld slow shutter speeds more free of vibration. The problem is that there are limitations to composition and use of macro and longer telephoto lenses as well as zoom lenses with rangefinders. Also, some folks just don't like focusing through them.

Whats-more, Leica build quality far exceeds those of most popular manufacturers. They hand-assemble their camera and lenses with higher quality materials and more tightly fitting parts. This results in cameras and lenses that feel very enjoyable to use but also that last through extreme abuse and continue to work well for decades.

Leica is also world renowned for the high optical performance of their lenses. They are virtually devoid of optical abberations commonly found in Canon, Nikon, Pentax, Olympus and other more popular lensmakers products.

Hope this is useful!

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What is a good camera for a beginning photographer? With a $50-$150 price range?

Q. I'm a college freshmen and photography is my life. I havent taken 1 photography class yet, but will in January 2013. I was looking for a good camera, not to cheap and not to expensive, because I don't like taking pictures with my iPod. Anyone have information, please comment below. thanks!

A. If by photography, you mean taking complete control of the camera, choosing the lens aperture, shutter speed and lens, then the camera that falls into your budget, would be a good used 35 mm SLR. You can find them on craigslist in a city near you for under $100. Nikon and Canon 35 mm SLR cameras are most plentiful and account for over 60% of all dSLR's sold.

With a budget of $50-$150, you cannot find any dSLR camera and digital P&S cameras start at $125.

Here is a link that might help you find a $125-$150

http://www.dpreview.com/products/cameras

Original Question

Is Nikon d40 still a good camera in 2013?

Q. Found a used Nikon d40 I might buy. Not sure about a camera with fewer megapixels than my phone(6.1). Anyone with experience with this camera let me know how well the pictures turn out? How large can I enlarge a photo before it starts to look pixelated? I currently use a film slr (k1000) and a digital bridge camera(16.1 mp fujifilm) and just want to be sure I'm not taking a step back.

A. Eric, in my opinion you should skip the ancient, outdated Nikon D40. Yes it was a good camera in its day buts its a 7 yr. old model and DSLR technology has passed it by.

I suggest considering the Pentax K-30 DSLR since it can use any lenses you have for your Pentax K1000. Pentax introduced the "K" lenses mount on your K1000 in 1975 and its still used today on their DSLR cameras.

Here is a review: http://www.imaging-resource.com/PRODS/pentax-k30/pentax-k30A.HTM

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What is a really good advanced point and shoot digital camera?

Q. My old camera, a Canon Power Shot S5IS is acting weird. Time for a new one I think.

What a a really good advanced point and shot digital camera that would be a step or two up from the Power Shot S5 IS?

My daughter shows horses, so I need something that can capture moving subject well and is good in low light conditions!!!

I want a camera that feels/looks like a SLR, but is not. I am thinking about a Nikon Coolpix L820or maybe an Olympus Stylus SP-820UZ?

Thanks!

A. You'd do better to put a Tamron 18-270 or 18-250 (not 18-200) lens on a small DSLR body like a Sony A37, or other brand of your choice to keep it affordable chose an earlier camera model. The lens can stay with you when you upgrade provided that you don't jump ship from the brand. They can all be used in auto mode just like a P&S only you can develop your skills at your own pace.

http://www.amazon.com/Tamron-18-270mm-3-5-6-3-Built-Cameras/dp/B004FN1W2S/ref=sr_1_1?s=electronics&ie=UTF8&qid=1375040281&sr=1-1&keywords=tamron+18-270+sony

But look at the dinky little DSLR Canon recently put on the market:
http://www.dpreview.com/news/2013/07/26/just-posted-canon-eos-100d-rebel-sl1-review

But if you must have a bridge camera then Pentax made the X5 just for people like you:
http://www.dpreview.com/products/pentax/compacts/pentax_x5

Original Question

What kind of camera should I buy?

Q. I wouldn't like to spend over $800
I need a camera that's good quality..better than your average digital camera and that can both take photos and record video (that's not as important but it would be nice)
I would like to be able to use it for motion photos, landscape, night life etc.
Basically the most important thing is picture quality :)
Any ideas. Thanks!

A. Having used several DSLRs and mirrorless cameras, I like Pentax K-01 as a great camera- one of the best image quality out then in below $1000 cameras. Pentax used to sell for around $900 but their gamble with the style backfired so they are clearing them out. They currently sell for around $400 with a nice 40mm 2.8 lens.

Read full details here:
http://photography-with-any-camera.blogspot.com/2013/06/which-is-great-dslr-buy-these-days.html

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What should I do to get this kind of photos?

Q. Hi! I was wondering if you could give me some advice.

I wanted to buy a good camera this summer (I'm kind of tired of only taking photos from my iPhone!) and was wondering if someone could give me advice on what to buy,

I really love effects like this and was hoping to get a compact-as-possible camera that could achieve effects like this:

https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhT6Gl4nk3yJ1OkwivPFifmg_J_EleQLCnzmDyaRBLacu4RflZ4-7pGuQ_g0Aqrsl3RGpVle3ps3nJukOeixm1OCsN-aJDbGp5NHMNAL6nmDXQhsW3XetyRFrLbK7N4ylrTKakbDOVYkN0/s640/IMG_4630.JPG

http://24.media.tumblr.com/eff77703f16264c18bda35de45fb7fe9/
tumblr_mqfe9rqxOQ1qae1vwo1_1280.jpg

http://25.media.tumblr.com/f55ddd01b118cabf5fafb205db5e8b43/
tumblr_mqb7glNpmh1qae1vwo1_1280.jpg

https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi77I_mY3TZVHgpV3WqT3pVNj8TntOSmBIVW4AO6COvqx8D977aTcU6FtwApC-yAjJZKLoZLJrHThq-qIBQ39sYP91vu4jyN-gs4VEJR0gwM2eR7gYcuXU9w4c407MwqoJBGjUfzFcaiK4/s640/IMG_5541.JPG

If you could give me some feedback, that'd be great!
Actually any kind of advice would be greatly appreciated haha
Thanks!
Do I need any kind of special filters?

A. I phones get old quickly. They aren't really cameras, they are phones with a crappy lens and a small sensor. Not the same animal at all.

As you want a small camera, I would suggest a bridge camera - one with a fixed lens that still has manual controls. A review of various bridge cameras appears here:

http://www.whatdigitalcamera.com/equipment/advice/501485/best-bridge-camera-of-2013.html

You may find that limiting quickly, in which case a full DSLR could do the job. With a DSLR you can change lenses on the body.

The thing that matters most is that camera has manual or semi manual controls: the aperture, shutter speed and ISO are controlled by YOU, not by the camera. Then YOU have to learn to use the camera properly. The camera takes pictures, YOU make them by understanding how to balance your exposure to the lighting situation you are in. Sometimes you have to compromise, and knowing what to keep in and what to give up is a huge part of photography. The camera cannot do that. It just records what you point it at, and at whatever settings you program in, or, gods forbid, what it thinks best on Auto. It is not the camera, it is the photographer!

Two of the samples you posted had some issues relating to exposure, although the Golden Gate Bridge was pretty close. The feet shot was interesting, but the reflection on the floor was so blown out that it completely ruined the shot. The christmas stocking shot was both under and overexposed simultaneously and the coffee shot has composition problems - what is the thing on the lower edge? Exposure was dead on though.

All need a clean up in photoshop (or similar) to get rid of the grey mud over the image. The white and black points need to be set, which will eliminate the grey cast over the images. This is a separate issue from the camera - digital images generally need some post processing work to correctly set the density/contrast.

Whatever camera you end up choosing, learn to use it on fully manual.

Edit: You could definitely use a circular polarizer. Other than that, no filters are needed unless you're old school and want a UV for your lens as a protector. I use one, LOTS of people don't as it can degrade image quality. I feel it's a fair trade.

Original Question

Best Digital Camera in 2013?

Q. I'm looking for a digital camera with the following:

* Awesome, detailed shots for both amateur and professional photography use
* Fast, extreme action modes with instant, non-blurry shots (no delay unless optional)
* Full 1080p Quality Video with Excellent Sound and no buzzing/noises
* Great Image Stabilization
* Lovely Zoom with little to no shaking and annoying sounds
* Ability to record beautifully in both low light and very bright settings
* Easiness to learn, maintain, and adjust to
* Durable and lasts for maybe 20 years

A lifetime warranty for a camera product would be nice, but I doubt it exists. I've looked at the newest Canon Rebel (zoom/sound issues), Nikon D7100 (seems too stiff in certain settings), some Panasonic models, etc. I am on a budget and want to record high quality music videos and shorts, and take fancy pictures with the camera I am seeking. I want to spend no more than maybe $650 on my ideal product. What are your suggestions and knowledge of expertise?

A. I have a dream that someday anyone who decides to take up photography as a hobby will first know and understand this: "It isn't the camera its the photographer."

A person with zero knowledge of light, composition and exposure will be unable to use any camera in any mode other than Program or Auto, allowing the camera to determine ISO, aperture and shutter speed. Even then, zero knowledge of just composition will usually produce mere snapshots.

In 42 years I have never owned a camera that made really good pictures.

In 42 years I have never owned a camera that made really bad pictures.

However, in those 42 years I have used a camera to make some really good pictures and some really bad pictures. The camera is just a tool and gets neither credit nor blame for my results good or bad. That's all on me.

Buy the least expensive DSLR you can find. Read & study the Owner's Manual. Then enroll in photography classes. Take notes. Practice. Make changes to aperture or shutter speed or ISO only when you understand why you're making them and what the results will be.

A 20 year old digital camera will be as useless as a 20 year old computer is today.

In many states a "lifetime" warranty is considered 7 years. Some high-end lenses (translate as a lens costing a few thousand dollars) have a 5 year warranty. Most DSLR bodies have a 1 year warranty.

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Why is the Leica M8 so good?

Q. Why is the Leica M8 good what makes it Unique from the Dslr's?

A. Well, in a lot of ways, in 2013, the Leica M8 is actually not so good by current standards. It's a crop sensor digital camera with, what is now considered, poor high ISO noise redux. The M9 is another story however.

The reason the M8 used to be considered a great digital camera and still is if you're on a budget, is that it is a rangefinder camera. That in itself makes it unique from DSLR's because it is simply not a Single Lens Reflex camera.

If you want to study up on the differences between rangefinders and SLR's, there are hundreds of in-depth discussions all over the internet. Essentially it boils down to rangefinders being smaller, quieter, better at manual focusing in low light and due to the lack of a flipping mirror, viewing is more of the moment as well as handheld slow shutter speeds more free of vibration. The problem is that there are limitations to composition and use of macro and longer telephoto lenses as well as zoom lenses with rangefinders. Also, some folks just don't like focusing through them.

Whats-more, Leica build quality far exceeds those of most popular manufacturers. They hand-assemble their camera and lenses with higher quality materials and more tightly fitting parts. This results in cameras and lenses that feel very enjoyable to use but also that last through extreme abuse and continue to work well for decades.

Leica is also world renowned for the high optical performance of their lenses. They are virtually devoid of optical abberations commonly found in Canon, Nikon, Pentax, Olympus and other more popular lensmakers products.

Hope this is useful!

Original Question

What should I do to get this kind of photos?

Q. Hi! I was wondering if you could give me some advice.

I wanted to buy a good camera this summer (I'm kind of tired of only taking photos from my iPhone!) and was wondering if someone could give me advice on what to buy,

I really love effects like this and was hoping to get a compact-as-possible camera that could achieve effects like this:

https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhT6Gl4nk3yJ1OkwivPFifmg_J_EleQLCnzmDyaRBLacu4RflZ4-7pGuQ_g0Aqrsl3RGpVle3ps3nJukOeixm1OCsN-aJDbGp5NHMNAL6nmDXQhsW3XetyRFrLbK7N4ylrTKakbDOVYkN0/s640/IMG_4630.JPG

http://24.media.tumblr.com/eff77703f16264c18bda35de45fb7fe9/
tumblr_mqfe9rqxOQ1qae1vwo1_1280.jpg

http://25.media.tumblr.com/f55ddd01b118cabf5fafb205db5e8b43/
tumblr_mqb7glNpmh1qae1vwo1_1280.jpg

https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi77I_mY3TZVHgpV3WqT3pVNj8TntOSmBIVW4AO6COvqx8D977aTcU6FtwApC-yAjJZKLoZLJrHThq-qIBQ39sYP91vu4jyN-gs4VEJR0gwM2eR7gYcuXU9w4c407MwqoJBGjUfzFcaiK4/s640/IMG_5541.JPG

If you could give me some feedback, that'd be great!
Actually any kind of advice would be greatly appreciated haha
Thanks!
Do I need any kind of special filters?

A. I phones get old quickly. They aren't really cameras, they are phones with a crappy lens and a small sensor. Not the same animal at all.

As you want a small camera, I would suggest a bridge camera - one with a fixed lens that still has manual controls. A review of various bridge cameras appears here:

http://www.whatdigitalcamera.com/equipment/advice/501485/best-bridge-camera-of-2013.html

You may find that limiting quickly, in which case a full DSLR could do the job. With a DSLR you can change lenses on the body.

The thing that matters most is that camera has manual or semi manual controls: the aperture, shutter speed and ISO are controlled by YOU, not by the camera. Then YOU have to learn to use the camera properly. The camera takes pictures, YOU make them by understanding how to balance your exposure to the lighting situation you are in. Sometimes you have to compromise, and knowing what to keep in and what to give up is a huge part of photography. The camera cannot do that. It just records what you point it at, and at whatever settings you program in, or, gods forbid, what it thinks best on Auto. It is not the camera, it is the photographer!

Two of the samples you posted had some issues relating to exposure, although the Golden Gate Bridge was pretty close. The feet shot was interesting, but the reflection on the floor was so blown out that it completely ruined the shot. The christmas stocking shot was both under and overexposed simultaneously and the coffee shot has composition problems - what is the thing on the lower edge? Exposure was dead on though.

All need a clean up in photoshop (or similar) to get rid of the grey mud over the image. The white and black points need to be set, which will eliminate the grey cast over the images. This is a separate issue from the camera - digital images generally need some post processing work to correctly set the density/contrast.

Whatever camera you end up choosing, learn to use it on fully manual.

Edit: You could definitely use a circular polarizer. Other than that, no filters are needed unless you're old school and want a UV for your lens as a protector. I use one, LOTS of people don't as it can degrade image quality. I feel it's a fair trade.

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What are some really cheap HD cameras under 200$?

Q.

A. The best camera under $200 is currently the Nikon P310.

Well, maybe under $200. Nikon had a $100 instant rebate that expired on Mar 30, 2013. Check back periodically to see if that rebate is extended or not. Otherwise, you may be spending about $50 more, which is still a good deal.

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/842326-REG/Nikon_P310B_Coolpix_P300_Digital_Camera.html

This camera normally sells for $300+, but it has just been discontinued for it's replacement, the P330. Since this is an annual (or semi-annual) event with most camera manufacturers (of compact cameras), you can often pick up an outstanding camera at a low price when they first become discontinued.

However, when this happens you have to act farily quickly as the stock is limited to what is on the dealer's shelves.

Why do I like the P310?

First, it has manual exposure controls (prorgam, shutter/aperture priority, manual), This gives you maximum flexibility in composing your photos.

Second, it has a fast f/1.8 lens, which rivals even the better grade DSLR lenses. What does this mean? Superior low-light performance, as the camera will gather 2 to 4 times more light than the typical compact camera.

It also does up to 1920x1080p @ 30fps "full" HD with stereo audio. But I am not much into video so that is not something I often use. If I want to do video, I have a camcorder for that.

And I own this camera, so it is not something I would recommend without having some experience with it. While the zoom range of this camera is less than those ridiculously high-powered zooms on bridge cameras, the lens on the P310 is vastly superior to those cameras. So while you won't be able to take a photo of a bird from a mile away, you will be able to take better photos within the range of the P310's zoom.

Original Question

Good DSLR camera for Europe?

Q. I will be going to Europe (Paris and Spain) for school next spring break in 2013. I want a good quality DSLR camera for the trip and for later use. It will be a present either for graduating or Christmas so I can go up to $900. Anyone know any good ones?

A. I would recommend the Pentax Kr . This camera comes with a 28-to-55mm lens. And a 50-to-200mm lens when sold in kit form. I highly recommend buying the camera "and" 50-200mm lens together. I purchased the previous model (Kx) which came with only the 28-55mm. And I bought an off brand lens 28-200mm, that was a mistake! So if a DSLR is your hearts desire buy it with both lenses together. It will be cheaper in the long run. My first thought with your question, is does this person really need a Digital Single Lens Reflex or is he just responding to the questions on this forum where some of the "die-hard" pro's recommend DSLR's as the only type of camera to own. So with that in mind let me throw out some thoughts for you to ponder.
1. If you want an excellent camera that takes needle sharp photos, there are many "bridge" cameras that take excellent pictures, but have only one zoom lens which does it all, from close-ups to long telephoto shots. It seems to me it would be easier to tote this type than a camera with extra lenses, and accessories. I am referring to a camera like the Canon Powershot series "SX ?? IS. The current one is the SX40 IS, But previous models may be available used at attractive prices, those models are the SX30IS, the SX20IS, and the SX10IS. Remember these cameras cannot change their lens. You have to be satisfied with the lens that comes with the camera.

Good Luck!

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