Home Forums Gear Photography First Good Camera?

I like to take pictures but honestly know zero about cameras.
The only camera I have ever used is my wife's Canon Powershot A520. It has been a great little camera but obviously lacks.

I would like to upgrade to a fullsize camera. Including initial lense the max budget is about $1k(still saving).

Main use is outdoor wild animal(not tame zoo chit) and country pics. I would like to be able to take a decent pic of a critter at say 50-300 yards.

Any advice/explanations is appreciated.

Thanks.

Ain't happenin'................(grin)

Okay, 300 yards might be a stretch....grin

How about 50-100 yards?


So many lense options. Can you get a good all around lense with a decent zoom for under $500?

Decent enough body for $600-700?

A Wildlife lens for $500? Nope. A decent utility zoom,of modest focal length? Yep.

Go 100-400 Canon. Perhaps $1100,if you sniff hard for a used deal.

The most,for least................

Wishful thinking here........(grin)

Snooped around the other day and it is crazy how much some of that chit costs. $10-15k for a lense!

Canon got excellent reviews, can't remember the exact models.

Thanks for the advice.

Stay P&S,until you can do it right.

Go Canon G12..................

Yep, Big Stick is right on the budget. Open up to $2K and you can make some serious stuff happen at that range. With 2K you could get a new Canon T3i and a 100-400 lens like he suggests. Learn how to use that combo and you'll be happy indeed.

For 2K,I'd go Canon 1D2N and 100-400,with a few extry Lenmar batteries...............

That was kinda what I was wondering but wanted to see what you guys advised. No big rush and I don't want to be wishing for more right away.
Taking pics is about as much fun as hunting, almost....grin

Photography can be rewarding and like most pursuits,there's a correlation to average satisfactions going up,as the gear gets better................

Got the bug.
Gonna pawn a 629 5" Classic and an air conditioner.....grin

There's worse vices................

Ain't that the truth.


Takin' pics is a good reason for a walk(aka stay outta mischief).

And [bleep] casino's!

grin

Might not be the time to pawn an air conditioner up there just yet Sammo....

With that budget one should probably stick with one of the better point N shoots.

Ingwe, good call....grin


1minute, had a feeling more saving/pawning was in order, thanks.

I'll give you $500 towards your lens if you send that OSB stocked Roberts down here.

First of all lets consider not everyone is looking to make the cover of a magazine, but wants great images and has a budget to deal with.
Nikon has a great new camera, the D3100 that offers great images and is easy to use. It is 14.2 mega pixels and does 1080 HD videos and also will AF in video mode. The camera with both the 18-55 and 55-300 lenses along with a 16 gig card, 2 UV filters, case, extra Nikon battery and a case would be 949.99 shipped in the USA.
Another great option is the new Sony A33. It has a translucent mirror whic allows for 7 frames per second and full AF in video. It has a built in stabilization system so any lens that is mounted will be stabilized.
The A33 with the 18-55 and 75-300 with a 16 gig card, case, 2 UV filters and extra battery for 999.99 shipped in the USA.
Feel free to contact me with any questions

The biggest shortcut to killer Wildlife glass,is the white 100-400. Newer bodies contend the slow aperture nicely,by their ISO capabilities and noise handling...and IS do help.

For Utility,I prefer it to the white 400 5.6 prime,though it's alotta reach and has killer IQ for the loot..................

First, the second rule of Photography is GET CLOSER! We have all seen the shots of the pretty green meadow with the little black dots..."What are those?" someone will ask. "Those are the buffalo", you will answer. "Ah, yes, Now I see it!"

A (relatively) simple, entry-level DSLR, like the Nikon or Canon offerings, with the 2 lens kit...a wide-normal, like the 18-55mm VR, and the 55 or 70-300mm VR. That will cover 95% of your needs. When you get proficient with what you have, only then will you need the "big gun$", the $uper tele$, which have their own problems and learning curve.

Do what the "pros" do....go where the animals or birds are habituated to humans, then you can get closer.

Take a basic photo class.

Read the manual, and then read it again...and again, and...
Experiment with the different modes, write down what works for you.
Take lots of pixes. The more we shoot, the better we get.

What's the First Rule of Photography?? "F/8,and BE there!"

Like unto it is; EYES in Focus....always and forever!