Camera help / recommendation

[pier pressure]

Friends I need some advice when it comes to buying a camera. My wife wants a 35 mm FILM camera, she is tired of using the computer and printer as her photo album / processing center with our digital. We are looking for a universal camera for both indoor and outdoor usage. Maybe something where you can change out lenses for different applications. Keep in mind we are definitely ammeters here but would like to get started in the right direction. With this in mind we are also thinking of converting a basement bedroom to a dark room. I always thought it would be cool to develop our own photos. Unfortunately I have absolutely no idea about this industry and could use all the help in the world. Tips, pointers, dos and don’ts, websites, needed products etc.

Christmas is almost here so I would love to be able to give her a camera as a gift and then start working on a dark room.

Thanks for the help

[Christian]

I would ask DJ/HM and/or Skeeler

they seem to have found the best gear out there and do some nice things with it :shock:

[JasonSmith]

I would think that a QUALITY digital camera would be way better than a film camera.
I use a Kodak camera. I download the photos to the Kodak program & order prints right from them. Or I take the card to Walgreens or Sam's/Wal Mart & develop the pictures that way.

[Pat Bates]

Not sure about the darkroom side of things, other than you don't want to develop your own color photos. Chemicals were pretty steep 8 years ago when I sold camera equipment. I can't imagine what it costs now.
Probably the best thing to look for, IMO, would be used Nikon equipment. I wish you had posted this 6 months ago. I sold a Nikon N90, 28-85mm and 80-200 f2.8 lenses, flash, and motor drive because it was just sitting. This is pretty heavy duty stuff, though.
Older Canon EOS equipment is good, as well as not real heavy. Not a big fan of the EOS Rebel stuff, though. It wasn't tough enough, and we constantly saw them come back for warranty work.
If you have any questions, pm me, or ask me here. I shot professionally in my single years (sports, primarily hockey). Maybe I can help. [smilie=042.gif]

[dang_jayhawker]

I took old school photography in college. I fell asleep somewhere between the F-stop and light meter lectures. Digital is so much easier. The higher end cameras have changable lenses. You can buy photo printers that print 13x19 for $500 or less. I would recomend signing her up for a class. She could see which type of photography she likes it before you make a huge investment. My [smilie=twocents.gif]

[Von Bongo]

The old F body (FE or FM) Nikon 35 MM cameras are pretty darn good too and can be had used at a good price. I still use mine sometimes but digital is way easier for everyday usage.

[Nauti]

Personally I'd stick with the digital. Canon makes a great affordable camera with interchangable lenses that will also work on film cameras. I've had excellent luck with my camea and the lenses.

If your set on film I don't have alot of experience. I do know it's much more expensive to deal with. I think you can take dig film to the camera shop and have regular photo's made. Dig is very nice to practice with even if you don't print the pictures, your not wasting alot of film and can see your results instantly.

Good luck............

[Pat Bates]

The old F body (FE or FM) Nikon 35 MM cameras are pretty darn good too and can be had used at a good price. I still use mine sometimes but digital is way easier for everyday usage.


Mike, your Nikon FE bodies are worth some money. [smilie=042.gif] Awesome camera. Really can take a beating.
That's the camera I started with.

[DeSimulacra]

pier I got the film and like everyone else went Digital and Will never go back. Get a good Canon, Nikon... If you don't want to work the pics. yourself take the card to Wal-Mart or similar and let them develop, it is cheaper than at home and very quick!
my 2 cents.

[pier pressure]

Thanks for all the advice. I believe everyone is reconfirming what I told my wife. Lets stick with the digital! But I had to ask the experts [smilie=071.gif]

Soo now the question is what digital to go with? Sounds like Canon and Nikon are the favorites around here. What is the best bang for your buck under $500 bucks?
Each company has a few models what is the most important features you can not live without?

[Sea Esta]

First off I'm a Nikon guy so if you want to play with settings, then I'd say a D80. I'm getting ready to order mine. If you want more of a P&S (point & shoot) but with the SLR advantages, Nikon has just released the D40. There are numerous cameras out there and all of them have their plus/minus sides. You just need to make up your mind as how you want to shoot and how much you want to spend.

I would recommend picking up a Nikon D50 (D40 is replacing the D50, but the D50 has a few more options than the D40) and invest in good glass. Then as your wife wants to really play with settings, you'll have the quality glass and will only need to invest in a new body.

Here is a link to more information than you can absorb. www.dpreview.com

There are numerous threads on the left side of the page with all the reviews and forums of all the manufacturers.

[Nauti]

I have a Canon digital rebel I'll sell if your interested.

[Von Bongo]

I was going to say D80 also...local camera shop had D50's for I think $599...I thought that was a pretty decent price.

[cvx16]

If you are trying to stay under $500, an SLR with interchangeable lenses is not the way to go. However if you want to spend the extra $$, I'll give a vote for Canon SLR equipment. I have the Canon 20d and am very happy with it.

If you want to go the point and shoot route... I got my wife the Canon SD600 and that is a very nice camera as well. Canon makes a waterproof case for it... something to consider if you are a diver maybe....

[Pat Bates]

Another good point-and-shoot digital is the Panasonic Lumix. I can't think of the model # right now (couple of beers, ya know), but they have a model with a 12X zoom, 6 megapixel, and great glass...Carl Zeiss optics. Can be had for around $390.00. No interchangeable lens capability, but I think there is some manual shutter speed/aperture control.

[mrrightnowmaybe]

i purchased a d350 canon and after reading the reviews im feeling comfortable with the settings, options of a first time slr camera. I have gobs of software, illustrator, photoshop, coreldraw, you name it i probably have it somewhere. As for the lens Im still doing some research on what to get thats my downfall. Nauti, can I ask why your selling your canon? are you not satisfied? going to upgrade or just want something new?

[DeSimulacra]

I really like my Canon. I'm using a Canon 30D for my serious stuff and want to upgrade my point & shoot soon. I like the one below for snapshots. it fits in a pocket, purse easily and takes really good pictures (as seen by friends camera)
http://reviews.cnet.com/Canon_PowerShot_SD800_IS/4505-6501_7-32069607.html?tag=lst
However I want my next point and shooter to be waterproof because I'm constantly on the water and I'm going to look at a Pentax which updates the aluminum-alloy Optio W30 soon. It is waterproof to 10 feet and is still slim with a bright display(so they say)
Mark

[huskerfan4life]

Stick with digital......Take them in to walmart and have prints made off your memory card.....Cheaper than photo-paper and ink!!!!

[CobaltGuy]

I used to believe the Nikon was the camera that no one could beat. I had an old F2 back in the 70's, lenses, viewfinders, the works but I will never have another one. My daughter worked and saved and bought one less that a year ago. The screws started falling out of the case the week after she got it, then in december the LCD screen went black, sent it in for warranty and Nikon is denying it saying it was abused since the screws are missing. I got no satisfaction and they want 2/3 of what she payed to fix. I now have a complaint with the BBB and I'm not the only one that has complained in the last year. Just my take.
Lost somewhere in Tel Aviv. CG

[DoubleBlended]

Nicon d80 will be my next camera!! here are some samples of a nicon at work in a very dark atmosphere so imagine what it can do in the light!!!

[Ciera Kid]

Check out the dive camera's. like the Sealife DC500 or DC600, or the Sea and Sea line. They are made for under water use or land use. I have the Sea and Sea DX750G, takes great pics under water and on land. Has a video option, and uses SD card, plus has a built in memory. I have 2, 4GB cards and have hundreds and hundreds of pics on them along with video's, and no where near full. The underwater housing is great for use at LOTO, no worry about getting the camera wet. They also have telephoto lens .

[Sea Esta]

Nicon d80 will be my next camera!! here are some samples of a nicon at work in a very dark atmosphere so imagine what it can do in the light!!!

Marky...was that a buddy's of your's that took those pics? Is that a Nikkor 10.5 fisheye or is that a Tonika 10-17mm which he used? Great use of the lens either way.

I agree....Nikon D80 is a nice camera.