What cameras do you guys use?

[Mikoh4792]

I am clueless when it comes to cameras, and don't really even know the basics of what is good and bad.

If I wanted to buy a quality camera that I could use to take some HD pics of my snakes, which ones would you guys recommend? I understand some may be expensive.

[infernalis]

Not really, I purchased a canon power shot 1080I HD camera for $50 at wal mart.

It takes decent enough pictures, I can photograph lightning strikes at night with it.

Been using it now since March.

[marvelfreak]

I use a Canon Power Shot A1300 HD. I think i got mine for like $90.00 at Walmart. Takes good pictures but my old camera took better videos.

[alessia55]

I have a canon rebel I love, but they can be pricey.

[Doug 351]

Depends on what you want to do with it. I just use my phone. Samsung Galaxy Victory 4G LTE.It takes amazing pictures. I got it from Radio Shack for $199.It's also the only way I can use the net.

But I get unlimited text and data for $30 a month from Virgin. I've only got 30 min. a month talk time but I have a home phone and that's not a problem for me.

There's no way to show how nice the pictures are on posts, because I have to reduce size and resolution down to about 10% just to post.

[smy_749]

I think I got this one 'Canon powershot' but I honestly can't remember and I left it overseas on my last visit. Got it because it has great zoom for taking pics while herping, never really messed with any macro shots though. Heres a few pics I'm fairly proud of (to give you an idea) Keep in mind I have no idea what I'm doing with a camera and these were the first pics I ever took with it. I paid 200 dollars or so, got a gift card back and a 1 year drop and spill warranty along with the case / extra battery and something else I can't remember. Bought it at best buy.

Normal shot 10x zoom ish http://i1316.photobucket.com/albums/t614/Smy_749/IMG_0018_zps54e573b2.jpg

Macro-ish?

http://i1316.photobucket.com/albums/t614/Smy_749/IMG_0092_zpsba27b552.jpg

And to show the zoom capability on max digital zoom (120 or something? but it doesn't come out as clear as the optical obviously)

http://i1316.photobucket.com/albums/t614/Smy_749/IMG_0080_zps8aec737f.jpg

http://i1316.photobucket.com/albums/t614/Smy_749/IMG_0082_zpsf8b7531c.jpg

Amazon.com: Canon PowerShot SX500 IS 16.0 MP Digital Camera with 30x Wide-Angle Optical Image Stabilized Zoom and 3.0-Inch LCD (Black): CANON: Camera & Photo (http://www.amazon.com/Canon-PowerShot-Wide-Angle-Stabilized-3-0-Inch/dp/B00908BMVE/ref=sr_1_2?s=photo&ie=UTF8&qid=1376791980&sr=1-2&keywords=camera)

[Billman]

I use a Canon 60D w/ an assortment of lenses :). Not exactly cheap, But a low model DSLR w/ a decent lens and some know-how can get you some professional looking pics.

[sweatshirt]

If you want really nice pictures, go for an entry level/beginner DSLR like a Canon rebel T2i (Which I reccomend over the t3i, t4i and t5i because there isn't TOO many differences and right now it's crazy cheap). My friend has one and it takes great pictures for a low end DSLR. The only thing is the lens - just get one with a beginner lens, it will still take good pics.

Right now I just use a Nikon Coolpix L120, but I'm getting a DSLR soon.

[Mikoh4792]

Damn this is getting too technical.

What is the difference between a beginner lens and other lenses?


SMY those are some neat shots. And I do intend on taking mostly close up or macro-ish shots. Need them to be crystal clear and as HD as possible.

[Billman]

If you want really nice pictures, go for an entry level/beginner DSLR like a Canon rebel T2i (Which I reccomend over the t3i, t4i and t5i because there isn't TOO many differences and right now it's crazy cheap). My friend has one and it takes great pictures for a low end DSLR. The only thing is the lens - just get one with a beginner lens, it will still take good pics.

Right now I just use a Nikon Coolpix L120, but I'm getting a DSLR soon.

X2^

A T2i would be nice. With the t4i ect. out, they can be had for really cheap. Those cameras have some settings that take a lot of guess work out of photography. Basically pre-made settings to get decent pics, almost like a point and shoot camera. You can then, when your comfortable and want to achieve even higher quality pictures, use other settings that put the user in control. You can then mess around with your aperture, shutter speed, white balance settings etc. to expand your abilities. Hey, You might even get into photography, and with some practice make your money back on the camera.
Magic lantern has some nice DVD guides, etc out there to help, I have one and I have to say, They are very helpful with explaining the aspects of photography and how they work together.

[sweatshirt]

It's not so much a beginner lens as a kit lens. It comes cheap with the body. A quality, high end lens can cost into the thousands, so if you're just looking into pleasure photography, there's no need to go so high end.

Edit: I forgot to mention that you can get an entry level DSLR with a good lens and get very good pics. Something high end like a 1DX even depends on a good lens (however, even with a cheap lens I'd drool over anything like it takes). People often forget that the lens is the power.. However, a kit lens with an entry level DSLR will still blow away any point and shoot camera. As a first DSLR owner, a kit lens would be best to get used to the feel.

[Billman]

Damn this is getting too technical.

What is the difference between a beginner lens and other lenses?


SMY those are some neat shots. And I do intend on taking mostly close up or macro-ish shots. Need them to be crystal clear and as HD as possible.

Its really about build quality and the quality of the glass. Some are known as "fast" lenses, which means they focus/zoom faster and more efficiently than other lenses, with sharper image quality. Beginner lenses dont necessarily mean they are bad, it just means they dont have the capabilities of some other lenses. A "beginner" kit lens with a photographer who at least slightly knows what he is doing, will take better pictures than a point and shoot camera. Any known "Beginner" lens will take good pictures, beware of cheap chinese/knockoff etc. lenses.

[smy_749]

I dunno **** about cameras but if its for macro mainly, I'd scratch mine off the list.

[Billman]

I think I got this one 'Canon powershot' but I honestly can't remember and I left it overseas on my last visit. Got it because it has great zoom for taking pics while herping, never really messed with any macro shots though. Heres a few pics I'm fairly proud of (to give you an idea) Keep in mind I have no idea what I'm doing with a camera and these were the first pics I ever took with it. I paid 200 dollars or so, got a gift card back and a 1 year drop and spill warranty along with the case / extra battery and something else I can't remember. Bought it at best buy.

Normal shot 10x zoom ish http://i1316.photobucket.com/albums/t614/Smy_749/IMG_0018_zps54e573b2.jpg

Macro-ish?

http://i1316.photobucket.com/albums/t614/Smy_749/IMG_0092_zpsba27b552.jpg

And to show the zoom capability on max digital zoom (120 or something? but it doesn't come out as clear as the optical obviously)

http://i1316.photobucket.com/albums/t614/Smy_749/IMG_0080_zps8aec737f.jpg

http://i1316.photobucket.com/albums/t614/Smy_749/IMG_0082_zpsf8b7531c.jpg

Amazon.com: Canon PowerShot SX500 IS 16.0 MP Digital Camera with 30x Wide-Angle Optical Image Stabilized Zoom and 3.0-Inch LCD (Black): CANON: Camera & Photo (http://www.amazon.com/Canon-PowerShot-Wide-Angle-Stabilized-3-0-Inch/dp/B00908BMVE/ref=sr_1_2?s=photo&ie=UTF8&qid=1376791980&sr=1-2&keywords=camera)

Those are some pretty nice shots with a point and shoot camera! Nice!

[DeesBalls]

Ive just used my Samsung galaxy s3 camera, or my windows phone.... I have a cheap Nikon, but it takes worse pics than my phone. lol

[TheZoo]

I have a canon rebel I love, but they can be pricey.

I also have one and love it yes a little pricy but so worth it

[Mikoh4792]

X2^

A T2i would be nice. With the t4i ect. out, they can be had for really cheap. Those cameras have some settings that take a lot of guess work out of photography. Basically pre-made settings to get decent pics, almost like a point and shoot camera. You can then, when your comfortable and want to achieve even higher quality pictures, use other settings that put the user in control. You can then mess around with your aperture, shutter speed, white balance settings etc. to expand your abilities. Hey, You might even get into photography, and with some practice make your money back on the camera.
Magic lantern has some nice DVD guides, etc out there to help, I have one and I have to say, They are very helpful with explaining the aspects of photography and how they work together.

It's not so much a beginner lens as a kit lens. It comes cheap with the body. A quality, high end lens can cost into the thousands, so if you're just looking into pleasure photography, there's no need to go so high end.

Edit: I forgot to mention that you can get an entry level DSLR with a good lens and get very good pics. Something high end like a 1DX even depends on a good lens (however, even with a cheap lens I'd drool over anything like it takes). People often forget that the lens is the power.. However, a kit lens with an entry level DSLR will still blow away any point and shoot camera. As a first DSLR owner, a kit lens would be best to get used to the feel.

Its really about build quality and the quality of the glass. Some are known as "fast" lenses, which means they focus/zoom faster and more efficiently than other lenses, with sharper image quality. Beginner lenses dont necessarily mean they are bad, it just means they dont have the capabilities of some other lenses. A "beginner" kit lens with a photographer who at least slightly knows what he is doing, will take better pictures than a point and shoot camera. Any known "Beginner" lens will take good pictures, beware of cheap chinese/knockoff etc. lenses.

Thanks for the reply guys I will probably look into the t2i.

This might be a stupid question to those of you who know about cameras, but I took these pics with a galaxy s3. Would the cameras you guys are talking about be able to take better pics with kit lens?

http://i1285.photobucket.com/albums/a594/mikoh4792/20130809_061257_zpse1c411d9.jpg

http://i1285.photobucket.com/albums/a594/mikoh4792/20130521_112156_zps7b3cf986.jpg

http://i1285.photobucket.com/albums/a594/mikoh4792/20121107_165358_zps0d229da1.jpg

[smy_749]

That last pic is sweet lol looks like a really nice neighborhood.

[sweatshirt]

Here's some sample pictures from the T2i and 2 different kit lenses. Pictures not mine.

http://i.imgur.com/gTuVkqc.jpg (18-55mm lens)

http://i.imgur.com/eAoL3iB.jpg (18-135mm lens)

The lens you choose really depends on what you want to take. Some people carry around 10 lenses and constantly change them to suit what they're photographing. I would join photography forums and get some opinions on the best lens for what you want to take. The best canon lenses for a budget (or so I've heard) for macro shots are 50mm f/2.5 or 50mm f/2.8.

[Billman]

This might be a stupid question to those of you who know about cameras, but I took these pics with a galaxy s3. Would the cameras you guys are talking about be able to take better pics with kit lens?

No question is a stupid question my friend.. ;)
A Canon 550D (t2i) with a kit lens will take way better pictures. With the pic properly focused, you could count the scales on that snake. The colors are far more vibrant, and ranged also.

[Mikoh4792]

@Sweatshirt that cat picture is amazing. So much detail.

@Billman Ah I see. Sounds great.

When you say "Canon 550D(t2i)" does that mean there are different types of t2i?

[Mikoh4792]

That last pic is sweet lol looks like a really nice neighborhood.

Only in the Winter lol

[sweatshirt]

550D is the European name, T2i is the American name.

[Billman]

Here's some pics I just took. Camera left on standard settings. Used our Boa as a model for this. First 3 I believe are with a 28-135mm Canon lens w/tinted filter (400-450$) and the last 3 are with a 50mm 1:1.8 II Prime lens w/no filter (100-150$). It is dark and flash was used, Hindering the quality of pictures. daylight is much better. Just to give you an idea.

EDIT* Not sure why these are not enlarge-able and smaller than normal, Maybe the attachments tab downsized them? Not sure, I can assure you, These are large files and when blown up do not lose detail.

[smy_749]

Quality sucks when you use this websites picture uploader. Use something like photobucket and paste the image code here instead.

[Billman]

Quality sucks when you use this websites picture uploader. Use something like photobucket and paste the image code here instead.
Alright, Thanks for the tip. I figured, Ill upload some to my photo bucket account.

[Mikoh4792]

Nice pictures. What is the point of a tinted filter?

[Billman]

Nice pictures. What is the point of a tinted filter?
Well, for these pics there isnt one lol. too laze to remove it.
It helps reduce over-exposure (Where the pic looks to bright) and helps on glare in sunlight.(Almost like looking through sunglasses) Its pretty much preference, and they also act as protection for your actual lens.

[Billman]

Nice pictures. What is the point of a tinted filter?
I also forgot to mention.. If you buy a new, (Sometimes used) canon DLSR, they come with a variety of Canon software, including some for image enhancement to basically put the final touch on the image. I bumped up the sharpness and some other slight stuff to give it a little better look before I uploaded to photobucket, to try to get the colors more accurate.

EDIT* Thanks smy_749. That seems a bit better, lol.

http://i1297.photobucket.com/albums/ag38/BillCorbett/boapic_zps04443293.jpg (http://s1297.photobucket.com/user/BillCorbett/media/boapic_zps04443293.jpg.html)

http://i1297.photobucket.com/albums/ag38/BillCorbett/Boapic2_zps86fc5475.jpg (http://s1297.photobucket.com/user/BillCorbett/media/Boapic2_zps86fc5475.jpg.html)

[poison123]

I'll be getting the sony cyber shot dsc-hx300 soon. Its an amazing camera imo. 50x zoom and takes pretty good macros.

[Mikoh4792]

I also forgot to mention.. If you buy a new, (Sometimes used) canon DLSR, they come with a variety of Canon software, including some for image enhancement to basically put the final touch on the image. I bumped up the sharpness and some other slight stuff to give it a little better look before I uploaded to photobucket, to try to get the colors more accurate.

EDIT* Thanks smy_749. That seems a bit better, lol.

http://i1297.photobucket.com/albums/ag38/BillCorbett/boapic_zps04443293.jpg (http://s1297.photobucket.com/user/BillCorbett/media/boapic_zps04443293.jpg.html)

http://i1297.photobucket.com/albums/ag38/BillCorbett/Boapic2_zps86fc5475.jpg (http://s1297.photobucket.com/user/BillCorbett/media/Boapic2_zps86fc5475.jpg.html)

Ohh got it. One last question, is point and shoot or dslr better than the other?

[poison123]

Nice pictures. What is the point of a tinted filter?

You mean uv filters? If so I heard that these are not really needed for the types of cameras that are being made now days. Infact I heard that they make they images not look as nice as they would without them.

[sweatshirt]

Ohh got it. One last question, is point and shoot or dslr better than the other?

DSLRs. They have options, settings, changeable lenses and customization.

Point and shoots do just as their name suggest, point and shoot. Very little, if any options. And the options are pre-set crap, like close-up and auto mode. However, they do the deed for most and I'm not bashing them.

Point and shoots are pretty much what most people own, and often look like this:
http://i.imgur.com/TvYngku.jpg

Some point and shoots, like this one, are disguised to look good, but are usually no better than the ones above:
http://i.imgur.com/MGTb7Vv.jpg

[Billman]

You mean uv filters? If so I heard that these are not really needed for the types of cameras that are being made now days. Infact I heard that they make they images not look as nice as they would without them.
Yeah, Its all controversial. They do seem to help with contrast/saturation in images, but images can suffer as well. All about what its being used for.

@OP- DSLRS are much better because their design with image taking is far more superior. I am no expert, But Ill try to tell you why I think so.
DSLR stands for Digital Single Lens Reflex. Meaning only one lens. the light is "relfeced" off of a mirror and to the viewfinder. Meaning you see through the lens, knowing/seeing exactly what your camera/lens sees. Point and shoot cameras are a digital image displayed digitally on the screen and is not all that accurate of the picture your actually taking. Also, DSLR can carry much larger sensors. when boiled down, it means the larger the sensor, the higher quality of the image. The sensor is what captures the light for the picture basically. The same Megapixel P&S camera vs a DSLR will take lesser quality pics, because the DSLR's larger sensor. In my mind, it is a much more efficient way of capturing images with a DSLR, compared to the point and shoot camera.
And of course DSLR cameras are much more user creative, with different lenses, and change-ability (real word?) of the settings.

[sweatshirt]

Also another thing, don't get megapixels fool you. Most camera/phone companies try to manipulate you by saying "OMG 40 megapixels!". Megapixels only matter when blowing up, and don't really matter at all... A DSLR with 14MP would destory a 25MP P&S, obviously.

[Mikoh4792]

Yeah, Its all controversial. They do seem to help with contrast/saturation in images, but images can suffer as well. All about what its being used for.

@OP- DSLRS are much better because their design with image taking is far more superior. I am no expert, But Ill try to tell you why I think so.
DSLR stands for Digital Single Lens Reflex. Meaning only one lens. the light is "relfeced" off of a mirror and to the viewfinder. Meaning you see through the lens, knowing/seeing exactly what your camera/lens sees. Point and shoot cameras are a digital image displayed digitally on the screen and is not all that accurate of the picture your actually taking. Also, DSLR can carry much larger sensors. when boiled down, it means the larger the sensor, the higher quality of the image. The sensor is what captures the light for the picture basically. The same Megapixel P&S camera vs a DSLR will take lesser quality pics, because the DSLR's larger sensor. In my mind, it is a much more efficient way of capturing images with a DSLR, compared to the point and shoot camera.
And of course DSLR cameras are much more user creative, with different lenses, and change-ability (real word?) of the settings.


Great. This really narrowed things down a bit. So some good brands are canon, Sony, and Nikon. Hmm

[Billman]

Also another thing, don't get megapixels fool you. Most camera/phone companies try to manipulate you by saying "OMG 40 megapixels!". Megapixels only matter when blowing up, and don't really matter at all... A DSLR with 14MP would destory a 25MP P&S, obviously.

Exactly. I saw the commercial for that Phone on t.v. When they said "with a 42 mp camera" (I think 42?) I laughed and thought "Wow, I feel bad for the people who are going to get sucked into that one". Dont get me wrong, Its probably a great camera on that phone... But 42 megapixels..really.?

[poison123]

The sony cyber shot dsc-hx300 cant change lenses and I believe it is the same with the other mega zoom cameras.

[Billman]

Great. This really narrowed things down a bit. So some good brands are canon, Sony, and Nikon. Hmm

Ha, Well I can't help you there, But I will give you my completely biased opinion of Canon.. :p

[sweatshirt]

The sony cyber shot dsc-hx300 cant change lenses and I believe it is the same with the other mega zoom cameras.

The sony cybershot is a point and shoot, that's why. Some DSLR lenses are zoom/telephoto lenses, and can easily be changed in on a DSLR.

If you're looking into getting the sony cybershot dsc-hx300, you should look into getting a Canon t3, around the same price, DSLR, MUCH better pictures!

[poison123]

The sony cybershot is a point and shoot, that's why. Some DSLR lenses are zoom lenses, and can easily be changed in on a DSLR.

The sony dsc-hx300 is a DSLR.

[poison123]

This is amazing!

Dead or Alive with Sony Cyber-shot DSC-HX300 ;) - YouTube (http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_detailpage&v=UVMLvBLOHog)

[sweatshirt]

I'm not trying to act like a smartalec but all cybershots are point and shoots :P It just has a similar/look feel to a DSLR. All DSLRs have interchangeable lenses.

Edit: Here's a sample video of the t3, pretty much the cheapest DSLR.
Canon EOS 1100D / T3: Low Light Test - YouTube (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HkO3tgTAPu0)

[Billman]

The sony dsc-hx300 is a DSLR.
Ive never heard of a dlsr with a fixed lens.. that just sounds dumb. For that price id get a used t2i or some sort of canon eos. I looked up that sony thing and its only listed as a "digital camera".

[poison123]

I'm not trying to act like a smartalec but all cybershots are point and shoots :P It just has a similar/look feel to a DSLR. All DSLRs have interchangeable lenses.

The definition of dslr- Digital single-lens reflex. Which gives you the option to look through the view finder to allow you to take better pics rather then looking at the digital screen. This is something that the dsc-hx300 has.

[Mikoh4792]

The sony dsc-hx300 is a DSLR.

Can't seem to find that one on the sony website under DSLR the only ones I see are the RX's

[sweatshirt]

A point and shoot can have a viewfinder...

http://i.imgur.com/sopHWsv.jpg

http://i.imgur.com/DfC5pD9.jpg

What makes a camera a DSLR:
1) Larger sensor.
2) Better quality images.
3) Faster focusing.
4) Interchanging lens option.
5) Built stronger.
6) Larger and more professional looking.
7) Can use with external flash unit.
8) Excellent low light photography.
9) More manual controls.
10) Read/Write quicker to memory card.
11) Greater shutter and aperture range.
12) Better detail extraction, color saturation.
13) Takes more accessories.
14) Allows pictures to be taken with shallow depth of field (portraits, modeling)

[poison123]

Can't seem to find that one on the sony website under DSLR the only ones I see are the RX's

Hmm It seems as though it is labled as a digital cam. I guess the only thing that keeps it out of the dslr section is the fixed lens.

[poison123]

What makes a camera a DSLR:
1) Larger sensor.
2) Better quality images.
3) Faster focusing.
4) Interchanging lens option.
5) Built stronger.
6) Larger and more professional looking.
7) Can use with external flash unit.
8) Excellent low light photography.
9) More manual controls.
10) Read/Write quicker to memory card.
11) Greater shutter and aperture range.
12) Better detail extraction, color saturation.
13) Takes more accessories.
14) Allows pictures to be taken with shallow depth of field (portraits, modeling)

Which one does the sony dsc-hx300 not have? lol.

[sweatshirt]

"Sony DSC-HX300/B 20 MP Digital Camera". All DSLRs are labeled as DSLRs. All Digital/compact/point and shoot cameras are labeled as such. The camera in question is a prime example of a compact camera. Like I said, I have a Nikon L120 that takes OK pictures, it is also a compact camera. It looks like a DSLR but doesn't take near the quality pictures as one.

Sony Cyber-shot Digital Camera HX300| 50x High Zoom Camera | DSC-HX300/B Review | Sony Store (http://store.sony.com/p/Sony-Cyber-shot-HX300-High-Zoom-Camera/en/p/DSCHX300/B#specifications)

Go to specifications.

[Valvaren]

I use a nikon d90 and a nikon d7000

I got a awesome macro lens for a really good price, my zoom lens was 500 bucks though.

D90 sigma macro 105 mm

http://i906.photobucket.com/albums/ac267/Deemac6/Anoeye3.jpg (http://s906.photobucket.com/user/Deemac6/media/Anoeye3.jpg.html)

D7000 55-300mm at full zoom

http://i906.photobucket.com/albums/ac267/Deemac6/Marsh%20photos/Heron-3_zps2aeaabbc.jpg (http://s906.photobucket.com/user/Deemac6/media/Marsh%20photos/Heron-3_zps2aeaabbc.jpg.html)

Trust me if you can afford a dslr it's worth it.

[poison123]

"Sony DSC-HX300/B 20 MP Digital Camera". All DSLRs are labeled as DSLRs. All Digital/compact/point and shoot cameras are labeled as such. The camera in question is a prime example of a compact camera. Like I said, I have a Nikon L120 that takes OK pictures, it is also a compact camera. It looks like a DSLR but doesn't take near the quality pictures as one.

Sony Cyber-shot Digital Camera HX300| 50x High Zoom Camera | DSC-HX300/B Review | Sony Store (http://store.sony.com/p/Sony-Cyber-shot-HX300-High-Zoom-Camera/en/p/DSCHX300/B#specifications)

Go to specifications.

Hmm It seems as though it is labled as a digital cam. I guess the only thing that keeps it out of the dslr section is the fixed lens.

................

[Billman]

The definition of dslr- Digital single-lens reflex. Which gives you the option to look through the view finder to allow you to take better pics rather then looking at the digital screen. This is something that the dsc-hx300 has.

Every fact about that camera says "DSLR like features" or "DSLR similiar this", it even says "Smart point and shoot with 50x zoom". It is definitely not a true DSLR, just similiar. Some viewfinders arent true viewfinders like the ones found on SLRs

[Billman]

[QUOTE=Valvaren;864520]I use a nikon d90 and a nikon d7000


http://i906.photobucket.com/albums/ac267/Deemac6/Anoeye3.jpg (http://s906.photobucket.com/user/Deemac6/media/Anoeye3.jpg.html)

Woah.. Will you teach me? lol

[Pareeeee]

Anything Canon really, or Nikon. SLR or point-and-shoot, they are the best cameras on the market IMO. I have a Canon Powershot SX20is which takes very good photos, and is a point and shoot with a lot of manual options.

Don't get an Olympus. IMO they don't take the best photos.

Some pics from my Canon
Great macro
http://i.imgur.com/mcf3D.jpg

http://i.imgur.com/6JSFVGV.jpg

Great zoom (this was taken from a ways away)
http://i.imgur.com/UuLUif6.jpg

[Donnie]

When I was looking at getting a camera last year one of the things that was a consideration was do I want to be lugging a bag around with me everywhere or do I just want to put my camera in my pocket. I went for putting it in my pocket. I know my pictures won't be as good as from a DSLR but for for what I use it for it is more than good enough.

[Lankyrob]

We have a Nikon D3000 for "proper" photos but most of the ones i take are with my phone because it is always with me and doesnt need a bag to lug it around in.

[infernalis]

People often forget that the lens is the power..

50% of it, a good lens with a crap CMOS optical sensor will take yuk photos, One of the things that drew me to the Canon is the higher quality sensor.

[guyabano]

I had a canon 40D before, sold it and got a G12 but even that I don't get to use as often as I'd like. My iPhone is usually the thing on me most of the time and it isn't that bad.

[red ink]

Nikon D7000...
I mainly use my 28-200 AF IF ED G series lens as well as my Nikkor 60mm macro.

http://i305.photobucket.com/albums/nn214/Red-Ink-Buldogs/Greyham/b0d0a886.jpg (http://s305.photobucket.com/user/Red-Ink-Buldogs/media/Greyham/b0d0a886.jpg.html)

http://i305.photobucket.com/albums/nn214/Red-Ink-Buldogs/Greyham/Gray7_zpsf214b534.jpg (http://s305.photobucket.com/user/Red-Ink-Buldogs/media/Greyham/Gray7_zpsf214b534.jpg.html)

http://i305.photobucket.com/albums/nn214/Red-Ink-Buldogs/roughie/crawley2_zps0991b7f2.jpg (http://s305.photobucket.com/user/Red-Ink-Buldogs/media/roughie/crawley2_zps0991b7f2.jpg.html)

http://i305.photobucket.com/albums/nn214/Red-Ink-Buldogs/Dragons/Frillneck3_zps8b1c269e.jpg (http://s305.photobucket.com/user/Red-Ink-Buldogs/media/Dragons/Frillneck3_zps8b1c269e.jpg.html)

http://i305.photobucket.com/albums/nn214/Red-Ink-Buldogs/Dragons/twolineddragon2_zps5a87a901.jpg (http://s305.photobucket.com/user/Red-Ink-Buldogs/media/Dragons/twolineddragon2_zps5a87a901.jpg.html)

[Mikoh4792]

Well, I just purchased a d5200 should be here thursday. I hope it was worth the money lol.

[ErikBush97]

I am getting a Panasonic Lumix LX7. Absolutely Amazing for a Point and Shoot camera.

[Mikoh4792]

Some pics from my Canon
Great macro
http://i.imgur.com/mcf3D.jpg

http://i.imgur.com/6JSFVGV.jpg

Great zoom (this was taken from a ways away)
http://i.imgur.com/UuLUif6.jpg

If I wanted to take pics of this quality with a d5200 what lens should I use? I got the 55-105mm is that an okay lens?(Not for macro shots, just normal or portrait shots but of the same quality/clarity in proportion)

[Mikoh4792]

Which one looks better? I just took these with a nikon and s3

Nikon
http://i1285.photobucket.com/albums/a594/mikoh4792/DSC_0038_zpsd203ca29.jpg

s3 smartphone
http://i1285.photobucket.com/albums/a594/mikoh4792/20130830_021152_zpse4f1fddb.jpg

[poison123]

Take a pic from the same exact angle.

[sweatshirt]

I don't think you understand. You're not just gonna get a camera and it be a miracle worker. You need to know how to use it properly. Get to researching!

[Mikoh4792]

I don't think you understand. You're not just gonna get a camera and it be a miracle worker. You need to know how to use it properly. Get to researching!

I do understand, and am currently researching, I was asking a simple question about which of the two look better. That's a picture I just snapped out of the box. Obviously it isn't going to be as good as it would if I knew how to use it. Could you just answer the question instead of making these obvious statements?

[sweatshirt]

I do understand, and am currently researching, I was asking a simple question about which of the two look better. That's a picture I just snapped out of the box. Obviously it isn't going to be as good as it would if I knew how to use it. Could you just answer the question instead of making these obvious statements?

Yes, but asking which picture looks nicer makes you sound like you're regretting your purchase and are insecure about it. A smartphone that is designed for things other than photo taking doesn't compare to a DSLR.

Right out of the box without customization, as you said yourself, will not take the best pictures. Toy around with the camera and you will get the hang of it.

In my opinion, the first one looks better. But if you mislabeled them, then I would probably say the other. I'm just biased towards DSLRs. BUT, in my honest opinion, I do believe that the first looks best.

[Mikoh4792]

Yes, but asking which picture looks nicer makes you sound like you're regretting your purchase and are insecure about it.

Right out of the box without customization, as you said yourself, will not take the best pictures. Toy around with the camera and you will get the hang of it.

In my opinion, the first one looks better. But if you mislabeled them, then I would probably say the other. I'm just biased towards DSLRs. BUT, in my honest opinion, I do believe that the first looks best.

I'll consider regretting my purchase once I learn how to actually use my camera. I was just asking for a comparison. Thanks for your answer. Anyways what are the differences between the f/2.8 and f/3.5 nikkon macro lenses? Which type would be more suitable for taking macro shots such as Pareee's?

[sweatshirt]

The difference is the aperture. For example: Assuming we have a 50mm, with an aperture of f/2.8, the actual diameter of the aperture opening is: 50mm/2.8 = 17.85mm.

Understanding Camera Lenses (http://www.cambridgeincolour.com/tutorials/camera-lenses.htm)

Best Nikon macro lens for Close-up photography | Cameralabs (http://www.cameralabs.com/lenses/lens_buyers_guide/Nikon_Nikkor_lenses/Which_close-up_lens/Which_Nikkor_Nikon_macro_close-up_flower_insect_lens.shtml)

^ Check out these articles.

[Mikoh4792]

The difference is the aperture. For example: Assuming we have a 50mm, with an aperture of f/2.8, the actual diameter of the aperture opening is: 50mm/2.8 = 17.85mm.

Understanding Camera Lenses (http://www.cambridgeincolour.com/tutorials/camera-lenses.htm)

Best Nikon macro lens for Close-up photography | Cameralabs (http://www.cameralabs.com/lenses/lens_buyers_guide/Nikon_Nikkor_lenses/Which_close-up_lens/Which_Nikkor_Nikon_macro_close-up_flower_insect_lens.shtml)

^ Check out these articles.

Ah got it. Thanks a lot. Should have learned more about photography when I was younger. Now that I'm just getting into it this is so confusing.