Posted: 7/26/2005 6:11:56 AM EDT
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I did a search and the specific topic didn't come up. I am thinking about buying a better digital camera (I already have the sony mavica w/floppy disk use) and I PRIMARILY want to use the new one for taking pictures at sports events of my kids, gatherings, family events, etc. Not a professional photographer but I sometimes send pics to other parents or to the paper for announcements so would like good pixel count and quality obviously. I have a good 35mm but I want a nice digital resembling a SLR type camera(single lens reflex?). Would also like it to interchange lenses and such. Only would have up to $500 to spend and I don't know if is even do-able for that. Wondered if anyone here had any recommendations? Essayons |
| For just under $500 you can get a good used DSLR body (I got the g/f a Canon Digital Rebel (6.3 MP) for $449 from a local camera shop). If you shop around the web camera sites. you could probably get a complete kit (camera, decent lens, CF card, etc.) for under $700. But $500 is cutting it really fine for a decent DSLR. |
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Unless you go used you will not make the $500 budget. I would say anything Canon, but for a large zoom-telephoto you may want to look at the S1 IS or I think the new one is S2 IS. I am pretty sure that it is within your budget. It will also allow you to attach lenses like a telephoho lens. From Canon's Website on the S2 IS:
It is easier to read on their site at consumer.usa.canon.com/ir/controller?act=ModelDetailAct&fcategoryid=144&modelid=11368 |
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If you only have $500 to spend, you are probably out of the SLR game. Sure you could get a used Digital Rebel or and older D30/D60 for that price, but then you would still have to buy a decent "do-it-all" lens like a Sigma 18-200 which would run you around $400. Try looking at a Panasonic FZ-5, FX-7 or Canon Powershot S2. |
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Check these two web sites, dpreview and Imaging resource for excellent reviews and some price help. Also the pricegrabber web site is good for prices. I am pretty interested in finding a good price on a Fuji Finepix 5100. 10x optical zoom 4 megapixels and I've been very happy with my previous Fuji (2 megapixel) camera. All the major brands have big fans--Olympus, Canon, Sony, Nikon, even Pentax and Minolta has adherents. GunLvr |
Those are great sites I visit often. As far as the Fuji 5100, nice camera however I'm not so sure it has image stabalization which would be important for the 10x optical zoom. I just picked up the Sony H1 and am very pleased. The Panasonic Z5 rates high and can be found for around $400 now. The other one worth considering is the Cannon S2. These are all specialized cameras in that they all have high optical zoom features and image stabalization. Very useful in my opinion. |
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Something like this might fit your needs. Not the greatest lens, but it's a start. photography-on-the.net/forum/showthread.php?t=84697 |
Bingo! I took these with the 'S' (silver body) varient. B-17, B-24 at Boeing Field DC Resource review of FZ5 |
Anti-American forum. |
I've had the Fuji S5100 for a few months now and couldn't be happier with it. Great pics, a super-sharp lens, and excellent battery life. |
An upgraded version of the 20? That should kick butt. ETA: I have a feeling that it might be out of the mentioned budget though. That site I linked also has a review of the FZ-20. We went with the FZ5 instead because it met our requirements but was cheaper and a lot smaller. |