by Marilyn M.
Member since:
February 1, 2009

Camera advice needed please ~ need to buy a new camera soon!

August 31, 2009 08:25 PM EDT
views: 100 | comments: 45

Hello Friends!  I'm in the market for a new camera and need to make a purchase fairly quickly, but don't have a ton of time for research.  I'm wondering if any of you can help me with making my decision.  I am probably looking at a price range between $350 - $800.

1.  What kind of camera do you use (digital, slr, digital slr, etc.)?

2.  What make & model is your camera?

3.  What do you like most about it?  Have you had any problems with it?

4.  Do you have multiple lenses and what, in your arsenal is a must have?

5.  Did you purchase your camera from a local camera shop, a brand-name store, or online?

Thank you in advance for any help you can give.  I'll let you know what I wind up with (for anyone interested)! 

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Comments: 45

Sandra H. Aug 31, 2009, 8:38pm EDT
I'm afraid I can't help with this one as I use a fairly cheap digital camera and have no desire to get anything more expensive or complicated.....I'll look forward to seeing what you end up with!
Marilyn M. Sep 1, 2009, 6:36am EDT
I've no idea what I'll end up with, but the one I'm using now is dying. Currently, I have a rather inexpensive easy-to-use digital camera. It will hard to part with it, but it's time to move on... Thanks for stopping by and I'll be sure to keep you posted! :)
norene t. Aug 31, 2009, 8:49pm EDT
A good $100 10 or 12 mega pixel is a good one to get. Make sure that the battery is lithium and you charge the camera not batteries. Batteries run out so fast.
Marilyn M. Sep 1, 2009, 6:37am EDT
A 10 or 12 mp would be quite a step up for me as I'm currently using a 4 mp camera! Thanks for the advice on the batteries too! =)
Lisa C. Aug 31, 2009, 8:52pm EDT
Happy shopping!!

1. Digital SLR
2. Canon Rebel xsi
3. Everything! :) No problems.
4. Yes. Every lens has it's own purpose, so I use all of mine equally and I truly believe they are all necessary, lol.
5. I bought mine from Circuit City during their Going out of business sale.

Good luck!
Marilyn M. Sep 1, 2009, 6:39am EDT
Thanks SO much, Lisa! I'll have to look into that one! If you could only buy one additional lens for a new camera, which one would you recommend?
Marianne R. Aug 31, 2009, 9:01pm EDT
I was noticing that Best Buy had the Sony A30 (I think that's the model name) bundle for $759 this week. It's a Digital SLR and the bundle included a 30-55mm lens, 300mm telephoto and a camera bag.
Marilyn M. Sep 1, 2009, 6:39am EDT
Thanks, Marianne! I'll check it out! =)
d d. Aug 31, 2009, 9:04pm EDT
what do you use now? you seem to have the best camera already..your pics are beautiful.
Marilyn M. Sep 1, 2009, 6:41am EDT
I use a Kodak EasyShare DX6490 currently, but she won't hold a charge for anything anymore. I bought a new battery, but have the same results as with the old one. I can't get through a function without it dying on me. Thanks for the nice compliment ~ it warms my heart! ;)
d d. Sep 1, 2009, 8:19am EDT
ps. do you also have too much stored on your memory card? But let me know which camera that you choose. Exciting!
Marilyn M. Sep 2, 2009, 10:38pm EDT
I empty my memory cards on a regular basis, so no... that's not the problem. I will keep you posted! :)
Nana to Seven Cutiepies Aug 31, 2009, 9:24pm EDT
1. Digital - I'm not smart enough to use a DSLR
2. Canon S3 IS - but if I was going to buy one now I'd go with the newer model of this version.
3. It's so simple to use and takes the best pictures for me.
4. The only additional lens I felt necessary to buy was a tele-photo (zoom) lens to be able to zoom in closer.
5. Amazon.com
Marilyn M. Sep 1, 2009, 6:42am EDT
Thank you very much, Nana, for your words of wisdom! There are just SO many choices and I was hoping my friends would come through for me. I'll look into it! Thank you! =)
phil w. Aug 31, 2009, 10:00pm EDT
Good luck ,Marilyn !
Marilyn M. Sep 1, 2009, 6:43am EDT
Thank you, Phil ~ I'm going to need it! ;)
Want to make an informed decision, then I would suggest you compare the models of what you are possibly looking for whether it's a Digital-SLR or a point-n-shot. A good place to find out all about various modells and what they can or can't do with reviews is dpreview.com
Marilyn M. Sep 1, 2009, 6:48am EDT
Thanks a lot, Nancy! I've bookmarked it for later on this evening when I'll maybe have a chance to sit down and take a look. =)
Carol B Aug 31, 2009, 11:28pm EDT
I have a Sony DSC-H50. No extra lenses. 15X zoom, big Lcd screen for my bad eyes. Has auto and manual shooting. Got it from Amazon.com last Christmas, paid about $329.00 for it.

But we all love your pictures, what is wrong with your camera?
Marilyn M. Sep 1, 2009, 6:50am EDT
Thanks a lot, Carol! I'll be sure to look into this one as well!
As for my camera... it's dying. It won't hold a charge long enough for me to get through any type of function anymore. My husband wants to take it on his bear hunt and wants to buy me a new one (sweet man that he is)! Thank you, Carol, for loving my pictures ~ it means the world to me! :)
Janet "Jax" B. Aug 31, 2009, 11:49pm EDT
I have a Nikon D80, which is a DSLR, and I love it. A lot of places do have the D40 or D60 in bundle packs on sale.....and they are excellent cameras. I've always had Nikons, and the old lens will fit my newer camera.
Marilyn M. Sep 1, 2009, 6:52am EDT
Thank you, Jax, for that advice. I have an old Nikon with a couple of different lenses, so that's probably something I should consider and ask about when looking into a new purchase. Great thinking! I knew I couldn't go wrong in asking my friends at Gather! ;)
Janet "Jax" B. Sep 1, 2009, 12:28pm EDT
I use my old Nikon lenses on my DSLR....love it.
Marilyn M. Sep 1, 2009, 6:13pm EDT
Great idea! Thanks a lot, Jax!
Kat W. Aug 31, 2009, 11:57pm EDT
I have a Canon Power Shot SX10 IS. Digital but not SLR. The only time I have a problem is in low light situations. I'm saving money for a Canon Rebel xsi DSLR.
Marilyn M. Sep 1, 2009, 6:52am EDT
Thanks a lot, Kat! I'll look into both of those cameras! =)
Gary L. Sep 1, 2009, 2:02am EDT
I use a Sony Digital DVD Handicam for most of my stills AND video.
I also have my very old Pentax K-1000 35mm which I will never get rid of.
(Its totally manual)
The Sony has 3 lenses, standard, wide angle, and telephoto.
These combined with the zoom feature built into the camcorder covers anything I would need.
It was a Christmas gift from my ex wife who bought it with MY charge card!
Marilyn M. Sep 1, 2009, 6:54am EDT
Thank you, Gary, I'll add this one to my list! Sounds like a good all-around camera for sure! Sorry to hear you're buying your own Christmas gifts these days, but at least she had good taste! ;)
Digital Diva S. Sep 1, 2009, 6:53am EDT
That's a lot of money so you can get something wonderful. I love my Canon Powershot A720IS and it cost me around $300. If I had more money to spend I would do some more research, check out the net for reviews of individual cameras (and ask here) and I would be looking for something with more zoom potential and extra lenses for different jobs.
Marilyn M. Sep 1, 2009, 6:56am EDT
Thank you very much, Marilyn, for your words of wisdom. I'll take a look at your camera as I add it to my list! I'd like to get the best bang for my dollars and I don't want to spend anymore than absolutely necessary in this economy. If I can get by on less, I will! Thanks again! =)
John S. (arizona) Sep 1, 2009, 10:29am EDT
I can't really give much advice in this area, I have a cheap digital I just bought that I'm not sure I like, and a very old Nikon 35mm I love.
If I could afford to buy a good digital SLR camera I would.
Good luck!
Marilyn M. Sep 1, 2009, 6:14pm EDT
So, John... just in case I end up with a "cheap digital" again, which one should I be avoiding? ;)
John S. (arizona) Sep 1, 2009, 7:55pm EDT
Well, the one I bought I think is a discontinued model, but it is a Nikon Coolpix. What I don't like the most about it is the functions are too small for my eyes really, and the screen you look into is dark in bright sunlight outdoors. Compared to my sister's, her screen looks clear. Newer models might be better, but what do I know... this is the only one I've ever owned.
You might want to check the net at abesofmaine.com for some good prices though when you decide... Take care.
Marilyn M. Sep 1, 2009, 11:17pm EDT
Thanks, John! I bookmarked that link so that I can check it out. I'm hoping to get some time Thursday night (time's running short)! YIKES!
Jennifer M. Sep 1, 2009, 12:41pm EDT
I just bought a Pentax X70 about a month ago...so far I love it. I didn't want an SLR that I have to switch out a bunch of lenses. It's easy to use and has 24 optical zoom. I had to buy it online only because all the stores around here sell out of them as soon as they get them...I thought that was a pretty good sign :)
Marilyn M. Sep 1, 2009, 6:16pm EDT
I'd say you're right about it being a good sign! Thanks, Jenn, for the advice and I will certainly look into the Pentax as well. It's so nice having others around to help out when you need it here. That's one of the things I love about Gather! Thank you!!!
Darin Waugh Sep 1, 2009, 7:15pm EDT
Good info everyone!
Marilyn M. Sep 1, 2009, 11:17pm EDT
Gather friends are good for being there when you need them. ;)
Thank you, everyone!!!
Nurse Nancy S. Sep 2, 2009, 9:09am EDT
I love my Nikon Coolpix S550. 10.0 megapixels, 5x zoom, Vibration reduction, ISO 2000 High ISO. Easy touse, great pictures, small and compact.
The zoom is fantastic. I was able to zoom in from one end of a football field to the other to get a recognizable pictures of the Tampa Bay Bucs
John S. (arizona) Sep 2, 2009, 9:21am EDT
Yours is better than mine. Mine has 8.0 pixels I think, and a 3x zoom. Does your viewing screen stay clear in bright sunlight, or does it get real dark like mine? Mine seems to work well in the shade or overcast though... maybe mine isn't working right? (probably me though)
Nurse Nancy S. Sep 2, 2009, 10:58am EDT
I have no problem with the viewer. As of right now, I can not think of anything negative about this camera.
Marilyn M. Sep 2, 2009, 10:33pm EDT
Thanks so much, Nancy! You left me with a lot of information and I'll look into it. I appreciate your help. =)

John ~ I have to go inside on bright, sunny days to see my viewing screen, so it's not just you.
DIANE D. Sep 9, 2009, 8:42am EDT
Looks like you got some great advice. Good luck.
I have a digital Olympus SP-565UZ. It's a point & shoot, but has a lot of features, including a 20x optical zoom, and 10.1 MP's.

It takes gorgeous photos, without the bulk of a DSLR, or the added cost of having to get lenses for it. It is built to look like the DSLR, too.

I paid around $300 for it on Amazon back in April.

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