What’s Your Preference?

prguru · #1 (**permalink**) 09-18-2010, 03:57 PM

Hi! Newbie here. I was told this would be the best place to find out which camera would best suit my needs. I am own a PR company and I blog. I have a huge make or break event coming up soon, actually two of them. One is a fashion show, the other is a wedding. I will need a camera that will allow me to take pics that will be clear, show detail and allow for high pictures. This event is super important to me. I'm not afraid a nice size camera. I want the best camera for my event. Lighting will probably be minimal for the fashion show and for the wedding there will be a lot of light. I may need to shoot groups as well so a wider lense would be nice as well as something that can zoom in to make tight shots.

Here's the kicker........ i can't spend more than 200.00

! Please don't laugh.. I've come to the experts for a reason.

PLEASE HELP!

TIA!

Digidave · #2 (**permalink**) 09-18-2010, 04:00 PM

Well, good luck with that one!

i speak in math · #3 (**permalink**) 09-18-2010, 04:56 PM

Hire a photographer for $195 and buy yourself a sody pop

prguru · #4 (**permalink**) 09-18-2010, 05:09 PM

Hmm...chilly reception in here. I'll make a note of that on my blog! Thanks anyway! Enjoy your weekend.

i speak in math · #5 (**permalink**) 09-18-2010, 05:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by prguru

Hmm...chilly reception in here. I'll make a note of that on my blog! Thanks anyway! Enjoy your weekend.

Sorry, but what you are asking is like me saying I want to open a PR company tomorrow. I have no experience nor any idea what I would do there, but I need to open the place for business right away. Oh, and I can't spend more than $200 for the whole venture. Or, I need to find some cheap scalpels and a lab coat so I can become a doctor this weekend. I need to do some open heart surgery mid week so its really important.

Fashion shows are often low light and fast action. Weddings are a one-chance things, often in the lowest of light, difficult and changing lighting conditions, noisy, chaotic and you have to spot-on perfect, creative and in charge. There is a reason people go to school for years, train for years and practice for year to be photographers. You don't just buy a camera and get shots like the pros.

We can suggest cameras and lenses, but without the training in how to use them, you won't be happy with the results. If the event is really important, the money would be better spend hiring a photographer who already has the gear and training necessary for the job. If you really insist on doing it yourself, you won't get more then a mediocre point and shoot with that amount of money.

If you want further advise, post away and we'd be happy to answer your questions.

prguru · #6 (**permalink**) 09-18-2010, 05:31 PM

I'm okay. Thanks anyway.

oldwolf · #7 (**permalink**) 09-18-2010, 08:44 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by i speak in math

Sorry, but what you are asking is like me saying I want to open a PR company tomorrow. I have no experience nor any idea what I would do there, but I need to open the place for business right away. Oh, and I can't spend more than $200 for the whole venture. Or, I need to find some cheap scalpels and a lab coat so I can become a doctor this weekend. I need to do some open heart surgery mid week so its really important.

Fashion shows are often low light and fast action. Weddings are a one-chance things, often in the lowest of light, difficult and changing lighting conditions, noisy, chaotic and you have to spot-on perfect, creative and in charge. There is a reason people go to school for years, train for years and practice for year to be photographers. You don't just buy a camera and get shots like the pros.

We can suggest cameras and lenses, but without the training in how to use them, you won't be happy with the results. If the event is really important, the money would be better spend hiring a photographer who already has the gear and training necessary for the job. If you really insist on doing it yourself, you won't get more then a mediocre point and shoot with that amount of money.

If you want further advise, post away and we'd be happy to answer your questions.

+100

You won't get a nice DSLR and lens to cover all those bases with just $200. You'd be hard pressed to get a nice point and shoot to cover all your requirements for that much.

Hire a photographer that has experience in the things you need photographed and save your money up so you can learn how to use a camera and practice.

You can blog about the chilly reception here all you want but when people realize what you were asking for then they'll understand it wasn't a chilly reception but just reality. We won't sugar coat things especially if it's impossible to do. We'll tell it to you like it is. If you noticed someone did offer you a suggestion on how to use that $200 to achieve your goals. They could've been an ass and told you to spend your money on something completely unrelated to photography.

If you're going to be this sensitive to actual constructive criticism towards your request then I don't think PR is the area of work that you should go into because people will be a lot more mean to you without any regard for your feelings.

Eastree · #8 (**permalink**) 09-18-2010, 09:55 PM

Actually, I'll bite.

For $200 .... actually, you can do for much less. Get a point and shoot camera. You don't need much in the way of options or resolution. Get a little zoom so you can "get close" ... and be sure to use your flash in the fashion show and wedding, because the sensor and small aperture of a point and shoot won't do crap for you in low lighting. You can get enough of a camera for about $80 at any box store.

Also: When people are glaring at you, don't blame us. When you're told "You can't use flash in the wedding!" don't blame us. When your images are poorly exposed, or your camera uses a long exposure because of the poor lighting, and everything is streaks, don't blame us. When your composition sucks, don't blame us. When your images are full of red eye, harsh shadows, and washed out skin tones, don't blame us.

And use the other $120 and ... well, so whatever you like with it.

Jim Bryant · #9 (**permalink**) 09-18-2010, 11:58 PM

Jesus.......this is just too stupid for words to describe. I have to agree with everyone else.
Hire a professional who knows what they are doing. If you blow these assignments your reputation will be shot. In this business....you're remembered by your last photo taken.