Overwhelmed!!!

[rbonaddict]

Hey Y'all,
I am looking to buy a camera. I love taking pictures, I love the whole editing process, I wouldn't even consider calling me an amateur...still got a lot to learn. I've looked at both Canon and Nikon DSLRs and as a newbie, I have no idea what everything is on the "dials" and the buttons. I'm scared that if I invest in one of those, I will be so overwhelmed, that I won't use it for it's full potential. Someone suggested this camerahttp://http://www.bestbuy.com/site/o...rt.jsp_A&_DAV=
along with the additional lens. I have a 35 mm canon that was given to me, I love the view finder...I find that I take much better pics with the view finder, but also want the point and shoot ability also. any suggestions?

[jdepould]

The link doesn't work, what camera was it?

[rbonaddict]

Olympus - PEN 12.3-Megapixel Digital Camera
Model:E-PL1 & 14-42mm Lens Kit

Olympus - 40-150mm f/4.0-5.6 Digital Zoom Lens for Select Olympus Compact System Cameras
Model:261505

[faeriegodess612]

Looks like a good place to start to me. Theres others out there like it.

[pharris201]

I am a Canon person myself, but I would go over to the equipment forum and read the posts there. Please don't feel overwhelmed. Even the most complicated DSLRs have auto mode. You start there and as time goes by you learn to start moving the dial and voila you are in full manual mode.
Good luck.

[nicolas]

I recommend you to check out this site if you want great information about cameras along with recommendations. You should also check this article from the same author

[jdepould]

Originally Posted by nicolas

I recommend you to check out this site if you want great information about cameras along with recommendations. You should also check this article from the same author

I'm going to have to politely disagree (sort of). A lot of the things Ken Rockwell says are ... interesting. With some of the gear/technique stuff he's right, but I'd never use any of his suggested settings.

[inkista]

Ummm.... you do realize they just announced the EP-3, EPL-3 and EPM-3, right? I'd say you might want to hold off a little and see what Panasonic announces as well. Micro four-thirds is getting a lot of new bodies right about now.

Personally, I don't necessarily see the mirrorless compacts as being any more point and shoot like than dSLRs, really. They resemble P&S cameras, and have more similar controls, sure, but overall, you're still going to have to learn all the same stuff with a µ4/3 camera that you would with a dSLR, and there's less flexibility to the system, and just about as much cost, and slightly less image quality, due to the smaller sensor. The Sony NEX and Samsung NXs have sensor the same size as dSLRs, but have a heap fewer lenses.

µ4/3 is if size/weight is your main consideration. But it's not like you're going to be able to shove a µ4/3 camera in your pants pocket and just walk out the door. Particularly if you're not using a pancake lens. You're likely to still end up doing the dSLR thing of carrying a body, a couple lenses and a flash with you in a camera bag. It'll just be a smaller and lighter bag than you'd use for a dSLR. And many of the µ4/3 cameras don't have optical viewfinders--they have electronic ones. You're looking at a little tv screen in the eyepiece.

I'd say, first of all, tell us what you want to shoot, what it's most important that a camera have for you, and what your overall budget for the system is. Then we can tell you if µ4/3 is going to be a good fit.

[mosgood]

@rbonaddict: Try refining your list of wants vs. don't wants. DP Review has lots of specs & reviews on different cameras. DPS also has reviews, plus people give their 2 cents under "Digital Photography Equipment & Gear." Check out cameras on display in some showrooms...even Target & Wally World have some variety. It's a start. You'll want to get a feel for how the different cameras fit in your hands. If it feels awkward, make a note, & move on. Look for something that feels more comfortable.

P&S have come down a lot in price. DSLRs have not...but if a DSLR is more camera than you are looking for, go for something less expensive for the time being. You can always upgrade in the future. You don't need to feel pressured to make the big purchase now if you think you'll be overwhelmed. Also, you might want to invest in a small pocket guide for digital photography. Get something you can easily carry along & check out different modes on the camera. Even a P&S has options these days. :-)

Good luck!

[rbonaddict]

Thanks to all of you, I've been with this site for about a year, and have submitted a couple shots that I played with, with my older p&s. The terminology is all greek to me, I am slowly learning. I like the idea of making the list of what I want and don't want.
Right now, I plan on taking head shots, (focusing on modeling/pageants) I've been asked several times by many "pageant moms" to take head shots and do the editing.....I love, love, love the glitz photos! They have even offered to pay me, which I refuse to take until I am more confident in my work. I also love taking "in the moment" (if that makes sense) pictures. I've never been one to like a posed shot (unless it's for a headshot...i know, it sounds crazy....i'm just not ready to get into where the hands go, making the rear end look smaller etc.), I prefer, more candid shots. That being said, I know I will need a camera that can shoot several shots in a very short time. Especially in the pageants, those girls move pretty fast! Does this help any as far as what I'm looking for and what I want? Here's the sad part, My budget is rather low.....I would love to keep the cost below $800. That's probably asking a lot, which is another reason I liked the camera I listed below.