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I'm looking for a good, high-quality camera (preferably digital) to take super macro pictures and action shots. Is it possible to find a good one for under $500 (not including lenses)?
If so, where can I find one? What make is it? Thanks!
Answer
Sony, Nikon, Panasonic, Pentax and Kodak are all good makes. There are lots of others.
Best prices are Costco, Walmart, and Zellers (usually).
For best service, find your local camera shop. You might pay a few more bucks, but if you have questions, they can answer. The warehouse outlets just want to sell stuff. They don't make a study of features or how to use a particular camera. It is a bit like a car salesman. A car salesman is not trained as a mechanic or a car expert. He is trained as a sales expert. He usually does not know a lot about the technical aspects of the product. He just knows how to sell it.
As for model, it depends on what you want and need. If you want an SLR with lots of interchangeable lenses, then it will probably cost more than $500. Also, if you have four or five expensive Sony lenses, and you want to change to Nikon, your lenses are toast.
I had a nice Sony DSC-F505. I liked it a lot. I was out the bush during Katrina, working on a project, as the storm came north into Canada. Katrina did it in. Like, it really turned the insides to electronic mush..I was able to save the photos.
I replaced it with a Sony DSC-F828. Nice camera, but I liked the 505 better. Both of these cameras are obsolete now. Technology changes faster than I make money.
These cameras are big and need a carry bag and protection from impact and weather. You can use them in the arena, but they are not suitable for use on the trail. The camera will spend all the time in your saddle bag. You can use it in the arena, but the arena has a sand floor, is dusty, and sand and cameras do not mix well.
The camera I carry with me all the time is a Pentax Optio. I have had it for a few years, so it is probably obsolete now too. I just keep it and a spare battery in a Lowepro pouch on my belt, with my cellphone. It is small, (cellphone size) takes pretty good photos, is waterproof, (3 metres, I believe) and is always ready, I don't worry about rainstorms with it. I have gone in the water with it a few times. I just carry it as a habit, on the trail, in the bush, in the shop, driving, working, all the time. For you, something like that might be appropriate, and within your price range.
Check out Pentax Optio on the net. You might like that one. There are a few models to choose from.Nikon also makes similar models. You should have something that has dust and water protection.
One consideration is megapixels. If you are intending to take photos and crop them, or blow them up, then they will pixelate with the lower resolution cameras. The higher the megapixel numbers, the more you can crop before you start to lose resolution. The newer models are much more advanced and have higher MP ratings.
There, for what it is worth, are my thoughts on the matter. From here, good luck.
Edit:
Pick up one of the photography magazines at your local magazine shop. There are lots of on-line dealers, to give you some idea of price, and just about every camera make and model is listed for comparison.
Sony, Nikon, Panasonic, Pentax and Kodak are all good makes. There are lots of others.
Best prices are Costco, Walmart, and Zellers (usually).
For best service, find your local camera shop. You might pay a few more bucks, but if you have questions, they can answer. The warehouse outlets just want to sell stuff. They don't make a study of features or how to use a particular camera. It is a bit like a car salesman. A car salesman is not trained as a mechanic or a car expert. He is trained as a sales expert. He usually does not know a lot about the technical aspects of the product. He just knows how to sell it.
As for model, it depends on what you want and need. If you want an SLR with lots of interchangeable lenses, then it will probably cost more than $500. Also, if you have four or five expensive Sony lenses, and you want to change to Nikon, your lenses are toast.
I had a nice Sony DSC-F505. I liked it a lot. I was out the bush during Katrina, working on a project, as the storm came north into Canada. Katrina did it in. Like, it really turned the insides to electronic mush..I was able to save the photos.
I replaced it with a Sony DSC-F828. Nice camera, but I liked the 505 better. Both of these cameras are obsolete now. Technology changes faster than I make money.
These cameras are big and need a carry bag and protection from impact and weather. You can use them in the arena, but they are not suitable for use on the trail. The camera will spend all the time in your saddle bag. You can use it in the arena, but the arena has a sand floor, is dusty, and sand and cameras do not mix well.
The camera I carry with me all the time is a Pentax Optio. I have had it for a few years, so it is probably obsolete now too. I just keep it and a spare battery in a Lowepro pouch on my belt, with my cellphone. It is small, (cellphone size) takes pretty good photos, is waterproof, (3 metres, I believe) and is always ready, I don't worry about rainstorms with it. I have gone in the water with it a few times. I just carry it as a habit, on the trail, in the bush, in the shop, driving, working, all the time. For you, something like that might be appropriate, and within your price range.
Check out Pentax Optio on the net. You might like that one. There are a few models to choose from.Nikon also makes similar models. You should have something that has dust and water protection.
One consideration is megapixels. If you are intending to take photos and crop them, or blow them up, then they will pixelate with the lower resolution cameras. The higher the megapixel numbers, the more you can crop before you start to lose resolution. The newer models are much more advanced and have higher MP ratings.
There, for what it is worth, are my thoughts on the matter. From here, good luck.
Edit:
Pick up one of the photography magazines at your local magazine shop. There are lots of on-line dealers, to give you some idea of price, and just about every camera make and model is listed for comparison.
Best PROFESSIONAL Camera under$500?
Ariana
So i'm saving up to buy a professional camera. Im planning on saving 700 dollars so i can buy a water proof case. But the waterproof case is 50-200 dollars & i really wanted a camera (maybe you own or used) for some AMAZING quality pictures that i could use. My sister has one but she doesnt let me use it! 5 stars for best answer! Thank youu!
Answer
The only DSLR I know of offhand that sells for under $500 is the Nikon D3000 with the 18-55mm kit lens. It's selling for $430 brand new from Amazon right now. It's an older model but still an excellent entry-level camera.
The only DSLR I know of offhand that sells for under $500 is the Nikon D3000 with the 18-55mm kit lens. It's selling for $430 brand new from Amazon right now. It's an older model but still an excellent entry-level camera.
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