help choosing a camera please
 

Ok guys - since there's so many photographers around here I thought this would be a good place to start.

I'm after a new digicam for a mainstream site of mine.

Types of things i'm looking for in the cam:

- good zoom capabilities (whether that would involve different lenses isn't a problem)

- quick start up time ie I don't want to wait 5 or 10 seconds for the camera to be ready to take a show

- good long distance shots of moving objects

- good close range cababilities of moving objects

Now i'm most definitely not an expert with cameras but am willing to learn - but don't want to be a pro. I would like to be able to take clear pics(like everyone).

Any ideas, thoughts and pointers in the right direction would be great.

Price Range : well 3 to 5k including lenses if that be the case.

With a budget of 3k-5k, I'd go with a Canon 20D and a few nice lenses, the side grip(a must have) and an extra battery. Add in a good camera bag and a few accesories and your budget is about gone. This will accomplish everything you asked for, and then some.

I've been a Nikon user for ages, but I feel Canon has the Nikons beat with DSLR's at this point.

You will need to spend some time learning how to use it (if you know nothing of SLR's) but the time invested will pay off in the images.

Now, you could get a full frame CCD if you go up to the 5D model, but the body alone will cost you ~$3100

hi hollywood - thanks the 20D was one of the cameras i've been eyeing off.

I honestly know next to nothing about SLR's - how long do you think it would take for me to get relatively competent with a 20D? It's for a hobby that i'm extremely passionate about so I really want the clarity for my images and don't mind spending the time to learn.

thanks for the advice, much appreciated.

a canon 20d with a nice l lens.

hi tony - any particular lens I should look for?

2.8f/s

do a search on gfy for it I made a post about buying one

Canon 20D for sure. I have a 20D with a 70-200L 2.8 and a 16-35L 2.8 and love it. The quality can't be beat. You can't go wrong with Canon.

That is really a loaded question. The answer could be 1 day or never.

The good news is that, as with most good DSLR's, you can always set the thing to program mode and let the camera decide what to do.

The thing about SLR (Single Lens Reflex) cameras is that they are designed for people who want to be able to control how the image looks.

You need to learn how to change the shutter speed, the aperture, the film speed, focal length, the white balance, etc. AND you need to know what will happen when you make those changes, and the relationship between them.

If you are shooting something with the camera set to a shutter speed of 1/125 second, an aperture of f5.6 and an ISO of 200 and it is properly exposed, what would happen if you changed the aperture to f2.8? The pic would overexpose by 2 stops. But what if you wanted the f2.8 setting so the depth of field was shorter? Well, you can change the shuuter speed by two stops. These are things that you must learn.

A photo class at a local community college might be useful, or find someone local that will help you learn to use it. Most bigger cities have camera clubs, etc. You can go to photo seminars or training camps.

here's a pic I took that demonstrates the shallow depth of field. See how the background is out of focus. This was accomplished by using a long lens (focal length)
http://www.dirtymidwestgirls.com/images/linds.jpg

Wow, that lady was hot but smoking is a big turn off to me.

Nice, I would recommend this too. :thumbsup

:offtopic :offtopic :1orglaugh

instead of Canon, why dont you buy Olympus instead?

@ Hollywood - thanks, looks like I have ALOT to learn. Short courses at a local college are a good idea - i'll look into that. Thanks for the info - it really blows me away how involved photography is. Even if I am unable to utilise the cameras full potential initially - i'd prefer to get something that is capable of what I want. I currently have a G3 and whilst being good at taking happy snaps it's useless for what I want.

Many thanks for taking the time to reply hollywood!

@ reynold - 8 posts on topic must be a record? Also i'm not set on getting Canon, it's simply been the camera that has been suggested and has stood out. Why would you suggest an olympus?

Olympus does make a good SLR. The Fuji S3 Pro is great also (and uses Nikon glass). One of the other reasons that I recommended the Canon to you is that it is a widely used camera, and you will find plenty of tutorials, guides and other users to help you learn to use it well.

Hello

The Canon 20D is a great camera and the newer version the 30D is no better..

For a bit more money it might be worth looking at the new 5D which is somwhere around 12 MP and a similar size to the 20D

Good lenses are the EF 24-70mm f2.8L USM or the EF 70-200mm f2.8L IS USM..

Maybe a 1D Mark2 as these are really good cameras and well worth the money over the 20D.

The only problem with the 20D depends on how much you are shooting as they only rate the shutter for 50,000 shots then it will need to be replaced and it costs a bit as they replace the shutter, mirror etc

The 1D Mark2 is rated at 250,00 shots before the shutter needs replacing and is of a more solid construction..

I use the 1D Mark2 as my everyday camera and i think it is the best camera for all round use..I have thought of upgrading to the 1Ds but the extra money does not provide the extra benefits, in my opinion anyway..

It has always been my opinion to buy the best you can for the most you can afford and you can't go wrong with the Canon gear..

Hope this helps