View Full Version : Does anyone regret spending (X) amount of money for a digital camera?
TrigunKenshin
03-05-2006, 02:08 PM
I've been looking at the Canon SD450. I know that's the camera I want after a month of research. But at 280$ on amazon.com, I fee like I'm going to regret spending that much on a digital camera. I want the Canon SD450 though, that's for sure. Lol but it took me 2 months just to save up this much money to finally get myself that digital camera. I havent placed the order yet, but soon I will, in the next week or so.
Do you folks who spend 200 to 500$ or even more on a camera feel like "why am I spending this much anyways, what am I doing?".
lol:p , I don't know, but that's how I feel right now. I could probably use that 280$ and get myself a nice television with good picture quality in the 200$ price range to get the most out of the videogame experience. (I like videogames, but simply havent had the time to play it because i've been busy with school and work). I have this crappy 13 inch TV, I feel like I need to get myself one of those 27" TV. anyways...
ktixx
03-05-2006, 02:15 PM
It really all depends on your love of the hobby. Personally, I don't think $300.00 is that much money to spend on a digital camera, however if you feel that it is too much I would seriously consider other options. There are very realistic alternatives for $200 and under. Again, I don't know your situation, but in the long run...it is only $300.00, if you are serious about learning and you are serious about the hobby then go for it.
Ken
Do you folks who spend 200 to 500$ or even more on a camera feel like "why am I spending this much anyways, what am I doing?".Not even for a nanosecond...but I know why I'm a shooter. I think that's the more important question...for what do you want a camera in the first place? Everything else follows from there. ;)
If it's for the occasional snapshot...heck...buy the cheapest thing possible...:)
Hey Ken! you always beat me to the punch!!! With great advice, I might add...:D :D :D
TrigunKenshin
03-05-2006, 02:26 PM
I want the SD450 because it's stylish, it seems like it takes good pictures base on examples I saw on amazon, plus I like how it is compact. Yeah, I'll be graduating from college in May, and I'm going to a wedding this month, and sometimes I like to take pictures of anything just for fun and randomly for the insanity of it all.:eek: I'll probably go on vacation over the summer to another country. Yeah, so I guess I want to treasure those memories with a digital camera.
It seems like digital cameras is the trend nowadays, and will continue for a long time. I thought when cellphones first became popular, with all those compact size cell phones coming out, I said to myself, I don't need a cellphone, it's just a damn fashion trend, and it will all blow over in a few years. Shoot, 6 years later, it seems like cell phones is almost a necessity, and I feel stupid for waiting that long to get a cellphone. I dont want it to happen to me a second time, so I want to get a digital camera, and I want a good one at that.
TrigunKenshin
03-05-2006, 02:32 PM
Alright, I just placed a digital camera order at Amazon.com for a Canon SD450.
It came with a free Viking SD 256 mb memory card. Plus I also ordered a Samsonite camera pouch to put the camera in:
http://images.amazon.com/images/P/B00004U4MX.01._SCLZZZZZZZ_.jpg
Doesnt that camera bag look cool? I think i does, my friend said it looks gay, but I think it looks cool.
Total price $290$.
tim11
03-05-2006, 02:43 PM
hmmmmmmm................ sounds like another trick question.
Digital camera is the trend now? I don't know that, maybe because I don't care about following trends anyway.
I spent $800 on my first 'real' camera and keep spending on accessories and set my vision on a dSLR with a price tag $1300+ (not including lens etc). It's my hobby now and I find it very worthwhile recording my family memory and spend all the effort improving the quality.
But back to your question: "Does anyone regret spending (X) amount of money for a digital camera?"
What gives you most enjoyment, TV or photography? Only you can decide that.
But personally, I'd recommend you get a camera instead of TV since a camera has more chance of getting you outdoors and interact with people; and you will never know you might develop photography as a hobby... as with a TV.. it will only box you indoors.
cdifoto
03-05-2006, 03:08 PM
No matter the actual dollar figure, if you feel you spent too much then you aren't getting the most out of the equipment.
At the time of purchase, I feel the pain of the price. But then as soon as I get it in my hand and start shooting, I forget all about how much it cost because the enjoyment is 100 fold.
cwtbone
03-05-2006, 05:46 PM
You can always lok back and regret spending $ on something you do not need to survive, but you would just die a bored and miserable man. Buy the camera, have fun with it and enjoy yourself. C. W.
LoveOfSelene
03-05-2006, 06:14 PM
No matter the actual dollar figure, if you feel you spent too much then you aren't getting the most out of the equipment.
At the time of purchase, I feel the pain of the price. But then as soon as I get it in my hand and start shooting, I forget all about how much it cost because the enjoyment is 100 fold.
TOO true don too true :)
D Thompson
03-05-2006, 07:11 PM
Do you folks who spend 200 to 500$ or even more on a camera feel like "why am I spending this much anyways, what am I doing?".
Never & I've spent a lot more than $500. This is something I enjoy, plus I can make a little money at it. We all have to decide what is important to us. You have to decide whether your money should be spent on a 27" tv or a camera. Which will you get the most enjoyment and use from? Best of luck in whatever you decide, but be happy with it and don't look back.
ktixx
03-06-2006, 05:34 AM
I find it humerous that most of the replys came from members who have dSLR's and probably have spent upward of $3,000 on average for their equipment. Of COURSE $300 isn't much for a camera for us...we spend that much on memory cards alone :-P :D
cdifoto
03-06-2006, 05:38 AM
Compared to a lot of photographers (if I can even call myself one yet), I'm on the baby end of the financial pool. I'm still around $8,000 so far. I don't have pro camera bodies that cost $3,000-$7,500 each, nor studio lights, nor really long fast L lenses. I'm also poor. :eek:
coldrain
03-06-2006, 07:18 AM
Compared to a lot of photographers (if I can even call myself one yet), I'm on the baby end of the financial pool. I'm still around $8,000 so far. I don't have pro camera bodies that cost $3,000-$7,500 each, nor studio lights, nor really long fast L lenses. I'm also poor. :eek:
Baby end? Then I am not even born!!! :eek: :mad:
cdifoto
03-06-2006, 07:23 AM
Some people spend 30 grand and up on gear. If you think about it, the 1Ds Mark II is about $7500. It'd be nothing for someone making a good living to have 2 of those. That's $15,000 right there. Then you have lenses that can be upwards of $6,500. Then studio lights, backdrop(s), backdrop stand(s), light meter(s), etc.
It doesn't take long to add it all up. My 8 grand fits in a backpack.
Some people spend 30 grand and up on gear. If you think about it, the 1Ds Mark II is about $7500. It'd be nothing for someone making a good living to have 2 of those. That's $15,000 right there. Then you have lenses that can be upwards of $6,500. Then studio lights, backdrop(s), backdrop stand(s), light meter(s), etc.
It doesn't take long to add it all up. My 8 grand fits in a backpack.
You have a 300D attached to one of these then? http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/home?O=productlist&A=details&Q=&sku=186153&is=USA&addedTroughType=categoryNavigation
cdifoto
03-06-2006, 08:13 AM
You have a 300D attached to one of these then? http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/home?O=productlist&A=details&Q=&sku=186153&is=USA&addedTroughType=categoryNavigation
No I have 2 XTs with battery grips, a 580EX flash unit, a flash bracket, an off camera shoe cord, a Sigma 50-500mm f/4-6.3, a Canon 70-200mm f/2.8L, a Canon 24-70mm f/2.8L, a Canon 50mm f/1.4, a Canon 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6, a better beamer, a wired remote, a wireless remote, 5 sets of NiMH batteries for my flash, 6 NB-2LH batteries, 11.5GB of memory cards (just sold a slower one - used to have 12.5GB), a lens cleaning kit, pec pads, etc. Plus the bag itself wasn't too aweful cheap.
I also have a 650W halogen hotlight with 24" softbox on a boom stand but it doesn't fit in the bag. Plus my Dynatran tripod that also doesn't fit in the bag.
coldrain
03-06-2006, 08:15 AM
You have a 300D attached to one of these then? http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/home?O=productlist&A=details&Q=&sku=186153&is=USA&addedTroughType=categoryNavigation
What is your fascination with the 300D :p?
Do you like slow responses and less freedom?;) :D
cdifoto
03-06-2006, 08:19 AM
What is your fascination with the 300D :p?
Do you like slow responses and less freedom?;) :D
No he likes less features and no options. :D
My bag has...
XT+grip+AA slide loaded with AA batteries, funky Canon battery charger, 2 funky Canon batteries (in the grip), Tamrons 17-35, 28-75, 70-300, Canons 18-55, 50 f1.8, EX20 flash, lots of 128mb, 256mb, 512mb and a 1gb memory card.
Of those, I'd like to replace the 70-300 with a Sigma 70-200 f2.8. I don't feel I use lengths over 200 often enough to merit a 70-300 lens although should I find I am using a lens of that length more often then I'll go for something different like a 200-500.
cpaussie
03-06-2006, 02:36 PM
Thats is how I feel to, I am saving to buy a dslr and I feel guilty because my friends tell me I should use that money, say to take my family on a holiday,
I'm not taking as many photos as my children are older, but when I start taking photos I love it.
tim11
03-06-2006, 03:02 PM
In fact, I did regret spending $200 once; a couple of years back. I just wanted a very basic (and I mean VERY basic) camera to use around the house since I wasn't really into photography back then. So when I saw a 5.5MP Megxon in a computer store I just bought it since I thought nothing could be that bad.
It turned out to be the most shitty camera I ever hold. Indoors photo, even with flash is absolute %%%%, all photos looked like scenes from a graveyard. Funny thing is this shitty MEGXON cameras are sometimes sold in reputable camera stores and claimed to be higher end. Also so many of them are on ebay.
I will keep this Megxon I have hoping someday it will win some kind of award like WORSE CAMERA ever invented.
I'm thinking of starting a thread "CAMERAS YOU SHOULD WATCH OUT" or something like that.
well, looks like the original poster has already made his or her decision but if anyone ever regrets a purchase, RETURN IT! it's that simple. just make sure the place you're buying it from doesn't charge those ridiculous restocking fees for opened products (i used to work at one of those places). most reputatable online merchants like adorama, bhphotovideo, etc. don't charge those fees, neither do many local photography stores. you usually just pay to ship it back, which ain't bad considering the usually lower online prices + no tax - much cheaper than those restocking fees.
Yeah; I regretted paying $800 for my first Nikon digicam about 4 years ago because it was a piece of junk (right up until it siezed up 2 years later). I would have regretted paying $300 for it because it was a piece of junk.
I study everything carefully before I buy anything. Thus, although I might make the occasional error, I haven't made any that are too disastrous so far.
I have had:
Olympus C820L - Not bad; bought it, used it, sold it. That got me back into photography.
Olympus C200Zoom - better - very good. Got me more into macro photography. Bought it, used it, sold it.
Nikon 995 - loved it so much I still have it.
Nikon 3100 - Still have it as it's such a handy pocket camera.
Canon S1 IS - great for videos and as a long-zoom camera.
Canon XT - A bit of a disappointment, control-wise. Great picture-wise. I'll stick with this until something better turns up.
As an earlier poster mentioned, buy from a place with a good return policy (like BH). I've purchased about 5 digicams and have returned 2 for a full refund - and 1 (the first Nikon) broke in the first 3 days (the one I replaced with the delay king 5000 model). The Canon S60 was a champ and I wish I still had it. The Konica Minolta took wonderful outdoor photos albiet a little slow on the shutter release. However; the tiny lens' just don't stack up to the DSLR results so I probably wouldn't use a digicam much if I owned one. Spoiled. If I want photos out skiing or something I just use a disposable film camera.
tim11
03-08-2006, 01:53 PM
True the original poster has bought a SD450 and very happy with it but this seems like a good general topic anyway.
I couldn't return the ###t, because I was careless and scratch the LCD soon after.
So.... call me an idiot if you want (and I was), but I just want to warn others to research carefully before buying and always buy from reputable sellers and manufacturers. And beware of certain brand as there are many on ebay boasting hight end 10+ MP.
Jason25
03-08-2006, 02:06 PM
I don't regret forking over the cash for any of my gear. I also loved my P&S (Sony H1) that I had before my D50, but just stopped using it after that. Nothing against the Sony camera, I just got a nasty case of NAS (Nikon Acquisition Syndrome) once I got my D50 :D
tim11
03-08-2006, 04:25 PM
I don't regret forking over the cash for any of my gear. I also loved my P&S (Sony H1) that I had before my D50, but just stopped using it after that. Nothing against the Sony camera, I just got a nasty case of NAS (Nikon Acquisition Syndrome) once I got my D50 :D
This reminds me of a member whose signature is "once you go dslr, you will never go back.." or something to that effect.
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