Sox
09-25-2009, 10:35 AM
Hi everyone. I need some advice on choosing a digital SLR that will mainly be used for sports or fast action pictures. Definitely don't do much macro photography. So, I would also like advice on a lens, since fast action and zoom are important to me. I consider myself a novice, so all of your advice is appreciated!
Budget
* What budget have you allocated for buying this camera? Please be as specific as possible.
I would like to keep my entire purchase (camera body, lens, flash, memory card, etc) under $1,800 US.
Size
* What size camera are you looking for? Or does size not matter at all to you?
Digital SLR, like Canon or Nikon.
Features
How many megapixels will suffice for you?
Not as picky here, but was considering 12MP or higher.
* What optical zoom will you need? (None, Standard = 3x-4x, Ultrazoom = 10x-12x, Other - Specify)
Zoom is important when I choose a lens, so that will impact my decision.
* How important is “image quality” to you? (Rate using a scale of 1-10)
Scale of 1-10, I would say a 7 or 8.
Do you care for manual controls?
I do not, but I plan to take classes to learn more so I can take full advantage of the camera.
General Usage
* What will you generally use the camera for?
Sports and action photography mainly. Some from a reasonable distance, thus the need for a zoom lens.
* Will you be making big prints of your photos or not?
Yes.
Will you be shooting a lot of indoor photos or low light photos?
Sometimes yes (basketball, etc.). Others are outdoors (volleyball, races, etc.)
Will you be shooting sports and/or action photos?
Yes.
Miscellaneous
Are there particular brands you like or hate?
Have always had Canon, but have recently tried Nikons and thought they were fantastic. But, I am open-minded.
Are there particular models you already have in mind?
See above
(If applicable) Do you need any of the following special features? (Wide Angle, Image Stabilization, Weatherproof, Hotshoe, Rotating LCD)
Budget
* What budget have you allocated for buying this camera? Please be as specific as possible.
I would like to keep my entire purchase (camera body, lens, flash, memory card, etc) under $1,800 US.
Size
* What size camera are you looking for? Or does size not matter at all to you?
Digital SLR, like Canon or Nikon.
Features
How many megapixels will suffice for you?
Not as picky here, but was considering 12MP or higher.
* What optical zoom will you need? (None, Standard = 3x-4x, Ultrazoom = 10x-12x, Other - Specify)
Zoom is important when I choose a lens, so that will impact my decision.
* How important is “image quality” to you? (Rate using a scale of 1-10)
Scale of 1-10, I would say a 7 or 8.
Do you care for manual controls?
I do not, but I plan to take classes to learn more so I can take full advantage of the camera.
General Usage
* What will you generally use the camera for?
Sports and action photography mainly. Some from a reasonable distance, thus the need for a zoom lens.
* Will you be making big prints of your photos or not?
Yes.
Will you be shooting a lot of indoor photos or low light photos?
Sometimes yes (basketball, etc.). Others are outdoors (volleyball, races, etc.)
Will you be shooting sports and/or action photos?
Yes.
Miscellaneous
Are there particular brands you like or hate?
Have always had Canon, but have recently tried Nikons and thought they were fantastic. But, I am open-minded.
Are there particular models you already have in mind?
See above
(If applicable) Do you need any of the following special features? (Wide Angle, Image Stabilization, Weatherproof, Hotshoe, Rotating LCD)