I just want nice pictures.

[luv]

My cool pix doesn't take the kind of pics my friends' cameras do. They all have big cameras. One gets paid to take pics, but most are just people.

I want pics with the colors I saw. I want clear details. I have no idea how to use these cameras, but I can learn that. I'm smart enough.

But I don't know what camera to get because I haven't learned yet.

The guy at the store said I should get a Nikon D3100 and a 55-200 VR lens as a "starter camera." He was kind of dismissive and i could tell he did not want to bother with someone who didnt know what they wanted, lol. I don't want to have to learn to use this and THEN have to go buy something else.

I don't know if that will be good or what.

I don't dream of being a professional photographer. My solution to lighting is to go back when the sun is in a different place, lol. And I'm fine with that! I don't need to get the fireworks as they're falling or get race cars as they speed by. I would just like the pics I snap to come out the way they look when I see them. Clear. Sharp. Detailed. Colors.

I don't know if this makes sense or of there is any help for me. I may be beyond help!

Thanks for reading, if you got this far.

 

[KeithVH]

There are several parts to your answer:

Probably foremost is image quality. W/o going into lots of detail, consider this as two parts, the lens and the sensor. Bigger is almost always better for sensors. And, IMHO, the CMOS types are usually a bit better. But if you can deal with some tradeoffs, there are some compacts that do a good job for your needs. Lenses, in most cases, are a little more subjective. That really gets into the whole camera as a package.

Second is technique. Sometimes lighting is EVERYTHING. Other times, it's all about ISO, shutter speed, and lens opening. How steady you can hold the camera and how long the lens is. These, at least in most cases, is something you can control and/or learn through trial and error and practice.

Next are the conditions. Taking a shot into the sun will cause any camera to wash out. Taking a shot too fast make not let some focus properly. Sometimes it's just luck of the draw, other times experience and paying attention makes all the difference. It's as much you as the camera.

Lastly, there's a consideration of camera settings that affect the exposure after the fact or post-processing on a computer. Very few images from very few cameras won't benefit from one or the other. Color is one of the areas. And even with some basic/inexpensive programs, touching up a couple thousand shots from a trip can be automated and done in no time at all. Depends on how much time you want to put into it and how satisfied you are before you start.

All that being said, you don't always need a DSLR. Once you've schlepped 4 pounds of camera around your neck through 4 parks over multiple days in 90 degree weather, you'll be wondering how quick you can sell it on fleabay. I would suggest looking at a Canon Gxx series unit (I'd also say the A6x series but don't think you can find one). If you like Sony, the RX100. But the Canon G15 and G1X are great benchmarks for any other non-DSLR (maybe even some DSLRs). All have the biggest sensors for compacts and the G15 definitely is the lens to beat in most cases. None of them will fit in a tshirt pocket but that's one of those tradeoffs. The Canons can be quick and dirty snapshooters but go above and beyond most other compacts and can be considered serious photographic tools.

 

[WDI 1998]

Everyting KeithVH said is spot on. One thing I would add though is YOU. You need to educate yourself as to how a camera works, how the different aspects of the process effects the shot and how you can manipulate those things to get a better picture. There are literally tons of places on the net you can find this information and presented in a easy to understand way. Do a search on YouTube and you will find more than you could ever hope to watch. The more you understand about the process of taking the photo the better you will understand what you want in a camera and how to get the photos you want.

 

[fractal]

What's your budget?

 

[traylorc]

Everyting KeithVH said is spot on. One thing I would add though is YOU. You need to educate yourself as to how a camera works, how the different aspects of the process effects the shot and how you can manipulate those things to get a better picture. There are literally tons of places on the net you can find this information and presented in a easy to understand way. Do a search on YouTube and you will find more than you could ever hope to watch. The more you understand about the process of taking the photo the better you will understand what you want in a camera and how to get the photos you want.

I wholeheartedly agree with this post. Far too many people believe that by simply "getting a better camera" they will take better pictures. Don't get me wrong...there are times where owning better equipment can definitely put you in a position to take a better picture. For example, someone with a point and shoot is going to struggle taking a picture on Pirates of The Carribean compared to someone with a dSLR and a fast lens. But more often than not, understanding your camera and securing basic knowledge about photography (i.e. understanding how changing the aperture will impact your shots) is the best way to improve your photography.

If the OP wants to start learning more about basic photography I recommend reading Bryan Peterson's "Understanding Exposure". You can pick it up for about $17 on Amazon.

 

[CP_alum08]

Everyting KeithVH said is spot on. One thing I would add though is YOU. You need to educate yourself as to how a camera works, how the different aspects of the process effects the shot and how you can manipulate those things to get a better picture. There are literally tons of places on the net you can find this information and presented in a easy to understand way. Do a search on YouTube and you will find more than you could ever hope to watch. The more you understand about the process of taking the photo the better you will understand what you want in a camera and how to get the photos you want.

Exactly. Like what's posted above me, the gear can matter in certain situations but mostly it's just you that matters.

My question to the OP is did you see the photos as your friends were taking them or after they had gotten home, edited them, and posted them to FB or Flickr or something? Unless you have your camera's settings (not the exposure settings, but color, contrast, etc.) dialed in perfectly *most* photos don't come out of the camera perfect. It's a pretty safe bet that the majority of the photos you see online that make you say "wow" have been edited to some degree.

Once you read "Understanding Exposure" learn to edit. Even a simple program like iPhoto can make a huge difference. Unfortunately there is no camera out there, no matter how much money spend, that will take amazing photos on it's own...maybe the camera attached to the Hubble telescope ...so you really need to invest some time to learn what you're doing.

I would start looking at the Canon G series and the Sony NEX series.

 

[luv]

Thanks to everyone for all the lovely advice!

What's your budget?

I don't have one. I don't like to spend money for no good reason. i dont need to buy the most expensive product just because i can. Spending less is always better than spending more. . But it isnt like my camera funds are really limited.

I got the Scott Kelby books because I love his iPod/iPad books. And I'll get the book recommended here.

I don't imagine I'll ever take amazing photographs and I don't really want to spend countless hours tring to perfect the craft.

Most of my pictures leave a lot to be desired, but now and again I take a pic that would have been lovely if it were just more sharp...more clear.

But I guess this is like Algebra...no easy way to learn it. I will put in some time. But, honestly, I'd much rather just take a class and have someone show me how to use the camera, KWIM?

 

[CP_alum08]

But I guess this is like Algebra...no easy way to learn it. I will put in some time. But, honestly, I'd much rather just take a class and have someone show me how to use the camera, KWIM?

It's not like algebra at all. Algebra has formulas and solutions that are constant, there is no one right way to take a photograph. Taking a class might be a good idea but just know you're still going to have to invest time, photography is an art-form, you're not going to be able to master it in an afternoon or even a semester.

If you're really not willing to invest the time I say buy a decent camera, set it to green-box, and hope for the best...but don't be disappointed when your results aren't amazing.

 

[luv]

It's not like algebra at all. Algebra has formulas and solutions that are constant, there is no one right way to take a photograph. Taking a class might be a good idea but just know you're still going to have to invest time, photography is an art-form, you're not going to be able to master it in an afternoon or even a semester.

If you're really not willing to invest the time I say buy a decent camera, set it to green-box, and hope for the best...but don't be disappointed when your results aren't amazing.

Again, I'm not interested in becoming an amazing photographer. I just want a camera that is capable of taking clear pictures and to learn how to use it.

I get the whole "photography as art" thing. I appreciate it. I just don't want to become an artist.

I'd just like it if when I happened to take a nice pic, it was more clear. I wondered it anyone knew about that camera or could recommend another.

I get that it is all my fault if I take bad pics. Totally got that. It was said more than once,lol. I accept the blame, lol.

I shouldn't have bothered people who are really into this stuff with my dopey issues. Sorry.

 

[ddbowdoin]

Again, I'm not interested in becoming an amazing photographer. I just want a camera that is capable of taking clear pictures and to learn how to use it.

I get the whole "photography as art" thing. I appreciate it. I just don't want to become an artist.

I'd just like it if when I happened to take a nice pic, it was more clear. I wondered it anyone knew about that camera or could recommend another.

I get that it is all my fault if I take bad pics. Totally got that. It was said more than once,lol. I accept the blame, lol.

I shouldn't have bothered people who are really not this with my issues. Sorry.

the camera doesn't take the images my friend...

 

[luv]

the camera doesn't take the images my friend...

Thanks.

That will be a tremendous help to me when I go back to the store.

 

[Uncle Lupe]

Don't forget the importance subject matter. Pictures of me are always nice.

 

[flynnibus]

Again, I'm not interested in becoming an amazing photographer. I just want a camera that is capable of taking clear pictures and to learn how to use it.

accept that there is no 'ceiling' to what is possible. that's why people keep buying more and more gear

so while the equipment you buy may become a limiting factor - only you will be able to say 'how much is enough'. The integrated cameras with the manual controls will do very well. Understand some of the photoblogs you see (like mintcrocodile) are actually just super-zoom cameras - not full fledged DSLRs.

The higher end the equipment, the more POTENTIAL the device has.. but beyond ISO performance and Focusing.. a 'average joe' is never gonna realize the benefit between a sub 1k DX frame camera vs a full bore FX full frame camera. They would just spend an extra 2+k for nothing.

The first two levels of cameras in the DSLR lines are probably more than you would ever need. But the integrated cameras offer a ton without the negatives of the DSLRs.

DSLRs are an addictive money pit.. a new lens always sounds enticing. A fixed body helps avoid those temptations

 

[luv]

accept that there is no 'ceiling' to what is possible. that's why people keep buying more and more gear

so while the equipment you buy may become a limiting factor - only you will be able to say 'how much is enough'. The integrated cameras with the manual controls will do very well. Understand some of the photoblogs you see (like mintcrocodile) are actually just super-zoom cameras - not full fledged DSLRs.

The higher end the equipment, the more POTENTIAL the device has.. but beyond ISO performance and Focusing.. a 'average joe' is never gonna realize the benefit between a sub 1k DX frame camera vs a full bore FX full frame camera. They would just spend an extra 2+k for nothing.

The first two levels of cameras in the DSLR lines are probably more than you would ever need. But the integrated cameras offer a ton without the negatives of the DSLRs.

DSLRs are an addictive money pit.. a new lens always sounds enticing. A fixed body helps avoid those temptations

Thanks so much! This is exactly what I was hoping for!

I DON'T want to spend thousands of extra dollars for something only people who take their photography seriously would care about. Otoh, I don't want to spend $1000 only to find out it wasn't enough and now I need to go spend $2500 more to get what I should have gotten in the first place.

I don't think I'll get addicted. ...of course, I never thought I'd need an AP for WDW, lol. It was a once in a lifetime deal. But I really don't think I'll ever be that serious about photography.

I'll be sure to try to take lots of pics of Uncle Lupe and of you.

 

[PhotoDave219]

2 bits of advice:

1 - Learn how to use your camera. By that i mean learn how to get it to do what you want it to do. You can do that in your own back yard... and by that, i mean you should start there.

2 - Learn how to make a photo. Learn basic framing, composition, etc. Spend $20 on the national geographic field guide to photography. Study it. Try things.

Too many people in the world - and especially the Disney Photo community - get caught up in gear & technical crap when they miss the basic art of what photography is.

 

[PhotoDave219]

accept that there is no 'ceiling' to what is possible. that's why people keep buying more and more gear

..... of course, that gear doesn't make them a better photographer.

 

[luv]

2 bits of advice:

1 - Learn how to use your camera. By that i mean learn how to get it to do what you want it to do. You can do that in your own back yard... and by that, i mean you should start there.

2 - Learn how to make a photo. Learn basic framing, composition, etc. Spend $20 on the national geographic field guide to photography. Study it. Try things.

Too many people in the world - and especially the Disney Photo community - get caught up in gear & technical crap when they miss the basic art of what photography is.

"Caught up in gear and technical crap..." Seriously? I am planning to buy a camera.

I thought that people in a photography section might have some helpful advice on that subject.

Wacky me.

 

[PhotoDave219]

"Caught up in gear and technical crap..." Seriously? I am planning to buy a camera.

I thought that people in a photography section might have some helpful advice on that subject.

Wacky me.

Learn how to take a photo and you can rock anything, iPhone included to get what you want.

I preach technique and style over spending money on more gear. You'd do best with a $100 kodak point and shoot because really, thats all you claim to want to do.

 

[CP_alum08]

Too many people in the world - and especially the Disney Photo community - get caught up in gear & technical crap when they miss the basic art of what photography is.

Although I totally agree with what you said above this, the "basic art of photography" IS technical crap. Photography wouldn't exist without the technical crap...and I'm definitely not just talking about digital cameras.

 

[ddbowdoin]

Lady, you're really a fracking idiot. You say you want to take better photos but you're not willing to put in the work to learn how to use it. A top of the line Nikon/Canon will not change that.

Learn how to take a goddammed photo and you can rock anything, iPhone included to get what you want.

I preach technique and style over spending money on more gear. You'd do best with a $100 kodak point and shoot because really, thats all you claim to want to do.

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