Camera Help

[Tanner]

Need some help for camera suggestions. I, finally got my pop's convinced into buying a good camera for photographing wildlife. He likes to sit in his deer blind and record deer w/ his fairly old camcorder, but now's he's wanting to do some still photography.

He's completely technologically challenged. Like to the point he doesn't even know how to save stuff under different names on Word Processing programs, doesn't know how to "google" stuff, etc. However he wants a decent camera, so something w/ a really good Set-it and forget it Auto Focus would be key. Money is essentially no object, but there's no point as he'll never be able to take full advantage of an extremely upper end camera.

The tough part is, he'll need some lenses that can shoot out to 100 yards no prob. and most the scenarios will be low light. Eventually he'll learn exposures and such, but it'll take a few years.

Any suggestions guys?

[Kito]

If I was you I would look into a DSLR, I just bought a Nikon D-90 and I love it. You have your choice of lenses that you can buy for all different types of light. Costco did have have some good deals on Canon Rebals. I bought mine from B&H. http://www.bhphotovideo.com/ As for the difference between Nikon and Canon I think its pretty much the same deal as Ford vs chevy. (Sorry Dodge guys but your not in the running) On my Nikon I can also do HD video. I know that alot of the new DSLRs can also do HD video to but Im not sure which ones all do that. Hopefully some of the camera guys that know alot of the technical stuff will chim in and give some insite to. One of the best things to do is just go out and get your hands on a couple of different ones and see how they feel.

[Carter13]

X2 for B&H.

[dingleberry]

I am sure that jwanck11 and raythompson will have some good advice.

As long as they don't start debating UV filters.

[evil0ne]

What's the budget? The new Canon 7D can fulfill his video and still needs in one camera that will be good for many years. Glass is going to get expensive though.

[Tanner]

There's no budget!

[ajholt7]

I am definately not a camera expert, but just bought a Canon Rebel XS and love it. I know nothing realy about photography, and can manage to get some great shots with it in auto mode. I know that is frowned upon by the camera gods, but it works great for me. I know you said no budget, but there are some good package deals on eBay. If you have any questions about this camera PM me and I will try to answer them.

[Tequilasun]

I have a thread on here about dslr's. If you are gonna shoot to 100 yards that's the way to go. I ended up with a canon, because it fit my hands better, but nikon is super nice too. Any of the entry level models will probably do what he needs. Invest in lenses.

Just a note, the canon software to get the pics off the camera and even do slight modifications to the pics is super easy to use. I don't know about the others though.

[evil0ne]

Just a note, the canon software to get the pics off the camera and even do slight modifications to the pics is super easy to use. I don't know about the others though.

I'd recommend Adobe Lightroom, great RAW editor and organization tool.

[kko]

We got the nikon enrty level d-slr d3000 for christmas. WOW it takes awesome pics right out of the box on auto setting. I am not really into cameras its more the wifes deal but this camera is a great starter into the world of d-slr. If i had one knock on it I would say the stock flash is a little weak but it could be me not knowing what im am doing.

[River Runner]

There's no budget!

WOW!!! Let me spend your money for you....

Nikon D3X


Nikon 14-24mm f/2.8


Nikon 24-70mm f/2.8


Nikon 400mm f/2.8


He can have some fun with this stuff. Of course there is always more glass to buy. But this is a good start.

[kko]

Nikon 400mm f/2.8
LMFAO ($9000) thats insane
Can you suggest a good lense for action shots for under a grand? that will fit the nikon d3000.
Are the VR lense worth the extra $$. the 55-200mm telephoto lense that came in the combo deal I bought is not a VR and it seems pretty good just wondering.

[evil0ne]

Nikon 400mm f/2.8
LMFAO ($9000) thats insane
Can you suggest a good lense for action shots for under a grand? that will fit the nikon d3000.
Are the VR lense worth the extra $$. the 55-200mm telephoto lense that came in the combo deal I bought is not a VR and it seems pretty good just wondering.

Are you shooting outdoor action? If so, VR isn't as big a deal, anything else you'll probably enjoy it.

[kko]

yes I was thinking of shots from in the boat. so moving and at about 70-90 ft away.
I have only had this thing since xmas so I have not had alot of time to play with it. I have shot about 150 pics so far messing around and tryting different stuff and have not really noticed were mot having the VR hurt. But like I said I really dont know WTF I am doing. Just kind of learning on the fly.
Its way better than my sony cybershot I can tell you that! LOL

[River Runner]

Nikon 400mm f/2.8
LMFAO ($9000) thats insane
Can you suggest a good lense for action shots for under a grand? that will fit the nikon d3000.
Are the VR lense worth the extra $$. the 55-200mm telephoto lense that came in the combo deal I bought is not a VR and it seems pretty good just wondering.

For your D3000, Nikons 18-200mm lens is a great lens for an all in one type tele-zoom. Its great for action shots with plenty of light. And you dont have to keep changing lenses. Its good for 99% of what people normally shoot. Costs around 700-800 bucks.

You already have the 55-200 which is a good lens. Maybe go for the wide 10-24mm.(aprrox $800)

Nikon 18-200mm


Nikon 10-24mm


When you get into low light action your going to need a fast fixed aperture lens. They are very expensive and very heavy.

Also remember you have a DX camera. The other lenses I suggested only work with a "full frame" FX camera. You need to look for DX lenses.

Here is a user guide that may help a bit:http://www.kenrockwell.com/nikon/d30...uide/index.htm