Re: digital cameras

**L* M* <l*@sbcglobal.net>**

Hello, Kate -
Your question is similar to what someone asked about 2 and a half years ago.
The basics have not changed but the numbers have. There are several
camera/lens outfits under 2 grand that will do a very acceptable job for
shooting images for publication. We are all beneficiaries of the technology
race. I'd still say stick to the top brands you know - Canon, Nikon,
Olympus, Sony and Fuji. Most pros use Canon and Nikon - many have lens
systems or their old film cameras that fit the digital SLRs, and the quality
and performance of Canon & Nikon is exceptional.

Current popular Canon models include the 30D and the higher priced 5D. Nikon
features the D40 & D50 on the low end and the D80 is their higher priced
spread. Both brands offer cheaper and better systems but these are good
"semi-pro" / advanced amateur models.

All of these cameras will produce excellent quality photos in fully
automatic mode. After you have read your owners manual you can try other
settings for certain situations. But don't be afraid of these cameras - they
are fairly easy to use. I always tell people to hold them in their hands
before buying - does it fit naturally in your hands?

To check out these and any other cameras you are considering, go to
www.dpreview.com. Read the reviews to the end and download sample images
taken by each camera. Then open and edit them in Photoshop. Compare the
photos enlarged to100 percent.

The biggest hurdle in digital photography is developing a good "workflow" as
you process images you have created. You often hear that digital is cheaper,
and you might agree until you've been up past midnight "processing" your own
images. What is your time (and your sleep) worth? You'll need at least a
simple version of Photoshop, like Photoshop Elements 4.0 ($95) or something
similar. Photoshop CS2 is 600 bucks. (PS CS3 is about to come out.)
Community colleges all have classes if needed.

As for accessories, obviously you'll need at least one lens - such as a
Canon 28 - 135 zoom with Image Stabilization for general use. I know 3 other
hort photogs who use this lens. A macro lens is only for very close-up work.
A wide angle lens is needed for photographing full garden scenes. A good
tripod is invaluable, especially in reduced light situations. These cameras
mentioned all use Compact Flash cards for storage. Fortunately their prices
are coming down. I recently bought two 2 gig cards at Frys for 39.95 each on
special. So, include lense(s), tripod, bag and storage cards in your budget.

As for sources, the only online vendor I trust is B&H Photo Video in New
York City <http://www.bhphotovideo.com/> Many pros worldwide trust them like
no other. Beware of really cheap prices. Those dealers will take your order
and not ship, or take your money and not ship or a host of other nightmares.
Ask the salesman if a USA warranty is included on your prospective purchase.
Many cheap camera deals are for gray markets - outside the USA and have no
warranty in the USA.

I guess I've covered some of the basics. Perhaps others will add to this.
Meanwhile enjoy your photography. It's a continuous learning curve but it
can be extremely satisfying to see your photos published.
-- 
Larry Maupin ?
www.MaupinPhotography.com
³A photo is worth 128K words.²

on 2/8/2007 9:29 PM, Kate Bryant at kbryant@SpiritOne.com wrote:

> My Question:
> 
> I am considering investing in a digital camera so that I can accompany
> magazine or newspaper articles with photos. I am reasonably confident about
> aesthetic and composition matters but less confident in the technical issues
> involved making the photos beautiful. I'm eager to learn techniques but
> don't really want a digi camera that requires advanced training and
> elaborate computer programs to fiddle with. Is there a camera under, say,
> $1500-$2000, that can be used with some training to make high-quality images
> for publication? Any guidance on matters like "pixels" and such would be
> *greatly* appreciated!
> 
> Thanks in advance to any and all respondents!
> 
> Kate

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