I know most people don't considerate it a mod but what cameras does everyone use? I don't want to break the bank but want a good one to take pics and vids of my new 5.0. Thanks for the help.

 

I currently use an ancient HP 3.1 MP camera.

There are so many good cameras out there and so much junk.

Recommend you get seperate cameras for video and stills.

The best mountable video is the GoPro.

 

I use either Nikon or Canon

 

I use my Sony SLT-A55VL DSLR. Around 900 ish, not much.

 

Either canon rebel xt with various lenses, or one of the two canon g11's we own.

 

I use a Canon Eos 20D I traded a bicycle for! You can find good used Digital SLR's on craigslist...dunno if that's how you roll though. I like my camera, usually if I take bad pics it is because I fooled up the settings in manual mode....

 

Old canon powershot a430 4.0....bought cheap at wally world a few years back...gets the job done

excuse to show my fox ;-)

 

I use the Canon EOS 7D. It is amazing. But I use a $200-$400 Canon or Nikon for everyday use. I would not get another brand or pay less, unless the camera is going to be abused. I bought a $99 Fuji at Costco that is waterproof and shockproof. It is good to take places where it could get ruined. If it does, it will not matter as much. For regular people that do not need to go crazy with buying cameras, I would advise buying a Canon or Nikon in the $200 to $400 range. That will suit most people very well. I would stay away from an SLR if you do not know what you are doing, or do not want to put in the time to find out.

 

Nikon D3100

Just the other day......

 

I don't think the camera matters so much as the Lens and the Lighting do when it comes to great lookin' photos.

(rockin' a Nikon D50 or iPhone 4)

 

Agreed. I have an older Olympus large framed camera and a newer waterproof and shockproof Olympus. The older camera does much better inside but outside in natural light the differences are small.

 

Moved to the Off-Topic section.

 

Canon 7D and Canon 5D MK II

 

I use the Nikon D5000 -- great camera!

 

IMO, the old film camera guys have the best optics, now make the best digital cameras. Lens is most important. So the cameras within reach, $$ wise:
Canon and Nikon (2 best) then Fuji, Olympus, Minolta, Ricoh, Pentax.
The only digital camera from an electronics company would be a Panasonic Lumix 'cause they have Leica lenses.

 

I have a seven year old Nikon D70 DSLR and a three year old Nikon Coolpix S550 10 megapixel pocket camera, both of which take great pics... Unless I am taking specialized pics (extreme closeups, long telephoto shots), I use the Coolpix because it is very easy to carry and use, and the picture quality is fine for any snapshot type use...

Any name brand (Nikon, Canon, Panasonic, Sony) 5+megapixel camera is very affordable will take excellent jpegs for $150 - $250.... More megapixels simply means you can enlarge the picture larger before beginning to see the "jaggies" of the individual pixels instead of smooth lines.

These pics were taken with the Coolpix (which also does videos), and other than cropping uninteresting background to better focus on the car, are unaltered. As mentioned, lighting and composition go a great way to making a picture interesting. Basic rules are to always shoot with the light behind you, illuminating the subject with the subject posed to highlight curves, corners, etc you consider interesting.

Sunlight in the mornings and afternoons is yellow/reddish, with a "golden hour" one hour after sunrise and one hour before sunset, which gives pics a warmer tone. These pics were taken about 30 minutes before sunset.

 

I was using an old Olympus Stylus model, but my g/f recently got me a new Canon S95 for a birthday gift. If you're looking for a point & shoot, I recommend that one or the Canon SX210. I've used both, but prefer the S95 for the better lens and larger image sensor. I haven't ventured into the DSLR area yet, so I can't comment there.

Check out Ken Rockwell's page. The guy is excellent and has some great tips for pictures.

www.kenrockwell.com

 

It's not as much what camera you are using or how expensive it is, it's what is behind the camera that counts the most. I have a really good camera and my pictures still come out mediocre, because I am still learning about photography.

 

I bought a Nikon D5000 and the camera is a whole new hobby!

 

Leaning towards a Nikon COOLPIX S4100 or S9100. ($180 or $330 rrespectively) Don't know if I need full HD movies but it would be nice. Still looking though. Thanks for the help.