Shopping for a new camera - Page 2

disneygal · 06-07-2011, 07:18 AM

Sounds great. Do you have or know of anyone who has used other lenses on this camera. I'm hoping to make my decision this week as my husband is considering it as a birthday gift for next week. I am receiving such great reviews on the nikons and my son is a Nikon supporter. At this point the D3100 is in the lead. I was just wondering if anyone has used other lenses with great results. I was looking on-line and saw a 55-200mm f/4-5.8G IF-ED. Thanks so much for your advice.

jeniferdwn · 06-07-2011, 07:49 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by disneygal

Sounds great. Do you have or know of anyone who has used other lenses on this camera. I'm hoping to make my decision this week as my husband is considering it as a birthday gift for next week. I am receiving such great reviews on the nikons and my son is a Nikon supporter. At this point the D3100 is in the lead. I was just wondering if anyone has used other lenses with great results. I was looking on-line and saw a 55-200mm f/4-5.8G IF-ED. Thanks so much for your advice.

Yep, the 18-55 (or similar) comes with the camera and I bought the 55-200 so I could take pics outside and of my daughters softball games. I have 2 kids and it is great for sports, swimming etc. I've taken closeups inside, closeups outside, pics of swimming, softball, night pics, etc. My dd9 uses it too and it's simple enough that I can ask someone else to take a pic of our family and they have no trouble using it. I have also used the self timer although it took me a few times to figure it out. We were really laughing by the time we got it to work. The only thing is changing the lens for different shots. One day......long time from now.....I would like to get the all in one lens, but it's about $800 and I cannot afford that with 2 kids in summer/afterschool care. Oh and make sure its the VR lens. Dh saw the 3100 a couple weeks after he bought mine and wished he'd seen that one before Chrsitmas! I'm definatly not a professional or anything, just someone who's hobby is taking lots and lots of pics of my family, pets and kids for my scrapbooks. I'll be glad to answer any questions I can. First vacation with the new camera is this weekend. I'll be taking pics of mountains and I'll let you know how it works.

ETA: I found a nice camera bag at Best Buy that holds the camera, extra lens, power cord, my keys, snacks for kids etc for around $35. They had one made just for that camera, but it was around $65.

meejay · 06-07-2011, 07:55 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jeniferdwn

Yep, the 18-55 (or similar) comes with the camera and I bought the 55-200 so I could take pics outside and of my daughters softball games. I have 2 kids and it is great for sports, swimming etc. I've taken closeups inside, closeups outside, pics of swimming, softball, night pics, etc. My dd9 uses it too and it's simple enough that I can ask someone else to take a pic of our family and they have no trouble using it. I have also used the self timer although it took me a few times to figure it out. We were really laughing by the time we got it to work. The only thing is changing the lens for different shots. One day......long time from now.....I would like to get the all in one lens, but it's about $800 and I cannot afford that with 2 kids in summer/afterschool care. Oh and make sure its the VR lens. Dh saw the 3100 a couple weeks after he bought mine and wished he'd seen that one before Chrsitmas! I'm definatly not a professional or anything, just someone who's hobby is taking lots and lots of pics of my family, pets and kids for my scrapbooks. I'll be glad to answer any questions I can. First vacation with the new camera is this weekend. I'll be taking pics of mountains and I'll let you know how it works.

ETA: I found a nice camera bag at Best Buy that holds the camera, extra lens, power cord, my keys, snacks for kids etc for around $35. They had one made just for that camera, but it was around $65.

We also the 55-200 Nikon and it's nice to get some further away shots. I second the VR recommendation. We also got the cheaper camera bag, and we have a backpack one that we use when DH shoots races that carries video cameras too.

disneygal · 06-07-2011, 08:31 AM

Thanks for the information. Like yourself I am not a professional but enjoy taking photos to frame and scrapbook. My camera is always with me. The light weight is a requirement because I carry the camera to any event. I don't mind having a larger bag or backpack in tow. I would hate to miss a photo opportunity. I will read about the VR lens. I would love to hear how your first vacation photos come out. Keep me posted.

cmlhale · 06-09-2011, 09:19 PM

I have the Nikon D60. On the rare occasion that I pull out my P&S, I wish I'd used the D60. The quality of a DSLR is so much crisper. The quick shutter helps SO much- I have a busy 3 year old boy.
Lenses- I have the standard VR 18-55. For most shots, it's what I use. However, I'm really falling in love with what I can do (trying to be more artistic with photos) using my 55-200 (also VR). I would love to get something that is more like both lenses in one, but they're expensive. At Disney, I use the 18-55 most of the time, the bigger lens at AK for the safari.
Good luck and have fun!
Oh, one thing I suggest is buying a padded strap. Makes a huge difference on your neck all day!

disneygal · 06-10-2011, 03:24 AM

Thank you for the advice. Do you find that your DSLR is heavy and difficult to carry around on you Disney trips. After picture quality the weight is the next feature that I am concerned with. It so nice to get these great tips from experienced DSLR users. I will definitely invest in the padded neck strap as you suggested.

jeniferdwn · 06-13-2011, 10:55 AM

Well, 5 days on vacation and I took 320 photos. In looking back through them, I found that the ones dh took were'n't as clear because he didn't always have it on the correct setting. But the ones me and dd took are great. I have some really nice closeups and some really pretty shots of the mountains in the distance. We saw Thomas the Tank Engine at Tweetsie Railroad and some of the shots we got are as clear as the postcards. Very pleased with the camera other than not being able to stick it in my pocket.

Oh, and at one point we were walking down the "main street" and I noticed my camera wasn't around my neck. I asked dh where he had it and he said he didn't have it. DD dind't have it, only her cam corder. DS of course dind't have it! We had left it in a store!!!!!!!

Dh of course panicked, but I just walked back and asked about it and they said one of the staff had it and was taking it to lost and found, but I found them still in the store. WHEW!!!

disneygal · 06-13-2011, 11:26 AM

Wow! What a story. I am so glad you found your camera. I am really excited about bringing my photos to the next level. Hoping my birthday this week will bring a DSLR surprise.

disneygal · 06-15-2011, 01:44 PM

My husband is wonderful. Yesterday was by BD and I received the D3100--I am officially entering the DSLR photography scene. Sons x 2 graduating this week (8th grade and hs) will get to try it out. Thanks for all the advise from everyone. Hope to be posting some pages from the Maiden Dream Voyage next week.

meejay · 06-15-2011, 05:15 PM

Congratulations! Enjoy!!!