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Home: Video University Forums: Digital Photography for Videographers:
Camera Suggestion

 

 


Sandy B
Veteran


May 20, 2008, 6:39 PM

Post #1 of 15 (1533 views)
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Camera Suggestion Can't Post

looking to purchase a new digital camera

purpose is for graduation ceremony shots and school events

looking at Nikon D80 or D200 or D300, any recommendations?

Sandy B
SSPBLOG

"Good luck seldom comes in pairs, but bad things never walk alone" Chinese proverb




Postal Boy
Veteran


May 20, 2008, 7:04 PM

Post #2 of 15 (1526 views)
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Re: [Sandy B] Camera Suggestion [In reply to] Can't Post

Not familiar with the Nikon bodies (I shoot with a Canon), but I do know that for indoor shots you will want some "fast" glass - 2.8 is one of the fastest you can get in a zoom lense without selling your children. I picked up an 85mm 1.8 the other day for some horse show stuff, and it allowed me to get an OK shutter speed (1/100 or so) indoors if I opened it up all of the way - but still tough for moving subjects. I don't expect that you will have many fast moving subjects at a graduation, though, but maybe for school events - depending on the event.


rodovideo
Enthusiast


May 21, 2008, 1:29 PM

Post #3 of 15 (1473 views)
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Re: [Sandy B] Camera Suggestion [In reply to] Can't Post

It all comes down to money....

If $$ no object...

D300 for sure. Great "new" features and good reviews on higher iso/grain results.
D200 should be able to get for a decent price since it's "old"
D80 if you don't want to spend the bucks on the "big boys" it's the little cousin of the D200. uses SD card instead of CF cards.

As previously stated... it's all about the GLASS. The kit lens will be ok, but the more you shoot... you will be wanting more out of the camera that your kit lens can't do. Vibration Reduction, 2.8 Aperture.... together make for a good combo.

Yesterday, I went to my local photography store and was looking at nikon lens. I need to get faster glass for the no flash churches and dark receptions... but I need to put some more money aside for the perchase. The lens cost more then my cameras combined. (I have the D80 & a D50)

If you get the D200 with the 18-200vr lens, then you can do a lot with it and not have to do any lens changes. But even with that combo you will find some limitations.

Good luck on your decision making.... let us know what you get.
Mike R.


Look toward the Son, and you will not see the shadows

sample images from RODO PHOTO

Rodo Media BLOG

(This post was edited by rodovideo on May 21, 2008, 2:56 PM)


sal
Enthusiast


May 22, 2008, 10:44 PM

Post #4 of 15 (1411 views)
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Re: [Sandy B] Camera Suggestion [In reply to] Can't Post

the nikon d300 is getting a lot of positive feedback due to their low light shooting. You can increase the ISO and still get good looking images.(without the use of a flash)

But anyone in the business will tell you to concentrate more on the glass than the body.

If I were to do it over again, I would have started with a great L lens and a cheap rebel body. Once the money comes rolling in, you can upgrade the body(full frame) and still use your good glass.


Sandy B
Veteran


May 22, 2008, 11:42 PM

Post #5 of 15 (1401 views)
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Re: [rodovideo] Camera Suggestion [In reply to] Can't Post

 


In Reply To
... let us know what you get.

Mike R.



We choose to purchase the D300 with a 18-200mm VR lens, and the battery grip also the speedlight 800

Thanks for everyone's input.



'

Sandy B
SSPBLOG

"Good luck seldom comes in pairs, but bad things never walk alone" Chinese proverb




KaseyMyGirl
Enthusiast


May 23, 2008, 4:52 AM

Post #6 of 15 (1382 views)
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Re: [Sandy B] Camera Suggestion [In reply to] Can't Post

sandy, i bought the 300 several months ago after owning the 200. It's a great camera. You will love it. any questions, just ask.


Sandy B
Veteran


May 23, 2008, 5:03 AM

Post #7 of 15 (1381 views)
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Re: [KaseyMyGirl] Camera Suggestion [In reply to] Can't Post

Thanks Paul, will do.

Sandy B
SSPBLOG

"Good luck seldom comes in pairs, but bad things never walk alone" Chinese proverb




RustyB
Veteran


May 23, 2008, 1:19 PM

Post #8 of 15 (1352 views)
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Re: [Sandy B] Camera Suggestion [In reply to] Can't Post


In Reply To


In Reply To
... let us know what you get.

Mike R.



We choose to purchase the D300 with a 18-200mm VR lens, and the battery grip also the speedlight 800

Thanks for everyone's input.



'




NICE! Sounds like an ideal "all around" setup!

If you get in a bind, I'll sell you a hardly used Olympus e-500 with no lens for $100. Laugh For a lens, you could JB Weld the bottom off a Miller High Life bottle onto the lens mount, and call it "fine art photography". Laugh





the People's Video Collective blog
wedding video and the means of production



Sandy B
Veteran


May 23, 2008, 9:36 PM

Post #9 of 15 (1326 views)
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Re: [RustyB] Camera Suggestion [In reply to] Can't Post

You know I took my life in my own hands this afternoon standing outside of your highrise. The way they took the Art Car Museum director out couple of weekends ago, I am leary of standing to close to the curb in downtown Houston.

Thanks for the vintage film.

Sandy B
SSPBLOG

"Good luck seldom comes in pairs, but bad things never walk alone" Chinese proverb




RustyB
Veteran


May 23, 2008, 9:49 PM

Post #10 of 15 (1321 views)
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Re: [Sandy B] Camera Suggestion [In reply to] Can't Post


In Reply To
You know I took my life in my own hands this afternoon standing outside of your highrise. The way they took the Art Car Museum director out couple of weekends ago, I am leary of standing to close to the curb in downtown Houston.

Thanks for the vintage film.




Actually, you have no idea how dangerous it is standing there....you never know when some drunk dude 14 floors up might accidentally let a bottle of Bud slip out of his hand and send it screaming like a grenade down to the sidewalk. Laugh

I'm glad you can use the film...I've got a bunch getting old in the fridge, because I can't afford to get it processed once I shoot it. Tongue

Once you get it processed, mail or bring it over and I'll transfer it to AVI and put it on a data DVD.





the People's Video Collective blog
wedding video and the means of production



DGates
Veteran


May 24, 2008, 1:11 AM

Post #11 of 15 (1289 views)
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Re: [RustyB] Camera Suggestion [In reply to] Can't Post


In Reply To
you never know when some drunk dude 14 floors up might accidentally let a bottle of Bud slip out of his hand and send it screaming like a grenade down to the sidewalk.


Or some dude backing out of the parking garage where there is no exit. Wink


RustyB
Veteran


May 24, 2008, 1:20 AM

Post #12 of 15 (1287 views)
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Re: [DGates] Camera Suggestion [In reply to] Can't Post


In Reply To

In Reply To
you never know when some drunk dude 14 floors up might accidentally let a bottle of Bud slip out of his hand and send it screaming like a grenade down to the sidewalk.


Or some dude backing out of the parking garage where there is no exit. Wink









the People's Video Collective blog
wedding video and the means of production



Sandy B
Veteran


May 24, 2008, 9:53 PM

Post #13 of 15 (1234 views)
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Re: [DGates] Camera Suggestion [In reply to] Can't Post

cool that you remember downtown Houston history

Sandy B
SSPBLOG

"Good luck seldom comes in pairs, but bad things never walk alone" Chinese proverb




DGates
Veteran


May 25, 2008, 2:27 AM

Post #14 of 15 (1220 views)
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Re: [Sandy B] Camera Suggestion [In reply to] Can't Post

I remember Rusty telling us about it.


Sandy B
Veteran


May 25, 2008, 11:07 PM

Post #15 of 15 (1177 views)
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Re: [DGates] Camera Suggestion [In reply to] Can't Post

he is definitely a helava storyteller

Sandy B
SSPBLOG

"Good luck seldom comes in pairs, but bad things never walk alone" Chinese proverb