I didn't always used to hate my camera.
For a few years, I snapped, zoomed and cropped happily, capturing holidays, birthdays and random get-togethers.
Over time, though, my camera -- an almost four-year-old Nikon Coolpix 5900 -- increasingly produced blurry pictures.
My technique hadn't changed (in fact, I'd like to think it had improved since I purchased the camera!). I consulted some troubleshooting guides, and figured a new battery would help the situation.
Unfortunately, it hasn't. Only if there's the proper amount of light, *and* the subjects and photographer (nine times out of 10, that's me) remain completely motionless. Sounds like fun, right? And even that's not a guarantee for a crisp end result!
I had hoped I could cope, and save for a big girl camera (I don't know which I'd buy yet, but I've been reading up on these and these). But every time I want to capture something, it's either fuzzy or a 15 minute process (find more light, plug it in, brighten up the area and take a bunch of shots hoping for a clear one).
And, as much as I like taking pictures, I hate feeling like I always have to be the one behind the lens. (But, whether photographer or subject, I can't seem to escape the blur!)
I definitely want to be able to photograph the months, weeks and days leading up to the wedding -- not to mention the day itself and the honeymoon! Getting a cheaper, but more reliable, camera seems to be the best idea. So, now I'm researching point-and-shoot digital cameras.
What brand -- or specific model -- do you recommend?
It depends what you're looking for. I was ready to throw my first Kodak easyshot out of the window, as it too developed the "blurry is best" syndrome after three/four years. I moved on to a panasonic lumix fz18, but again, you can't get away from the fundamentals of photography:
ReplyDelete1) you need light, and lots of it
2) if you don't have enough light, you need a tripod or you're going to get blur.
the options are
1) buy a light hungry camera (able to work at lower light levels without reverting to using a higher iso)
or
2) use flash *shudder*
What about a entry level consumer dslr like the nikon d40 or the canon rebel xsi?
I'm guessing you're looking for a point and shoot rather that a DSLR? My family has always had good luck with Canon's PowerShot line. Otherwise, I'd recommend checking cnet.com or Consumer Reports to see which cameras are top rated.
ReplyDeleteIf you are looking for a DSLR (they're awesome), I second Miss Shortcake's recs for the D40 or the rebel. I love my trusty Rebel XT.
Canon Powershot all the way!
ReplyDeleteI love that it has enough options you can use some manual settings if you're comfortable and if not, there are quite a few auto settings for any occasion...it has easy software, and the battery lasts for.ev.er.
(they retail around $200-250) I bought mine from buydig.com which was much cheaper than best buy or another electronic retailer.
Yea! Thanks for the recommendations everyone!
ReplyDelete