Camera picture taking suggestions

[hotrod3h]

Recently going through some posts I saw someone posted what I thought was an amazing set of pictures. Now t his really got me thinking and wanting to improve my pictures. I travel and hunt by myself a lot. I need something I can put on my little tripod I keep in my vest or if close to truck the bigger one I have there. Currently I have a Sony cyber shot model DSC -W120 it's okay, very light and easy to use. Sometimes tough to get everything set up hit the self timer run behind the bird, make sure tail fan looks good and try and look up and smile all in 15 seconds. I do have the photo fan thing that helps sometimes. One great thing is I can view the picture then if not happy take more.

I don't have a lot of money to spend on a camera. I found out the persons pictures I enjoyed used a Canon eos 20d with some pretty good lenses. This camera new is way too expensive for me. I however found a few used for decent price ($200 compared to $2000 new) but with only the basic 18-55mm lens. I thought these cameras needed to be manually focused but I saw they don't. Question is would this camera or another which open to suggestions mounted on a tripod with a ir remote of some sort take better pictures ? This is about the only time I even use a regular camera anything else just use my phone. Thanks.

[alloutdoors]

I can definitely help you out but I'm at work at the moment, I can write something up this evening. Can you provide a link to the photos you mentioned? It would help to take a look at them, and if you could briefly say what it is about them that you would like to capture in your own photos. Also, is $200 your max budget or can you stretch it a bit?

[jblackburn]

This thread has some good info you might be interested in:

http://oldgobbler.com/Forum/index.php/topic,39952.0.html

[hotrod3h]

alloutdoors...Thanks for the help. This is where I saw the pictures last post on page 1 by TNhunterKMC. Basically I thought they were very clear, bright and just great to look at.

http://oldgobbler.com/Forum/index.php/topic,34157.0.html

I guess it depended on how much more you mean. I thought that was a good deal but I don't know cameras.

Thanks I did see that other thread jblackburn

[alloutdoors]

Ok, where to start... First, there's nothing wrong with your idea of getting a used DSLR, it's just not the only option. The 20D that you mentioned was released in 2004. At launch they would have run around $1,300. Any place trying to sell a "new" 20D today for $2,000 should be avoided like the plague. The best option for a beginner to buy used equipment is to do so through a reputable dealer like B&H or Adorama. Both offer a wide variety of used gear, if you are willing to get something that is less than perfect cosmetically you can get some very good deals. You will pay more than if you bought from somewhere like eBay, but there will be less risk. Browsing quickly through the used equipment at B&H and Adorama, I found several 40D's in the $225 range, and 50D's for around $350 (bodies only, no lens). Those are two and three generations newer than the 20D, so $200 for the 20D seems high to me, even with the 18-55 lens. B&H used department  Adorama used department

I think the first question though is whether you should be looking at DSLR's at all though. Simply switching to a DSLR is not going to improve your photos, it will require learning how to use it. This article brings up some points that you should consider: http://www.popsci.com/gadgets/article/2012-08/dont-buy-dslr The author is rather biased against DSLR's, but many of the points are valid for your scenario. Basically, if you are going to get a DSLR and only ever have one lens for it there are probably better options. If you are going to get a DSLR and only shoot it on "Auto" mode, there are probably better options. And if you want a camera that you will actually feel like carrying around with you vs keeping it in the truck, there are almost certainly better options. It's not that I don't think you should get a DSLR, but you should be aware of some of the other options available. Read the article, and then if you are still leaning DSLR I'll be happy to recommend some specific gear options and ways to stretch your budget.

[MKMGOBL]

For what it's worth, my Canon D20 I bought years ago is used just for when out scouting, around the home or on vacation. I personally would never take it out on hunts because of the cost & size of it. Not to take away from any of the great information alloutdoors posted but I think the PAS camera on the market these days, are perfect of taking out on hunts. But then again, some of the DSLR cameras are compact enough that using in the field isn't such an issue like with my D20 with the 28, 200 or 300mm lens. I just it boils down to what you can afford or what you want to use it for.

Several years ago while looking to make a few home-brew trail cameras, I bought two Sony Cyber-Shots P32 & one P41 on eBay. However, I ended up using them of all my outdoor photos. I had one in my tackle bag for when out bass fishing & I always kept one in my vest turkey hunting or backpack when out deer hunting. That set up is below & is actually what all the photos in my post "In The Field Photos" that was linked by jblackburn to this thread above.

I would pack the set up you see (camera, two extra AA & my Clip-Shot) in the photo below for on all my hunts & keep it right in my vest. I blue thing is the Clip-Shot that I use to sell on my turkey call site. They go for $20 & are very cool, easy to use & compact tool that can hold & set up with my or any camera with thread on the housing.



Now over the years the Sony Cyber-Shot camera have been starting to act up on me so this Christmas I ended up getting a new camera for in the field but not on in my canoe! The camera is a Canon SX280 SX & it was right around $200. So far I'm loving it! It takes great photos, great video & the memory card is an SD which will work great in the fall checking my trail camera cards. Unlike the Sony near extinct memory sticks, I could not use it for that. No AA batteries for it so I need to remember to charge it up before hunts. I'll probably just end up getting another spare battery for it when I decide on a good outdoor weather proof case for it. Anyways, here it is.



Good luck with whatever camera you decide & be creative with those in the field

[kevin2]

I wouldn't get a 20D, as it is ancient technology, camera tech I mean. You can get way more camera for your money, be it a new camera OR a used camera. $200 is to much for a used 20D, as far as I'm concerned. You can get a used Canon 5D for $300-400 these days on ebay, and that is as good a camera that walks the earth these days.

To me, I'd get a compact camera. COmpact OR full size DSLR, I'd go to dpreview forums http://www.dpreview.com/forums?utm_campaign=internal-link&utm_source=mainmenu&utm_medium=text&ref=mainmenu and I'd research some cameras. I'm a professional photographer, and that is where I start when it is time to buy new gear. They are the up to date photography gear heads of the world! Read & post some questions.

[30_06]

I was told by a professional photographer that you can take very good pictures with most any camera. You just have to know how to use the camera, and have it with you when you need it.
After that advice I learned how a camera operates and eventually purchased a Sony NEX6.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[MKMGOBL]

I was told by a professional photographer that you can take very good pictures with most any camera. You just have to know how to use the camera, and have it with you when you need it.
After that advice I learned how a camera operates and eventually purchased a Sony NEX6.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

X2

[TRKYHTR]

Rodney you need lots of help. LOL

TRKYHTR

[hotrod3h]

First off my thanks to everyone on their suggestions. There is a lot to look at and research. But I made a mistake I believe in considering a DSLR. A simpler to use camera would be a much better choice for me, not to mention the size and weight would be much less. I spent several hours looking last night and saw several models that appear to come highly rated/recommended. In no particular order Sony Cyber-shot DSC-RX100 II, Canon PowerShot S110, Sony nex 6, Canon SX280 SX. The RX 100 II seems really well liked at least in the places I looked at. I need to look more though the site kevin2 suggested.

Joe... Thanks for laughing at my misery in trying to figure this out... LOL... You take great pictures but I know I couldn't afford you!!

[TrackeySauresRex]

   I don't no much about them but....My wife has a family member in the camera bizz... I go and see him and he pointed me in the right direction. Just like you and everyone else,I wanted the best with spending the least. He tells me the cannon point and shoots are the best right now. I wound up getting a powershot elph 310. I don't think they make it any more. Great camera easy 2 use. It shoots great Hd video. They have new and improved models now.
I keep this camera in my vest.. no remote.. only has 10 sec delay.. has multipal shot settings.
I think it came with a mini flex tri pod.. Heres the good thing. I camo taped it to an old arrow. I stick this thing in the ground and film my hunts,take photos and its real easy to carry. 



And it takes great Photos

[turkeygod4]

I have a canon t3i with 18 - 50mm, 70-300mm and 50mm fixed 1.8 and it takes some amazing photos. Oh and it can shoot some amazing he video. Cost me $449 new with the 18-55 lens.

[kevin2]

Here's some food for thought. There are "millions" of camera models out there, but you might look at the Powershot S series compacts. The Powershot S120 being the lattest and greatest. You can shoot RAW images with it, and it is super small camera BUT a camera packed with features to allow you to make better photos, faster photos, fast everything really. The fact that you can make RAW files with it is what originally brought me to the line up. RAW files will allow you to process the photos you take to a much higher level, after you get home & put those photos on the computer OR you can simple stick with the jpeg files that you are there & view and enjoy as is. It does both at the same time, if you'd like. Pretty cool. Read about RAW files & you'll see what I'm talking about.

Some reviews of past S series of the past...

The S95
http://www.kenrockwell.com/canon/s95.htm

The S100
http://www.kenrockwell.com/canon/s100.htm

The S110
http://www.photographytalk.com/photography-equipment-reviews/2864-canon-powershot-s110-compact-camera-still-the-leader-of-serious-slim-and-portable-compacts-in-a-more-competitive-marketplace

The current S120
http://www.cameralabs.com/reviews/Canon_PowerShot_S120/

You can't go wrong with this camera line over the last 5 years models. I'd buy any of them & I'd be happy. I've owned 2. Would love to have the S120!