What type of camera should I buy?

I have been asked this question lately by a few friends.

In June there was a post about the equipment in my photography arsenal, click HERE to read.

Here is a better list of which camera to start out with if you are interested in photography. As well as everything in between. The list ends with a dream purchase, still waiting for that money tree to bloom.

So lets start with the basics.

If I were to buy a new camera for my purse to capture everything, I would buy this:

Nikon Coolpix L22 Digital Camera (Red) $130 from B and H Photo Video 

(BH Photo: they are the ‘go-to’ online store for most every photographer)

• 12.0 Megapixels
• 3.6x Optical Zoom (37-134mm)
• 3″ High Resolution LCD
• 3-way VR Image Stabilization System
• Smart Portrait System
• 16 Scene Modes
• Easy Auto Mode w/ Scene Auto Selector
• High Quality Movies w/ Sound

Now, one step up from this Nikon would be a Canon purchase in a kit form; meaning body and separate lens. It is a little bit of a financial commitment, but if your going to buy a SRL – do it right. (Ms. Julie this is for you)

Canon EOS Rebel T1i (500D) Digital SLR Kit w/EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 IS Lens = $680

• 15.1Mp CMOS Sensor
• HD 1080p, 720p, and VGA Video Capture
• 3″ Clear View LCD with Live View
• DIGIC 4 Image Processor
• ISO Expandable to 12,800
• EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 IS Lens
• Compatible w/ 60-plus EF & EF-S Optics

Keep in mind this is “a Kit”.  Meaning a Canon BODY with a detachable lens. The body can accommodate any new lens in the future. When buying a lens make sure to buy an UV lens cap to protect your lens. To consider buying this kit click HERE.  From the previous camera post in June ‘I have purchased my pieces from either Amazon.com or B and H Photo and Video in New York. I trust them. Be careful out on the streets, there are PLENTY of online shady camera stores. I have painfully argued with undoubtedly an Ex-Con from Jersey, politely telling him “shame on you – does your Mother know what you do!”. Now come to think of it, she likely was the mafia mob boss behind the operation in the back room counting the loot.  Citibank finally went after them, I was refunded the money, and have no further details except this “camera store” can no longer be found online. So shop around and use a trusted verified site’.

This is what I shoot with now:

Canon EOS 50D SLR Digital Camera (Camera Body only)  = $930

• 15.1 Megapixel
• 6.3 fps Continuous Shooting
• Uses Canon EF & EF-S Lenses
• 3.0″ Clear View VGA LCD
• Live View Mode
• Integrated Cleaning System
• ISO 3200 – Expandable to 12800
• 9-point Wide-area AF
• Face Detection Live AF
• HDMI Output

 Here are a few favorite lenses:

Canon Normal EF 50mm f/1.4 USM Autofocus Lens = $350 (great in low light situations)

And

Canon EF 28-135mm f/3.5-5.6 IS Image Stabilizer USM Autofocus Lens = $400. A great multi purpose little diddy.

This also is a great helper:

430EX II Speedlite TTL Shoe-Mount Flash = $280.

This Speedlite is great with nine custom functions. The flash head is also maneuverable and capable of bouncing flash illumination. The diffuser shield is used frequently in low light situations to add light but not glare.

Now on to the super big stuff.

The Holiday wish list.

DH ARE YOU READING THIS? TAKING COPIOUS NOTES?

We Need To Save To Buy This Jewel. (a girl can always dream)

Canon Zoom Wide Angle-Telephoto EF 24-105mm f/4L IS USM Autofocus Lens = $1,050.

DH if it’s not in our budget, I will be writing (yet another) letter to Santa.