Help needed asap!

Jeff Fuchs · 03-16-2004, 11:56 AM

I agree with Mike's advice, and I'm glad you decided to take it.

In the next few days, gather some stand-ins, and have them pose for you. Work out all the lighting problems, and camera isues before your moldels get there, so you'll be ready to go, and look like a professional when they arrive.

If a photographer costs $200, your camera will pay for itself VERY quickly. I'm guessing you're looking at spending between $500 - $800 for a better camera.

This was inevitable. It doesn't seem feasible to always hire a photographer. Might as well take the plunge now.

Janel Maples · 03-16-2004, 05:11 PM

Kimberly,

For what it is worth last October I couldn't get a good resource photo with my digital camera that costed $300.00. Not to say someone else who knew what they were doing couldn't, but with my limited knowledge about photography my refrences were not nearly the quality I was looking for. Last November I purchased a Canon Digital Rebel.

I am a new woman.

I do not work for Canon, I am just a very happy customer. It is so user friendly, you will be able to take good photos by Saturday. If you get one of these babies you will not regret it for a second. As far as your husband goes, if he still wants to have lunch with you after 15? years..........don't worry, he will talk to you. In fact, I bet he is extremely proud of you and how hard you are working toward a successful career. A good camera will pay for itself, if not in dollars then in a good nights sleep because you will no longer be kept awake from photographers trying to keep their rights protected as well.

Good luck. But it is a no brainer from my (very newbie) point of view. Be your own photographer.

Janel

Terri Ficenec · 03-16-2004, 05:48 PM

Hi Kim! Go for the camera! Ditch the photographers! You've done such a nice job on the photos of your daughter. I also got a Canon Digital Rebel for myself at Christmas time (based on recommendations from here) and can second Janel's opinion that it is very easy to learn. I also got the camera under pressure of an upcoming photo shoot since I had a commission for an older couple and I knew my little Digital Elph wouldn't capture the texture of their skin well. I'd recommend getting a remote trigger with whatever camera you get (and a tripod if you don't have one) so you don't have to worry about camera shake.

I can't get over how busy you've been!! I've got two little paintings I've been working on since early February, and they're both only halfway done... I'd blame the kids and their schedules --- but you're working around kids too! Do you ever sleep???! I'm feeling like a slackard!

Kimberly Dow · 03-16-2004, 06:17 PM

Thank you Jeff - you are all right - I SHALL spend money!

I was looking at the Nikon Coolpix8700 that Mike mentioned in another thread - 8 megapixels! I was working off 2! It's around $1,000 and seems like a good buy. I need a zoom as well since I do some landscapes too. But now Im going to go check out this one you are both recommending.

Janel - your right - the spouse will get over it. He already gave me that look that says "no" but out of his mouth he said "Whatever you think is best." Well, honey I think it's best that I buy this then a new wardrobe and a trip to Jamaica!

Terri - dont feel like a slacker. I am a schziphronic (not for real-don't be scared) as a painter. When I get excited about ideas I go and go and sleep very little. I am about due to crash soon for a few days where I sleep a lot. Just this morning my oldest accused me of eating the last of the danish he was going to have for breakfast. I forgot he called it last night and I got all these dirty looks from the kids - so that is my proof I am starting on my downward slope. When the kids start glaring I know it's time to slow down. Besides, these paintings are just that - paintings, not commissions. If your two are commissions then you have me beat right now! I am working hard, but some days I just want to scream: "Show me the money!"

Garth Herrick · 03-16-2004, 08:49 PM

Hi Kim, I am new here today, so this is my first response. I say go for the best camera you can get. You can be so much mre creative and productive with the higher quality pixel output. I know nothing about the new Nikon Coolpix 8700, but at 8 MP from a very small dimension capture chip, please check to see if there are any reviews that indicate the digital noise levels at higher ISO speeds like 800 or 1600. As I said I have not read a review yet, but in general when a consumer level camera has a chip subdivided to as much as 8 mp, each pixel is so small that compromises in image quality will result.

A year and a half ago I went for the best digital camera I could buy, which was the Nikon D100. This is an interchangeable lens SLR with the then maximum 6 MP. Yes it was expensive (camera and lens were $2,850.00), and my wife really did not speak with me for two months, but oh what a satisfying and productive tool! So far I have shot over 45,000 pictures and added two more hard drives to my G4 to hold them.

The capture chip is quite large in this camera, resulting in excellent low noise digital captures even at ISO 1600! Maybe you don't anticipate a need for low noise in less than adequate lighting, but I think this is a factor worth considering.

Take your time shopping and read up on all the specification fine print that you can. Good luck!

Garth

Kimberly Dow · 03-16-2004, 09:40 PM

Garth,

Thank you for the information and welcome to the forum!

I have no idea what noise is, what ISO is, or any of the other details you mentioned, but I intend to find out...tonight.

I want to have the camera really clear, easy to use, I want to have a substantial zoom so I can be away from people and still get details - or same for landscapes. I want it to be easy to set for low-light and other lighting situations because I have no clue.

The thing is - I believe $1000 is what I can do at this point. So yes, I want to find the best I can for that price.