I know some of the members are into photography, but this is for everyone. I'm curious if you still use film cameras and what kind do you have?
I'm looking to get a new 35mm camera and am interested in the SLR cameras (auto focus). The one I have now is a Pentax point and shoot and it's about 10 years old. I'm not sure if the camera is starting to go or I'm getting worse at taking pictures (I do believe it is the former! LOL), but I was looking at pictures I had taken a few years ago and do notice a difference. I love taking pictures and would like to do more close-ups and the camera I have just isn't designed for that. Any suggestions?

By Kaye on Tuesday, April 19, 2005 - 08:16 pm:

I have an olympus IS10 and love it.

A couple of things, if you camera is a good camera, take it in to be cleaned and serviced, that can help a lot.

When you are looking for a camera, the most important thing is how it fits in YOUR hand. Do the buttons feel right? can you zoom easy? Or does the strap hang in view, is your thumb in the way? More pictures are ruined from it not fitting right and get pics of things you didn't really want.

That being said, for good close ups you need a zoom that is at least 90, but 110 is better. Go with a good name, olypus, canon, etc. Cameras really are a thing that you get what you pay for. Go to best buy or circuit city and play with cameras, ask a couple of different people. High end cameras are very similar and it is about personal choice.

By John on Tuesday, April 19, 2005 - 08:49 pm:

If you are looking to buy a 35MM SLR, the only ones I would recommend are Nikon and Canon.

Both of these companies are recogized as the leaders in technology, quality and support of their products among professional photographers.

Both of these Vendor's consumer and professional SLR cameras take removable lenses that are interchangeable with the entire product line (including the digital models).

As far as a specific camera, it depends on your budget.

I personally own a Canon and can provide more information on their SLR's and lenses.

By My2cuties on Tuesday, April 19, 2005 - 09:06 pm:

I have the Canon Z155, I like it, it feels good and it's pretty, IMO, and I can take super close up pics of my girls. It has a heck of a zoom. Here are 2 close up pics I have taken with it....

By Brandy on Tuesday, April 19, 2005 - 09:44 pm:

I have the canon eos rebel g it's a great camera = ) i usually use my digital now though = ) which is a canon digital rebel and a canon digital rebel xt they all can use the same lenses so that helps = ) I also like that fact that you can change the lenses on it of course that can get expensive if you let it i personally have only bought 1 different lens and that was a 75-300mm for candids of the kids = ) good luck and let us know what you decide...

By John on Wednesday, April 20, 2005 - 09:39 pm:

Sunny,
I re-read your message and may have misunderstood when you asked about SLR's.

An SLR is a camera with removable lenses.
Yes, all have autofocus, but so do cheaper point and shoots with non-removable lenses.

Are you interested in a point and shoot or a true SLR?

By Sunny on Wednesday, April 20, 2005 - 10:11 pm:

I'm interested in a camera with a removable lens. It's been a while since I bought a camera and was unfamiliar with the lingo until doing a search, but I know what I have now is a point and shoot.

I went browsing today. I liked the Canon EOS Rebel, but they have a few different models. I need to do more research, though, so any advice or opinions is appreciated.

By Annie2 on Wednesday, April 20, 2005 - 10:21 pm:

I have a Canon Rebel 2000 EOS. I bought a zoom lens EF 75-300mm for it. I prefer to use this camera than my HP digital. My digital is too slow to take candids of the kids and uses too many batteries.

I love my 35mm. It was recommended to me by my firend who is a professional photographer for an easy to use/learn on camera which will last. I have had it for about four years now.

By Brandy on Wednesday, April 20, 2005 - 11:19 pm:

I say go for the Canon Rebel you won't be sorry you did = )

By Karen~moderator on Thursday, April 21, 2005 - 07:37 am:

I'd go with Canon. I've owned several 35 mm SLR cameras - Minolta, Olympus, Nikon, Canon - and I'd definitely go with the Canon due to their quality. I learned a lot about Canon vs Nikon when I was buying my Digital SLR this year, and if I were going to get a regular 35 mm SLR, I'd get a Canon. They are pretty much leaders in technology.

By Amecmom on Thursday, April 21, 2005 - 10:34 am:

Ditto the Canon EOS Rebel! I have a smaller, more expensive camera and I refuse to use it becasue the Canon is so much better.

Brandy - Canon makes a digital Rebel? Is there a lag time? What I hate about my digital is that I press the button and it takes forever to take the picture. Is the Canon that way or is it just like the film Rebel - only digital?
Ame

By Brandy on Thursday, April 21, 2005 - 11:08 am:

Ame yes they do i love mine i don't recall there being much of a lag time i haven't used it for about a month since i purchased it's bigger (smaller) brother the xt lol = ) here's a link to dpreview.com you can go there and check into all different cameras i hope this helps you both..

By Brandy on Thursday, April 21, 2005 - 11:08 am:

okay i guess i didn't link it but that's the website lol = )

By Amecmom on Thursday, April 21, 2005 - 02:34 pm:

Thanks, Brandy. I'll check them out!
Ame

By Brandy on Friday, May 6, 2005 - 09:41 am:

Sunny did you decide on a camera = ) ...enquiring minds want to know lol = )

By Sunny on Friday, May 6, 2005 - 04:03 pm:

Hey Brandy! I'm either going to go with the Canon EOS Rebel K2 or T2, I haven't decided yet. I've been too busy to get back to the store and get it, but I plan on doing just that very soon since my nephew is getting married Memorial Day weekend and I'd like to have it and play around with it before then.