Expert: Don Wood - 8/29/2005

Question
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Followup To
Thank you so much for your advice. I have been looking at many different cameras and I seem to keep liking the Olympus E300.  What is your opinion of it?  It appears to be like comparing "apples to apples" when I look at the Canon 350D, Nikon D70 and the above Olympus.  Your help is greatly appreciated.
Regards
Julie


Question -
Hi Don,
I just started a basic photography course and need to buy my own Digital SLR camera.  Do you have any advice on a camera that I can use for childrens photos and travel?  Looking at about $1800-$2000.  Someone suggested the Canon 350D.  What is your opinion?
Regards
Julie
Answer -
With your budget, I'd get the best camera for the price I could get. My personal choice is Nikon, but there are others equally as good. Go to my website, http://pixdw.bravepages.com/photolinks.html and click on any of the links. My personal preference is with the tried and true companies such as Nikon, Canon, etc. You have a wide range of choices. I would opt for a camera that could have interchangeable lenses, with a very quick lag time. Meaning, the time between when you push the shutter and the picture actually is taken. Other companies may have an equally good camera but have only the digital cameras, they've not had any experience with film cameras. You might investigate the Nikon D70. You will find a range of companies that will sell you the camera. Beware of the cheapest quotes, see what they actually will give you for the price. They may be eliminating something you will need to buy to use the camera. You want the total price after you've gotten everything you need. Check to see what their refund policy is, if they've misrepresented what you'll get for your money. In fact, I'm sure that you could probably find a photo retail store that would give you hands-on experience. You might also try finding a professional photography supply store. They might have a more knowledgeable staff to help you.
Best of luck, if I can help further, please ask.
Don

Answer
Have you asked your professor for advice? The cameras you are looking at all are used by the pros. Nikons and Canons are those most commonly used by them. I would look to see what the track record of these camera companies are. Talk to your camera store people, talk to other pros asking their advice. It is flattering to a pro to be asked for advice unless he is working. Examine the possibilities for addition to the basic equipment, referring to memory, pixels, different types of compression ratios, lens (both add-on and individual lenses). As you get deeper into the course you will find other pieces of equipment you will want. Tripods, flash equipment, etc.
Personally, I've used Nikons for almost 20 years, the last two have been digital, they are very dependable, with almost no need for repair work, (knock on wood). Again if I can be of further help, please ask. I still advise you to consult your professor, camera store personnel, perhaps even a professional. Thanks for asking.
Don