I need a good camera!
- Thread starter jimmyjam
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FastZR1
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- Mar 11, 2010
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What does the OP want to spend on a camera? That's the first question. Maybe I missed that part though.
I prefer Nikon and I use a D90 for my nice shooting. However, I have a small compact digital camera that also takes nice pictures that I use for outdoor activities where I can throw the camera in a camel back and hit the trail. I also use the small camera for "in-process" work when detailing as it's easy and quick to use when trying to take quick pics of the detailing process. Plus if my hands are dirty I'm not worried about the small camera as much. If I lost it on the trail or dropped it in some mud, I wouldn't cry. The small camera still produces outstanding pictures with a 6.2 MEG capability for forums and online sharing.
I prefer Nikon and I use a D90 for my nice shooting. However, I have a small compact digital camera that also takes nice pictures that I use for outdoor activities where I can throw the camera in a camel back and hit the trail. I also use the small camera for "in-process" work when detailing as it's easy and quick to use when trying to take quick pics of the detailing process. Plus if my hands are dirty I'm not worried about the small camera as much. If I lost it on the trail or dropped it in some mud, I wouldn't cry. The small camera still produces outstanding pictures with a 6.2 MEG capability for forums and online sharing.
RLove
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- Jul 10, 2007
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I'm with FastZR1 here. You have a lot of decisions to make before you buy. What's your budget? Will you be doing anything with the camera other than recording your detailing work? Will you want to expand your system in the future, and add lenses, a different flash, etc.?
A great camera does not make great pictures, the quality you get is determined by the person holding it. I won't get into the merits of different brands. I started in college with Nikon F's, and shoot a Canon 7D now...the camera is just a tool.
I would think that if you're going to record before and after shots, you would need the capability of adding filters like a polarizing filter to reduce the reflections. Screw on filters aren't for use on any point-and-shoot cameras that I'm familiar with. Questions like these should guide you in your decisions.
Talk to photographer friends that you have, maybe visit several camera shops and tell them what your intentions are, and after you gather a few opinions you'll start to see a trend developing. Most of the people selling camera are avid photographers as well and are a great source.
Good Luck with your decision. :xyxthumbs:
A great camera does not make great pictures, the quality you get is determined by the person holding it. I won't get into the merits of different brands. I started in college with Nikon F's, and shoot a Canon 7D now...the camera is just a tool.
I would think that if you're going to record before and after shots, you would need the capability of adding filters like a polarizing filter to reduce the reflections. Screw on filters aren't for use on any point-and-shoot cameras that I'm familiar with. Questions like these should guide you in your decisions.
Talk to photographer friends that you have, maybe visit several camera shops and tell them what your intentions are, and after you gather a few opinions you'll start to see a trend developing. Most of the people selling camera are avid photographers as well and are a great source.
Good Luck with your decision. :xyxthumbs:
Mike Phillips
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- Dec 5, 2022
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I bought a Canon Rebel when they first came out, a few years later got whatever the next new version was and now have the t1i and they have all worked really well.
I get a lot of pictures onto the Internet, as much or more than most people I know, some of my articles have over 100 photos in them and the Rebel has always worked extremely well.
The one thing I point out to people that want to take pictures of cars for use on the Internet is that you really need a camera like the Rebel or the Nikon mentioned in this thread because the lens will allow you to get the entire car framed up in the picture without having to back away from the car a mile or two. Might not be an important criteria for everyone but it's a feature I need...
I get a lot of pictures onto the Internet, as much or more than most people I know, some of my articles have over 100 photos in them and the Rebel has always worked extremely well.
The one thing I point out to people that want to take pictures of cars for use on the Internet is that you really need a camera like the Rebel or the Nikon mentioned in this thread because the lens will allow you to get the entire car framed up in the picture without having to back away from the car a mile or two. Might not be an important criteria for everyone but it's a feature I need...
rasch_C
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- May 14, 2008
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:iagree: Just like paint correction. Buffers are tools, they can't guarantee great results. That is up to the person behind the tool using the proper methods.
Like I said before, I know I need to upgrade from my Fuji 4.1. I just can't seem to capture paint defects w/ it -lack of features like manual focus make it hard. I also have been getting into astro-photography which is also driving the need for an SLR. Ultimately though, I need to continue to improve my own skills as a photographer to maximize my results.
Laura
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- Aug 2, 2009
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:iagree: Another D40 user here. I got it several years ago and love it. I'd love to upgrade, but just can't justify it. But to be honest, I'm not totally objective, either. I grew up with Nikon; I can tell you all the things I like about my camera, but I can't tell you why I prefer it over a Cannon.
Really, I don't think you can go wrong with either. Just like with a polisher, it's rarely the equipment that is the limiting factor when it comes to getting professional results.
You can't always know up front, but spend as much time looking at lenses as you do bodies. I started out with a few lenses that were 52mm in diameter, but as VR (vibration reduction; image stability) became available, I got some 72mm. This meant that I had to get all new filters, etc. Photography is a very expensive hobby! It makes detailing seem cheap at times...but at least the rewards of an excellent shot last forever.
Here are a couple of my favorites I've taken:
jimmyjam
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- Nov 4, 2010
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- #27
:iagree: Another D40 user here. I got it several years ago and love it. I'd love to upgrade, but just can't justify it. But to be honest, I'm not totally objective, either. I grew up with Nikon; I can tell you all the things I like about my camera, but I can't tell you why I prefer it over a Cannon.
Really, I don't think you can go wrong with either. Just like with a polisher, it's rarely the equipment that is the limiting factor when it comes to getting professional results.
You can't always know up front, but spend as much time looking at lenses as you do bodies. I started out with a few lenses that were 52mm in diameter, but as VR (vibration reduction; image stability) became available, I got some 72mm. This meant that I had to get all new filters, etc. Photography is a very expensive hobby! It makes detailing seem cheap at times...but at least the rewards of an excellent shot last forever.
Here are a couple of my favorites I've taken:
Wow! What's the difference between the D40 vs. D50? I keep hearing D40, and when Ilook it up I see D50, all this is new to me. Your'e dealing with a guy that uses a Cyber Shot from 5yrs ago
jimmyjam
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- Nov 4, 2010
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- #28
Hey RLove, FastZR1
I'm looking for a good solid camera, and price really isn't a issue. I will save up if needed, cause I don't really like to buy things twice meaning if I want something I'll pay the expense and do it right the first time vs. buying the beginner's model this week and advance up next week. Of course I'll use the camera for other things like family reunions and birthdays, but for my business I can really justify spending a boat load for it :xyxthumbs:! Thanks you guys! Tons of info, but can you guys post some examples of pics taken with your cameras? Some of the pics posted previous are phenomenal!
RLove
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- Jul 10, 2007
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Hey! How did you get a picture of my car?
Matt S.
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- Jan 24, 2007
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RLove
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- Jul 10, 2007
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I drive an '07 Formula Red S2000 exactly like the one in your signature.
Matt S.
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- Jan 24, 2007
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Sweet! Here's another pic of it from another thread...I recently got the front OEM lip and rear OEM lip spoiler installed and I think it really completes the look. I haven't taken new pics yet, but I will next time I wash it.
Anyways, I don't want to derail this thread so feel free to PM me any pics of your car. :xyxthumbs:
Rob T
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- Jul 28, 2007
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Based on what?
Both will offer great results, so it largely comes down to ergonomics. To me, the Nikon's decimate Canon in terms of ergonomics.
Matt S.
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- Jan 24, 2007
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Chevy vs Ford...
When I pick up a Canon I feel right at home...when I use a Nikon I honestly have no idea what I'm doing.
The bottom line is, you can't go wrong either way. I'm a fan of Canon because that's what I've got the most experience with. But, plenty of professional photographers use Canon, and plenty use Nikon. It all boils down to the experience and creativity level of the person using the camera. Just keep in mind that lenses are a better investment than an expensive body if you go the dSLR route - remember lighting is key, and a better lens equals more efficient use of lighting. Just my .02.
Rob T
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- Jul 28, 2007
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Chevy vs Ford...
When I pick up a Canon I feel right at home...when I use a Nikon I honestly have no idea what I'm doing.
Of course you would, because your experience is with Canon. I'm not talking about being familiar with where the camera's functions are, I'm talking about the actual ergonomics in terms of how the camera feels in your hands and where the controls are located relative to where your hands would be when holding the camera.
You are preaching to the choir my friend! I have about $8k invested in Nikon glass.
Matt S.
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- Jan 24, 2007
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:cheers:
PAR Detailing
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- Oct 19, 2009
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I think totally opposite. I just recently purchased a T1i (first SLR camera) and chose that over a nikon based on how it felt. I went to a good camera store and held both of them and the canon just felt right. It fit better in my hands and the buttons are easier for me to hit.
I have nothing against nikon it just didnt feel great in my hands so thus why I opted for canon.
