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Permalink Reply by John Wolff on August 22, 2011 at 12:47pm

Forget simple.  Digital cameras, even the "simple" ones, are complicated tools with a bewildering array of features, each of which is either a creative moment or a mistake waiting to happen.  Take the time to learn the tool thoroughly.   A skilled photographer will do better with a bad camera than an unskilled photgrapher with a good camera.

Kodak and other websites have excellent online photography tutorials.  Spend time on that.

You'll also need to spend time choosing and learning whichever photo-editing softwares, since a lot of your photography will be done on your computer.

I've had reasonable luck just buying used older point-and-shoots on Craigslist (never paid more than $100).  I'm limited to small point-and-shoots because I'm a backpacker, they've gotta be small and almost disposable (I did wreck one, desert sand).  They have advantages, but many limitations, so if you want high-quality action shots (see Shepdog's page), you'll need a larger camera with a larger, faster lens.

Do your homework and learn what you want, or you'll get something else.

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Permalink Reply by steve smith on August 22, 2011 at 1:36pm

Coolpix 2000 which is over ten years old. It gives me everything I want in a camera and was very inexpensive. I did however just buy a Sony DCR SR68 Handycam. 80 GB harddrive and 6x zoom. Able to take stills with that as well. I would without thinking twice buy another Sony. Great product and easy to use.

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Permalink Reply by Sam Tsang on August 22, 2011 at 1:44pm

What is your budget? Do you point and shoot? or do you prefer to take your time and tweak all the settings?

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Permalink Reply by Beth on August 22, 2011 at 3:02pm

Just a warning that most point-and-shoot cameras have way too much shutter lag to get any action shots (even slow action) of a living critter.  Your dog will do something cute, you will press the shutter button, and by the time the camera thinks about it and releases the shutter the dog will have moved.

 

Point-and-shoots are GREAT for scenery and I have one that I take hiking, traveling etc rather than bring my big camera.  But you will need something higher end if your goal is to get good shots of the dogs.

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Permalink Reply by John Wolff on August 22, 2011 at 5:24pm

For action shots, try the rapid-shooting mode wherein it shoots as fast as possible, like a machine gun.  Shoot 50 frames and hope you get lucky.  Because point-and-shoots are small, slow lenses, you'll need plenty of light for this.

I have an "old" Canon A590, chosen largely because it provides a viewfinder -- at 58, I'm too nearsighted to see the screen without reading  glasses, and viewscreens are hard to see in bright light.  Weight and power considerations were important for long wilderness outings; with a viewfinder, you can turn off the screen, which is a power-hog.  The "A" series uses AA batteries, so my old 4x AA headlamp provided a backup.  You need the best (2500 mAhr) NiMH rechargeable batteries, BTW. 

There's also a (really awkward) way to put a polarizing filter on an A590.  For scenery, a polarizing filter can really bring out the sky and clouds.  That's why I miss my old SLR.

Check out the "Corgi Photographers" group.

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Permalink Reply by Jane Christensen on August 22, 2011 at 3:50pm

I love my Canon 6X zoom  but my dream camera will be bigger and better...but it will probably take 5 years to learn how to use it.

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Permalink Reply by Jane on August 22, 2011 at 4:39pm

I can't remember the name of mine off hand, but it is just a simple point and shoot. I can check the name after work. My boyfriend has an awesome digital SLR camera, but to me it is way too bulky and cumbersome for taking everyday pictures. And there is NO way I would take that anywhere near the dog park, or to an event, or to the lake, etc. which where I usually want to take pictures anyway. It's way too hard for me to manage two dogs when I practically need both hands just for the camera. If you're really into photo editing and such by all means I would suggest a digital SLR but otherwise I think a little point and shoot that fits in your pocket works fine.

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Permalink Reply by Jane on August 22, 2011 at 6:51pm

Now that I'm home - mine is a Sony Cybershot.

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Permalink Reply by Melissa and Franklin! on August 22, 2011 at 6:20pm

I have had 2 Panasonic Lumix digital cameras. They start around $150 and go up from there depending on how much zoom you want. They actually take excellent pictures, my mom has a newer one and the pictures are about the same quality as some really high end digital SLRs. I frequently use the "burst" mode to take action shots (how I took my current profile picture), and can use different modes and color settings for better pictures. I really like how this camera allows you to zoom while in video mode, not many digital cameras have that feature. I am currently shopping for another camera (I really beat up my cameras and they tend to only last me a year or two bc of dust, sand, being dropped, etc!) and will likely go with another Lumix. One thing to look into is what kind of memory card it has. I really like some of the Olympus cameras but they don't take the standard SD card which was a big downside for me.

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Permalink Reply by mia, herky, & kim on August 22, 2011 at 9:06pm

thanks all for your answers. I have a coolpix and a lumix.  I think I need to follow john's advice and learn more about the ones I have! perhaps it is operator trouble!

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