Monday, November 26, 2007

All I Want for Christmas

Dear Internets,

I need your help. I don't think that I'm the World's Worst Photographer, but the litany of unusable photographs I've taken would say otherwise. I do know how to work our camera, but every time I take a bunch of photographs, I know that some of them - usually the best ones - will probably be out of focus or otherwise unusable. This is driving me crazy! I actually really like taking photos, especially when those photos involve my beautiful boys. I feel like I am losing a part of their childhood to either a crappy camera, or crappy photo skills. Or both. Either way I lose.

Could someone please PLEASE suggest a great camera to buy? One that is preferably foolproof, and easy to use for dummies like me. Please don't make this be the norm in my children's albums:

23 comments:

Kyla said...

Mine isn't the fanciest or nicest for sure, but I am quite pleased with my little Kodak Z730.

Suz said...

There are some folks out there (Cinnamon & Niobe to name two) much more qualified to answer this question than myself. I look at their photos and wonder how I could possibly get mine to that level.

However, mine have improved since purchasing a digital SLR. The fast shutter time makes it easier to capture those changable baby faces. Mine was one of the cheaper models on the market and prices have come down even further since I purchased it.

Anonymous said...

Hey, FWIW, I really like that picture!

We had a Canon Sureshot A70 that we bought in 2003 and I loved that camera. In the spring, we splurged on a Nikon D40 digi-SLR, which is so luxe I can still barely stand it. Our little Canon died shortly after the Nikon arrived, and I do miss it, especially the ability to shoot short videos.

the dragonfly said...

We actually bought a digital SLR this weekend, also a Nikon D40. I loves it. I've taken nearly 400 pictures since we got the camera last Wednesday. (I'll admit it: I'm an addict. :)

painted maypole said...

i like my Sony Sureshot, 7 megapixel. small, easy to use, not too fancy, pretty idiot proof. usually. ;)

cinnamon gurl said...

I used to sell cameras, once upon a time, and it's not so much just about the camera as it is what you need, how you'll use it, and making sure you understand how it works. There are a few possible reasons for your out of focus shots: maybe you're too close to the subject? All cameras and all lenses, no matter how expensive or fancy, have a limit on how close a subject can be in focus. The trick is to know what that limit is. My camera (Nikon D70s -- probably way beyond what you want or need to spend) just won't release the shutter if the subject is too close and it beeps when it's in focus. On most cameras, you need to press the shutter button halfway down to focus, then all the way down to shoot. You need to hold it down to lock the focus and if you lift your finger up first you could lose the focus. It might be worth digging out the user's manual or if you choose a new camera, reading its manual. Most camera shops can help you identify your needs and the camera best suited to meet those needs. Feel free to email me if you want any more help...

kittenpie said...

Oh, but that's lovely!

I just got a cute little camera this week, but haven't downloaded anything for closer viewing. will let you know how it turns out. Meanwhile, Misterpie uses a digital SLR from Minolta and is very happy with it.

Mad said...

I have a trusty Kodak digital but it has been beaten around a bit. I am craving a digital SLR.

Anonymous said...

As with all things technological or appliance-y, I consult my library's subscription to Consumer Reports magazine. They are so awesome, especially since some US products get relabelled when they arrive on the Canadian market - and the CR has a guide to Canadian models of US products. Plus they give you a chart and a break down of functions and since I'm a visual person this is awesome. And it keeps me from making decisions for emotional (ie ooh look this blender/phone/SUV comes in hot pink. I love hot pink!) reasons.

I've an HP that I love.

Beck said...

Oh, I'm no help. I hate my camera.

Christine said...

sorry-- i am no help at all.

Anonymous said...

i have a canon SD900. i am in love with it.

i mean, it's not an SLR, but for a point and shoot, it's fantastic! i highly recommend!

Mimi said...

I was going to say exactly what Cinnamon Gurl said: the halfway down shutter focus, the reading the manual, the asking at the camera shop. I know exactly how frustrating these little point and shoots can be. I'm having a similar problem with mine, but I think, because it's about 3 years old, the battery might just be totally shot now. Might that be your problem, too?

moplans said...

we have a canon rebel that takes great photos but it is HUGE.
my husband just bought his dad one on ebay. make sure you look there once you decide what you want. I love a deal.

moplans said...

we have a canon rebel that takes great photos but it is HUGE.
my husband just bought his dad one on ebay. make sure you look there once you decide what you want. I love a deal.

b*babbler said...

We have the Canon digital SLR, and love love love it. I'm no photographer, but I can't seem to take a bad photo with it. Part of it is the sheer speed of the shutter.

Still, holding down the button half-way and waiting for the focus helps too.

Good luck!

karengreeners said...

My pics are way wonkier than yours. we have some fancy nikon something or other that chris loves. i just let him take all the pictures. how's that for helpful?

ms blue said...

I've got the same as Ali and I love it! Plus the free version of Picnik is a nice tool to play with for a quick fix.

NotSoSage said...

I'm no help, here. But I do think that is an incredibly lovely shot, blurry and all.

motherbumper said...

Ohhhhh I love that hat and I think it's a cute shot.

If you are looking for a point and shot digital (as opposed to a SLR) - I'm very happy with my teeny tiny Canon Powershot SD30 (ELPH) - my MIL has the SD50 and it's another great one (with a much MUCH larger display).

Don Mills Diva said...

I'm afraid I'm no help at all. But I think that's a very cute shot!

Catherine said...

That's actually a cute picture! I'd like a new camera too, so no help here...

Nice to "meet" you!
catherine

crazymumma said...

I love my canon. it slips into my pocket and takes great photos!