Need help buying a new camera (Urgent)

[HeilSvenska]

Hey everyone. I need help looking for a new camera. I thought I wasn't going to get one for a while, until I found out that ALM was coming to town in 2 weeks!!!

So yeah. I'm looking for a good one this time. Something that'll give me the best performance for up to $500. An SLR would be nice, although I know nothing about which accessories to buy...

[nthfinity]

500?

for a race, you would def. need telephoto to take pictures on the track.

maybe ebay and a decent 300 mm telephoto? it will cost more then 500 still I think...

[HeilSvenska]

500?

for a race, you would def. need telephoto to take pictures on the track.

maybe ebay and a decent 300 mm telephoto? it will cost more then 500 still I think...

I know, it's horrible. If I knew I'd need it so soon I would've saved money. :( And I'm looking for a digital one too.

[nthfinity]

hmm

actually

you can rent digital SLR's, and high end L lenses for pretty cheap.... prolly less then 200 for the w/e

[gigdy]

Just wait until you have saved enough to get what you want. No sense wasting $500 and regretting as soon as the race is over.

[sameerrao]

Borrow a point and shoot for now and save up for a good camera ($$$$). Like Nths suggested if you can rent one go for it.

[HeilSvenska]

Hmmm. Where would I rent a camera and how much would it cost?

[MidEngine4Life]

Indeed to buy a digital SLR would cost more than 500. Ive never heard of rentals but hey, you never know these days. If your near a Fry's try checking the prices there. They usually have some good deals

This is the camera I use. Bought it for $1000 new a year ago at Best Buy
http://www.olympusamerica.com/cpg_section/product.asp?product=1192

[ae86_16v]

Heil, Canon's Rebel XT should be around $500 now, but you won't get a lens. Other options are used D70s or new D50 on "closed out" still available for under $400 for body only.

Or if you care about size and want something small, you might also consider the D40 which is a bit more than $500. Or the afore mentioned Rebel XT should be around $500 too.

Again, you won't get much any lens with these body only. There are some cheap zoom lenses around like Sigma 70-300mm APO which is around $150 or so. But it is a slow lens.

Goodluck, let us know if you have any other questions. You are in California right?

[HeilSvenska]

Yes, I sure do. Hence my location. Lol. Thanks guys for the info so far. I did look at SLRs without lenses. But I don't know what good that would do. Do you think it has enough performance for decent shots? I mean I have a crappy automatic one that I got for less than $200, and an SLR body alone must be better than that.

[MidEngine4Life]

Yea but you wont be taking any pictures without a lense lol ;)

[HeilSvenska]

Lol. I learned how to use an SLR, but never learned how to equip one. sigh...

[ae86_16v]

Yes any pictures of any SLR would be better than a regular P&S.

In this case, size does matter, and the bigger the sensor the better the pictures.

Of course when it comes down to it, you, the photographer, will be the most limiting factor in any camera.

[sameerrao]

Hmmm. Where would I rent a camera and how much would it cost?

Try some camera shops that sell new and used cameras. Not Ritz camera and its kind.

[TopGearNL]

Second hand Canon Rebel XT/350D?

Don't think you'll get much under $500 though..

[ae86_16v]

Second hand Canon Rebel XT/350D?

Don't think you'll get much under $500 though..

In the US, you don't find many great second hand deals. Most of the time, you are just saving on tax.

You have better luck find a deal on a online store. Or like others have said you could go to a professional camera shop and rent.

Or check out the models I have posted above.

[gigdy]

buy one from walmart then return it when your done? THey could care less why you return things.

[ae86_16v]

^ Better yet Costco or Sam's Club. Better return policies.

[gigdy]

sams club is owned by walmart and you have to have a membership card to either.

[HeilSvenska]

^ Better yet Costco or Sam's Club. Better return policies.
Lol. I bought a computer from them once. But it died, probably my fault. But they took it back after the warrantee was expired. Lol. Hooray for ull refunds!