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General discussion

Look for Suggestions re Digital Camera

Feb 20, 2005 3:57AM PST

Greetings!

New members 20yr plus 35mm Pentax has finally retired (RIP). I have opted to go digital & thought there may be someone that could offer some assistance.

My camera needs are specific--predominant use will be taking pictures of Antique Pottery in a indoor environment.

For cataloging purposes, nearly half of pictures will require the use of a Macro Lens to identify patterns,marks,fine pattern nuances,color variations etc...
Any suggestions as to a make/type of digital camera that would produce pictures of excellent/superior color & clarity specific to my needs would be truly appreciated Happy)

Discussion is locked

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How about a price range?
Feb 20, 2005 6:07AM PST

Digital cameras run from just over $100 to well over $4,000.

Could you give us a target price?

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Response
Feb 21, 2005 3:07AM PST

Good Question !

I appologize for not including this in my original post.
After reading some of the information listed on this site, I would venture to say that a 4K plus Professional SLR would not necessarily be the optimum way to enter the Digital world of cameras.

Perhaps it would be better to "get my feet wet" with a less intense digital say in the.... $899 to $1,699 range-give or take a couple of hundred.
I understand that my specific needs would not be covered...Perhaps you have some suggestions-look forward to your response.

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A Starting Place
Feb 21, 2005 7:23AM PST

Canon recently introduced the
EOS 350D/Digital Rebel XT

http://www.dpreview.com/articles/canoneos350d/

It will be available soon, for an estimated street price of $900 for the body (without lens).

There are two good choices for lens.

1. EF 50mm f2.5 compact Macro - $250 - $300

2. EF-S 60mm f2.8 Macro USM - $450 - $500

The second lens was recently announced but is available in stores.

Here is a link for all of Canon's lenses:

http://consumer.usa.canon.com/ir/controller?act=ProductCatIndexAct&fcategoryid=111

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Response to suggestion re :Cannon
Feb 23, 2005 9:07AM PST

Thank you for your suggestions-it is sincerely appreciated.

After doing a more research on this site,it became evident that my posted limit fell just a tad short. I was not taking into account additional items required and or needed.

With that said, I made my selection. It was nice to see your thoughts regarding looking at the Canon line as my purhase was for the Canon EOS 20D (can't be much heavier than my old Pentax K1000 Happy

While I may be a dinosaur, I am positive I am up to the Challenge with respect to entering the Digital World of Photography.

So,now I need to find the applicable/appropriate computer.....

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Canon 20D
Feb 23, 2005 10:54AM PST

A nice camera indeed.

When you start looking for that new computer, get one with a very large hard disk.

The one I use for photography and video has 160 gig hard drive, USB2, built-in card reader and a DVD burner. When it comes to CPUs for photography, fast is good.

I started putting together some slide shows from some of my older photos. Then creating DVDs. That uses up space in a hurry. I just added a 200 gig external hard drive.

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Reply/ Message of Thanks
Feb 24, 2005 4:57AM PST

Thank you for the assistance-your suggestions are sincerely appreciated & understood.

I have had the opportunity to review some of the computer info on this site.... Hmmm what to do-what to do... At this juncture, It probably would be prudent to take this question on over to the computer forum?

Again, my sincerest Thanks!

Best,
victorianblu