Smiler Cumfuzed

[smiler grogan]

See that there,

I need some input about SLR dig. cameras. I am a sculptor and I need move into the modern age by redocumenting all of my work digitally and then getting a web site up. I digress, I am not an avid photographer so documenting my work is my main goal. Any help on brands,options, price.....etc is greatly appreciated.

[JPMNICK]

You can not go wrong with a Canon SLR. they are always very highly rated and the prices are decent. Just make sure you can get one where you can switch out lenses

[Mike Teacher]

Ya Canon's are tough to beat; a digital Rebel XT is cheap now since they now have the XTi; I've owned both, the XT is fine for your needs.

Forget megapixels; get good glass. Quality lenses trump everything.

[smiler grogan]

thanks guys.
1 more question, is it worth looking into used equip. from a reputable place like B&H not some random guy selling a camera on craigslist.

[Ritalin]

Smiler,

I wouldn't buy used. There are too many moving parts to a DSLR, and you'll have no idea how well protected the chip was from the elements.

For that matter, I'm not sure why you need a DSLR. If the only reason for buying it is to document your sculpture (and when you do be sure to post it, please), then a good point and shoot should do the job for you and you'll be more likely to take it with you to use on other outings.

If you see yourself wanting to do more with the camera - meaning that you would like to experiment with depth of field, focus and exposure - then a DSLR makes sense, but that's not the kind of camera that you can stick in your pocket and run around with. It's also more expensive.

I have a 10 MP Canon Digital Elph that I love. It fits in my front pocket, has a ton of storage for images and video, and I make 11 x 14 prints from the files. It cost less than $400. You can make excellent images of your work with that camera, and I'll bet you'll use it twice as much as a DSLR.

TIP: shoot your work in daylight, but not direct light. Try as best as you can not to use the flash.

[SatCam]

where is tenbats?