[ClgShaft]

Hello,

I am a noob when it comes to cameras, and looking to get one for my wife for christmas. looking at the 600-700 range at the moment. I am looking for a camera that will shoot well for sports, mainly hockey.

Thanks for the help.

 

[james99]

The Canon T1i is probably in that price range since the t2i has been out for some time.

The expensive part of this hobby is the cost of future lenses.

 

[Tanta]

Both those Canons are at a very interesting price point, but if you want a more recent camera, the Nikon D7000 has an excellent quality/price ratio, but is about twice your budget. Shopping over-budget is an interesting exercise to find out what you are missing....!
For low light photography, the Pentax k-x model is close to your budget -even with additional lenses. Finally, if you seriously consider the D7000, it is worth comparing it to the Pentax K-5, since they share the same CMOS sensor, but have different features.

 

[talljak]

When photographing indoor hockey you will very quickly see the limitations of entry DSLR and entry lenses.
If you put some decent glass on an t2i you will be able to get some great shots, but you will blow your budget on the lens alone.
If you just want some snaps from the stands a t2i with kit lens will do you ok. If you want pro looking shots it will = pro prices.

Start out with a starter kit t2i or the like, then as you become familiar with the ins and outs of photography you can always get your self some nice lenses.

 

[dogbolter]

If you decide to go the Nikon route then the NIKON 50MM/1.8 AF D is a must have budget lens for indoor hockey photography. Would make a nice addition to a standard package lens without blowing your budget. You can also pick them up in the used market fairly cheaply.

 

[PG44]

Technical specs aside, also consider user-friendliness. The "feel" of the camera is different for different people. If your wife is on the petite side then you may want to consider the new Nikon D3100. It is small and lightweight, and the price will allow for adding an external flash like the SB-400 or a 35 or 50mm prime lens. As others have mentioned, with your budget you will get a decent entry-level SLR and kit lens which will give more than acceptable images but don't expect to take professional action shots unless you invest in some expensive lenses.

 

[Cyclism]

It is more important to learn good photographic techniques and skills first before you invest in more expensive equipment. A camera is just a tool that will help you get there, but if your technique is crap, your pictures will be too regardless of how expensive your camera is.
An entry-level DSLR such as the Nikon D3100 or Canon T2i will suit yours and your wife's needs for many years, until you feel they are somehow limiting your photography. Then and only then should you consider purchasing more expensive equipment.

 

[Petee_C]

A fast lens helps for hockey.

They consider f2.8 as being fast.... When I started out in high school, I bought a 135mm f2ish lens in a minolta mount for my 1st camera (20yr old hand me down)

These are some ringette pics from the summer at a camp my kids were at.

I believe it was shot at iso800, 1/200 f2.8 (manually metered at +2/3 EV to make the ice look white)

 

[ClgShaft]

Hey guys,

I checked out the canon t2i and nikon d3000, both 1000 plus with 55-250 lense.

What other options do I have?

Should I be looking at a different type of camera?

Thanks

 

[Cyclism]

Are you sure you didn't look at the Nikon D3100 at that price, and not the D3000 (which is last year's model and is being phased out and is notably inferiour to the D3100)?

 

[ClgShaft]

Yes, sorry the d3100. Was a little more than the canon t2i. Out of my budget range right now.

 

[Cyclism]

Don't go overboard yet with lens selection. The D3100 with the 18-55mm kit lens for just over $600 is all you need for now. Don't spring for the other lens until you think you will need the extra reach of the 55-200mm.

 

[ClgShaft]

Everyone I have spoke with has said the 200mm lense is recommended for close up hockey shots.

Thanks

 

[Cyclism]

If you do decide to get the 55-200, make sure it is the VR lens, which will help you capture action in marginal light, since the max aperture of the lens is f5.6 at the 200mm end.

 

[ClgShaft]

Other than the nikon 3100 and the canon t2i , is there a camera and a decent lense I can get within my budget?

Thanks

 

[talljak]

In the Canon world:
You could go with a Digital Rebel XS its the lowest end DSLR that Canon makes. It comes with the kit 18-55 IS lens. It comes in under 600 before taxes.
The T2i is an upgrade in body, same lens. $150 up in cost though. (well worth the price increase IMO)

The only way you could go cheaper is buying used.

 

[Tanta]

If low light photography is important, try to PM Walter Dnes to find out how he feels about his Pentax KX; check this thread below; prices are somewhat dated (the cameras are now cheaper; the KX with two lenses; 18-55 and 50-300, is now ~750$)
http://www.digitalhome.ca/forum/showthread.php?t=117595
I think your two Canon 't' series/Nikon 3100 choices are very good.
According to what I have read, and speaking to photographers, in the APS-C format, low light capability is in the order Pentax>Nikon>Canon. However, the latest APS-C high-end 'flagship' models; Pentax K5 and Nikon D7000 share the same Sony sensor and share similarities in their low light capability.

 

[ClgShaft]

thanks for the help guys.

please remember this is for my wife, and we are noob's. we will be spending lots of time at the rinks over the next few years, and have always found it hard to get good pictures, using a digital camera.

the nikon is on sale, $150 cheaper than the canon t21 with lens.

Nikon D3100

 

[gordonb]

Price Checking

Remember that FutureShop will beat any locally advertised price by 10% of the difference so be sure to check what Blacks, Henry's & Vistek have on sale.

Your profile doesn't show where you are but there used to be a real advantage to buying out of province before HST was introduced in Ontario & BC.

PhotoPrice can show you who has the best prices including shipping, handling & taxes.

 

[ClgShaft]

If you do decide to get the 55-200, make sure it is the VR lens, which will help you capture action in marginal light, since the max aperture of the lens is f5.6 at the 200mm end.

So this ls lens is not the vr you mentioned.

Package seems like a good deal. Finding lots of positive feedback on the canon t2i.

Canon t2i