Increase Your Performace....I'm Talking about CAMERA's!

Noooo. I am not channeling one of those terrible infomercials. I try my best to change the channel when they come on. I don't want to hear about it and I certainly don't want my kids to. And I will probably have to eventually change the title of this post.....can you imagine what a disappointment when someone searching for that finds themselves here?
What I am talking about is your camera's performance. I cannot tell you how often I get emails regarding cameras and advice of what camera should get. For example, My friend, Lisa recently sent me this email,

"Hi Leigh, I saw where you got a new Rebel T1i for Christmas. I'm in the market to get a SLR camera and I cannot make up my mind whether to get a Rebel XS or XSi or go for the T1i. Are you happy with it so far? And does it make good video?
Thanks, my mind is just boggled! LOL
Lisa"

And this one from Betty:

"Hi Leigh
I just had my camera and lens stolen this weekend. I will replace it, but I would like to have your recommendation on a Camera and lens.
Thanks
Betty"

I so hated to hear about Betty's camera. It really sickens me.
First and foremost, I want to say this..... I am a big believer in that it is not all about the camera, but the user too.  I have used many cameras. And even though I have a new camera, I still will sometimes pick up my old Nikon or even my point and shoot.

And I am in the market for one of those old Polaroid cameras from back in the 70's. So if any of you thrifty folks find one on the cheap and want to get rid of it, let me know!

More features don't do you a bit of good if you don't know how to use them or if you don't plan to use them.
There are so many good ones out there. Be sure to find one that will focus on lighting and sizing/composing your subject in the frame because it can make all the difference.


Personally speaking, I use three cameras, each for different purposes. It really is about what you want to spend and how you use your camera. I see so many people spend a lot on cameras and they don’t really use all the features. So, really meaningless.

I keep a Nikon coolpix in my purse for those times when I might wish I had a camera. It really is my daughter's camera but it fits in my purse and does the job in a pinch. It's great for a responsible kid. It’s the size of a credit card, but its not a dependable camera for zoom and certainly not the professional shots I do. I took all of the shots from our canoe trip with it (and most were moving shots) It did pretty good. You can see those here: Its cost ab $10.00 This camera also has a decent video on it, for those up close moments. I would shoot a kids ball game with it, but my daughter loves to video herself singing or doing plays in her room.

My go to camera that I often use and is a middle of the road camera is my Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ18 with 18x zoom. Its not a SLR, but it does have capabilities that I once used it in photographs. It’s not to big, so easy to carry around. I take a lot of the shots on my blog with it. I highly recommend it or something like it to anyone that just wants a basic camera for family photos. I paid ab $699 for it when it came out but you can find it (or something comparable) online for half that price or less. The video on this camera was just ok.

My professional camera is a Canon Rebel T1i ESO 500D. The EOS Rebel T1i is packed with features, both refined and new. In addition to its admirable performance with an all-new 15.1 Megapixel Canon CMOS sensor, DIGIC 4 Image Processor and compatibility with the EOS System of lenses and Speedlites, the EOS Rebel T1i adds remarkable Full HD video capture at resolutions up to 1920 x 1080. An HDMI port allows for quick connections to high definition TVs and monitors for easy viewing of your stills and video. The entire operation is simple and easy even if you are a beginner but has the capabilities for professional use. You'll have uncompromising EOS Digital performance with power and flexibility right in the palm of your hand.  I find it's great for shooting sports and shots with motion (water, running, etc for ex).

I also have a zoom attachment and different lens for this camera. You can purchase all kinds of bells and whistles to accompany (as you can also the mid price camera). I am In.LOVE. with this camera and use it for all my professional shooting and shots that I might enlarge and any movement type shots. This camera can run about 700 and go up in price with a package. I paid about 1200 for mine and its been worth it. I have used the video a couple times and it is much much better in the way of video than my mid range camera's video. Much!

Be advised, that the model does not come with the camera. :)

To me purchasing a camera is like purchasing a car.

Or......dating a man you want a future with.

One must ask themselves, What your expectations in a camera? How you plan to use your camera, IE-what are the likely scenarios of your camera usage. Asking the right questions will also give you a good idea if you will want or need to invest in any extras for your camera.

The biggest thing...ask yourself what kind of pictures do you plan to take. What features do you want in a camera. And then price compare. Look online for deals, there are many out there!

There is a fabulous website on comparing cameras , where you can do side by side and see the features and capabilities and any negatives too. It is called Dpreview (Digital Photography Review).
Here is the link to compare: http://www.dpreview.com/reviews/sidebyside.asp

Another thing that will greatly affect your camera's capabilities is the size memory card you use.
In this case, SIZE DOES MATTER!!!!!
It can make all the difference in how your camera preforms. ALL THE DIFFERENCE.

Before I go, might I recommend an excellent book, understandable for the beginner and up. It's called "Capture Your Kid in Pictures" Simple techniques for taking great family photos with any camera. It's by Jay Forman and is put out by Amphoto Books. It's really a great book, one that can applied to any subject, not only children.

Hope that helps. Thanks Lisa & Betty!
I love questions. If you have questions, ask away and hopefully I can answer them. I am still working on my Q&A post, but had several questions regarding the equipment so thought I would address it separately.

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Just a reminder...My Friday post regarding the Miranda Lambert song also touched alot of you. I received several emails and comments of your childhood homes and how your childhood home "built" you. What a beautiful song, what a beautiful sentiment. Scrappy Dee left a comment about her grandmothers home and how meaningful and special that it was to her. She also suggested that I have a Mr. McLinky party where we could share our special house that built "you". I would love to hear a special memory of growing up in your special place, or perhaps it is your home now. Share photographs too!


We will have the "House that Built Me" Party on Friday June 18!!!!


I will post Mr. McLinky on Thursday night June 17th, following Thrifty Thursday. I hope to have the link up by 8PM, assuming there are no linky issues. So, join me won't you, in sharing your special memories. Think of it as a progressive house warming party. That's exactly what it is!


HUGS! Hope to see you tomorrow, but not before you leave some "roadmap" love!