Best Choice?

csxt31602 · 11-09-2009, 05:06 PM

Hello all,

I was just inquiring the best choice of camera for taking rail photography. I have right now a Canon Powershot SX10 IS and i am looking at getting a new Canon but uncertain of what. Any info and feedback would be appreciated.

Thanks,

Allan

Walter S · 11-09-2009, 05:12 PM

For just starting out id recommend looking at Canons Rebel line. How much do you plan to spend?

JimThias · 11-09-2009, 05:14 PM

"Best choice" depends up on how much you can afford. Obviously, the "best choice" would be the top of the line Canon or Nikon (or whatever other brand you're loyal to).

The camera you have now is just fine for taking train pics. However, if you want to get more serious about RR photography, then you're going to need to spend a bit more money and get a DSLR.

Chase55671 · 11-09-2009, 06:00 PM

I'm satisfied with the results of the Canon XSi. It's 12 MP, comes with the default 18-55mm kit lens. As soon as I purchased the camera, I bought the Canon 55-250mm lens. These two are pretty good for shooting trains. I think I spent a total of around $955 in both the Canon XSi (kit lens included) and the EF-S 55-250mm.

Chase

ottergoose · 11-09-2009, 09:18 PM

Here's a pile of information for you, which is Canon specific, should you go that route...

As you may already know, there are two parts of the equation when using a DSLR camera, the body (Rebel, 40D, etc.), and the glass (lens).

The number of millimeters (mm) on the glass reflects how much reach or zoom they have. Many camera bodies will come with a "kit" lens with a range of something like 18-55mm, which is an okay starting point for shooting trains, although you'll eventually want a greater range. For example, I currently have three lenses, 10-22mm, 17-70mm, and 70mm-200mm - many others have something similar. Other popular combos for Canon include the 10-22mm, 18-55mm, 55-250mm, or, if your budget is very generous, something like the 10-22mm, 24-105mm and 100-400mm.

To give you an idea of what sort of reach you need, here are a few examples at various focal lengths...

10mm

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17mm

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40mm

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50mm

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70mm

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200mm

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The more you can spend (especially on glass) the better. If you're just starting out and on a budget, KEH.com has a used Rebel XT + 18-55 Kit lens combo for $360, which is a helluva deal. For a little more reach, the other guys here like the 55-250mm, which KEH has used for $220 or so. If the budget allows, you could get a higher end Rebel, but, at this price range I think extra money should be going towards better glass (like the Sigma 17-70 instead of a kit lens).

If the budget is less of a concern, a used 40D from KEH start at $650 and is a fine choice, although if you're just getting started, a body that high end is overkill.

If you just won the lottery, I can certainly help with suggestions there, but, I'll require a commission to do so

nikos1 · 11-10-2009, 12:47 AM

The SX10 is a perfectly good camera, most of my shots on RP were taken with the S5IS, one model below yours. Its a good series of camera, it will do fine in most RP acceptable conditions. Once you get the hang of taking a good shot and want to try move creative things like night shots and such (the SX10 isnt overly bad at those either) then you should thing about a DSLR.

Northern Limits · 11-11-2009, 12:40 AM

I'm inclined to agree with Nikos. I used a Canon point and shoot for a couple of years before finally getting a DSLR this summer. A more expensive camera may improve your image quality, but it won't necessarily improve your shots.
Practice with what you have until you outgrow its capabilities.
In the meantime, save so you can get a good quality lens whith your new DSLR.

troy12n · 11-11-2009, 12:44 AM

If you have the budget for it, a Canon 1D mark IV

milwman · 11-11-2009, 10:22 AM

How much will you have to spend on one? One thing Camera body's are not what you need to think about so much, Get one GOOD lens to start with a range you like. Stay away of to long or to wide to start. A 24-105 or 17-85 are good starter lenses.

JRMDC · 11-11-2009, 12:26 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by milwman

How much will you have to spend on one? One thing Camera body's are not what you need to think about so much, Get one GOOD lens to start with a range you like. Stay away of to long or to wide to start. A 24-105 or 17-85 are good starter lenses.

That is absurd. A (roughly) $1000 lens like the 24-105 is not a starter lens. The completely reasonable and workable 18-55 IS kit lens is a starter lens, put on a low-end DSLR, will produce better image quality than the digicam.

You may have meant all-in-one lens, so long zoom range, but there are many options one would consider before going with a 24-105.

NathBDP · 11-11-2009, 01:35 PM

View cameras work well

Dennis A. Livesey · 11-11-2009, 02:29 PM

This one is cheap...

It took this picture...

jnohallman · 11-11-2009, 10:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JRMDC

That is absurd. A (roughly) $1000 lens like the 24-105 is not a starter lens.

A 24-105 lens is not automatically a $1000 lens. The Canon L series 24-105 is.

That aside, if you're looking at a starter level set-up pricewise, but want something more than the standard kit lens, and want to go Canon, I'd suggest looking at KEH and going with something like:

Canon Digital Rebel XT (used Silver body in EX condition for $310) at 8 MP - yes, you could spend a bit more for a few more megapixels, but I agree with those who say to spend the money on lenses. Even with non-L glass I've produced nice, clear, sharp 16x20 enlargments taken with the XT.

Canon 24-85 F3.5-4.5 USM zoom (again, used silver lens in EX condition, $210 - you'll pay more if you want black).

And then, for the long zoom, if you have the money, pick up a used Canon 70-200 F4L lens for about $525. You could also go for the 70-300 f4-5.6IS for about $429. If those stretch your budget too much, pick up the 75-300 F4-5.6 USM III for $150 used.

If you go with the XT, the 24-85, and the 70-200 F4L, you're at just over $1000 total. If you go XT, 24-85, and 75-300, you're at $670. The 75-300 isn't great glass, but it's decent and covers a lot of range. Just use a tripod when shooting low light with it.

Jon

LSRC Railfan · 11-11-2009, 11:39 PM

If you have a small budget (which I assume most do), you can find a used Canon 30D body for $400-500. You can then pick up a used 28-105 f/3.5-5.6 USM for as low as $100 used. That's what I would do.

milwman · 11-11-2009, 11:58 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JRMDC

That is absurd. A (roughly) $1000 lens like the 24-105 is not a starter lens. .

You may think so but you never know what he wants to do, I gave him a cheeper one to look at to. To some the best is all they want, Others gave chooses I was just filling in a blank. One thing I wish I didn't waste cash on all the junk I started with.