Cameras for storm-chasing

[Mike Hollingshead]

Mike: Thanks for all the information/links! It's really cleared some stuff up for me. One last question....I was looking at the Canon Rebel XS 10.1 MP DLSR camera, and I noticed a similar version (the XSi) ran about $200 more. The differences between them seem small, but is the XSi really worth $200 more if you're using it for just storm chasing?

Here's a link to the XS: http://www.amazon.com/Canon-10-1MP-...4?ie=UTF8&s=electronics&qid=1240004507&sr=8-4

A brief glance at specs show these differences...

3 inch LCD on the XSi 2.5 inch on the XS
12 mp XSI 10 mp XS
9 point AF XSi 7 point XS
3.5 frames per second XSi 3.0 XS

Doubt any of those are going to be terribly important but maybe worth extra $150(at least on Canon's prices).

I'd definitely recommend getting something with that live view as it can be really useful at times, like extremely precise manual focusing since you can zoom in 10x on the 3 inch LCD(so like focusing on a 30 inch wide image). Just useful at night or lower light...or other things like an annoyingly tight manual focus on a big telephoto.

 

[Darren Addy]

... if you're using it for just storm chasing?

Seriously? You probably won't figure out how to use it effectively if you only take it out at chase time.

 

[Mike Hollingshead]

Seriously? You probably won't figure out how to use it effectively if you only take it out at chase time.

I don't think he said or is saying he won't practice at other times with the thing. Read more like he wondered if the differences mattered for chasing. Photography, especially digital now, isn't really rocket science anyway.

 

[Ryan McGinnis]

I don't think he said or is saying he won't practice at other times with the thing. Read more like he wondered if the differences mattered for chasing. Photography, especially digital now, isn't really rocket science anyway.

Well, to be fair, I think that comes from the fact that you're just a natural at it. For a great many people, digital photography -- or at least getting to the level of quality that you've attained in your photography, really is rocket science.

 

[dmckemy]

Oh, I would definitly use the camera for other things as well, but the main purpose of getting a new camera would be mainly for storm chasing. Sorry for any confusion

Patrick: I would probably purchase the camera sometime after school ends this semester (early May), so I will definitly keep my eyes out for good deals. I'm really wanting to save money if I can help it, so I don't mind waiting a little bit.

 

[Greg Campbell]

One more thought: You can often find factory recertified cameras at substantial savings. http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16830113162 is a great deal. You get a 30 day return to Newegg, as well as a standard factory warranty. A friend bought this very item a few weeks back and is more than pleased.

IMO, a cheap body like this is the way to go. Most of the consumer-level cameras are built fairly lightly and must be considered semi-disposable. Add the constant feature churn (and attendant hype), and you'll be itching to 'upgrade' in a few years anyway. Spend your $ on solidly built lenses, preferably those that will cover your inevitable full-frame sensor.

 

[Zack Hargrove]

Do the CANNON DSLRs have any waterproof casing that you can purchase?

 

[Darren Addy]

http://stores.channeladvisor.com/47stphoto/items/item.aspx?itemid=6234609 Google is your friend.

 

[Zack Hargrove]

Did not think it was a big deal to ask people that use the actual cameras when I was in a hurry and running out the door with no time to google... my bad