Cameras

[Justin McGinley]

So I was wondering what is a good camera to get but that is also at a good price to take pictures of lighting and storms?

 

[Jason Boggs]

What range are you looking at? 300 dollars max, or 3000 dollars max? You'll have to be more specific to get some good responses.

 

[Patrick Martin]

Justin, you really need to provide some more information if you are wanting to get responses that will really help you out and point you in the direction you specifically want to go.

Are you talking about a still camera like a DSLR, a dedicated video camera, or a DSLR that also has video, or a point and shoot? Regardless, if you want to shoot lightning, a tripod will be necessary.

What's your budget, the bottom line max number you are willing to spend? A "good" price for one person is $5000 and for another is $50.

Do you intend to use the camera for just storm photography, or will it be used for other things? If so, what? This is important to know so that you can receive suggestions tailored to all of the use of the camera (and lenses if it's a DLSR), not just a singular aspect.

 

[Mike Hollingshead]

http://www.stormtrack.org/forum/search.php?searchid=1486364

Probably faster and far more info than you are going to get in this thread. Tons of threads on this with tons of info.

 

[Justin McGinley]

I am looking for a camera that i can point and shoot. I want to take pictures of the storms, lighting, and some day a tornado. My money is very tight my price range is from 200 to 1,000 dollars. I need all the info I can get cause i have no idea how to get going. I dont know munch about cameras or lenses also so any help would be apprenticed.

 

[John Wetter]

I would say the same as Mike. Do a search of this very forum... Tons of conversation on cameras here. Feel free to come back with some specific questions and we'd be happy to help. 200-1000 is quite a range, that's everything from a basic point and shoot to an entry DSLR with a lens.

 

[Greg Campbell]

The only common chasing-specific consideration is finding a sufficiently wide lens. The 'kit' lenses that come with most DSLR cameras are not very wide, tend to be optically slow, and are of modest optical and mechanical quality. You can certainly take aesthetic shots with the kit glass, but most people soon find themselves wanting something nicer. (That said, please remember that making pretty pictures this is the most important aspect of your photography! Don't get sidetracked counting pixels and menu features, or comparing the specs of some fancy lens that Joe Blow uses.)

If I wanted to spend most of your 1K budget, I'd look for a used or factory refurbished body (check Adorama's selection, they provide a solid warranty on their refurb stuff) for $200~300, then spend ~$500 on a wide angle zoom - something like the Tokina 12~24mm or its equivalent.

Or, just get an outfit and stick to shooting the kit lens for a while, until you have a better idea of what you really need. (As opposed to what sounds cool, or what the Gear Dweebs suggest.) It sounds like you're a total newbie to photography. Best to start simple until you understand what you're doing. Only then should you consider spending $ on some new toy.

For lightning action, be sure to set aside at least $100 for a decent tripod. (There are several 'tripod' threads floating around the forum as well.) You'll also want one of those $20 'cable' or 'remote' shutter release gizmos. Make sure it has a locking feature, so you can machine-gun short twilight exposures without needing to press the button a million times.

FWIW!

 

[Justin McGinley]

well greg you are right I am a newbie to photography. I will go on craigslist and see what I can get there for a decent price. Thanks for the info!!!!

 

[Mike Deep]

If you go with a DSLR, cheap out on the body, splurge on the lens. A good body can't make a lens wider, faster or sharper.

 

[Greg Campbell]

For used gear, try the Fredmiranda forums as well.
And do check the Adorama refurb bin - you can find some compelling deals.