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Photography Question 

BetterPhoto Member
 

I AM CLUELESS!!!!!!!!!!!


I'm a stay at home mom w/ a 6yr. old and a 4mo. old. I would love to get into photography. I'm seriously thinking about purchasing a digital camera. I mainly want photos for home but after some photography classes and time I hope that this might become more than just a hobby for me. I want to be able to produce sharp studio quality photos from home with my computer and printer. I'm hoping that will save me money on film and developing in the long run. If so, what type of digital camera and printer do you suggest? I would like to purchase a digital that will allow me to take a variety of photo styles from action to close up and facials. I plan on spending no more than $500 on a digital camera and I have no idea on the printer. PLEASE HELP!!!


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May 24, 2004

 

Ruben L. Wade
  Hi Kristal! For that amount of money I am at a loss for a "good" camera but I do Know that your prints are cheaper if you use costco as your developer. Their prices are the lowest in the industry and just got lower. You can upload your pix online and have them ready for you at your local store or delivered to your door and can turn them into a product (mug, teeshirt, greeting card,etc.)good luck and have fun.


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September 12, 2005

 

Ruben L. Wade
  Hi Kristal! For that amount of money I am at a loss for a "good" camera but I do Know that your prints are cheaper if you use costco as your developer. Their prices are the lowest in the industry and just got lower. You can upload your pix online and have them ready for you at your local store or delivered to your door and can turn them into a product (mug, teeshirt, greeting card,etc.)good luck and have fun.


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September 12, 2005

 

Ruben L. Wade
  Hi Kristal! For that amount of money I am at a loss for a "good" camera but I do Know that your prints are cheaper if you use costco as your developer. Their prices are the lowest in the industry and just got lower. You can upload your pix online and have them ready for you at your local store or delivered to your door and can turn them into a product (mug, teeshirt, greeting card,etc.)good luck and have fun.


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September 12, 2005

 

Ruben L. Wade
  Hi Kristal! For that amount of money I am at a loss for a "good" camera but I do Know that your prints are cheaper if you use costco as your developer. Their prices are the lowest in the industry and just got lower. You can upload your pix online and have them ready for you at your local store or delivered to your door and can turn them into a product (mug, teeshirt, greeting card,etc.)good luck and have fun.


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September 12, 2005

 

Ruben L. Wade
  Hi Kristal! For that amount of money I am at a loss for a "good" camera but I do Know that your prints are cheaper if you use costco as your developer. Their prices are the lowest in the industry and just got lower. You can upload your pix online and have them ready for you at your local store or delivered to your door and can turn them into a product (mug, teeshirt, greeting card,etc.)good luck and have fun.


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September 12, 2005

 

Alisha L. Ekstrom
  Hi Kristal, I'm not sure about the printer question you have, but as far as a camera goes for your price range..I have an instamatic Olympus C60 zoom. My husband bought it for me for $400. It is a 6.1 megapixel & takes wonderful vibrant images. Since you don't want to do this as a business quite yet that camera would work just great. I use that camera quite often though I also have a digital SLR camera, but I'm not sure if there are SLR's on the market for $500 so I would recommend the digital Olympus until you can afford the more expensive SLR. Personally that camera takes just as good of pictures as my SLR & I love it!!! As far as printing don't ever use cheap places for the quality will disappoint you when you get them back. As far as ordering images I order ALL mine from mpix.com. They are a professional lab & you will get professional results. I've tried Wal-Mart, Sams, Kodak gallery(use to be Ofoto) & snapfish & compared to mpix well there isn't no comparison!!!! mpix prices are just as comparable to everyone else though the benefit is one shipping price of $4.95 no matter how big your order & plus the quality of the prints is SUPERB!!!! Check them out...Well good luck on your new adventure & by the way this place is really great & very helpful!!! GOOD LUCK!!!!


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September 12, 2005

 

Angela K. Harter
  hi kristal... if you are looking for a slr camera, look for sale ads to hhgregg or some place like that... we got a great deal on my digital rebel (canon)...i think for around 600 (which is a little more but worth it if you want the slr!) and i'm with alisha on mpix... i'm pretty new to all this but love them already! have not tried costco so can't comment on them... I do have a hp printer that prints up to an 8x10.... and I also by the hp paper... I love it and it prints GREAT!!!! I use it when I need something done quick or just have a few that I want to print....other wise it's cheaper to do it through mpix....if you have any other question and if I can help I will me more than willing to do so!!! welcome to the site! you will find all you need plus much, much more!!! good luck!


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September 12, 2005

 

Angela K. Harter
  hi kristal... if you are looking for a slr camera, look for sale ads to hhgregg or some place like that... we got a great deal on my digital rebel (canon)...i think for around 600 (which is a little more but worth it if you want the slr!) and i'm with alisha on mpix... i'm pretty new to all this but love them already! have not tried costco so can't comment on them... I do have a hp printer that prints up to an 8x10.... and I also by the hp paper... I love it and it prints GREAT!!!! I use it when I need something done quick or just have a few that I want to print....other wise it's cheaper to do it through mpix....if you have any other question and if I can help I will me more than willing to do so!!! welcome to the site! you will find all you need plus much, much more!!! good luck!


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September 12, 2005

 

Connie J. Foster
  You might try EBAY for a digital camera - I have bought 3-4 film slr canons from there and I am very happy especially since I have gotten new in box to barely used deal an a fraction of the price that I have paid for cameras in the past - just be sure to read the descriptions. You can get printers too and ask the sellers questions about compatibility before bidding. Just an idea


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September 12, 2005

 
- Sherry Stricklin Boles

BetterPhoto Member
Contact Sherry Stricklin Boles
Sherry Stricklin Boles's Gallery
  Hi, Kristal! It's great to hear from a fellow stay-at-home mom. I went digital earlier this year because my film costs were soaring. I'm SO happy that I did. I bought an inexpensive camera (3.1 megapixels) as my introduction to the digital world. I've taken many wonderful pictures with and have had so much fun. And my printing costs have gone down tremendously!!!! That alone justified the purchase of the camera. Since you are willing to pay more than I was, you should be able to get a very nice digital camera. I don't think that you will be sorry!
Also, there are great deals on online printing so that you don't have to have an expensive printer at home!


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September 12, 2005

 

Daniel Bertrand
  I would like to encourage you to look at the Sony DSC-828. Check froogle.com to get much lower than list price of $899. It's an 8MP camera with a unique swivel between the lcd and lense that allows you to make great shots from tough angles. There's a great review at http://www.dpreview.com/reviews/sonydscf828/ . An 8MP may be overkill, but this camera will not disappoint.
As far as prints I agree with mpix.com being the choice provider. If you need/want 1 hour photos Costco is also good, but mpix prints on professional papers and has great color correction and many print sizes.
I am not a fan of printing at home as the cost (paper + ink) is often similar to having prints made.


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September 12, 2005

 
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