Have $6000 for 3 camera's - need help!

[emrys250]

Hey guys, I have $6000 to spend on 3 camera and I need suggestions. I'm really looking for value, the "best" overall cameras within my pricerange. I will be using the camera for a wide variety of pictures, including some sports photos. I use photoshop for photo editing. I do not want a "newbie" camera.

Here is what I need:
Camera #1- Digital SLR with more than 5 megapixels.
Camera #2- Smaller Digital Camera with 8 or more megapixels.
Camera #3- Smaller Digital Camera with 5-8 megapixels.

I also need at least 2 lenses for the digital SLR.

Do you guys think I'll need some accessories or a camera kit? I was thinking about some memory cards, USB card readers, Storage Cases/Extra bags, Extra Lenses for the digital SLR, Tripod, Unipod, waterproof covers, flashes, batteries, filters, lens covers, portable hard drive for photo storage, photo printer etc. etc...

I really want this stuff soon, i.e. before thanksgiving so I can take pictures of the holiday and need you experts to help me out.
Thanks a bunch!

[zrfraser]

For camera 2 I would reccommend the Canon a710 IS. It's about $500, and built like a tank. I can't remember how many MP it has, but I know its close.

Camera 3-I would go with a Panasonic Lumix LZ5. 6 MP with IS, and its only $220.

FOr the DSLR there are som many to pick from. I would hold off on the portable harddrive. You'll get lens covers with your lenses. Card readers are pretty cheap right now, if you look you can find them for about $10. I would recommend a nice bag to carry all the stuff in, but that is up to you.

WHat kind of DSLR were looking into: Nikon, Canon, Sony, Pentax, Olympus?

Z

[emrys250]

I don't really care about the brand, whatever's good.

[Canuck935]

Guess what, they're all good. I suggest you find a camera store that will let you handle the SLR's. Play with a bunch and find out what works for you.

::Edit:: Oh, and if you just can't figure out what to do with that $6000, just give it to me and I'll put it to good use.

[emrys250]

Ok, so which is the best for all-around general use? What about value? I will be taking a variety of kinds of photos.

[Ronnoco]

Ok, so which is the best for all-around general use? What about value? I will be taking a variety of kinds of photos.

Best value in a DSLR would be the Sony A100 at 10.2 megapixels and camera of the year in December issue of Popular Photography.

Best EVF would be a used Minolta A200 which does excellent quality video as well as 8 megapixel stills.

In the pocket cameras, get one with shutter speed priority settings and other adjustments that make it more than just a point and shoot. Flexibility is important.

Ronnoco

[deckcadet]

I'd be wary of the A100- having looked at the image rendition, it seems relatively poor compared to what other companies have done with the same exact sensor and its variants.

It is a very solid camera though.

[Frog]

Why do you want two point and shoot cameras with different pixel numbers?

[Ronnoco]

I'd be wary of the A100- having looked at the image rendition, it seems relatively poor compared to what other companies have done with the same exact sensor and its variants.

It is a very solid camera though.

Well, considering that Popular Photography compares the A100 favourable with the Canon 30D at a lower price and it tests out at comparable image excellence and resolution, I have no idea where you are getting the "relatively poor" from.

Ronnoco

[espressotalk]

Get the cheapest Canon SLR body with L series lenses! Spend the majority of your budget on lenses NOT Camera bodies! I know pros that use the rebel xt (350D) with L series lenses and get super results! Canon 20D or 30D is most likely the most you will ever need unless you need to produce Super Hi Res photos then go for the Canon EOS 5D Full Frame 12.5mp. But I really would go for better lenses cheaper bodies.

As the for the point and shoot, any one with IS. Have fun!