Why You'll Love This Camera

by Michele Cheplic | More from this Blogger

15 Aug 2007 07:02 AM

Now that you know that I take about 150 pictures a month it's time to run down the equipment I use to capture my "Kodak" moments. I have about three cameras that I use regularly. This blog will be devoted to reviewing my Canon EOS Rebel K2 (check back for future blogs on the rest of my equipment, including a review on my favorite video camera).

Let me preface this blog by adding that like my co-blogger Nicole I do not normally shoot with a digital camera. My Canon is a handy automatic AF SLR camera that packs a ton of useful features in a small(ish) package. If you are looking for an incredibly user friendly and affordable camera, you should really consider getting the Canon Rebel K2.

I should also let you know that while I am an avid photographer (I have taken some remedial photography classes, but was mostly trained by my grandfather who was a professional photographer), I do not work with professional equipment on a daily basis. If you fall into the same category (meaning if you are merely looking for a camera to capture your family's most unforgettable moments) the Canon Rebel K2 would be a good fit. However, if you are a serious photographer who is looking for a camera with every bell and whistle you won't find them in the Rebel K2.

That said here are some of my favorite features of this camera:

FOCUS

The camera features a 35-zone metering system, which is linked with 7 auto focus points. The camera's 7 focusing points, which light up in the viewfinder, detects whether your subject is moving or not. It then instantly adjusts the auto focus to match--even when your subject is off center. This is incredibly useful when you are shooting squirmy children. For example, I recently shot my 3-year-old daughter riding a pony for the first time. She shifted the entire time the pony walked along the fence line, but the picture still came out crystal clear and all I did was point and shoot. The K2 also has seven programmed Image Modes - Full Auto, Portrait, Landscape, Close-up, Sports, Night Scene and Flash Off, which presets the focusing for you. There's even a Continuous Shooting Mode to capture sequential action at a speedy 1.5 frames per second.

EXPOSURE

Getting the right exposure is what separates a frame-worthy picture from one you end up trashing. The K2's 35-zone metering system helps spare you the expense of wasted photos. The system is especially helpful when you are shooting in tough conditions (e.g. strong backlight). The camera comes with a built-in retractable flash or you can attach an optional EX-series Speedlite. Frankly, I would simply stick with the original flash. One of the nicest features about Canon cameras' is that they have a superior flash system that takes the guesswork out of SLR flash photography. The camera analyzes the lighting conditions and focusing zone information, and adjusts accordingly. In the end you get a balanced photo almost every time.

OTHER HANDY FEATURES

I love the K2's super-sized LCD, which allows you to see the camera settings clearly. What's more, the camera is designed so that you can change modes even when you are shooting with one hand. While the camera does come with a large rear status LCD, it doesn't illuminate in low light situations (that feature is available on the Canon EOS Rebel T2 model). The camera also has a handy black rubber skin on the grip for comfortable holding. There's also a depth-of-field mode that keeps both near and far subjects sharp. However, it does NOT come with a depth-of-field preview (that feature is also available on the Canon EOS Rebel T2 model). The camera also has a relatively slow top shutter speed and doesn't display flash confirmation in the viewfinder. However, at a price of under $200 (for both the body and the lens) it's hard to find another camera on the market that offers so many advanced features for such an affordable price.

Do you have a Canon camera? Would you recommend it to others?

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Learn more about Michele Cheplic

Michele Cheplic was born and raised in Hilo, Hawaii, but now lives in Wisconsin. Michele graduated from the University of Wisconsin-Madison with a degree in Journalism.

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Valorie Delp (49340) 15 Aug 2007 11:11 AM

Bah. . .bestill my beating heart. . .neither one of you shoots with a digital camera? I think I may die without my digital camera. What I like best? Lack of space needed to store all those stinkin' photos. You know with 5 kids my photo cup runneth over. Then on the other hand. . .I suppose being into the whole scrapbooking theme would negate the worry of space. . .

So look forward to reading your guys' blogs and so glad you're here doing photography!

Nicole Humphrey (15757) 15 Aug 2007 11:36 AM

No, no Val...no dying. LOL I do use my digital camera, a lot! I just PREFER my film camera, for the flexibility it allows. I am planning a film vs. digital article for next week so watch for that. You'll understand why I am still a film girl. I do take a lot of photographs with my digital (hundreds per month!) - but I shoot several rolls of film per month too! (and always on special occasions). And I'm with ya on the five kids thing! LOL My photo storage along take up a huge row of storage on our shelves and they are stacked...by year. It's nuts!

Nicole Humphrey (15757) 15 Aug 2007 11:37 AM

Michele, I love this camera! It's one of the best. Didn't mean to hijack your comments thread with talk about digital vs. film :D I loved this article,a nd i've been wanting a rebel for a long, long time. I'm getting there. Almost have M convinced :D

Michele Cheplic (37339) 15 Aug 2007 05:08 PM

Whoa, your kids must be angels b/c my kid will pose for exactly 1.5 seconds--the delay on my digital camera simply couldn't capture any "memorable moments"--I got frustrated and went back to my trusty automatic AF SLR camera and a TON of film. There is much to be said about film vs. digital. It's a great blog topic Nicole and probably worth more than one... I have a laundry list of pros and cons... can't wait to read yours. Thanks for the comments.

Valorie Delp (49340) 16 Aug 2007 10:33 AM

My kids? Angels? They are pretty well behaved but honestly, my dh is the photographer most of hte time and he just shoots, and shoots, and shoots, and shoots. For every phenomenal shot, we have about 10 where our kids look like they're high on dope. (Surely as photographers you have to know that look I'm talking about! LOL)

Catherine Ipcizade (5617) 08 Sep 2007 12:27 PM

Hi there! I just got the Canon Rebel XTI--it's wonderful! Since it's a digital SLR, it takes pictures FAST, so you don't lose any moments, expressions, or shots like you do with a point-and-shoot digital camera. It's a bit pricey, yes...but if you save up for it, and if you love taking photographs, you'll love this product. **A word of caution though--I tried to save money by getting only the camera body, since I had a Sigma brand lens on my Canon SLR already and it was "supposed" to be compatible. WELL...apparently older lenses are not always digitally compatible. So, if you buy your camera and it won't shoot, contact the lens manufacturer--they usually fix the problem for free.

Michele Cheplic (37339) 10 Sep 2007 10:04 AM

WHOA Cathy... that's some camera!! I thought about going the camera body only route too--but in the end I ended up getting the whole package. You offered a great tip, though--thank you. I bet you have a house full of great shots of your kids! Thanks for the comment.