Readers: What Camera Should I Get?

PetiteLittleGirl's post about her new camera has inspired me to write one of my own. I am definitely looking for a new one, but the question is this: which one? Do I want something more compact, or should I go for a full-out DSLR? For the past two years or so, I have been using a bridge camera (e.g. below), but the pictures just aren't "good enough."  My quest now is to get something which I can use both for Shorty Stories shoots and to carry to events I'm covering for DelectablyChic!.



Sony Cyber-shot DSCH50 9.1 MP Digital Camera with 15x Optical Zoom with Super Steady Shot

There are two types of cameras I'm looking at. The newest cameras on the market right now are compact interchangeable lens cameras (below) - a small camera (similar in size to most people's point-and-shoots) with the kind of lens you would find on a DSLR. 



Samsung NX100 - Digital camera - mirrorless system - 14.6 Mpix - Samsung NX 20-50mm lens - optical zoom: 2.5 x - supported memory: SD, SDHC - black

The advantage of a small camera like this is that I won't have to haul heavier equipment with me every time I go to an event (especially for Fashion Week, when I also take my netbook).  The disadvantages are that because the camera is much smaller, the pictures aren't going to be as good due to stability (at least according to this post).  The lenses used in these cameras are just as big as those for true DSLRs, and can tilt the camera downwards if you're using longer, heavier lenses.  And of course, these compact cameras don't look as "professional" and cost a bit more than many introductory level DSLRs. 

Sony Alpha SLTA33 DSLR with Translucent Mirror Technology (Camera Body only) (Black)

As for the DSLR?  If I go for one, it would be one of the less expensive cameras, ones many consider "introductory" or "hobbyist" level.  One that is on the smaller side, similar in size to my current bridge camera like the Sony Alpha SLTA33 above  However, unless I actually get a camera like the one above, I would still need a separate camera for video capture as most DSLRs do not have a video mode (the above camera is also pretty expensive - $750 Canadian.  This means that if I get a DSLR, I will also need to get a separate video camera, which cost around $150 (unless I use the video mode on my phone, which probably isn't as good), bringing the total to be just a little less than $750.

So readers, what camera should I get?

Banana Republic's After 5 Event

This past Tuesday, I attended Banana Republic's After 5 Style event at the Bloor Street store in Toronto. This was a spontaneous decision as I just happened to walk by the store and saw a guy with a guitar. I had actually thought that the event was private, but was glad that it was not.

The After 5 event was held at many (all?) stores across the globe to promote the fall line. Shoppers got to try the collection and have their picture taken by a professional photographer (a store rep was at the door asking people whether they were interested in being in the shoot - those who were had to sign a release form as their picture might be posted in the store's window). Usually at these events, photographers would only take three or four pictures at most, but not here. Perhaps I was there early - around 5:30 pm, when people were just getting out of the office, but the photographer must have taken at least 50 or 60. It took them at least two or three minutes to scroll through my entire shoot. Not only did I wear the outfit I had originally tried on (leggings, long cardigan and scarf) but a sales associate/stylist also added a leather jacket (probably one that was at least a size too big for me) and some bling. As a result, half the pictures taken consisted of my original outfit and the other half with the jacket and jewellery. The event was loads of fun and hopefully, the picture will actually end up outside the store.

In addition to the photographer, there were also nibblies for shoppers and purchases over $100 were given a 25% discount. My final purchase consisted of the sweater, leggings and also a pair of jeans.

Prospere Magazine Presents: A Pre-Pink Bedroom Shopping Party!

This is an event which raises money for cancer research at Toronto's Princess Margaret Hospital and SickKids. The event is at Jeanne Lottie (32 Scollard Street) in Toronto's Yorkville area on September 15, 2009 starting at 6 pm. The event is one of many parties prior to the OFFICIAL Pink Bedroom Party (now in its sixth year) at the Berkeley Church on October 1, 2009.

For more information and tickets, please click the event poster! Suggested donation is $25. There'll be nibblies, discounts and DaLish will be there to touch up make-up! Come before hitting the movies!

Charity Denim Sale is back at U of T!

Remember the post about the Charity Denim Sale held at the University of Toronto last year? Well, it's back and this year's event will be held on November 26, 2008.

Location: Med Sci Student Commons (Room MS2171), 1 King's College Circle

Time: 11 am to 5 pm Many different sizes (though shorter inseams aren't guaranteed) and brands (e.g. 7s, Joe's Jeans, J Brand, etc) will be available and at discounted prices too! Guys' stuff available too.

For more information, please check their Facebook page!

Note: While size 24 to 26 will likely be available, actual petite sizes are not guaranteed.

Created by Mom.com

A new on-line store just opened and they are carrying a selection of Mamie & Mable handbags. Created by Mom.com is a company highlighting the works and products of moms. They carry a variety of products and the site worth checking out. As part of their grand opening they are offering 20% your entire purchase between October 1st and October 18th. The discount code is: IknowQuinn. If you don't see something you like the first visit check back over the next couple of weeks as they will be adding new products almost daily.

http://www.createdbymom.com/

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Women's Expo

Here's a picture of the Mamie & Mable booth at the Women's Expo. Thank you to everyone who stopped by to see me. And of course all my amazing friends for their help! I think it was a huge success.

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Come See Us

Mamie & Mable will be at the Utah Valley Women's Expo, September 5 & 6, at the McKay Events Center in Orem. Show times are 11-8 both days. This expo is a great way see what's new and hot in fashion and accessories, scrapbooking, home organization, meal planning, etc....

Our booth is A16, the first row as you come in the door. Come see us and check out all our new bags! If you are interested in attending and would like free tickets, please contact me at: tonnihamilton@gmail.com

See you soon!

Launch Party

The Clothing Show Ticket Giveaway!

The Spring 2008 edition of The Clothing Show will be held from May 2-4, 2008 at the Better Living Centre at Exhibition Place, Toronto. This very exciting event, which is held twice a year (once in the fall and again in the spring) will feature clothing, accessories and more from unique designers including 69Vintage, Athena Designs, Cindy Seto, Dagg and Stacey and Dara! I have TWENTY tickets to give away. The first TEN people to e-mail me the correct answer to the ONE of the following question will have have his/her name, along with ONE friend's name on the GUEST LIST.

Question 1: Name one Toronto area school (college or university) with a fashion program.

OR

Question 2: Name one of the brands/designers who will be at The Clothing Show


When you e-mail me, please include your name and your guest's.

Thanks

Cynthia