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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