Camera advice!

[Erelyes]

Want to get a camera that takes halfway decent pics but DSLR is out of the price range.

Can anyone tell me what I should be looking for around the $200-$350 mark. Or what paying the extra really gets you.

'What will you be shooting' - er, bikes, the kids, random stuff while we're on holiday. Also doing a relative's wedding (they don't expect studio quality but it'd be nice to give them something decent all the same), etc.

Not planning on doing anything arty, no visiting stormwater culverts in the middle of the night with ten flash rigs or setting the fucker up to do delayed exposure shots of stars and shit.

Both wife and I will be using, want something relatively fast that will just take pics without too much drama.

What would you recommend?

[Edbear]

I have a Canon IS something. Sorry it's at home and I forgot which model as my wife has one of a different model. I think mine is the IS200. It is also video, and touch screen with a 5x optical zoom. Takes a standard SD card up to, I think, 64G.

About the size of a Cigarette packet, it has a rechargeable battery pack. Good pictures!

[Akzle]

compact digitals make me shit.
DSLR is a waste of time if you're not a 14 year old emo girl.
or spend about 4000$ on one. then lenses.

megapixels are BS advertising.
cmos is acceptable for your shit. (good luck finding anything else compact) - the bigger number here, the better, usually.
optical zoom is the only number that counts (700x digital zoom!!!! - gtfo)

CF is the best memory cardage, but most cameras will use only SD - buy the most expensive SD you can get someone to sell you. the more letters it has in front the better, you want HighSpeed SuperDooper MaximumResolution FuckenSD card. (HSSDMRF-SD)
8GB will likely hold you. 16 if you're feeling like photowhore.
avoid micro sd, and sony's proprietary shit "duostick" or whatever the fuck - eat a dick, sony.


olympus, nikon, canon, in that order, are the only brands i would consider.

[Akzle]

pricespy is throwing up canon ixus, powershot, nikon coolpix (good cameras, or were, 6 years ago) and olympus V series and "tough" series
the "toughs" stand up to a fair thrashing, but shutterlag like a motherfucker, even with everything set to "don't think for me" and flash off. no experience with the compact canons.

so i pick you an olympus sz14 for 310$.
http://pricespy.co.nz/product.php?e=1080200

you're welcome.

[Blackbird]

If you can stretch to just a bit more ($500-600), the Sony DSC RX 100 is the best pocket digital camera on the market - have a look at the reviews on the internet... here's one: http://www.photographyblog.com/reviews/sony_cybershot_dsc_rx100_ii_review/ . It has a 20Mp resolution and has most of the features of a DSLR, but still has a couple of auto "point and squirt" functions. I bought one a couple of months ago for a forthcoming trip to Canada and Alaska and I'm blown away with it. I bought it through eBay from the USA for about $500 although there are some good second hand ones about now because the Mk 2 was recently released. They're around $900 in NZ which is nuts. Really glad I paid the money and got a top of the line pocket job to replace my Canon Ixus as I didn't want to lug a big DSLR about.

Cheers,

Geoff

[R650R]

$200-$350 won't buy anything decent unless you scour TM for something that hasn't been through the washing machine.
Most cellphones I hate to say will take as good or better pics than the el cheapo bracket compacts.
I had someone email me some shots they'd taken themselves at a prizegiving with a cheap compact. Thought I might be able to jazz them up a little in Photoshop CS6 but even with the originals it wasn't worth it.
Really you need to up to the $600 bracket and get a Fuji or Olympus mirrorless (compact).
Make sure Bridezilla knows they are getting a favour if you do a wedding on the cheap or freebie as she will still go postal if you don't get the shots or lose your memory card afterwards etc...
It is a trend now and ok for friends of the B&G to cover the event with cellphones and compacts, just don't be the one in charge/responsible for it...

[sil3nt]

You might be able to find a Canon 300D or 350D in that price range.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Comparison_of_Canon_EOS_digital_cameras

[Akzle]

You might be able to find a Canon 300D or 350D in that price range.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Comparison_of_Canon_EOS_digital_cameras

((i don't think it's a teenage girl))

[pete376403]

If you are taking pics of a one-off event such as a wedding, several memory cards are probably safer that one huge one, ie swap the cards while taking to formal group photos, cake cutting, etc. Its not unknown for memory cards to crap out and become unreadable.

[Oakie]

I bought a Canon Powershot SX20 about 4 years ago for a family wedding. Did the trick but at just under $700 then is a bit past your budget. It's a 'bridge camera'. Not a DSLR with all the lenses but it does have a lot of the DSLR features.

For me 10MP is heaps big enough. The more optical zoom the better but at some point (I'd suggest about 20x) more becomes unusable unless you have really steady hands or a tripod. I wouldn't really pay too much attention to digital zoom figures. Anti-shake is a good feature. For weddings, an external flash unit is a good idea to ensure good lighting. That does require a shoe on the top of the camera so takes out most of the slimmer cameras.

I wanted a small second camera for a fishing trip and got a wee Canon for $60 off Trade Me with many of the features that my Powershot has so ypou can successfully go that route. I really noticed the lack of a good zoom though (5X compared to 20X).

Although it's not a Canon and it doesn't have a shoe ... this would probably be OK as a brand new camera http://www.dicksmith.co.nz/point-shoot/nikon-l320-camera-blk-dsnz-xg0979

or this would be pretty similar http://www.noelleeming.co.nz/shop/cameras/digital-cameras/canon-sx170is-sx170is-digital-camera/prod124721.html

If you could stretch your budget a little though ... I'd go here http://www.noelleeming.co.nz/shop/cameras/digital-cameras/canon-powershot-sx50hs-ultrazoom-digital-camera/prod118954.html#features-tab

[spanner spinner]

spend some time on trade me and get something better as per the links below, you might have to chase a few before you get one in budget. having proper lenses makes for much better images than the compacts. I have just a little cannon bias as after using quite a few different brands I think that cannons point and shoot system is one of the best and this is what you will use to start with till you learn how to drive a dslr.

http://www.trademe.co.nz/electronics-photography/digital-cameras/digital-slr/canon/auction-727737459.htm
http://www.trademe.co.nz/electronics-photography/digital-cameras/digital-slr/canon/auction-726277990.htm
http://www.trademe.co.nz/electronics-photography/digital-cameras/digital-slr/canon/auction-725871737.htm
http://www.trademe.co.nz/electronics-photography/digital-cameras/digital-slr/canon/auction-727487338.htm

[R650R]

spend some time on trade me and get something better as per the links below, you might have to chase a few before you get one in budget. having proper lenses makes for much better images than the compacts. I have just a little cannon bias as after using quite a few different brands I think that cannons point and shoot system is one of the best and this is what you will use to start with till you learn how to drive a dslr.

http://www.trademe.co.nz/electronics-photography/digital-cameras/digital-slr/canon/auction-727737459.htm
http://www.trademe.co.nz/electronics-photography/digital-cameras/digital-slr/canon/auction-726277990.htm
http://www.trademe.co.nz/electronics-photography/digital-cameras/digital-slr/canon/auction-725871737.htm
http://www.trademe.co.nz/electronics-photography/digital-cameras/digital-slr/canon/auction-727487338.htm

Some good bargains to be had in there. FYI the shop in town sold my old 500D and 18-200mm for $800 less their commission.
Canon and Nikon are the leaders but I recommend Fuji to a lot of people now. They have come up with a clever idea on their CMOS II sensors that deals with high ISO noise much better and other issues.
Also they are putting usefull controls back on dials instead of being buried in screen menus.

Recent shot with my X100S with new Fuji sensor on Flickr

[Akzle]

I think that cannons point and shoot system is one of the best and this is what you will use to start with till you learn how to drive a dslr.

set a nikon (or any other brand) to single or 5 point AF and you'll do just as well, and the optics are measurably better quality.

[sil3nt]

set a nikon (or any other brand) to single or 5 point AF and you'll do just as well, and the optics are measurably better quality.Quoting something I didn't say :weird:

[Akzle]

Quoting something I didn't say :weird:
yeah, dont know what happend there. It was the other guy :nya:

[JimO]

Iphone 5 in poor light

296988

[Ulsterkiwi]

Some good advice here, the MP thing is a sales pitch for those who dont know anything. Sensor size and quality are second only to the lens quality. would agree that at $350 for a new camera you should keep your money. You might try a local camera shop and see what they have second hand. NOT Dick Smith or Harvey Norman, an actual camera shop. They often will recondition stuff.
If you can push the budget out. there are tons of good options around the $600 mark. The SONY RX100 has been mentioned and is an excellent camera.
I use Canon cameras, the S series are great, full manual control in a very compact package. Cheaper than the SONY. I think the S120 is the current model
I have a Powershot G12 and have won a couple of awards for images taken with that. More to do with the camera than me. A new G16 will cost a few bucks shy of $600. You might pick up a second hand G11,12 or 15 for $300-400. THey are bulkier than most compacts being somewhere in between P&S and DSLR. I have big hands so prefer that.
I dont really know the Nikon compacts but their DSLRs are the biz so they know what they are doing.
If you want to take decent images you need to feel the camera in your hand, can you reach the controls and what have you. Different brands go for a variety of ways to organise the camera functions, some will work better for you than others.
Go to a CAMERA SHOP and try them out, even if you buy elsewhere.

[Erelyes]

Thoughts on http://www.photowarehouse.co.nz/panasonic-lumix-gf3-12-1mp-14-42mm-single-kit/ ?

[Akzle]

Thoughts on http://www.photowarehouse.co.nz/panasonic-lumix-gf3-12-1mp-14-42mm-single-kit/ ?

noone mentioned panasonic. but it's your money.

live MOS.... new technology. interesting.

[Dangsta]

I went out and got a Nikon Coolpix P510. 42x optical zoom, looks decent and takes a great pic. Check the reviews

[Tazz]

I've got a couple but use the wee Sanyo X1420 the most. Does every thing I need it to and is easy to operate. Most of the advert pictures I use at the moment were taken by it although I generally just fluke a good picture :weep:

It fits in my pocket/backpack/cavities nicely which is a huge advantage over the bigger 'better' cameras to me as it is easy to pull out and take a snap than the rigmarole of clips, zips, lens covers etc.

The mega pixels generally are a bit redundant once you're over a certain amount, however it is nice being able to crop in on a picture without it turning into something that looks like a screenshot from minecraft.

I also have an old point and shoot Fuji think which is a piece of shit but I like the fact it takes AA's so if you're travelling you can just grab some batteries (or carry some spare) and carry on rather than having to wait till you have access to a charger.

If I was buying to replace it I would possibly look at a camera with the LCD and traditional view finder for when you're out in the sun.

[Swoop]

Looking at the way music is going from MP3 back to LP's... Perhaps get a box brownie?:blip:

Another vote for the Canon SX range. Well within your price bracket, good size zoom and megapixels.
Decent manual control in a package that will not break the bank and can fit into a pocket. I've had images blown up and made into posters from this. Beautiful clarity.
http://www.jbhifi.co.nz/photo/digital-cameras/canon/16mp-16-x-optical-zoom-sku-253779/

It runs on AA batteries, which I personally prefer (AA rechargeables) to a built-in battery that you have to plug into something, somewhere, when it runs flat... really convenient when that happens.:rolleyes:

[Oakie]

Thoughts on http://www.photowarehouse.co.nz/panasonic-lumix-gf3-12-1mp-14-42mm-single-kit/ ?

Just google the model name + review and you're sure to find a variety of reviews. Doing that was a big part of buying both my cameras.

[vifferman]

A few years back (2008?), we were off to Yurp for a few weeks, so I bought a secondhand Canon S5IS off TardMe for not very much at all. It's only 8 megapixels, but the big thing is, it's a piece of piss to use, has built-in image stabilisation, does passable video, takes AA batteries (I use NiMH rechargeables, but have bought ornery ones from any old shop when I ran short of juice), and has more features than I really need. Since then, it's been to the US with me a couple of times, back to Yurp, Rarotonga, Oz a few times, all over NZ, and it's still doing the job. Sure, it doesn't take super sharp photos like a newer one would, but then the file size is a LOT smaller for emailing or whatever.
It has some features I REALLY like, like a viewfinder (LCD displays are crap in very bright light, and chew up the battery life), a good range from macro and wideangle through to OK telephoto, self-timer, an accessory flash shoe (although I've yet to buy a new flash), a fold-out screen (useful for shooting over the top of a crowd), stereo microphones, blah blah blah. Most of this is now standard to most cameras. The IS is one of the best features, as our first trip involved a lot of snapping off shots while on the move. The camera's fairly compact, has a good grip so you can shoot one-handed, isn't too heavy, takes good photos in full-auto mode, and it's worked so well that even though I've looked at replacing it a few times, I don't see the point until it dies, I lose it, or break it.
So, don't be afraid of secondhand stuff.
Most like I'll just buy a similar but slightly newer model.

[Oakie]

A few years back (2008?), we were off to Yurp for a few weeks, so I bought a secondhand Canon S5IS off TardMe for not very much at all.

Quite similar to my Powershot SX20 and I fully agree with your comments ... especially about batteries and the viewfinder.

[Urano]

problem with dslr is that they usually don't fit in your pocket, and you can have the best camera in the world but it'll be pretty useless if it sits in a drawer...

i bought some years ago a canon s95. awesome camera in small package at a reasonable price.
i'd now suggest you the newer version s100. :niceone:

[aderino4]

If you can stretch it to $450-$600

Canon S120 is a really good camera. Bought as an easy to carry but after 2 months I ended up selling my SLR gear as they are just gathering dust.

Some sample; all indoor at night with just 25W energy saving light bulb in the garage
On tripod
http://i262.photobucket.com/albums/ii81/rinonz/IMG_0533.jpg (http://s262.photobucket.com/user/rinonz/media/IMG_0533.jpg.html)

Handheld
http://i262.photobucket.com/albums/ii81/rinonz/IMG_0498.jpg (http://s262.photobucket.com/user/rinonz/media/IMG_0498.jpg.html)

It also takes full HD video

[haydes55]

I just had a play in Noel Leemings on the Samsung Galaxy Cameras.... Wow they are impressive. 21x optical zoom. Amazingly clear, and so simple to use. I'm actually thinking of upgrading to it as a new phone and camera.

Only concern is battery would probably die in no time working as just a camera. Not to mention the chunky shape wouldn't be ideal in a pocket. But as previous posters mentioned, the best camera is the one you use, and with an amazing camera on your phone, it would be used all the time, and you can buy portable battery chargers.

[avgas]

Leica or Olympus.
Just because I said so.

(it really doesn't matter - most of the modern ones are pretty good).