Digital cameras: Camera for the Undecided Photographer?
Camera for the Undecided Photographer?
by Noir999 - 8/16/07 10:20 PMIn C-net's digital camera buying guide, they discuss the various types of camera buyers (trendsetters, prosumers, etc). They mentioned there was an undecided catagory: someone who would want a camera they can use if they do become serious in photography, but as of now are still unsure. I fall into this catagory. Although I am looking for a compact camera, I would like something that takes quality pictures in a number of situations (so if I do become serious in photography, I can still use the camera). I would also like something that has a good amount of zoom (more than 3x), and has the image-stabilization. Could you reccomend a camera that would fit this bill?
Thanks,
Noir.
Undecided...
by Papa Echo - 8/17/07 3:12 AM In reply to: Camera for the Undecided Photographer? by Noir999How serious ? A professional ? How far into the future to become committed ? What is your present status- never hold a camera before, a newbie, amateur, Advanced amateur ...? Most compacts will be 3X or more, and are designed to take quality pictures. It depends on who is behind the lens. I do not think it is a good idea to buy a camera now for a contemplated eventuality of "serious use". Cameras improve. New models with new features come out...
Check out the Canon S5IS, The A serious...Maybe Penasonic Lumix DMC TZ3- it is a pocket-size 10X zoom...
Undecided...
by Noir999 - 8/17/07 9:22 AM In reply to: Undecided... by Papa EchoThanks for the reply! I've always been interested in photography, but I don't think I'll go professional (though perhaps a serious amateur). At the moment, I'm probably a noob. I know how to take pictures on my sony dsc-p9 (the older one with 3x zoom), but the picture quality is not where i'd like it to be (though I may be partially to blame, particularly with the blurriness). So, I was thinking about an upgrade...
As to how far into the future... I was hoping to take a photography class within the next year (it depends on if I can get into it, when I can get into it, etc). But, in the meantime, I was hoping to play around on my own.
I hope that helps. In the meantime, thanks again for the reccomendation!
perhaps an intermediate camera?
by fionndruinne - 8/17/07 12:39 PM In reply to: Undecided... by Noir999There's nothing wrong with picking up a camera now which will give you a lot to work with, such as a Canon S3IS, cheaper now that the S5 has come out. The S3 offers you many options and possibilities, and if you come to use those to advantage, then you could step up to a DSLR, which will give you similar options but with higher quality - a more serious investment. And you need not be a professional to enjoy what a DSLR has to offer.
Then....
by Papa Echo - 8/17/07 3:55 PM In reply to: Undecided... by Noir999...perhaps an entry level D-SLR like the Canon EOS 400D / Digital Rebel XTi. Or perhaps the Nikon D40X ?
Can be used as a P&S, lots to play around with, and excellent for a photography course...and can be used in the future.
di camerasgital
by FrankS - 8/25/07 6:58 AM In reply to: Undecided... by Noir999the luminx is a great choice the lens is a lieca lens you don't get much better than that i have a nikon 3meg and a sony 6meg great pictures yours franksp
Undecided Photographer
by snapshot2
- 8/17/07 7:34 AM
In reply to: Camera for the Undecided Photographer? by Noir999
A camera for the future.
If you get more involved in photography you will want some manual controls, so that you can make the camera do what you want under special circumstances.
How about 6X optical zoom, 7 megapixels, image stabilization, and manual controls (shutter priority, aperture priority, program AE, full manual).
Canon A710IS
Here is a link to a review:
http://www.steves-digicams.com/2006_reviews/a710.html
...
..
.
Digital cameras: Camera for the Undecided Photographer?
by taboma - 8/17/07 9:15 PM In reply to: Camera for the Undecided Photographer? by Noir999Noir999, Check out the Canon G7. Has image-stabilization and a 6x zoom lens. 10.2 MPX. Fairly small with ALL the features you are looking for. Cost is about $565. I bought one for my son three months ago and he loves it.
I think that it the camera for you. The lens is excellent.
Go towards the top of your screen and click on the green header called CNET Forums. A new screen will come up. Type in G7 and hit enter. You will see many posts on the G7 on this CNET Forum. Probably reviews as well. You will view posts from our Mod there as well.
I think that this is the camera for your needs. Now…and if you want pro quality photos later.
I am leaning towards a Nikon D80 because I already have a top quality Nikor lens.
The Nikon D80 Body is about $850. Lenses are very expensive these days.
Hope this helps you.
-Kevin
Also check the Panasonics...
by dpotter - 8/21/07 1:01 PM In reply to: Camera for the Undecided Photographer? by Noir999Lots of solid recommendations here for Canons, and I can't disagree -- still have and like my trusty old G3 -- but you might also want to check Panasonic, and specifically -- especially -- the FZ-8. I have the FZ7 and love it; the FZ-8 is an incremental improvement (or wait for the FZ-18). Basically it has all you said you're looking for -- 12X zoom, image stabilization, ease of use but with all the advanced features you're likely to want in the future, including manual exposure and focus controls... Check out Steve's review at http://www.steves-digicams.com/2007_reviews/fz8.html... Panasonic tends consistently to give great value, perhaps because they have to (they don't have the Canon or Nikon name) -- but they DO have Leica optics...
Also check the Panasonics...
by taboma - 8/21/07 8:28 PM In reply to: Also check the Panasonics... by dpotterLeica optics. In a class by themselves.
German technology from years ago.
My son bought a new Panasonic. (Sorry I do not have the Model).
A very small digital camera that takes panoramas. The photo quality is very good. Bought it about six months ago while in Europe.
Good little travel camera to have. The panoramas are excellent in quality.
-Kevin
Olympus SP-550UZ 7.1 MP 18X Optical!
by dmtorrey - 8/25/07 1:31 PM In reply to: Camera for the Undecided Photographer? by Noir999I just had to stick in my thoughts on the camera I've been using since May. It is the Olympus SP-550UZ. It has 7.1 megapixels and a whopping 18x (dual image stabilization)optical. That is equivalent to about 504mm telephoto lens. I've been able to take awesome pictures just on the auto mode and have also experimented with the many manual options. It has even fallen below $400 lately so it really can be beat. I LOVE mine.
Good luck.
Dave
Newer Model Announced
by snapshot2 - 8/25/07 4:40 PM
In reply to: Olympus SP-550UZ 7.1 MP 18X Optical! by dmtorrey
Olympus has announced the SP-560UZ.
To be available in October.
That may be why the price dropped to $400 for the SP-550UZ.
Here is the press release:
http://www.dpreview.com/news/0708/07082309olysp560uz.asp
...
..
.
| Forum legend: | |
 |
Locked thread |
 |
Moderator |
 |
CNET staff |
 |
Samsung staff |
 |
Norton Authorized Support team |
 |
AVG staff |
 |
Windows Outreach team |
 |
Dell staff |
 |
Intel staff |
