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Digital cameras forum: another ? DSLR or Megazoom

by: rmbonetti June 6, 2012 8:51 PM PDT

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another ? DSLR or Megazoom

by rmbonetti - 6/6/12 8:51 PM

Still debating on whether to go with an entry level DSLR or a megazoom. I want a very good zoom but great quality picture. My current old P&S isnt very good. I also dont have a camcorder so my camera will be used for video alot also. Since my budget is $350-600, I am wondering if I should get a top rated Megazoom (canon xs40, Panasonic fz150, Nikon P510) Still cant decide between them. Then a few years later maybe I can afford to get a better DSLR with a lens that will zoom like I want. Any thoughs and advice would be great.


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"great picture quality"

by PistonCupChampion - 6/6/12 11:13 PM

In Reply to: another ? DSLR or Megazoom by rmbonetti

Image quality can mean different things. It is not only about sharpness and color. It also depends on focus and how you will view the images. Generally speaking, a compact camera (this includes megazooms) have nicer looking photos straight out of the camera. The manufacturers know that P&S images won't be post-processed; they need to look good straight away. A DSLR image on the other hand, often comes out looking "dull," and needs to be tweaked before they will look their best.

Until you start learning and experimenting with the exposure controls, the camera will be smarter than you. it's harder to take a great picture with a DSLR, because its auto mode isn't as smart as the auto mode of a compact camera. Compact cameras can detect what kind of scene you are shooting and adapt their settings accordingly. Most DSLR cameras can't do that; they only change the exposure parameters.

Image quality is highly dependent on how you will view the pictures. If you only print up to 8 x 10, or view your images to fit a 15" screen, just about any camera is up to that task. A DSLR's extra detail and image quality is only apparent if you view the pictures in their native size.


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Answer Best answer as chosen by user rmbonetti

$600 DSLR

by PistonCupChampion - 6/6/12 11:21 PM

In Reply to: another ? DSLR or Megazoom by rmbonetti

FYI, Canon has factory refurbished cameras and lenses. You could get the Canon T1i along with a 18-55mm and 75-300mm lens for $585. The two lenses would give you an equivalent range of 29-480mm. In layman's terms, about a 16x zoom.

http://shop.usa.canon.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/product_10051_10051_227015_-1

http://shop.usa.canon.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/product_10051_10051_180642_-1


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THanks

by rmbonetti - 6/7/12 11:47 AM

In Reply to: $600 DSLR by PistonCupChampion

Thanks for your help. I will probably go the refurbished route if I go with the DSLR. From you said in the first post I am thinking I will be happier with a P & S. I dont want to have to do much tweeking after I take the picture. I just dont know how to figure out which is best for me. I also want to take all my videos on it!


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In-camera processing

by PistonCupChampion - 6/7/12 12:28 PM

In Reply to: THanks by rmbonetti

If you want a P&S but still a lot of creative possibilities, you might be interested in the Sony HX200V. Along with the standard megazoom features, the HX200V has a lot of special modes: 3d and 3D Sweep Panorama, Background Defocus, Soft Skin, and nine different Picture Effects including Toy Camera, Partial Colour, Soft High-key, Pop Colour, HDR Painting, Rich-tone Monochrome, Miniature, Illustration and Watercolor Painting.

http://www.ephotozine.com/article/sony-cybershot-dsc-hx200v-digital-compact-camera-review-19254


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one more ?

by rmbonetti - 6/7/12 3:23 PM

In Reply to: In-camera processing by PistonCupChampion

I think I am going to go look at this one tonight. It sounds pretty good. Can I ask why you would chose the sony over the others I mentioned..canon, nikon, panasonic? Just wondering. These get better scores on www.snapsort.com


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Snapsort

by PistonCupChampion - 6/7/12 5:55 PM

In Reply to: one more ? by rmbonetti

Snapsort is not that useful. Scoring is based on a computer algorithm using specifications and the nebulous "popularity" of a camera.

In the other thread you started, I recommended the Panasonic, because it offers more of the controls of a DSLR. Like a DSLR, the FZ150 has a hot shoe for accepting an external flash, and shoots RAW. It even has an external microphone jack to enhance video recording.

If that kind of control doesn't interest you, then the Sony has all the trick features to play with. The P510 is very close to the Sony; I personally don't care for Nikon P&S in general. The Canon is the slowest of the bunch, eliminating it for me.


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