Camera advice

Truktek2 · #1 11-07-2009, 05:52 AM

I'm looking to replace a canon powershot s30 i've had for about 7 years. I'm not sure if I need an SLR or not, but I like taking really good pictures. Usually family functions, sporting events, vacations etc. I just purchased a sony cybershot point and shoot, and was disappointed with the quality, so its going back. I'm not a pro by any means, but would like a pretty good camera in the 600.00 range.I'm hoping there are some amateur photographers out there who may be able to give me advice. Thanks

nella · #2 11-07-2009, 06:08 AM

For $600 you can get a really good camera. You have to decide whether you want a digital point and shoot or a traditional style digital single lens reflex (SLR) with removable lenses.

The SLR is bigger but generally has more options and you can buy faster lenses for low light shooting without flash and long telephoto lenses for sports and that kind of thing. $600 should get you a body like a Nikon D40 (or low end Canon SLR) and a basic zoom lens.

For point and shoots, I like the Canon G series. I think it's up to G10 now.

As you are research, check out http://dpreview.com/

TrooperFarva · #3 11-07-2009, 06:31 AM

It costs a little more than you're looking to spend, but I recently picked up the Canon T1i single lens kit. It takes incredible pictures, simply put. I'm still learning, but even as a beginner, all my pictures come out great, and as I learn more, I can improve the camera with better lenses, etc.

taquitos43 · #4 11-07-2009, 07:50 AM

I just recently bought a new point and shoot. It's the Canon Powershot SX200 IS. It's a really nice little camera for $350. My other camera is a Canon EOS Rebel XSi. I bought the point and shoot for a trip to Ireland next year. I didn't want to carry the bulky DSLR. The SX200 is 12.1 MP, has the Canon Digix 4 processor, the 35mm equivalent zoom of 28mm-335mm, and has many shooting modes. In addition, it can do color priority where one color will be in color and the rest in black and white. Used creatively, this is a really cool feature. Overall, I am extremely satisfied with this camera. It's number 8 on PC World's 100 best products for 2009 list. I'm sure you can find a ton of online product reviews for it.

Truktek2 · #5 11-07-2009, 04:01 PM

Wow. Picking a camera is like finding a needle in a haystack. Too much info available, and not enough experience on my part. I have decided against an SLR since it would be way to bulky and I wouldn't know how to even begin to use all those options. A basic point and click isn't going to cut it either since the picture quality leaves alot to be desired. I've narrowed it down to either the Canon powershot G11 or the Sony Cybershot HX1. Seems to be a compromise between the two. Nella, you seem to like the G10, any cons with that? Thanks all for your help. Looks like I've got my work cut out for me.

Auzzie-Phoenix · #6 11-07-2009, 07:40 PM

Take a look at Panasonic's Lumix line of cameras. Decently affordable and has offerings in both point and shoot, and dslr. Intelligent auto mode on their cameras works fairly well too.

nella · #7 11-07-2009, 07:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Truktek2

Nella, you seem to like the G10, any cons with that? Thanks all for your help. Looks like I've got my work cut out for me.

I liked my G10. It served me well until I accidentally dropped it in the water on the "It's a Small World" ride on a family vacation at Disney World earlier this year. As I was getting out of the boat the strap snagged on something and it went into the water. The ride had to be shut down while a Disney employee fished it out of the river. The photos were salvageable, the camera was not.

I would still have it and be happy with it but for that accident. The truth is though that for a P&S you can get close to the high end around $300-450 and the differences in picture quality are often academic.