Looking for a Camera
I'm in the market for a decent camera. Either a high-end point and shoot or an entry-level DSLR around 300 to 500USD. My favorite camera (before it got stolen) was an Casio Exilim, I had fond memories with it. Tried out a Canon Rebel at a local repair shop and got instantly hooked on the quality of the shots and lack of delay most digital cameras have; unfortunately it was rather expensive for such a used copy. Also tried out a Sony Cybershot at the local Sam's Club and do like the convenience of a point and shoot. So I'm rather conflicted on what I should buy.
Totally in love with the shots from the Lumix LX3 that Danny uses, but don't know any store that has a demo in stock.
So any suggestions out there ? While I would use the camera for figure shots, I would use it as other means like family portraits, action shots, etc.
I got a Nikon D3000 earlier this year and it's been working really well for me so far (Amazon sells 'em WAY cheaper than what you'd get directly from Nikon). I've been using it for figure shots and cosplay shots at conventions, and the kit lens it comes with is pretty decent. Keep in mind that a good portion of how shots look comes down to how you get the exposure. A lot of photography books I've been reading suggest getting a new camera if you've come to the conclusion that you've gone as far as you can with what you've got currently.
*Depressed look at her $150 coolpix*
I spent about $300 on a Canon PowerShot SX120 IS. I've found that is capable of some amazing shots, but you really need a steady hand or a tripod for the autofocus to work perfectly. If you go any higher in the series, you leave point and shoot and go to swapping lenses, so it's a very decent camera.
$150 coolpix can still take great shots !!
apparently one of the best photographers won an award for capture a great photo, guess what he used ...
a disposable camera... talk about pure ownage huh
You should get a Nihon..... Speedo Grapher XD
hehe... XD
Entirely you should be questioning first what is the main use of your camera. Will it be for cosplay conventions, figure photography etc. If it's a mix of all now you will need to know if you want to go for a D-SLR or a Point and Shoot.
Keep in mind also that just because one uses an DSLR doesn't mean that they can use it to it's optimal performance. I've seen some individuals wielding an DSLR like Nikon D5000 or a Canon 450D or 550D and their camera is set to AUTO mode.
My advice here is that if you plan to utilize it for a long term them i suggest get an DSLR like Canon 550D/450D/40D/100D/500D etc. or Nikon's D5000/D90/D3000. You might say that it's expensive but I can assure this to you, every cent you used to purchase that camera is a cent well spent! I have a Canon 500D which replaced my 3 yrs. old Olympus Point and Shoot camera when it died. I've been using it on conventions, parties etc. Never did i regret the price and it took me a year to save up for one but it's all worth it!
I've been trying out the Aperture/ISO/Filter lens on my Finepix, but it has either much delay or grain, it's a chore to use. Only good for outside shots/natural light.
And I'm more than familiar than Auto mode users. The photography students tick me off with their disposable camera quality shots from $2,000 cameras (owned by the school, but what a waste) Definitely trying to learn what speed and lighting to use, but there's so much I can do with my current equipment and photoshop.
I'm looking at this as a long term investment rather than 'what kind of deal can I get' this time around.
Then set your eyes on DSLR. And i rarely use photoshop on my images when i got my DSLR. Reason for that is i want to keep a RAW image and enhance my photography skills without a pat on the back with photoshop.
As for learning speed, lighting or what not...
Do that when you get your camera. At that point you will need to know the camera. As what i say in my photography motto.
"One cannot become a photographer is they never became one with their camera."
Trust the camera that you will buy and it will give you what you need.
save abit more and try to get canon's 500d
The LX3 is about to be replaced by the LX5, which should be a great camera.
You might also consider Canon's S90 and G11, both of which have great image quality for a point & shoot. The cameras have essentially the same electronics, but the G11 is more "enthusiast" oriented, with more buttons and dials, a wider zoom range, a flippy LCD and a hotshoe for attaching an external flash, while the S90 is a slimmer, sleeker, and lighter camera that's more portable but offers fewer features.
If you decide to go with a DSLR, there are several options worth looking at. I've been unimpressed with Nikon's D3000, but getting one would give you an upgrade path to bigger and better Nikons in the future. The entry-level Canon Rebel is a similar story, although I think it's slightly better than the D3000. One camera that gets a lot of talk in the photography community lately is the Pentax K-X, which offers a lot of bang for the buck, if you can live with the fact that Pentax doesn't have a professional DSLR system to upgrade to in the future.
Finally, you can look at one of the new "EVF" cameras. They bridge the gap between P&S and DSLR cameras, with a smaller body and no real viewfinder like a P&S, but with the image quality and interchangeable lenses of DSLRs. Olympus's EPL1 is only a little over $500 with a lens, and Sony's NEX-3 is around $500. Both cameras are a bit over your listed budget, but represent a great option for an amateur photographer. (Especially the Sony, IMO, which has a very similar sensor to what you get in Sony and Nikon DSLRs.)
I found some excellent prices for the LX3, but I'm anxious on the new model, reason I held off on it. Just some events popped up family-wise and realized I need a really good camera.
Definitely going to try out these cameras at the store if I can, do some research and pick one that's best for my photography level and budget. Thought it was best to ask some non-biased enthusiasts, I do have a soft spot for Sony and Casio but rather have a reputable DSLR. :)
LX3 is awesome im sure the LX5 will be better, couple months back I was deciding what to get.
It was LX3 vs TZ10,in the end I got myself the TZ10 and didnt regret =D. Slightly more compacted then the LX3 and massive zoom on the TZ10, equivilent to 300mm lens.
I say find the two most desirable camera and don't just look for the pro but also for the cons.
Take a look at also the Pentax K-m and K-x (K-x can record videos) DSLR, pretty much entry-level and well built and sturdy.
but alike everyone say do some research on your own because it really helps. Take a look at some YouTube reviews and test the people has posted.
Just one comment: CANON.
:)
But Nikon is good too, though Canon rose over it this year, and I own a canon. It works miracles ;)
If you're looking at high end compacts.. Lumix LX3 or Canon S90. Both are similar with pros and cons in their respective ways. Not sure about the LX5, I heard it wasn't that much of an impressive upgrade over LX3, but if you can wait then by all means wait for LX5.
As for entry SLRs..
They say a camera is only as good as how often you have it with you, so personally I would pick an EVF such as the Lumix GF1 over an entry level SLR. The compactness of the GF1 just makes it that better of a deal I think. On top of that, I do believe GF1 matches up to entry level SLRs, but maybe not any higher. However you have to keep in mind that the quality of the pictures is down to the photographer.
For me, I've been divided on GF1 or Nikon D90, but finally decided that it's unlikely I'll carry an SLR around frequently. Therefore I opt for an EVR. The limitations of an EVR compared to an SLR probably aren't all too big, but getting that good shot out of an EVR may take more work and longer exposure times. Also the Micro four thirds system on the GF1 does not completely work with every single SLR lens as far as I know.
Thats my two cents. Not a camera expert at all, but here are my reasonings :3
Check out this site, it recommends the best cameras out for 2010
http://www.digitalcamera-hq.com/best
Thanks, I've already bought my camera however.