Is this camera good?

[Alexx]

I know a lot about computers and other tech-y stuff but I don't have a clue about DSLR cameras at all.

So anywhoo, as i'm planning for a solo trip i'm looking to get a new camera, and i stumbled across this.

Basic Specifications
Resolution: 12.10 Megapixels
Lens: 18.00x zoom
(27-486mm eq.)
Viewfinder: EVF / LCD
LCD Size: 2.7 inch
ISO: 80-6400
Shutter: 60-1/2000
Max Aperture: 2.8
Mem Type: SD / SDHC
Battery: Custom LiIon
Dimensions: 4.6 x 3.0 x 3.5 in.
(118 x 76 x 89 mm)
Weight: 15.0 oz (424 g)
includes batteries

So yeah..would anyone reccommend this camera?

 

[wdwmagic]

I know a lot about computers and other tech-y stuff but I don't have a clue about DSLR cameras at all.

Are you looking for a DSLR? That one isn't a DSLR, but a superzoom compact.

 

[Alexx]

Are you looking for a DSLR? That one isn't a DSLR, but a superzoom compact.

oh wow..:lookaroun thanks for telling me!
and yeah i was looking for a DSLR

whats the difference between a superzoom compact and a DSLR?

 

[Master Yoda]

oh wow..:lookaroun thanks for telling me!
and yeah i was looking for a DSLR

whats the difference between a superzoom compact and a DSLR?

Quite a bit. DSLR cameras can produce much better pictures, have better low light sensitivity and will typically have more features but the trade off is that they are larger, more expensive and require multiple lenses.

This link will give you a much more detailed explanation.
http://digital-photography-school.com/should-you-buy-a-dslr-or-point-and-shoot-digital-camera

 

[wdwmagic]

oh wow..:lookaroun thanks for telling me!
and yeah i was looking for a DSLR

whats the difference between a superzoom compact and a DSLR?

DSLR has interchangable lens, significantly higher image quality, optical viewfinder, higher cost, physically bigger.

Superzooms are very flexible, compact, non-changebale lens, good image quality, easy to use, cheaper.

 

[wdwmagic]

require multiple lenses.

You could get a single superzoom lens for a DSLR, like the Tamron 18-270mm, which would give a single lens solution, and more range than the compact superzoom camera.

 

[Alexx]

Oh okay, right well i shall be looking for a DSLR camera then instead of this.

Thanks!:wave:

 

[Master Yoda]

You could get a single superzoom lens for a DSLR, like the Tamron 18-270mm, which would give a single lens solution, and more range than the compact superzoom camera.

True but I have never really known a DLSR owner to have less than 2 lenses and by comparison isn't a 270 mm lens only around 7x or 8x zoom?

 

[wdwmagic]

True but I have never really known a DLSR owner to have less than 2 lenses and by comparison isn't a 270 mm lens only around 7x or 8x zoom?

18-270mm is around 15x - in 35mm terms, it's 28mm-419mm. I think that superzoom that was originally mentiond is something like 27-486mm - so the superzoom compact edges that SLR lens with range. Although I would be willing to bet that the DSLR lens is much more usable at that range. I would imagine the compact is going to be pretty ropey at the wide and tele end.

 

[wdwmagic]

Oh okay, right well i shall be looking for a DSLR camera then instead of this.

Thanks!:wave:

Check out the offerings from Canon, Nikon and Sony.

 

[Alexx]

Would a Nikon D40 be a good camera?

 

[wdwmagic]

Would a Nikon D40 be a good camera?

The D40 is pretty old now, I think it came out around 2006. Check out www.dpreview.com for some very indepth reviews. I would look for one of the more recent models.

The Canon XSi is well rated as an entry level DSLR
http://www.usa.canon.com/consumer/controller?act=ModelInfoAct&fcategoryid=139&modelid=16307

 

[RiversideBunny]

Alexx, the camera in your original post and others like it may be the best bet for getting started. It would be better to use it and practice, practice, practice before investing a lot of money in a DSLR and lots of lenses.

I used one like that many times at WDW. They are very handy because the lens can handle close ups and telephoto. The camera is compact and easy to carry around WDW.

Also take a look at the Canon SX20IS and G10 and Nikon ones like that.
The Panasonic Lumix series like the one in your post has been around a long time and does a good job.

:king:

 

[BigRedDad]

If you want a DSLR, getting the camera in the first post is not recommended. That camera would be useless when you want to go to a DSLR.

My recommendation is come up with a budget and a max price. The reason for the max price is that you can go over $10k quickly. There are pluses and minuses to all camera brands. I just went through this myself.

My recommended cameras in no particular order:

Canon XSi
Canon T1i
Pentax Kx
Nikon D3000
Nikon D5000
Sony, Olympus - check model types

 

[WDWFigment]

Alexx, the camera in your original post and others like it may be the best bet for getting started. It would be better to use it and practice, practice, practice before investing a lot of money in a DSLR and lots of lenses.

I used one like that many times at WDW. They are very handy because the lens can handle close ups and telephoto. The camera is compact and easy to carry around WDW.

Also take a look at the Canon SX20IS and G10 and Nikon ones like that.
The Panasonic Lumix series like the one in your post has been around a long time and does a good job.

:king:

Moreover, if you're not sure why you need a DSLR (or why it's different than the camera in the first post), it may not be for you. Not to sound rude, but in order to tap into the "power" of the interchangeable lens system and technology of a DSLR, you have to be willing to read and learn about photography. If you just want to pick up a camera, put it in auto mode, and take great pictures (which isn't possible with either camera), you're probably better off sticking to the superzoom.

 

[Alexx]

Moreover, if you're not sure why you need a DSLR (or why it's different than the camera in the first post), it may not be for you. Not to sound rude, but in order to tap into the "power" of the interchangeable lens system and technology of a DSLR, you have to be willing to read and learn about photography. If you just want to pick up a camera, put it in auto mode, and take great pictures (which isn't possible with either camera), you're probably better off sticking to the superzoom.

You were one of the people I hoped would comment on this..i hoped that didnt sound weird:lookaroun I didn't say I needed a DSLR i just said i wanted one. I want to learn about photography and about DSLRs and eventually take some great photos in the future.

 

[WDWFigment]

You were one of the people I hoped would comment on this..i hoped that didnt sound weird:lookaroun I didn't say I needed a DSLR i just said i wanted one. I want to learn about photography and about DSLRs and eventually take some great photos in the future.

In that case, I'd go with the Canon T1i or the Nikon D3000 or D5000. Really, though, the most cost effective (if that matters) way would be to get a cheaper camera to start and upgrade when you've learned enough to capitalize on the camera's features. Camera body technology changes so quickly, and it's unlikely that you'll be satisfied with the camera you buy today in 2-3 years if you end up liking photography.