Opinions/Advice about new camera

[tracyandalex]

Background: About 4 months ago we sold our 3 year old Canon Powershot and got an Olympus. We really liked the Canon a lot, but we were ready for something new. We hate the Olympus. The low light or any indoor pics w/o a flash for that matter are really noisy.

New camera: We want a decent point and shoot. We are still debating a SLR, but that might be too much equipment for us right now. This is the camera we are considering

http://www.bestbuy.com/site/Canon+-...lack/4810843.p?id=1218532171799&skuId=4810843

We mostly just want to take good pics of our trips (character meets, parades, and some rides) and outings and such with out having to do too much editing. I generally use the auto setting a lot, but thanks to you fine folks I'm starting to experiment with settings and such.

Question: Will this camera be good for our needs? Something more than basic, but not too much machine for a newbie?

thanks in advance everyone

 

[wdwmagic]

It sounds like you are possibly in between a point and shoot and a DSLR. Have you looked at mirror less interchangeable lens cameras? They are small, like a point and shoot, but offer changeable lenses, manual controls (along with full auto), and image quality approaching that of a DSLR. It sounds like it would be a good match for your needs - something that is very easy to carry in the parks, gives you higher image quality than a point and shoot, can operate in full auto, but also has manual controls if you decide to get more into photography as a hobby. The Sony NEX range review very well.

Check out www.dpreview.com for in-depth reviews of every camera.

 

[NowInc]

I'm going to agree with Steve on this one. I think a mirrorless may be your best bet. Its a bit pricey, but its an awesome path to go to when unsure if you want a P&S or a DSLR.

 

[tracyandalex]

Awesome!! Thanks, we will get one of those! I'm pretty sure I will get a DSLR eventually, but I need to practice and learn more first.

 

[wiigirl]

I agree...I just got a DSLR and not regretting it.

Although it took me a week or so to get the hang of it.

 

[Allen C]

Awesome!! Thanks, we will get one of those! I'm pretty sure I will get a DSLR eventually, but I need to practice and learn more first.

I had a similar debate with my brother-in-law recently. I hope you don't mind if I present a dissenting opinion:

If you're SURE that you will get a DSLR in the future, I would strongly recommend getting an entry level DSLR right away instead of going the mirrorless route.

A few points to consider:

1. PRICE
Take these examples:

Mirrorless
Sony NEX 5N (same size APS-C sensor as most DSLR's) + 18 - 55 mm lens - $699.99 at sony.com

DSLR
Nikon D3200 (entry level DSLR) + 18 - 55 mm lens - $699 at amazon.com

Entry-level DSLR's are very competitively priced at this time.

2. ADDITIONAL LENSES & OTHER ACCESSORIES
If you buy a mirrorless camera you will likely add one or two more lenses as you try to expand your skills. If you eventually move to a DSLR you will not be able to use these lenses.

If you buy a DSLR right away and add more lenses to your collection, you will be able to use these if you decide to upgrade your camera body.

Some accesories may be usable for both mirrorless systems and DSLR's but some are not - such as lens filters. So this is one thing you'll have to consider as well.

3. "PRACTICE & LEARN"
You said you wanted to practice and learn first before buying a DSLR. There is indeed a learning curve when it comes to more advanced cameras. My view is this: If you need to practice and learn, what better equipment to use than the one you'll eventually own. If you're really serious about owning a DSLR in the future then I think nothing beats getting used to the "feel" and controls of a DSLR as early as possible.

Just my opinion.

 

[tracyandalex]

Hhhmm, more to think about. The advantages to the "practice" camera: 1)reigning myself in because I feel like this is something I can really get into but can't really afford right now (additional lenses and such) and 2) DH has a camera when I upgrade because he will not be allowed anywhere near the "real" camera (picture the goofy how to shorts)!

 

[RonAnnArbor]

Don't bother with the 3/4 mirrorless systems. If you want a dSLR get a dSLR. If you want a small compact that is really the best you are going to get (without going into the 700 dollar range) look at the Canon S100 or the Panasonic LX5....alternately, for a great zoom camera with good night shots as well as amazing zoom range, look at the Panasonic ZS20 (or ZS19 at Costco at 100.00 less)...CUrrently, the absolutely best small compact camera (and in fact better than most 3/4 systems as far as the ratings are coming in) is the Sony RX100 -- but your looking at 700.00 plus for that one.

I work with people getting new cameras all the time, and the 3/4 systems end up being regret-systems almost across the board...a month after getting them, they are looking at upgrading to dSLRs since they've gotten the "bug"....the other half downgrade back to a compact that is easier to carry around in a pants pocket rather than carrying big bags all over the place. Pricewise, you can get a superb Nikon D3200 dSLR with a couple lenses at a lower price than a 3/4 system with one lens and which does less. Do your research. Check out sites like dpreview for tons of forums and information about different cameras.

You can get amazing compact cameras without the added weight, size, or bulk for the needs you state in your original post.

 

[everestnut]

Have to agree with post above. If you feel you will end up with a Dslr, then that is where you should start.

 

[tracyandalex]

Ok, we know what I'll be doing at work tomorrow!! Oh and some work too.