Looking For a Quality Camera

Can't go wrong with a Canon PowerShot.

Here's a video I shot with an older model a few years ago... I'm about 40 yards from the stage with 20x zoom.

<iframe width="560" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/qacc-bKghkQ" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>

 

I've been very happy with the Canon PowerShot SX260 HS. It's a basic point and shoot but the pictures come out very good. The optical zoom is pretty good at 20X too. I got it when it first came out, but I think you can get it for $200 now.

 

Glad i'm not the only superfan of this camera. Looks like the amazon price went up. I got one for a gift before Christmas for $200

 

The green/pink are $15 cheaper.

 

Is there a reason you don't want an SLR (like size for instance)? Because you can get an SLR for 429 (well within 300-500) at amazon. Once I got my first SLR I couldn't go back to a point and shoot. (I will use the camera on my phone for quick shots). The quality of the pictures and level of control are awesome to me, but then again maybe I'm a control freak.

 

Smartphone.

Quality not as nice as function specific camera, but much more readily available.

You'll be okay that first year when she can't move very much, but even still you're super busy and tired, and getting up to get the camera, make sure it is fully charged, memory card ready to go, then making sure everything downloads correctly, etc, etc... just adds extra steps to a process you already do with your smartphone anyways, plus it is always there and handy.

We used our canon dslr regulary until the first kid came along. we have nice lens and everything. don't get me wrong.. we still use it when we can, but at least 80% of our kids media capture stuff is done via iphone.

I'd suggest spending the same mid 400's on a new smartphone with as good a camera and as much memory as possible...

my two cents

 

Where did he say he didn't want an SLR? Not wanting a pro camera doesn't mean not wanting an SLR. But I agree, SLR would be the way to go if you're willing to carry it around with you. Shutter lag helps with the kids running around etc. Otherwise point and shoot is fine.

 

SLRs have a steep learning curve and are expensive for his price range. I don't recommend an SLR for anyone who is a novice, when point and shoots can do the trick.

 

I don't agree. SLRs have fully automatic settings just as easy to use as a point and shoot. They have more options to grow beyond that if you want and that's where the learning curve could come into play. The Rebel T3 is in his price range.

 

I would go with Canon and Sony, those two brands are proven and there are no "low quality" cameras that those makers make regardless of the price point.

If you are buying other brands, it's hit and miss so you really have to read the reviews of the specific model.

 

Fujifilm FinePix F550EXR 16 MP CMOS Sensor Digital Camera with 15x Optical Zoom

Of course the price dropped $50 after Christmas. The wife wanted a quality point and shoot and after reviewing many, this one won. We also wanted something smaller for traveling and the SLR's are too bulky imo, and I'm no professional photographer, so this works perfectly.

I've used it a little bit, but the pics are insanely clear. Just so many gadgets it seems it's going to take a year to fully learn how to use them all. I do love the panoramic pics and the 1080P videos.

 

if you don't know what the settings on a camera mean, besides the auto button(green icon), it doesn't matter what camera you have. 90% of what makes a great photo is the person behind the camera. i have a handful of friends who come to me and say their camera sucks, what should they buy? i always say learn how to actually use what you have first to make a great photo, then we can talk about upgrading. then they walk away disappointed.

HR Dept, if you aren't already comfortable with a camera in one of the semi-auto settings i suggest doing some light reading and research on photography. it'll help you tremendously in taking better photos. even if you don't understand a lot of the technical stuff, things like composition and lighting can boost the quality of your photos. you'll then get a better feel for what type of camera you'll need.

 

Bought this one recently and have enojyed how the pictures have been coming out;

http://www.google.com/shopping/prod...&sa=X&ei=-67tULmhMsi-0QG2t4GwDw&ved=0CKUBEMwD

 

I have been impressed with Panasonic point and shoots. I have a Sony Alpha 300 and while it takes decent pictures and is pretty easy to use as a SLR it doesn't compare with the much more expensive Nikon and Canon SLRs in terms of picture quality (especially action shots like indoor basketball). So as a result I tend to take it along less and less often, and would now like to get a point and shoot.

The Panasonics get good reviews due to their Leica lenses and actually have a pretty fast lens. The LX7 is $450. If you are willing to step down a model the LX5 is $390.

Here's a review:
http://www.imaging-resource.com/PRODS/panasonic-lx7/panasonic-lx7A.HTM

 

if you are willing to spend up to 500..there's no reason you shouldn't consider the Sony Nex series. I don't see why anyone would spend over 300 bucks on a regular P&S.

same sensor as the consumer DSLR cameras + ease of use of a point and shoot.

I have a 5D mark II and a nex-5n...and I don't even touch my 5D these days.

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/859418-REG/Sony_NEX_F3K_B_Alpha_NEX_F3K_Digital_Camera.html

on sale for 498!

 

I have a sony cyber shot but have been wanting to upgrade to a DSLR camera. How much did your 5D cost you? I assume you're not a professional photographer and just use the camera for casual shots? If you're using the sony Nex-5n for professional purposes can you notice that much of a difference? Does it take good shots from far away?

 

I am a casual photographer. The 5D MkII cost me 1525$ for the body. In every day use, the nex-5n is more useful because of the portability and built in flash. The 5D is bulkier, heavier and I need to lug a flash around.

The Nex takes some amazing pics. Only time the 5D shines is in very low light situations (though the focus system on the 5D at night is not that great).

The thing that holds back the nex is the stock lens. Even then, look at this:

Spoiler

 

https://sphotos-a.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-snc6/178786_3782076463128_364917092_o.jpg

 

I see your wieners.