If you want to get a good quality camera that will allow you to grow into it and still give you flexibility for the future, while also holding your hand like a point-and-shoot, then you might want to consider something like one of the micro-4/3 mirrorless cameras such as an Olympus PM1, or its sort-of sibling family made by Panasonic. The benefit is DSLR quality shots, inter-changeable lenses, and also some really really good auto mode settings so you don't have to kill yourself over a steep learning curve. The thing to keep in mind is this: with a point-and-shoot, that camera is all it will ever be. You can't change lenses. But with an inter-changeable lens system, such as the Sony nex xeries, or the Samsung NX series, or the Olympus PL or PM series, or the Panasonic or even Pentax and Nikon series, you have the ability to grow and add MUCH better photography capabilities when you can add new lenses. I love my Oly PM1, it takes great photos, and it is fully compatible with both Olympus AND Panasonic 4/3 lenses, and you can find them on Ebay for less then $200. And with the Panasonic 14mm pancake lens attached, it is barely bigger than a regular point-and-shoot, which is a huge benefit over a standard DSLR. Just be aware, 'kit' lenses will only get you the very basic shots; but when you want to step up to making some really beautiful photos, understand that your largest investment is going to be in lenses, not in the camera body itself. The good news is, lenses hold their value really well, so that when the day comes you want to move to some other kind of camera, or totally replace lenses, you will be able to sell them easily and for as much as you paid for them, or very very close.
LOL... I may not be typical of most people, but I found as I collecting more (and heavier) lenses I also tended to bring the camera along less. I started with the Sony A300 with its two kit lenses, then when I wanted to get better pictures I added a Minolta 50 mm prime lens, both for more dramatic closeups and for better low-light pictures of my daughter playing basketball. I also found I had to sit on the baseline, and only take shots inside the key or else the action was too far away. Unfortunately, the longer zooms that were fast enough to stop action in many gyms were way too expensive (way more expensive than the camera itself). I did eventually add a Minolta 70-210 "beercan" for outside zoom action. But... carrying the two Minolta lenses started to wear on me. Now I am lazy, enjoy watching the games and rely on other parents and the occasional professional photographer to get pictures. Hence my suggestion... get a decent point and shoot with as fast a lens as possible, and don't worry about adding more lenses.
Lots of excellent suggestions here. I'll offer one option which is above your price range, but worth the investment if you can go above the range. http://www.amazon.com/Canon-Compact-Systems-Camera-3-0-Inch/dp/B008NENG1A New breed of compact DSLR's: - 18.0 Megapixel CMOS (APS-C) sensor, DIGIC 5 Image Processor, ISO 100-12800 expandable to 25600 (H) - Hybrid CMOS AF and Multi Shot Noise Reduction - EOS Full HD Movie mode with Movie Servo AF for continuous focus tracking of moving subjects - Compatible with Canon EF and EF-S lenses (Optional EF Lens Adapter is required) - Compatibility with SD/SDHC/SDXC memory cards, including new Ultra High Speed (UHS-I) cards
The Bad The Canon EOS M has one glaring weakness that may be a dealbreaker for many photographers: a horrible autofocus system. One of the first things I noticed about the camera after picking it up was that the perpetual focusing made the camera sound like it had an uncontrollable stutter. It sounds as though the camera is making the lens take baby steps as it attempts to bring the subject into focus. You’ll want to jump into the camera’s settings and turn Continuous AF off. Otherwise, the lens will constantly makes a sputtering noise as the camera tries to stay focused at all times. You might not notice the sound in most everyday environments, but in quiet settings it might drive you mad. What’ll drive you even more mad is how painfully slow the autofocus is at times. Although the camera appears to bring the subject into focus rather quickly, it takes another moment or two before the AF indicator turns green, allowing you to finally snap your photo. <iframe width="640" height="360" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/PSP-7AbzBoY?feature=player_embedded" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe> http://www.petapixel.com/2012/11/19...ke-a-sluggish-dslr-trapped-in-a-compact-body/
i agree, especially if you're just going take snapshots. the slow autofocus is the killer (the price notwithstanding). i'm sure HR Dept is going to not be in ideal lighting conditions when in the hospital or at home. this is the best, straightforward answer.
Get a hand-held camera, preferably from FUJIFILM. They make the best fast-focusing cameras. I remember my 5100S could take photos SNAP-quick, and got compliments by a lot of people because of it. Is that really an L lens on an M camera? That's like asking putting a Mustang engine in a Focus or asking DD to run a race against me.
By all means get a DSLR or EVIL camera as suggested in this thread. That way, when your baby is crying and you don't have that second bottle of milk, or her diaper soaked through and you don't have change of cloth for her, because you had to make room in the diaper bag for the camera and lens, you can always whip out that awesome camera and capture the moment. It'll be totally charming...in 20 years or at her wedding when you look back at those pictures. Listen to the lone voice of reason in this thread and get a nice smartphone, unless you plan to print 11 x 17s of your shots and hang them on the wall. Once you get used to having a kid, and it's a big change, save up, then think about getting a nice camera. A $300-$500 camera won't be able to keep up with a fast-moving toddler, especially in low light.
You made a lot of sense until that part. Any $300-500 camera will be a whole lot more responsive than a smartphone. If a fast-moving toddler is what you're trying to take a picture of, get an SLR. A smartphone is the last thing you'll want for that specific situation. Just take a look at the ton of crappy, blurry kid photos your friends post on Facebook.
They won't be toddling for 9 months. Get acclimated to parenthood and save up for something more than $300 that will have a fighting chance of keeping up with them once they become toddlers. Why blow $300 now on a camera that won't be very useful in an year? But before that, if a smartphone camera can't keep up with an INFANT, then it's either time to get a new phone or take the infant to a neurologist.
Looking for a new camera and came across the Sony RX100 II. Anyone here have any experience with the RX100? I've heard nothing but great things about it everywhere I look, but I want a reason to buy it over DSLR's in the same price range since it's quite expensive. I prefer a compact camera, but I don't mind getting a DSLR either.
I was given the 50mm 1.4 for my bday. Before that, I was like what is the big deal about prime lens. Come to find out, they're pretty nice. fixed lens are so hot right now.
For those interested in the Canon EOS M. It's $349 almost every where right now. Best Buy, Amazon etc.
