BuddyBonham
08-29-2007, 01:10 PM
Hi guys, I have been looking for a camera for a little while now. I've gone to a couple stores and I've looked at and held multiple cameras. I know virtually nothing about cameras and photography but I am interested in gaining knowledge and becoming a proficient photographer. I am interested in a multipurpose camera that can handle all settings in which I want to take pictures: landscapes, indoor/outdoor, low light. You're help and input in helping me make a decision for which camera to purchase would be much appreciated:)
Budget- $300-$350 max
Size- I like the size of the smaller cameras like the nikon coolpix but I also like the style of the Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ8
Features
How many megapixels will suffice for you? - Couldn't say, I just want clear pictures
* What optical zoom will you need? - Don't know, strong enough zoom to be able to take very solid landscape photos
* How important is “image quality” to you? 10
Do you care for manual controls? I honestly don't know either way
General Usage
* What will you generally use the camera for? - I love hiking and I want to be able to take great pictures of the scenery. I also want to be able to use it for indoor pictures and regular outdoor pictures of friends, activities, etc.
* Will you be making big prints of your photos or not? - it's possible, this isn't a feature that will make or break my decision on a camera
Will you be shooting a lot of indoor photos or low light photos? - I want to be able to take indoor pictures and night pictures as well
Will you be shooting sports and/or action photos? - again, this is possible but this is not a feature that I absolutely need the camera for
Miscellaneous
Are there particular brands you like or hate? nope
Are there particular models you already have in mind? I've been looking at the Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ8 and the Nikon Coolpix s50. I know these are definitely two different types of cameras but I really am not sure what I need to suit my interests.
(If applicable) Do you need any of the following special features? (Wide Angle, Image Stabilization, Weatherproof, Hotshoe, Rotating LCD) None of these options are absolutely necessary but weatherproof would be nice
Budget- $300-$350 max
Size- I like the size of the smaller cameras like the nikon coolpix but I also like the style of the Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ8
Features
How many megapixels will suffice for you? - Couldn't say, I just want clear pictures
* What optical zoom will you need? - Don't know, strong enough zoom to be able to take very solid landscape photos
* How important is “image quality” to you? 10
Do you care for manual controls? I honestly don't know either way
General Usage
* What will you generally use the camera for? - I love hiking and I want to be able to take great pictures of the scenery. I also want to be able to use it for indoor pictures and regular outdoor pictures of friends, activities, etc.
* Will you be making big prints of your photos or not? - it's possible, this isn't a feature that will make or break my decision on a camera
Will you be shooting a lot of indoor photos or low light photos? - I want to be able to take indoor pictures and night pictures as well
Will you be shooting sports and/or action photos? - again, this is possible but this is not a feature that I absolutely need the camera for
Miscellaneous
Are there particular brands you like or hate? nope
Are there particular models you already have in mind? I've been looking at the Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ8 and the Nikon Coolpix s50. I know these are definitely two different types of cameras but I really am not sure what I need to suit my interests.
(If applicable) Do you need any of the following special features? (Wide Angle, Image Stabilization, Weatherproof, Hotshoe, Rotating LCD) None of these options are absolutely necessary but weatherproof would be nice