Looking to buy a camera. Please advice me..

[Nebulous]

Hi Guys,

I stumbled upon this forum by accident while researching on some camera models. I never knew such an active community existed.

I was hoping you can advice/direct me on some camera models. I am thinking of buying a new digital compact camera.

The one I currently own ( Canon Ixus 700 about 4 yrs old) is starting to seriously annoy me. It heats up quite a bit after continued use of few mins, can't take pictures of moving objects ( very blur ). most importantly, it doesnt have much manual controls for me to play with. I guess it was ok as a first camera but I am now looking to improve my skills ( which is non-existent right now by the way).

I tend to travel quite a fair bit, but I also like to carry my camera on a day to day basis just to capture any interesting things along the way...I'd like to get a wide angle camera with good optical zoom , some manual control options and good battery life.

I hope you guys can advice me on some models which would allow me to grow with it..

Questionaire :-
---------------------------------------------

Budget - About SGD $500. Willing to pay more for one that allows more flexibility

Size - Small - Medium sized. I mostly use the camera while travelling or somtimes for specific events. So, I'd prefer something not to heavy/bulky.

Features

How many megapixels will suffice for you? - 10MP or more I guess. Am not sure whats the standard these days, the one I currently own is 5MP.

* What optical zoom will you need? (None, Standard = 3x-4x, Ultrazoom = 10x-12x, Other - Specify)

I am getting quite excited with the ultrazoom types. Definitely looking for a camera with more than 5x optical zoom.

* How important is “image quality” to you? (Rate using a scale of 1-10) - 8-9.


Do you care for manual controls? - My photography skills are at best, amatuerish. But I plan learn more about techniques .. so i'd like a camera that'd allow me to play around with the controls, but not too professional with gazillion controls which would probably scare away a beginner such as myself.

General Usage

* What will you generally use the camera for? - Travel, general events, sometimes I also like take pictures of things that I find interesting on a day to day basis...

* Will you be making big prints of your photos or not? - Sometimes, quite rarely, but i'd like to have the option to do so.

Will you be shooting a lot of indoor photos or low light photos? - A fair amount I'd think, especially while travelling

Will you be shooting sports and/or action photos? - I guess, yes? I like to take pictures of moving objects / pets

Miscellaneous

Are there particular brands you like or hate?
- I quite like Nikkon although I've never owned one. I prefer not to get sony simply due to the cost of their storage cards.

Are there particular models you already have in mind?
- Fuji F70 seems quite interesting but I've yet to research other models.

(If applicable) Do you need any of the following special features? (Wide Angle, Image Stabilization, Weatherproof, Hotshoe, Rotating LCD)
- I'd love a wide angle camera & Image stabilization. As for weatherproof - something that can withstand some light rain.. I am not planning on scuba diving with the camera :)

PS: Thanks alot for taking the time to read my exteremly long post and I'd value any feedback you can give me.

Thank You!

[KCook]

As a Fuji fan I'd say you're on the right track with the F70EXR :)

However, the more serious you are about manual control, the better a SLR-like ultrazoom will work for you. Here is a link to that topic -

http://www.dcresource.com/forums/showthread.php?t=43871

Kelly Cook

[tim11]

Also check out some Canon PowerShot SX series (x20 optical zoom).
I wouldn't recommend Nikon point and shooters. Their PnS don't have the reputation of Canon, Fuji or Sony.
Just keep in mind, the long zoom point and shoot have their limitation; especially with fast moving objects and in poor light. However for learning purpose you wouldn't be disappointed with what you get as long as you don't expect miracles out of them.

[speaklightly]

nebulous-

You should also realize that you are increasing your budget right into the DSLR camera area. You might also consider a Sony A-200 or A-230 that can comfortably operate at ISO settings up to ISO 3200 and produce wonderful photos without flash.

Please take a good look at the attached photo that was done with a Sony A230 at 3200 using no flash at all, just the camera. It is pretty impressive.

Sarah Joyce

[Nebulous]

Firstly, thanks alot for your valuable input!

I didn't realise there ultrazoom cameras dont perform so great under low light.
I am seriously rethinking why I need such high zoom capability. I have been researching quite a bit last night after all your replies.

I found 2 more models that seem quite promising :-

Panasonic Lumix LX3 - Gosh! It has excellent reviews.. I am loving the ultra wide angle(a definite must in my next camera)! and the Leica lens! Only real bummer is the 60mm zoom (2.5x optical zoom).

and
Fuji F200EXR

What are your opinions about these 2 models?


I wouldn't recommend Nikon point and shooters. Their PnS don't have the reputation of Canon, Fuji or Sony.
Just keep in mind, the long zoom point and shoot have their limitation; especially with fast moving objects and in poor light.

Thanks tim11, I went to read up about Nikkon compact cameras and you are right, they generally get quite 'not so great' reviews compared to others. Its funny how they do quite well in the SLR market compared to compact cameras.


You should also realize that you are increasing your budget right into the DSLR camera area. You might also consider a Sony A-200 or A-230 that can comfortably operate at ISO settings up to ISO 3200 and produce wonderful photos without flash.

I realise that the more capabilities/functionalities I want, the more find myself moving into the DSLR range. Its the size/weight that sets me back about them. I am sure they are better compact cameras but I am not sure if I will carry them on a daily basis. ( classic case of form vs function!)

Btw, that picture you attached, is pretty amazing .. without flash!

I am now in a real turmoil. Compact or DSLR. Should I jump straight into to a DSLR since I am about to make an investment anyway, why not make it on a real DSLR than pay for minimised size...Or is ease of portability the most important to me..
There are so many options and so many different ranges. I guess there is no simple answer to all these questions... I just have to figure out what I really want....I apologise if I am sounding like a real train-wreck.

Thanks again for all your help :)

Priya

[KCook]

Well, many of us end up with both a compact and a DSLR. So you might want to try mapping that game plan out too. While I am not on the bandwagon that a DSLR is best for everybody, I do agree with Sarah that a low budget DSLR makes more sense from a value perspective than an ultra expensive point-and-shoot. My personal comfort zone for compact cameras is in the $175-250 range (USD). But I am one cheap SOB.

no help Kelly

[tim11]

Just keep in mind that the lower budget DSLR usually offer very basic lenses. They might offer two lenses that covers to 300 mm and that may or may not have IS. On the other hand PnS ultrazoom has a long range lens from 18x to 20x with image stabiliser.
I know it's not going to make the choice easier for you but at least you can collect all facts and figures and make well informed decision. And don't worry about sounding like a train wreck - you aren't the first nor the last.

[speaklightly]

There a lot of excellent ideas being exchanged here.

I am personally like kelly. I carry my DSLR camera when it is conveniet and appropiate. Otherwise, I am about to start carrying the Fuji F-70EXR as a go everywhere camera.

I was able to purchase a Sony A-200, brand new and in the box on e-bay for $350.00. The camera has IS built into the camera body so every lens mounted on it gets the benefit of IS. The A-200 came with the Sony 18-70mm kit lens, and with the money saved, I was able to purchase the Sony 55-200mm lens for $151.00, and I really like that lens, a lot. So my total DSLR investment is right at $501.00.

That made the Fuji F-70EXR affordable.

Sarah Joyce

[speaklightly]

The Fuji F-70EXR arrived today right on schedule. Here is a photo of my husband, Bradley taken with the Fuji F-70EXR at ISO 100 in the Extended DR Mode.

Sarah Joyce

[speaklightly]

I was also surprised at the fine detail the Fuji F-70EXR was able to capture outdoors.

Sarah Joyce