I need help deciding which camera to buy!

[raynaschwartzster]

Which Camera Should I Buy?

This short questionnaire will help the members of this forum make good camera recommendations for you. Please copy the questions into a new post, and provide brief answers.

Camera Type

� Are you looking for a compact point & shoot camera, a DSLR, or something in between? (Or perhaps you haven't decided yet � that's okay!)
I'm looking for either a bridge super-zoom or a dSLR.

� Is this your first camera? First ever, or first digital?
I had a compact point & shoot before, and I'm looking for something a little more advanced (prosumer like)

� Are you interested in a high level of control, or would you prefer to let the camera do as much "thinking" as possible?
I need to have some control, but I'm comfortable giving the camera a good amount of control.

� If you had to choose, would you prefer a more versatile (large "�") zoom lens, or top-notch image quality with no zoom at all?
I would like a good sized zoom, at least 26x or so, just not so much that the image quality tanks. Optical zoom is preferred.

� What size of camera do you want? To what degree would you be willing to sacrifice other features for compactness?
I don't mind a somewhat bulky camera. I would like a good assortment of features, too. I just want a camera I can take anywhere with me; perhaps on a vacation or at school. It can't be so large that I have to hoist it over a shoulder or be forced to place it on a tripod.

Budget

� What budget have you allocated for buying this camera? Please be as specific as possible.
I would like to spend somewhere between 400 - 500$

� Do you plan to spend more on additional accessories now or in the future? (Lenses, lighting, tripods, batteries, memory cards, camera bags... it adds up!)
I do plan on spending more on batteries/memory cards/bags/tripods.

� How long do you plan on keeping this new camera?
For as long as it holds up! Hopefully I can make it last several years until I decide whether I want to go more advanced.

Usage

� What will you generally use the camera for?
For editing out some cool videos and pictures for my family and school.

� Are you going to photograph sports? What sport, and from how far away?
Not likely, but if I do it would be pretty close.

� Will you be shooting a lot of indoor photos, or other low-light photos?
Yes

� Will you make prints, or primarily view and share images on a computer screen? If you make prints, will they typically be small (up to 5�7") or medium sized (8�10"), or are you interested in larger sizes as well?
I'm interested in all sizes. I do print, and sometimes in larger sizes.

� Are you interested in spending time post-processing to make an image "perfect", or would you prefer to use images basically straight from the camera?
I am interested in post-processing and editing. However I would like to not have to worry about it if possible.

Miscellaneous

� Are there particular lenses or technical features that are interesting or important to you?
The camera must record HD video, as that is one of the main uses the camera will be performing. Extras for video would be appreciated, but are not necessary. I would like burst shooting as well.
� Are there particular brands or models you already have in mind?
I'm currently looking at the Panasonic DMC-FZ100, as that seems to have everything I have in mind. It seems like a decent camera for someone like me (not pro, but not completely amateur either). I'm still keeping my eyes out for something better though.

[shahmatt]

You have said that you are looking at either a bridge camera or a DSLR. You should know that there is a substantial difference between the image quality produced from both these types of camera.

A good way to understand this difference is by considering the sensor size inside the camera. The bridge camera usually uses a 1/2.3" sized sensor. A DSLR on the other hand uses a APS-C sensor, which is much larger. See this link:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Image_sensor_format

The larger sensor produces much better quality images.

DSLRs tend to be a bit on the large side, so you may also want to consider "mirrorless" options. These are smaller camera bodies that use larger (DSLR sized) sensors. Technology has helped reduce the camera size and in some ways, I believe this represents the future. Some examples of this genre are the Panasonic G-3, the Samsung NX11 and the Olympus EPL-2.

Given your size requirement a mirrorless camera with a nice pancake prime lens on it might be perfect for you. For example, I use a Samsung NX10 and 30mm pancake, which is a nice petite sort of go anywhere camera that takes beautiful photos.

[KCook]

I would like a good sized zoom, at least 26x

Greatest zoom for interchangeable lenses is the Tamron 18-270mm, which is "just" 15X, and cost at least $630. Lens alone, pay again for the body.

[David Metsky]

Rather than look at the multiplier number, look instead and the focal lengths. Most 30x and up cameras have a long telephoto of roughly 750mm, something that would be very expensive to get on a DSLR. Any images you take at that length on an ultrazoom will need either very bright light or a tripod. What are you doing that you need that much zoom?

The other end of the zoom range is the wide angle, and that IMO is more important for most people. Fortunately, all of the ultrazooms have pretty wide lenses. In fact, most differences in the multiplier number are due to the lens being wider at the low end, rather than longer at the high end.