Thinking of a new camera - The Hull Truth

bstnsportsfan · 07-25-2009, 05:39 PM

Hello all! I am beginning research for a new camera. Right now I have a Nikon Coolpix L3 which I bought in 06. It has worked fine but I am looking for a camera that just does more. I want to be able to learn how to use it and be able to adjust some of the settings. The L3 is a simple point and shoot with a small screen...maybe 1.5". I am not looking for a DSLR. Here is what I am looking for

$200-250
Image Stabilization- Very important, as my hands shake a bit and my pictures always comes out blurry
fairly clear pictures; obviously there not going to be DSLR clear, but for the class camera
2.5"-3" screen
Several manual settings but also auto settings too
Size is less important
Batteries can be either a rechargeable or AAs, although with AAs, I'd rather 2 than 4.

I have been looking at several including Sony H20 (CNet gave it a 9.0, seems to be a great camera for the price), Canon SX110IS, Sony W290, Canon SD1200.

Also, when a camera supports 1080HD, is this for the video or does it take the pictures in HD? This may be a dumb question, but I was curious about it.

I am getting married May 2010 and want to be to be able to take nice shots while on our honeymoon...we're going to Denver. I am just looking for feedback on these models or if suggestions for other models. Thanks guys.

freedbaby · 07-25-2009, 08:59 PM

go to a store and just play with a DSLR....it will change your mind. You can pick up a used Canon Rebel in your budget with an IS (image stabilized) lens.

You wont regret it.

bstnsportsfan · 07-26-2009, 07:23 AM

Thanks for the suggestion but a quick look at Bestbuy.com and I see the Rebel EOS XS at $550 which is much too expensive. I'm looking less than $250

pugnacious3333 · 07-26-2009, 07:36 AM

This is out of your price range, but also think if you go DSLR you won't regret it. This is a pretty good deal.

http://www.adorama.com/INKD40K.html

I don't know much about the point and shoots. But if I were buying one, i'd go with as much mexapixels as you can for your price. I have a Sony PS that has been going for years.

Barry Turano · 07-26-2009, 07:53 AM

I have a Cannon Rebel XT SLR Check on E-bay you should be able to find them at a discount. With an SLR camera you don't really need to worry about image stabilization. You can take action shots because there is no shutter lag.
After the XT they made the XTI and now who knows. Great camera. You should be able to find it for a good price. I pad $700.00 3 years ago with the 18-55 MM lens, a 75-300 mm zoom, a wide angle and macro lens, filters and carry bag.

Whaler1777 · 07-26-2009, 08:17 AM

If you can stretch to a little over 300, The Olympus Stylus Tough 8000 Is a great little camera, Totally waterproof to 33ft... Crushproof, dustproof, kidproof... Takes really nice pics...

GMTA · 07-26-2009, 12:17 PM

I had a number of Nikon 35mm cameras for years, ended up with a bureau full of slides.

2 Years ago I bought a Canon EOS Rebel XTi, sold the lens that came with the body.
Bought a Canon 24-70mm red line lens and the results are amazing.

If you are new to digital photography there is a learning curve. It will take a few weeks but it is well worth the effort. I now take hundreds of shots which can be quickly gleaned using photoshop.

I started taking pictures as a teenager with a camera that was way over my budget. Some of those are my best pictures. You can't go back and take them again so get the best camera you can afford.

Reelin Good · 07-26-2009, 12:52 PM

I really like my Panasonic TZ5. It has a wide lens (28MM) but also a 10x zoom (I think its around 280mm zoom). The TZ5 is the 2008 model, the 2009 model just came out so a new TZ5 on Ebay can be had for $200-230. Here's a review on the TZ5

http://www.dpreview.com/reviews/panasonictz5/

bstnsportsfan · 07-26-2009, 06:01 PM

Thanks guys for the suggestions. I'm not huge into photography but only looking for a camera that will give me a few more options to play with. I have a tight budget as we are also paying for a wedding. My fiance would kill me if I spent $500+ on a camera!

Reeling: I've read good thinks about the TZ5 and definetly going to check it out. Thanks for the help guys. Maybe in the future, I will plunk down the money for a nice DSLR.

54bullwinkle · 07-26-2009, 07:27 PM

You will get lots of opinions. I have high end Nikon DSLR stuff and have a Nikon Coolpix for pocket. Was at my kids school, guy in front of me had a Lumix.............Fantastic. Got one at Costco the next day. 260 dollars.......includes everything......Charger, battery, 1 gig card, leather case.........12X zoom 10mp's .................Zoom and resolution are really fantastic. Optics are made by Leica and it is incredibly easy to use.

NoFearEyes · 07-26-2009, 11:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Whaler1777

If you can stretch to a little over 300, The Olympus Stylus Tough 8000 Is a great little camera, Totally waterproof to 33ft... Crushproof, dustproof, kidproof... Takes really nice pics...

Check out the OLYMPUS Stylus 1030 SW--a couple of us at work ahve them and they exceed specs. Constatnly in the water, great stills and movies anywhere and the thing is bullet proof. Street price is under $300

http://www.olympusamerica.com/cpg_se...p?product=1363

Bob's Cay · 07-27-2009, 08:18 AM

I was looking for about the same thing you are. An upgraded camera without all the extra lenses, size, and weight. I found that if I couldn't fit the camera in my pocket or small bag I wouldn't carry it. Also I wanted "AA" batteries rateher than rechargeable. Just works better for me.

So I purchased a Canon SX 110 IS and have been extremely pleased. It does everything I need with some adjustability. Had it about a month and it takes much better photos than my 5 year old Sony.

salt_shaker · 07-27-2009, 08:31 AM

i have the olympus 1030sw. if youre looking for a point and shoot type. it doesnt replace my bigger camera, but it is cool. i wanted something i could throw in my pocket and always have ready. the float strap for it actually works. its kinda fun to be in the water with a bunch of people and just let the camera float around between us...there are a few models of the SW's.

sbbamafan · 08-03-2009, 10:23 AM

I have a Canon S3. I think it is the GREATEST. I did not want a DSLR either and this is a good compromise. It was changed and upgraded to the S5 and I think it has just morphed into another new model since. They have IS with VERY strong zoom capabilities. It is easy to use and takes great shots. Furthermore, the movie mode is AWESOME! I use it for movies and pics on my boat all the time. Check into these.

Gringo · 08-03-2009, 10:56 AM

90% of the boating and underwater photos taken on my blog were taken with one of the Olympus SWs. I have a 700 and a 1030. I personally do not like the camera, but as for something water resistant and tough that fits in your pocket, they are pretty good for physical abuse. Until the day they suddenly aren't.

salt_shaker · 08-03-2009, 12:00 PM

Bstnsportsfan, did you decide on a camera?

bstnsportsfan · 10-07-2009, 07:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by salt_shaker

Bstnsportsfan, did you decide on a camera?

Sorry for the delay, I picked one up tonight...

Update- I took Pug's suggestion and picked up a Nikon D40 DSLR tonight. It was a floor model, but I also purchased the extended warranty. The Mgr gave it to me for $175 and the 3yr warranty was $29. I just have to buy a battery for it. Tomorrrow I am bringing it by the local camera store for them to double check to make sure it works. For $175, I don't think I can go wrong...unless of course it doesn't work. Even then, I may be better off fixing it or using the "warranty" I purchased.

Now...who is going to explain to me what it does?

I hope to use it at the FLL Boat Show at the end of the month.

Jay A · 10-07-2009, 10:25 PM

I got the Nikon D50...very close but the D40 is more user friendly,good choice! In the menu go to "Image Quality" and select "JPEG Fine". Then set the adjustment top left body of camera to "Auto" and go from there. When I'm on the boat with all the rocking going on I just leave it in "Auto". What lense(s) did you get with it?

freedbaby · 10-08-2009, 01:58 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bstnsportsfan

Now...who is going to explain to me what it does?

I hope to use it at the FLL Boat Show at the end of the month.

here is the advice I was give before I got so serious into photography.

Read the book that came with the camera....twice, or maybe three times.
don't ever put the camera in AUTO mode
read a book called "understanding exposure"

this advice helped me come a long way with my photography. I now shoot totally manual and enjoy making the decisions instead of having the camera do it, but to this day I have never put the camera in AUTO mode. Got my first DSLR two years ago.

good luck, have fun. You will screw up tons of pictures at first....dont sweat it. each bad exposure is a lesson

pugnacious3333 · 10-08-2009, 03:53 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by freedbaby

here is the advice I was give before I got so serious into photography.

Read the book that came with the camera....twice, or maybe three times.
don't ever put the camera in AUTO mode
read a book called "understanding exposure"

this advice helped me come a long way with my photography. I now shoot totally manual and enjoy making the decisions instead of having the camera do it, but to this day I have never put the camera in AUTO mode. Got my first DSLR two years ago.

good luck, have fun. You will screw up tons of pictures at first....dont sweat it. each bad exposure is a lesson

That is some really good advice. I NEVER shoot in auto anything, I rarely even use autofocus. I started on all manual film cameras and I attribute that to my ability to get good shots today. I assess every single shot I take, decide which factors I want control (shutter speed, aperture, etc.), set those first, then set the other accordingly. What is great about digital is being able to instantly check your exposure and not rely so much on the camera's meter, which can be easily fooled.

Beware though, once you understand exposure and all the other various elements, you'll almost naturally have to move on to a SLR.