Mezmorized
Here's the specs Im looking for:
M.P.: Min. 6 Prefered 10
Optical Zoom: Min 8x Prefered 10x+
Face Detection is a Plus
Image Stabilization is a Plus
Smart Flash Correction is a Plus
I saw a camera that has a setting to take two pictures with one click (one with flash the other without) +++
I want both Auto and Manual Focus Options
I want to have manual options for most everything (shutter, f stop, etc)
Auto Settings are a plus (Night, Landscape, Fireworks, Portrait, etc)
Having the Option to attach different lenses is a huge plus, Im going to be taking lots of outdoor pictures in the mountains and of wildlife So i want to have big time zoom capability.
I also want to be able to attach filters for UV, etc.
Im also going to be using the camera for indoor pictures: family, party, etc.
SLR would ve nice but not required
Movie + Sound = Great
I would like the price to be under $600 for the camera and under $1000 after lenses + filters + tripod + memory + batery etc.
What do you guys think about Fujifilm FInepix line - I can get any of these under $600: S8000fd ; S6000fd ; S9100 ; S700 ; S7700
http://www.fujifilm.com/products/digital_cameras/s/finepix_s8000fd/specifications/index.html
Answer
I use several standard answers, but I don't give the same freaking answer for every single question regardless of whether it is helpful or not. I don't know why this bothers me tonight, but it does. The Pentax Optio W30 is 7.1 MP. The optical zoom is only 3X. It does not have full manual exposure control.
You are describing a digital SLR in your spec list, but you will have a hard time getting that kind of optical zoom for your budget. So-called "optical zoom" is not used as a measure of lens power in SLR's anyhow.
Here's a camera for you to consider. It's not exactly what you have specified, but I think it will perform better than you expect for the money.
Look at a Nikon D40 with the 18-135 lens. This is available from B&H Photo (see Yahoo! Shopping) for $719.95. Techincally speaking, 18-135 is 7.5X zoom, but it's the raw number that matters. See http://www.flickr.com/photos/samfeinstein/476181737/ for an idea what this lens covers. Look at the actual numbers and not the "equivalent" numbers. 18-135 would give you the first six pictures and every single focal length in between. On a point and shoot super zoom camera, you will find that they have a range, but it is covered in steps so you end up with maybe 10-12 different focal lengths instead of 117 different focal lengths.
You can use "AUTO" exposure or any of the various scene modes as well as the infamous P,A,S, and M modes for various degrees of exposure control up to full manual control. This "M" is direct, too, and you don't have to play with menus to change your settings the way you do with a P&S camera. This is much faster.
You can use manual or auto focus.
You can choose from about 30 lenses that give 100% functionality on this camera and hundreds that do everything except auto focus. (See http://www.members.aol.com/swf08302/nikonafs.txt for a list of AF-S lenses or see http://www.nikonians.org/cgi-bin/dcforum/dcboard.cgi?az=read_count&om=16715&forum=DCForumID201 for even more...)
Obviously, you can attach filters of all kinds, which is a chore with P&S cameras if it is possible at all.
With the D40, you are not getting your preferred 10 MP, but you are getting a sensor that is huge compared to P&S cameras. Check out this tutorial and read the caption: http://www.flickr.com/photos/samfeinstein/476181751/ Bear in mind that ALL of the currently available super zooms have the smaller 1/2.5" sensor. You will have so much more sharpness with a 6 MP SLR sensor than a 10 MP 1/2.5" sensor that it's not even funny.
You are giving up the following from your list:
No movies.
Face detection - many people defeat this after they see how much it slows the camera down. Just focus on the face and recompose. You can find the face faster than the camera can.
The camera does not have image stabilization. I agee that this is a plus, but as you add a lens or two, just buy a Nikon "VR" lens. They do cost a bit more, but they are not insanely expensive. My wife just got a very useful 55-200 "VR" lens for $250.
I don't know what smart flash correction is, but you can vary the output of the on-board D40 flash.
Some P&S cameras might have a larger aperture that makes them seem better suited for low light, but again the tiny sensor defeats any attempts to take really low light shots. An SLR will do much better in low light because of the larger sensor.
To get an idea what "normal" people can do using "AUTO" on the D40, check out Check out Nikon's "Picturetown" promotion, where they handed out 200 D40's in Georgetown, SC. http://www.stunningnikon.com/picturetown/
Here are a few reviews, in case you have not read them yet. Be sure to note that they are several pages long and some of the reviews also have some sample images that you can look at.
http://www.dpreview.com/reviews/nikond40/
http://www.steves-digicams.com/2007_reviews/nikon_d40.html
http://www.popphoto.com/cameras/3756/camera-test-nikon-d40.html
http://www.kenrockwell.com/nikon/d40/d40-recommendations.htm
I'm spending your money this way:
Nikon D40 with Nikon 18-135 lens: $720
Lexar 2GB Platinum II SD memory card: $35
Extra Nikon battery: $40
Hoya 67 mm Introductory Filter Kit - Ultraviolet (UV), Circular Polarizer, Warming Filter (Intensifier) and Nylon Pouch: $75
Bogen / Manfrotto 725B Digi Black Tripod with Ballhead (Quick Release) - Supports 7.7 lb (3.5 kg): $113
TOTAL: $983, which leaves a little excess for shipping.
Enjoy.
I use several standard answers, but I don't give the same freaking answer for every single question regardless of whether it is helpful or not. I don't know why this bothers me tonight, but it does. The Pentax Optio W30 is 7.1 MP. The optical zoom is only 3X. It does not have full manual exposure control.
You are describing a digital SLR in your spec list, but you will have a hard time getting that kind of optical zoom for your budget. So-called "optical zoom" is not used as a measure of lens power in SLR's anyhow.
Here's a camera for you to consider. It's not exactly what you have specified, but I think it will perform better than you expect for the money.
Look at a Nikon D40 with the 18-135 lens. This is available from B&H Photo (see Yahoo! Shopping) for $719.95. Techincally speaking, 18-135 is 7.5X zoom, but it's the raw number that matters. See http://www.flickr.com/photos/samfeinstein/476181737/ for an idea what this lens covers. Look at the actual numbers and not the "equivalent" numbers. 18-135 would give you the first six pictures and every single focal length in between. On a point and shoot super zoom camera, you will find that they have a range, but it is covered in steps so you end up with maybe 10-12 different focal lengths instead of 117 different focal lengths.
You can use "AUTO" exposure or any of the various scene modes as well as the infamous P,A,S, and M modes for various degrees of exposure control up to full manual control. This "M" is direct, too, and you don't have to play with menus to change your settings the way you do with a P&S camera. This is much faster.
You can use manual or auto focus.
You can choose from about 30 lenses that give 100% functionality on this camera and hundreds that do everything except auto focus. (See http://www.members.aol.com/swf08302/nikonafs.txt for a list of AF-S lenses or see http://www.nikonians.org/cgi-bin/dcforum/dcboard.cgi?az=read_count&om=16715&forum=DCForumID201 for even more...)
Obviously, you can attach filters of all kinds, which is a chore with P&S cameras if it is possible at all.
With the D40, you are not getting your preferred 10 MP, but you are getting a sensor that is huge compared to P&S cameras. Check out this tutorial and read the caption: http://www.flickr.com/photos/samfeinstein/476181751/ Bear in mind that ALL of the currently available super zooms have the smaller 1/2.5" sensor. You will have so much more sharpness with a 6 MP SLR sensor than a 10 MP 1/2.5" sensor that it's not even funny.
You are giving up the following from your list:
No movies.
Face detection - many people defeat this after they see how much it slows the camera down. Just focus on the face and recompose. You can find the face faster than the camera can.
The camera does not have image stabilization. I agee that this is a plus, but as you add a lens or two, just buy a Nikon "VR" lens. They do cost a bit more, but they are not insanely expensive. My wife just got a very useful 55-200 "VR" lens for $250.
I don't know what smart flash correction is, but you can vary the output of the on-board D40 flash.
Some P&S cameras might have a larger aperture that makes them seem better suited for low light, but again the tiny sensor defeats any attempts to take really low light shots. An SLR will do much better in low light because of the larger sensor.
To get an idea what "normal" people can do using "AUTO" on the D40, check out Check out Nikon's "Picturetown" promotion, where they handed out 200 D40's in Georgetown, SC. http://www.stunningnikon.com/picturetown/
Here are a few reviews, in case you have not read them yet. Be sure to note that they are several pages long and some of the reviews also have some sample images that you can look at.
http://www.dpreview.com/reviews/nikond40/
http://www.steves-digicams.com/2007_reviews/nikon_d40.html
http://www.popphoto.com/cameras/3756/camera-test-nikon-d40.html
http://www.kenrockwell.com/nikon/d40/d40-recommendations.htm
I'm spending your money this way:
Nikon D40 with Nikon 18-135 lens: $720
Lexar 2GB Platinum II SD memory card: $35
Extra Nikon battery: $40
Hoya 67 mm Introductory Filter Kit - Ultraviolet (UV), Circular Polarizer, Warming Filter (Intensifier) and Nylon Pouch: $75
Bogen / Manfrotto 725B Digi Black Tripod with Ballhead (Quick Release) - Supports 7.7 lb (3.5 kg): $113
TOTAL: $983, which leaves a little excess for shipping.
Enjoy.
Recommendations for a wide-lens-camera around $500?
Stefano
My friend wants a camera around the price of $500 for landscape photos. I know that for landscape it's best to have wide-lens camera.
"something good for landscape photos"
"I'm hoping for something around $500, but I'm more concerned with quality. I want something that will take beautiful photos, but it doesn't have to be too fancy since I'm not a photographer."
Answer
Nikon D3000 10.2MP Digital SLR Camera
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B002JCSV5I?tag=02010-20
Review: Outstanding Starter Camera
Looking over several cameras and choosing one for someone who has outgrown point and shoots, I came back to the Nikon D3000. By no means will this model blow away the seasoned photographer, however it does cover the basics and more. We picked it up and tried it out over the weekend.
First time DSLR users will enjoy the Guide Mode. It literally walked us through different shoot scenarios via the fixed 3" LCD screen. An excellent tool, its step by step instructions allowed my niece to move from the operating booklet in no time. After a few more runs, I am sure that she will feel quite comfortable shooting in the manual mode. The quick shutter release was a nice surprise.
Upon completing two days of shooting with the Nikon D3000, I walked away impressed. In manual mode, indoor shots were a balanced and perfect mix of shadow and color. As usual with shooting in low light, noise will make an appearance. However this system can be tweaked to deliver some outstanding indoor photographs. The bottom line is proper settings.
A basic fix is the VR (Vibration Reduction) feature located on the lens. This should be activated, especially indoors. A tripod will certainly help. In auto mode, just set the camera to night portrait and sit back and enjoy the rest of your flight.
Outdoor shots were vibrant, sharp and rich in color without editing. The onboard flash system was more than capable in meeting fill flash requirements. Without a doubt the overall performance of the camera, features and image quality is excellent.
With 10.2 megapixels to work with, I easily blew up a personal favorite my niece had taken to 16" x 20". Even though I don't see myself trading in my Nikon D300 for this model anytime soon, this camera is by far an upgrade over any of the souped up point and shoots out there.
Its easy to see that the real jewel in this model is the auto focus system. With six auto mode settings (Landscape, Sports, Child, Closeups, Portrait, and Night Portrait) each and every photograph can be a keeper. Onboard editing tweakers won't be disappointed with this model. It covers the basics. The D3000 operates with both SD & SDHC cards.
The Nikon D3000 is paired with a Nikkor 18-55mm AF-S DX lens. It will operate with any Nikkor DX and AF-S lens. Older Nikkor or similar AF lens is a no go when shooting in auto but will function in manual mode. Since this model is not fitted with the built in optical image stabilizer, I recommend switching on the Vibration Reduction (VR) feature located on the lens. Still the best anti vibration tool is a tripod.
Nikon D3000 10.2MP Digital SLR Camera
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B002JCSV5I?tag=02010-20
Review: Outstanding Starter Camera
Looking over several cameras and choosing one for someone who has outgrown point and shoots, I came back to the Nikon D3000. By no means will this model blow away the seasoned photographer, however it does cover the basics and more. We picked it up and tried it out over the weekend.
First time DSLR users will enjoy the Guide Mode. It literally walked us through different shoot scenarios via the fixed 3" LCD screen. An excellent tool, its step by step instructions allowed my niece to move from the operating booklet in no time. After a few more runs, I am sure that she will feel quite comfortable shooting in the manual mode. The quick shutter release was a nice surprise.
Upon completing two days of shooting with the Nikon D3000, I walked away impressed. In manual mode, indoor shots were a balanced and perfect mix of shadow and color. As usual with shooting in low light, noise will make an appearance. However this system can be tweaked to deliver some outstanding indoor photographs. The bottom line is proper settings.
A basic fix is the VR (Vibration Reduction) feature located on the lens. This should be activated, especially indoors. A tripod will certainly help. In auto mode, just set the camera to night portrait and sit back and enjoy the rest of your flight.
Outdoor shots were vibrant, sharp and rich in color without editing. The onboard flash system was more than capable in meeting fill flash requirements. Without a doubt the overall performance of the camera, features and image quality is excellent.
With 10.2 megapixels to work with, I easily blew up a personal favorite my niece had taken to 16" x 20". Even though I don't see myself trading in my Nikon D300 for this model anytime soon, this camera is by far an upgrade over any of the souped up point and shoots out there.
Its easy to see that the real jewel in this model is the auto focus system. With six auto mode settings (Landscape, Sports, Child, Closeups, Portrait, and Night Portrait) each and every photograph can be a keeper. Onboard editing tweakers won't be disappointed with this model. It covers the basics. The D3000 operates with both SD & SDHC cards.
The Nikon D3000 is paired with a Nikkor 18-55mm AF-S DX lens. It will operate with any Nikkor DX and AF-S lens. Older Nikkor or similar AF lens is a no go when shooting in auto but will function in manual mode. Since this model is not fitted with the built in optical image stabilizer, I recommend switching on the Vibration Reduction (VR) feature located on the lens. Still the best anti vibration tool is a tripod.
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