Topic: Shoping for a new Digital Camera (Read 2516 times)

Dan Walters · « **on:** October 28, 2009, 09:06:45 AM »

Well, I've been looking into replacing my point-and-shoot digital camera with a better camera. I've been reading the posts from Tom about his new Cannon DSLR and the expert opinions from Tom, Bob, Jim, Ron and others who are experienced photographers. I've also looked at the pictures that many of you have taken and posted with you DSLR camera's and all of them are great looking photo's. This makes me want to seriously consider upgrading my camera. On our recent trip to Colorado, I took about 400 pictures, but many were not very good and none of them came close to capturing the beauty of the things we saw.

Anyway, I just wanted to ask your opinions on what kind of digital camera to buy. I'm not as concerned with the brand of camera as I am with it meeting my photography needs without spending more money than I need to. Mainly, I'll be using the camera for taking pictures of family, vacations and trips, some wildlife and other things I'm interested in capturing. Before going to the point-and-shoot digital cameras, I had a Minolta SLR 35mm with two lenses, one telephoto. I took many great pictures with that camera and enjoyed photography very much. The last 20 years, I've just been lazy using cheap cameras to take poor pictures and would like to go back to better photography.

What are your opinions on the better fixed lens digital cameras, such as the Cannon Power Shot or Panasonic FZ-35, versus an entry level DSLR with 2 lenses? I know the DSLR is more flexible as far as adding lenses and other accessories, but are the pictures that much better than the higher end fixed lens cameras? Is it worth the extra money for the DSLR camera and if I got a fixed lens camera, will I wish I had gotten a DSLR?

All opinions are appreciated. Thanks.

Dan

seilerbird · « **Reply #1 on:** October 28, 2009, 09:17:32 AM »

Quote from: Dan Walters on October 28, 2009, 09:06:45 AM

Well, I've been looking into replacing my point-and-shoot digital camera with a better camera. I've been reading the posts from Tom about his new Cannon DSLR and the expert opinions from Tom, Bob, Jim, Ron and others who are experienced photographers. I've also looked at the pictures that many of you have taken and posted with you DSLR camera's and all of them are great looking photo's. This makes me want to seriously consider upgrading my camera. On our recent trip to Colorado, I took about 400 pictures, but many were not very good and none of them came close to capturing the beauty of the things we saw.

Anyway, I just wanted to ask your opinions on what kind of digital camera to buy. I'm not as concerned with the brand of camera as I am with it meeting my photography needs without spending more money than I need to. Mainly, I'll be using the camera for taking pictures of family, vacations and trips, some wildlife and other things I'm interested in capturing. Before going to the point-and-shoot digital cameras, I had a Minolta SLR 35mm with two lenses, one telephoto. I took many great pictures with that camera and enjoyed photography very much. The last 20 years, I've just been lazy using cheap cameras to take poor pictures and would like to go back to better photography.

What are your opinions on the better fixed lens digital cameras, such as the Cannon Power Shot or Panasonic FZ-35, versus an entry level DSLR with 2 lenses? I know the DSLR is more flexible as far as adding lenses and other accessories, but are the pictures that much better than the higher end fixed lens cameras? Is it worth the extra money for the DSLR camera and if I got a fixed lens camera, will I wish I had gotten a DSLR?

All opinions are appreciated. Thanks.

Dan

The fixed lens point and shoots look like a DSLR but they are a point and shoot and there is no getting around it. DSLRs offer much better image quality. A single lens that has a 12 to 1 zoom, or greater can never compete with a dedicated lens that has a 3 to 1 or a 4 to 1 zoom, or a prime lens. The 12 to 1s will be very soft and both ends of the zoom. The worst part of the point and shoots is low light results. DSLRs have far superior performance in low light situations, whether or not it is taken in natural light or with a flash. Point and shoots start deteriorating at 400 ISO and at 800 ISO are unusable. DSLRs can usually go up to 1600 with no problem and the more expensive ones can go to 6400 no problem. No point and shoot even has 6400 as an option. The flash on a point and shoot is very weak, usually crapping out before 10 feet, whereas on a DSLR it can usually get out to 15 to 20 feet no problem. Most point and shoots use AA batteries and battery life is very poor. DSLRs use a much better battery that is rechargable. Typical AA batteries go for a few hundred shot and typical DSLR batteries go for 1000 up to 3000 shots. The advanced point and shoots are merely a wolf in sheeps clothing. If you want to get serious about photography then a DSLR is your only real option.

Tom · « **Reply #2 on:** October 28, 2009, 09:30:44 AM »

Here's a review of the Panasonic FZ35 (aka FZ38):

http://www.dpreview.com/news/0907/09072704panafz38.asp

Dan Walters · « **Reply #3 on:** October 28, 2009, 09:35:20 AM »

Tom,

Thanks for that summary, and for your opinion. I was thinking the same thing about expensive digital point-and-shoot camera's, but didn't really know if they were anywhere close to DSLR camera picture quality. I know there was a big difference in my old Minolta SLR picture quality and the other film cameras. I was really leaning toward a DSLR but didn't know if I really needed it. Your answer is very helpful in making my decision. Thanks.

Dan

Dan Walters · « **Reply #4 on:** October 28, 2009, 09:40:27 AM »

Tom,

Thanks for that link. I will read that review and take it into consideration. I still think I want a DSLR camera. How do you like yours so far?

Dan

Tom · « **Reply #5 on:** October 28, 2009, 09:48:33 AM »

Dan,

As Tom (seillerbird) said in an earlier discussion, the XSi is more camera than I need (probably more than I can use). But I'm going to stick it out for a while since I have 90 days to return it.

The FZ35 looked quite good until I started reading some of the discussion on that site. They seem to be complaining about noise at medium-high ISO. Haven' read enough to figure out if it was just one guy, or if it's an issue with the camera/lens.

As Bob mentioned in one of our recent discussions, the Panasonic cameras we're talking about, including my FZ7, are not point and shoot, although I frequently refer to mine as such; They're quite a long way from a PAS camera, they provide control over a number of parameters, and they have a P mode. They also use a rechargable lithium ion battery with quite long life.

Marsha/CA · « **Reply #6 on:** October 28, 2009, 09:57:34 AM »

Hi Dan,

I'm very adept with my Canon DSLR and my husband is much more comfortable with a point and shoot camera. I did quite a a bit of research before last Christmas and bought him a Canon Power Shot point an shoot. That little camera is EXCEPTIONAL. The pictures are very good at indoor/outdoor shots, and has various modes to use, which are quick and easy to acess. Often a point and shoot has a "view finder" menu that you need to scroll through to make different selections. The Power Shot has a dial on the top for quick changes in settings. It also has an exceptional movie feature with sound that is equal to or better than my Sony digital movie camera. It has a "fish" eye view finder or your can use the full body view. It fits in his pocket. It does not take AA batteries, but has a single rechargeable battery that last an extremely long time. That's also the great thing about my Canon Rebel, the batteries are exceptional. The only thing we found lacking was sport shots; if you forget to dial the camera to "sports", the pictures may be blurry.

Often I'll leave my camera at home, because his takes such good pictures, is light weight and so easy to use.

Marsha~

Dan Walters · « **Reply #7 on:** October 28, 2009, 10:09:39 AM »

Thanks Tom and Marsha. This is just what I need to help me make a decision. I am using a Sony digital camera now that takes good pictures sometimes, but not always. It has a dial on top also and has a P mode. Still, the quality of the shots are not as good as I would like them to be. I will read more on the FZ38 and the Power Shot. Thanks.

Dan

Tom · « **Reply #8 on:** October 28, 2009, 10:37:48 AM »

Quote from: Marsha/CA

I'm very adept with my Canon DSLR ..

Marsha,

We need to sign you and Ron M up to teach a class or two on DSLR photography at one of the rallies.

Hfx_Cdn · « **Reply #9 on:** October 28, 2009, 11:48:43 AM »

Did you say 8 AM day 2 at Qz, I'm signing up now, but I do have one question, do I bring coffee & Khalua or vodka & OJ. Oh heck, I'll bring both

Wendy · « **Reply #10 on:** October 28, 2009, 01:03:10 PM »

Ed, Did you say 8 am? Most of us at Qtz don't do 8 am, even with Kahlua and Vodka

Wendy

Hfx_Cdn · « **Reply #11 on:** October 28, 2009, 02:17:49 PM »

I plan on doing it on the underside, that is to say, before I go to bed, hence the coffee & Kahlua, but you name ther time as you're the prof

Marsha/CA · « **Reply #12 on:** October 28, 2009, 06:55:30 PM »

Tom,

Ron M. is the "whiz-kid" as far as photography goes, he's got lots of ribbons; I'm just self-proclaimed.....and then there is Seilerbird with his great bird/wildlife photos. However, I can teach you how to ride a horse; or to do "blue" jobs on the RVs; as well as teach the Mexican Train game.

Ed, I actually wondered if you were considering staying up until 8AM for the class.

Side note: I'm in a book club with neighborhood ladies, I recommended the book we read and most of them didn't like it. The meeting was at my house and I served mimosas (champagne & OJ) this afternoon; the discussion was lively and after a couple of glasses they decided they really liked the book!

2nd side note: I think this year we'll bring our 10" Schmidt-Cassogram (spelling ?) telescope to QZ for sky viewing. I need to look at what type of moon will be happening. If it's a full or 3/4 moon, it doesn't work well. We'll give it some thought.

Marsha~

Wendy · « **Reply #13 on:** October 28, 2009, 07:20:59 PM »

Quote from: Marsha/CA on October 28, 2009, 06:55:30 PM

Side note: I'm in a book club with neighborhood ladies, I recommended the book we read and most of them didn't like it.

So what was the book?

Wendy

Marsha/CA · « **Reply #14 on:** October 28, 2009, 07:28:15 PM »

The Thirteenth Tale by Dianne Setterfield or something like that.

BTW, my camera is working very well.....

Leave it to staff to do thread drift.

Marsha~

seilerbird · « **Reply #15 on:** October 28, 2009, 07:42:03 PM »

I would be delighted to teach some photo courses at a rally.

Wendy · « **Reply #16 on:** October 28, 2009, 08:46:29 PM »

Quote from: seilerbird on October 28, 2009, 07:42:03 PM

I would be delighted to teach some photo courses at a rally.

So will you be at Quartzsite???

Wendy

seilerbird · « **Reply #17 on:** October 28, 2009, 10:37:52 PM »

I could be. I am currently in Las Vegas leaving for Phoenix on Friday and I will be there a few months. When is the rally?

Dan Walters · « **Reply #18 on:** October 29, 2009, 09:13:24 AM »

Tom (Seilerbird),

What is you opinion of the Nikon D5000? If I get the camera with the 18-55mm kit lens, should I also get a telephoto lens (maybe a 55-200mm)? I've been reading a lot of reviews on many different cameras and thought the Nikon D5000 sounds like a good starter DSLR. What do you and others think?

Dan

BernieD · « **Reply #19 on:** October 29, 2009, 09:25:01 AM »

Walter

Just saw a Costco ad for the D5000 including both lenses, carry case, etc. No price shown.

seilerbird · « **Reply #20 on:** October 29, 2009, 09:25:23 AM »

I shot a Nikon F2 film camera for 25 years so I am a bit prejudiced. I think Nikon makes great cameras. I don't read alot about Nikon since I have a Canon so I don't keep up on all the latest models like I should. Whenever I need an opinion on something like this I go to Amazon's user reviews. There are 54 reviews and it averages 4 stars. There are 7 one star reviews and they all seem to be complaining about a power switch recall that happened last July. I am sure the problem is solves since the buyers since then all seem to love the camera. I don't think you can go wrong with either a D5000 or a Rebel. Here is a link to the d5000 user reviews - reviews

I think it would be the perfect starter camera. I would also highly recommend the 55-200 since the 18-55 is a great lens but very restrictive.

Dan Walters · « **Reply #21 on:** October 29, 2009, 09:41:17 AM »

Thanks Tom and Bernie. I'll read those reviews and also check out Costco for the kit with both lenses. I've never owned a Nikon (only a Minolta), but my son had a Nikon 35mm and he loved his. If anyone else has a Nikon D5000 or has an opinion on one I'd love to hear from you. Thanks again.

Dan

Wendy · « **Reply #22 on:** October 29, 2009, 10:12:15 AM »

Tom, The Quartzsite rally is Jan 16-24. Some arrive early, some leave later. Check the thread here for info. We have a good time.

Wendy

JerArdra · « **Reply #23 on:** November 01, 2009, 06:43:54 PM »

Dan,

Take a look at the NEW Panasonic FZ35. Here is a review:

http://www.dpreview.com/news/0907/09072704panafz38.asp

JerryF

RoyM · « **Reply #24 on:** November 01, 2009, 08:54:12 PM »

Dan, I picked up on your comment about your old Minolta. I inherited mom's SLR, a Minolta, with all the attachments. She was an accomplished amateur photographer. I kinda hate to let go of the body, it is a treat to use but not very useful any more. I am considering a DSLR, my point and shoot is good but very limited, and would like to get one that will accept mom's lenses. I understand the brand is gone but there might be other brands that use the same mount.

Dan Walters · « **Reply #25 on:** November 02, 2009, 06:13:30 PM »

Jerry, thanks for that link. It sounds like that is a good camera and would be very easy to use. I'm still considering what to do, but am kinda leaning toward the DSLR at this point, but that might change.

Roy, I've heard that some camera will accept the Minolta lenses but I don't know which ones they are. I loved my Minolta but, unfortunately, the shutter quit working on it and it was going to cost so much to fix it that I sold it to someone "as is" with the knowledge that the shutter was broken. If I had not owned that camera, I probably wouldn't be looking at DSLR's now.

Howard Rawley · « **Reply #26 on:** November 03, 2009, 03:13:27 AM »

Dan,

A couple of points that I don't think have been mentioned ... based on my experience with an older Kodak point and shoot with a 10X optical zoom and a not quite so old Nikon D50 DSLR.

The D50 turns on much faster and zoom is manual as opposed to motor driven on the Kodak. While this is not a problem with a lot of uses, it can make a big difference at times.

I like to shoot at airshows, EAA's annual week long event in Oshkosh, WI being a favorite. Using the Kodak I would lose shots due to the slow zoom. With the D50 if I lost the airplane I could quickly zoom back out, reacquire and zoom back in easily and quickly. By the time that happened with the motor driven zoom on the Kodak I often had missed a shot.

Same with having the camera turned off and suddenly "need it NOW!"

Also the auto focus, while a mixed blessing at times, was much quicker and more responsive on the D50.

Those were some critical points that helped make the choice of the D50 when I was looking to upgrade the Kodak a few years ago.

And the D50 in auto mode can be used just like a snapshot camera, but has the features to get serious when you want to.

Prior to getting into digital my primary camera for many, many years was a Mamiyaflex 2 1/4 square twin lens reflex with 3 or 4 lenses. But when it got to be about a dollar a shot

it put a crimp in the picture taking ... I tend to take a lot of shots!

So now all these posts on Tom's new camera have me thinking and looking to upgrade again ... sure could use those 10-12 mega pixels!

Howard

Dan Walters · « **Reply #27 on:** November 03, 2009, 01:32:09 PM »

Howard,

Thanks. Those are good points to consider. With so many digital camera choices, it makes my head spin. The more I research this the more I realize that it is not a simple decision, even after I decide whether I'll go with a point and shoot or a DSLR. My wife wants me to get one that is light weight and easy for her to use, but I kinda want a more capable DSLR. Thanks again for the input.

Dan

Tom · « **Reply #28 on:** November 03, 2009, 01:56:23 PM »

Dan,

The FZ35 that Jerry and I posted links to will satisfy the requirement for light weight, and it allows you to control many of the parameters. The biggest downside of a "compact camera" vs DSLR is the inability to change lenses. But, the superzoom on the FZ35sure goes a long way to make up for it. I'm still in my 90 day return window, and wish I could get my hands on the FZ35 for 90 days.

Decisions, decisions

Dan Walters · « **Reply #29 on:** November 03, 2009, 02:16:54 PM »

Tom,

I agree. The camera looks like it has a lot of capabilities from the reviews that I have read. I'd sure like to take some pictures with one and see for myself. How fast is the zoom on your FZ? Howard mentioned that his Kodak digital zoom was very slow compared to a DSLR, how does your Canon XSi zoom compare to the Panasonic zoom speed? I've also missed some shots with my Sony digital camera because it is slow turning on and slow to zoom in.

Dan

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Author Topic: Shoping for a new Digital Camera (Read 2516 times)