Please register to participate in our discussions with 2 million other members - it's free and quick! Some forums can only be seen by registered members. After you create your account, you'll be able to customize options and access all our 15,000 new posts/day with fewer ads.
I'm looking to get a new camera for New Years Day. I plan on spending around 300-400 bucks. I enjoy photography, but I'm not a pro. I enjoy the cool features like adjusting exposure, contrast, focus points, etc. I will primarily be using this camera for simple photos like at parties, concerts, sporting events and stuff of that nature, but want a camera that can handle the demands of vacations and travel. I want it to take great pics and have a decent zoom. I also don't want it to be so big and bulky that it has to have a carrying case just to bring it with me on the go. I want something that can handle these things, but not be so loaded with features that i'm lost and have no idea how to use it. I was looking at the Nikon S8200. Any camera pro's out there with any advise? It would be very appreciated.
P. S........If I have to, I might be willing to fork over the extra $$$$$$ for a Nikon D3100 if it's worth it. Again, i am a novice photographer. Any advice for a camera is appreciated..........thanks
I have the Nikon D3100 and love it, I moved to it from a Canon PowerShot A560. So might I suggest a bridge camere (one between a P&S and a Full on DSLR) something like the Canon SX40 or the Nikon P500 as being more fitting to your wants and needs. The D3100 while a great camera is still almost $600. (I have almost $1000 in mine with extra lenses)
Can't really go too wrong with the midpriced offerings from Nikon or Canon. In a year or so you might want to think about moving to a DSLR for good flexibility. I have a D80 Nikon and some glass that I like a lot.
Personally, I would also recommend Sony NEX-5N. You should definitely take a look at it. It is in the same price class as Nikon D3100, a lot more compact, potentially greater usability in low light conditions with less digital noise. In both cases you'd be looking at in-lens stabilization. The Nikon advantage would be if you were to add more lens whereas the Sony NEX has fewer options at this time. Although, the NEX (Sony's E-Mount) will take any Sony/Minolta A-mount lens as well, via an adapter. Although Carl Zeiss and Tamron have added to the lens lineup for NEX.
The Sony negatives being: no built-in viewfinder. Not an issue if you'd rather use LCD (and it is touchscreen). No built-in flash (it won't be an issue with me, since I prefer not to use flash anyway, you can get away without a flash in a Sony NEX or any of Sony's Alpha SLT cameras... and an external flash when you do want one).
The best camera for under $400 would be something like a Toyo View. A 4x5 monorail. Everything else is a cheap plastic toy compared to it.
Second best camera for under $400 would be, IMHO, a Mamiya 645. Great, professional camera.
Third best camera would be some kind of 120 TLR - a Mamiya c330, one of the Yashicas, etc. There are tonnes of great Japanese TLRs in that price range. Rolliflexes and other Germans are usually a whole lot more money though.
Forth best would be either a Nikon F4 (maybe a F5 if you find a motivated seller) or a Canon EOS 1 something or another (either a 1V or a 1n). Again, these are pro pieces.
The best camera for under $400 would be something like a Toyo View. A 4x5 monorail. Everything else is a cheap plastic toy compared to it.
Second best camera for under $400 would be, IMHO, a Mamiya 645. Great, professional camera.
Third best camera would be some kind of 120 TLR - a Mamiya c330, one of the Yashicas, etc. There are tonnes of great Japanese TLRs in that price range. Rolliflexes and other Germans are usually a whole lot more money though.
Forth best would be either a Nikon F4 (maybe a F5 if you find a motivated seller) or a Canon EOS 1 something or another (either a 1V or a 1n). Again, these are pro pieces.
Did you miss a zero or something in the price point requested, or are you just being sarcastic with these recommendations?
P. S........If I have to, I might be willing to fork over the extra $$$$$$ for a Nikon D3100 if it's worth it. Again, i am a novice photographer. Any advice for a camera is appreciated..........thanks
Just bought this camera for my daughter for Christmas..she loves it and it takes really nice pictures. It's really a lot of camera for a teen, but she's looking into taking some classes.
Did you miss a zero or something in the price point requested, or are you just being sarcastic with these recommendations?
I actually saw a Mamiya 645e on sale (CL though) for just $350.
Please register to post and access all features of our very popular forum. It is free and quick. Over $68,000 in prizes has already been given out to active posters on our forum. Additional giveaways are planned.
Detailed information about all U.S. cities, counties, and zip codes on our site: City-data.com.
Please register to participate in our discussions with 2 million other members - it's free and quick! Some forums can only be seen by registered members. After you create your account, you'll be able to customize options and access all our 15,000 new posts/day with fewer ads.
