Good Beginner Camera?

[Horney Toad]

Can someone help me with a recommendation for a camera. I still use an old 35mm film camera. I guess I'm due for an upgrade! LOL. Just a camera for general photography. Something easy to use with a zoom.

[JL]

Hey Jeff,

I take it, your looking for a digital camera? If so, I would look at the Canon line of point and shoot. The G series (G7,G8,G9 ect) is a really nice camera but pricey. You know the old saying, the best camera is the one you have with you when you need it. I have a couple DSLR's but they don't go in the woods with me. I carry a Canon SD750 on my belt just about every day. Takes great pic's, shoots good video and is real compact (so you'll keep it with you...). Get yourself one of those little bendible tripods jobs to go with it. Need something to hold your camera for all those trophy So. MD deer pics.

Jerry

[Horney Toad]

How ya doin Jerry?

Yes, I am looking for a digital camera. I've never really paid much attention to them and don't know the jargon. I figure it is time to get one however.

Maybe I could get a low end camera to use for a couple years and learn on until  I could decide on something nicer. To buy a fancy camera would be a waste of money at this point.

[Chris Surtees]

How much ya looking to spend?

[fido dog]

Toad. Go ahead and spend a little cash on a nice Canon point and shoot. They are actually very user friendly, just read the manual. You don't need anything fancy per say, but something that will give very good quality for those special moments.

Jerry has a very good suggestion on that SD750.

I'm a photographer that made the switch from medium format film to digital about 5 years ago. There are some new things to learn, but you'll catch on quick. It's really not that scary or hard to learn.

[Horney Toad]

The SD750 costs like $200? Maybe I should go with that one.

[JL]

That sounds about right Jeff. I bought my SD750 used off fleabay for $60 (steal!). CAnon also offer's simular models with IS (Image Stabilation). It allows for lower light photos using natural lighting. If you want something with a powerful zoom, look for cameras with a strong optical rating (12x/ect). The downfall of the small point and shoots is the zoom range is pretty limited. There are cameras with decent digital zoom features but I personally will not shoot with digital zoom settings. I have a cool little camera made by Canon called a Powershot 5S. It sports a 12x optical zoom, has a dedicated video button on the body (just hit the button and the camera starts recording video! And you have full use of the 12X zoom while recording video...). I also owned it's little brother, the 3S and that is also a great little point and shoot camera. Here's a video I shot out back of the house with the 3S;

 

Here's one I/we shot with the SD750. If you have high speed internet, view the HD version. I'll give you a idea of how they do with video.

 http://www.youtube.com/user/SR1shooter#p/a/u/0/zginbxtPBLg

Git you some Jeff!

[KanatiFan]

I endorse the Canon recommendation. Their compact cameras are the best for accurate exposure. There haven't been may big upgrades in image quality in the last few years, so a used camera should be fine. And don't get caught up in the megapixel race. Anything from 8Mp on up should be fine.

The one feature you should get is image stabilization. If your in the woods -- or otherwise shooting in low light -- it makes a big difference. And in low light be sure to set it to the auto-high ISO setting.

The big choice is zoom-power.  If you need 10x or more, you'll have to go with a somewhat larger body. The most pocketable ones are only 3x, but they are the ones you're most likely to carry everywhere.

[longbow2364]

Canon has great cameras, I have the SD650 with the big display, fits in your shirt pocket.  You will take that size with you everywhere.

[metsastaja]

I just got the Panasonic DMC-ZS3 12x optical zoom and HD video recording. Fits in shirt pocket. Got it for $252 from Abes of Maine on Line I had been using a nikon coolpic P5000 and carring a cannon video camera no more.  

Here is sample of photo range from 0 to 64digatal zoom
 

 

 

 

an example of the video as up loaded to youtube.


 

[Winterhawk1960]

Aint nothing wrong with those Panasonic camera's either. I've had the FZ-30 since it first came out. The Leica (German glass also) lenses are better with the  cooler colors, and the proof of that is in the pictures that you posted.

I am completely satisfied with both my Sony and my Panasonic. Digital cameras are the best invention since the spoon.

Winterhawk1960

[Nick559]

JL's right about the Canon.  They also have fantastic customer support and you can actually talk to a "real person" if you need to.  The G series are excellent cameras but as he said - pricey.  I use a G6 for a light camera.  The last of the "Glass" lens models but without image stabilization.  It has a decent flash and a viewfinder that works when its very cold outside and the LCD freezes up.  They are very reasonable on the used market too.  The G series are what they call "Pro Consumer" cameras.  Supposed to be a crossover for an advanced amateur or pro who wants a good point and shoot.  You can do lots of things manually with them and that's what your paying for - more manual features.
 
I had a G5 too that took pictures just as good as my G6 but just worked a little slower and with a few less features.
 
Go to a real camera store (you don't have to buy there) and look at what they have and try some out.  Also, look at what they have used in the G series.  There are lots of good cameras out there now and you need to find what works best for you.  Tell them what you want to use it for and the conditions you'll be using it in too.

Important! --  If they have a digital workshop or class, sign up for it and get a good hands on working knowledge of the new systems.  Its worth a few dollars and an evening or two and you'll avoid hours of digital frustrations and problem solving dead ends.

Finally, if the brand your using in film is still in production, check them out too.  Most all of the makers kept control familiarity and compatibility with their digital cameras.  This fact alone can make your transition much easier.