Any suggestions on the following cameras?

Forums › Digital Imaging › Any suggestions on the following cameras?

allblur

101 posts

Master Geek

#75621 21-Jan-2011 00:50

So i've been thinking about a new digital camera, though not yet DSLR

One will be the Canon G12, and the other is Sony nex-5, I have heard that Sony lenses aren't as good, and that Nikon has the best lenses, if so are there any suggestions to which Nikon camera i can look at?

My needs would be.... Simple layout of adjustable features (Aperture, ISO, Manual zoom/Auto, flash...etc)

I would much prefer a smaller camera, but full size interchangeable lens cameras are alright also.

Thanks~~!

alasta

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#429424 21-Jan-2011 07:09

The G12 has a relatively small sensor so it will suffer from the same high-ISO limitations as most compact cameras, but if you plan to stay at ISO 400 or below most of the time and you want to avoid the weight and bulk of a DSLR then it's an excellent choice.

The NEX is widely regarded as being somewhat dumbed down as it lacks direct controls for a lot of key photographic parameters. Also, with a zoom lens attached the NEX is almost as a big as a conventional DSLR and whilst it's a very compact package with the 16mm lens attached I would suggest that such a wide lens would be of very little use as a general purpose lens.

Personally I have used a Nikon D40 for a couple of years (the modern equivalent being the D3100), and I have just upgraded to a D90. Both of these have been excellent cameras, but any current model DSLR will give you excellent results as long as you know how to use it effectively and you have lenses that are appropriate for your needs.

taku

10 posts

Wannabe Geek

#429446 21-Jan-2011 09:33

If you can afford Sony NEX-5, I am pretty sure that you would also like to have look at Micro 4/3 Panasonic DMC-GF1 or 2, which are relatively compact, DSLR photo quality, auto and manual modes, the most important thing is capable of using micro 4/3 lens and 4/3 lens from other brands (via adapter and need manual focus etc). you can get more info from http://www.four-thirds.org/en/index.html about this type of camera.

Disrespective

1925 posts

Uber Geek

#429451 21-Jan-2011 09:49

If you don't want DSLR size then get a micro 4/3rds. They're the future, whether in their current form factor or other, it will be the way things go in my opinion. The fact that they're often as versatile as basic DSLR's in a smaller package means a lot to a lot of people. You'll miss a few features of the bigger DSLR's but otherwise it sounds like you're more interested in versatility.

I've had a couple of the G series Canon's and loved eash of them for what they were. Dumbed down DSLR's with a performance hit to match. The images they produced were of a perfectly satisfying quality for day-to0day shots but it couldn't stand up to my DSLR.

I've used both Canon and Nikon DSLR's and am currently using a Nikon D300 (and have been since its release). The newer entry level DSLR's are able to stand up to it in many areas of image performance but nothing beats higher end specs when you need them.

swalker5872

60 posts

Master Geek

#429481 21-Jan-2011 11:20

One key thing to think about is how the camera feels in the hand, I had convinced myself to go for a micro 3/4 until I actually held one. Just too small for my mitts, got a Canon 500D instead. Now thinking of getting a superzoom for daily use as I find the DSLR a great camera for the qualtiy of the images but don't take it out with me nearly so much as my previous Superzoom Sony (H-50) as its just too precious!

Chainsaw

357 posts

Ultimate Geek

#429505 21-Jan-2011 12:34

I like the concept of the Micro 4/3, but not the result. The camera is nice and small, but as soon as you stick a zoom on you may as well have an SLR. You can of course just stick with one of the small primes, but that is limiting.

Personally I'd go with the G12, just because it's smaller so you're more likely to take it places and actually use it. It constantly gets rave reviews.

f size doesn't worry you, get any of the enrty level DSLRs from Sony, Pentax, Nikon or Canon.

alasta

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#429630 21-Jan-2011 19:35

Chainsaw: I like the concept of the Micro 4/3, but not the result. The camera is nice and small, but as soon as you stick a zoom on you may as well have an SLR. You can of course just stick with one of the small primes, but that is limiting.

I agree. The Panasonic G2 and similar models are not that much smaller than a DSLR, the GF1 feels imbalanced with anything bigger than the 14-45mm zoom, and the GF2 is too geeky and dumbed down with the touch screen taking over from the dedicated controls. Sony NEX is worse as the bigger sensor requires bigger lenses yet the bodies are actually smaller than M4/3, leaving you with the camera that is awkward to hold and awfully front heavy unless you just use the 16mm prime which is too wide for most shots.

Honestly, you can't beat the experience that you get from a DSLR which moulds perfectly into your hands, gives you lightning fast performance, and all the main controls right at your fingertips.

Personally I'd go with the G12, just because it's smaller so you're more likely to take it places and actually use it. It constantly gets rave reviews.

Does the lens on the G12 have a mechanical zoom ring, or is it an electric servo? That would be a big deal for me as I find electric zooms extremely hard to use accurately in high pressure situations.

allblur

101 posts

Master Geek

#430137 23-Jan-2011 10:53

Does anyone have any suggestions on a digital, maybe 4/3" that does very good in low light? that is.....without a tripod

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alasta

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#430151 23-Jan-2011 11:48

allblur: Does anyone have any suggestions on a digital, maybe 4/3" that does very good in low light? that is.....without a tripod

For that you'll be needing something with manageable image noise levels at high ISO settings. The bigger the sensor the better the performance will be at high ISOs, so a 4/3" camera will give better performance than a compact camera, and a consumer level (i.e. APS-C) DSLR will give better performance again.

If you're going to be shooting still scenes (e.g. landscapes) in low light without a tripod then you'll need to make sure that you have a lens with vibration reduction, or image stabilisation as some manufacturers call it. You also shouldn't write off the idea of using a tripod where it's warranted - I know they're a huge pain to carry but you really do need it to get decent still scenes in very low light regardless of how good your camera and lens are.

Note that a tripod or image stabilisation won't offer any benefit if you're shooting moving subjects as you need a fast shutter speed to freeze motion.

allblur

101 posts

Master Geek

#430325 23-Jan-2011 21:08

alasta:
allblur: Does anyone have any suggestions on a digital, maybe 4/3" that does very good in low light? that is.....without a tripod

For that you'll be needing something with manageable image noise levels at high ISO settings. The bigger the sensor the better the performance will be at high ISOs, so a 4/3" camera will give better performance than a compact camera, and a consumer level (i.e. APS-C) DSLR will give better performance again.

If you're going to be shooting still scenes (e.g. landscapes) in low light without a tripod then you'll need to make sure that you have a lens with vibration reduction, or image stabilisation as some manufacturers call it. You also shouldn't write off the idea of using a tripod where it's warranted - I know they're a huge pain to carry but you really do need it to get decent still scenes in very low light regardless of how good your camera and lens are.

Note that a tripod or image stabilisation won't offer any benefit if you're shooting moving subjects as you need a fast shutter speed to freeze motion.

Would you personally recommend digital cameras or dslr's for that matter? i can imagine myself using a tripod, so of course that would be included in my "carry with" bags lol

Dreamy

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#430333 23-Jan-2011 21:34

I've always found this site to be excellent for reviews, he goes very in-depth. It might give you a hand deciding.

http://www.steves-digicams.com/camera-reviews/

~~Dream.Catcher~~
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allblur

101 posts

Master Geek

#430335 23-Jan-2011 21:41

Dreamy: I've always found this site to be excellent for reviews, he goes very in-depth. It might give you a hand deciding.

http://www.steves-digicams.com/camera-reviews/

Ooooh looks promising, Thanks!

alasta

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#430339 23-Jan-2011 21:46

allblur: Would you personally recommend digital cameras or dslr's for that matter? i can imagine myself using a tripod, so of course that would be included in my "carry with" bags lol

Sorry, I'm not sure I understand the question. Were you wanting recommendations of particular models, or just a recommendation as to whether you should buy a DSLR in favour of a compact camera?

allblur

101 posts

Master Geek

#430413 24-Jan-2011 03:29

alasta:
allblur: Would you personally recommend digital cameras or dslr's for that matter? i can imagine myself using a tripod, so of course that would be included in my "carry with" bags lol

Sorry, I'm not sure I understand the question. Were you wanting recommendations of particular models, or just a recommendation as to whether you should buy a DSLR in favour of a compact camera?

No no, i was asking about specific cameras but now i'm having doubts as to if i should get DSLRs instead

alasta

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#430432 24-Jan-2011 08:42

allblur: No no, i was asking about specific cameras but now i'm having doubts as to if i should get DSLRs instead

It sounds like you need to decide whether the portability of a compact camera outweighs the flexibility of a DSLR. If you choose the latter then the Nikon D3100 would be a good choice - a friend of mine just bought one and it's great for both beginners and more experienced users who just want an entry level body.

Whatever you buy make sure that you get a book or take a short course so that you can get the most out of it.