Advice for a new camera for a newbie

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technicaljoe

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#89180 27-Aug-2011 12:04

Hello everyone,

I have a Sony Cyber-shot DSC-T2 at the moment. When I first bought it, it was alright for taking photos of still people and objects. However, as I got myself a few little ones, it has became increasingly difficult to take photos as kids move around all the time and DSC-T2 feels quite slow between shots, photos taken are often blurry.

So, I am hoping to get some advices from everyone about what sort of camera would be suitable for me to upgrade to. I'm not a photography enthusiast yet, just a new dad who want to be able to capture those cute moments :)

Thanks in advance for all suggestions!

Joseph

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#512856 27-Aug-2011 12:54

One of the mid range canon ones it image stabilization. IS is a must so don't buy one of the budget entry level ones

Dreamy

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#512861 27-Aug-2011 13:06

I don't have any recommendations for a specific camera per se, but Steve's Digicams always has lots of very in depth reviews.

Odd, the insert link button is greyed out...anyway, the web site is http://www.steves-digicams.com/#b

~~Dream.Catcher~~
iPhone 4s 16 GB, Ipad2 32gb
windows 7 computer

vinnieg

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#512863 27-Aug-2011 13:27

Also try dpreview.com and testfreaks.com for more scores/reviews

Depends on how much you are looking to spend?

I bought a Samsung WB600 for just $238 off Pricespy, but the price has now gone up to just over $400 in stock :(

If you want a similar Sony with very good reviews, try the DSC-T110 around $300 or so

If you wanted to try your first DSLR, I'd recommend the Nikon D7000. Just purchased one for my mum and so far so good!

I have moved across the ditch. Now residing in Melbourne as a VOIP/Video Technical Trainer/Engineer.

timmmay

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#513064 28-Aug-2011 13:06

An entry level or mid range digital SLR, probably with an external flash. I just sold all my Canon gear (four cameras and ten lenses) for Nikon, and I prefer it, but Canon or Nikon are both good at the entry level for what most people do.

jonherries

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#513081 28-Aug-2011 15:06

I have been thinking about this a bit myself.

I have a Samsung ST550, and the firmware is rubbish, the camera stalls, reboots and won't charge when connected to the charger until it has been plugged in using a specific order of button pushes and finger crossing.

My thoughts are that buying a p&s is a waste of time, as my iPhone does near enough with that, and newer ones will only get better, so I am resigned to either a 4/3s or a dslr.

My question is whether an entry level dslr is as good as something like the nex-5 from Sony, as they are about the same price.

Jon

timmmay

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#513084 28-Aug-2011 15:15

I suspect the Nex-5N that I just looked at on dpreview is aimed at people who want good quality photos without worrying too much about how to take them With a DSLR you get better results if you understand histograms while you're shooting, and if you post process them. P&S cameras assume you know nothing and give you a decent image without bothering you with the details.

kobiak

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#513093 28-Aug-2011 15:45

@timmmay well on dslr using auto settings would give decent quality pictures too. and quality would depends on optics mainly :)

if u want to get into photography slightly dipper than point-shoot-facebook, I suggest get a dslr, because it's FUN to make pics and then also post-process them :D

I would get 550d or 600d but than 60d is not that far away in price, and if u consider 60d u might wanna think of 7d too :D

told ya, it's fun :D

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jonherries

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#513094 28-Aug-2011 15:46

That was kinda what I was thinking. Something I thought I noticed was that the entry level SLRs don't do video?

And I guess I would be happy with the 4/3 even if I got a better lens and had to manually focus it.

Might have to wait and see when the 5n comes out, unless someone has a better option? Is Canon going to do one?

Jon

timmmay

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#513100 28-Aug-2011 16:00

kobiak: @timmmay well on dslr using auto settings would give decent quality pictures too. and quality would depends on optics mainly :)

Maybe. You still need to understand exposure compensation, and if you use a flash then flash exposure compensation, plus how they interact to create an image. Learning to read a histogram would be a big bonus too. It's not really that difficult, you just have to read the manual or use google, and the images will come out better.

P&S cameras seem to assume you know nothing and take care of it for you. Plus you can't buy extra parts for them so they end up a lot cheaper! Once you buy a DSLR you'll want another lens or two, and a flash, all that stuff is expensive.

Yep good glass is expensive. My lenses and accessories are worth more than my cameras.

Many entry level DSLRs do video these days.

kobiak

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#513101 28-Aug-2011 16:05

well it heavily depends on what are you going to shoot.

- it's it just general family photos with no high expectations for quality (get digital point-n-shoot)
- general family photos with mid expectations for quality (assuming you know your way around different setting of the camera) entry level dslr with kit or better optics should do fine
- family photos + low light photos at parties + video + mid expectations for quality - get mid range priced dslr like canon 600D or 60D with better range optics.
- wildlife, scenery and so on get yourself mid-top range camera with top quality optics :)

So it's really about your needs and quality expectations and budget.

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marmel

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#513175 28-Aug-2011 20:04

If you consider a DSLR look at the review of the Sony SLT-A55 on www.dpreview.com.

Pretty much out on it's own feature wise, 10 frames per second, great video function, in body IS so you can use any old AF Minolta lens and it will be image stabilized.

Considered a bit of a ground breaking camera.

I have owned mine for 6 months and love it, only considering selling to go to the new SLT-A77 which is being released very shortly.

technicaljoe

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#519507 11-Sep-2011 11:48

Thanks everyone, definitely a few things for me to think about :)

It sounds like a mid-range DSLR is what I need, and also a photography class!!!
Anyone keen to share their stories on how they learned to take photos?

Disrespective

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#519516 11-Sep-2011 12:33

technicaljoe: Anyone keen to share their stories on how they learned to take photos?

Practice. Practice. Practice. Seriously.

I've never been to a photography class (nor do I claim i'm good enough that I wouldn't get something from it... heh). My theory is that if I see a picture in a magazine or online, that I like, then i'll investigate how to take similar pictures and go through the learning process of informed trial and error. That way I know what works for me and my gear. Plus I can figure out all the limitations of my gear and modify the approach to suit.

All that being said if an advanced photography class was to be taken then i'd be one of the first to sign up.

alasta

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#519522 11-Sep-2011 12:53

technicaljoe: Thanks everyone, definitely a few things for me to think about :)

It sounds like a mid-range DSLR is what I need, and also a photography class!!!
Anyone keen to share their stories on how they learned to take photos?

Joining a club might be worth considering. A couple of years ago I went on camp for the Photographic Society's regional conference and I learned a lot from it as well as having a lot of fun.

timmmay

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#519576 11-Sep-2011 15:25

A beginners class will give you a good head start. I did one years back, before I turned pro, it helped a lot with the basics of exposure and composition. You could learn online, or with a book, but a class is easy and you can ask questions.

Don't do any class that has anything to do with film, it's a waste of time. I don't know any classes in particular that are good, the place I did them doesn't do them any more.

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