Help choosing a new camera - DPChallenge Forums

12/25/2003 11:15:19 PM · #1

I haven't been taking many photos lately, mainly due to the limited capabilities of my A40 are starting to annoying me. So I decided it was the right time to buy a new camera. While I really wish I could afford the new digital rebel, a more realstic price range would be $550 as an absolute max.

The most important things I'm looking for are good macro shots, low noise at higher ISOs, a good lens (low distortion and chromatic abboration ), good low light focusing, 4-5 MP, and manual controls for aperture, shutter, and focus.

Right now I'm considering the Canon S45/50, G3, and Minolta Digimage F300. What other similar cameras should I be looking into?

Also the F300 seems like a great camera from the reviews I've read yet it doesn't seem to be too popular on DPC. Any reason for this?

Your help is appreciated. Thanks.
-Bill

Canon EF 100mm f/2.8 USM Macro

12/25/2003 11:17:25 PM · #2

could a mod move this to hardware sorry my mistake

Spork99

OM System OM-1

12/25/2003 11:35:41 PM · #3

I would consider the Canon G5 as well as the Oly 5050 and the Nikon 5400 in addition to the cameras on your list. I know the G5 and the Oly are faulted for CA @ wide apertures, but I have never had a problem with it being unmanagable on my G5.

The biggest thing is not what someone else tells you about the camera you want, but how it works for you. I always suggest trying before you buy. Take a CF card, go to the store, try out the cameras you are considering using your own CF card, take the card (and the images on it) home and examine them at your leisure. Also be sure to evaluate how easy it is to operate the camera, change modes/settings while shooting. The best features are useless if you can't access them easily.

brianlh

Canon EOS-450D Rebel XSi

Canon EF 24-70mm f/2.8L USM

12/26/2003 12:07:01 AM · #4

you might manage to snag a Sony DSC-F707 on eBay for a little over 500, if you're interested

hortopth

Canon EOS-D60

12/26/2003 12:46:38 AM · #5

yes, for the price of the s50, just buy the g5. Will be much better in low light. I have an s45-- its great, but given the falling price of the g5, I would gladly have taken that.

Oly 5050 will also be great in low light, may be harder to find this camera now. The 5060 didn't keep that super fast lens.

If its macro you want, the Nikon should fair the best though.

Go play with them in the shop...

vadvirag

Canon EOS-350D Rebel XT

Canon EF 50mm f/1.8 II

12/26/2003 07:28:27 AM · #6

May I suggest the G5, I wanted to buy it, but I didn't have enough money. If you find an Olympus C-4000Z, it's excellent in macro, too: 2 cm super macro mode, but you can manage it from 1 cm, too. :-) Shame she's not manufactured anymore, she's a lovely camera! This one and the G5 were the winners when I was planning to buy my new one.

Message edited by author 2003-12-26 07:31:06.

Spork99

OM System OM-1

Canon EF 100mm f/2.8 USM Macro

12/26/2003 08:55:00 AM · #7

If you want to see some G5 photos, look in my portfolio, all of the shots there were done with my G5.

12/26/2003 01:01:06 PM · #8

Seeing as I have yet to print any of my photos, is there any reason aside to get the G5 over the G3?

---update
nevermind, with the street price difference being squat it isnt even worth it to consider the G3

Message edited by author 2003-12-26 13:15:14.

pitsaman

Canon EOS-30D

Canon EF 50mm f/1.8 II

12/26/2003 01:05:43 PM · #9

Fuji 7000 for $ 567