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Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 24-70mm f/2.8G ED

04/27/2009 06:00:49 PM · #1

I want to get a camera that has a long exposure setting but not as costly as a dslr. Are there any suggestions from anyone out there?

citymars

Nikon D700

04/27/2009 06:23:14 PM · #2

How long of an exposure are you looking for? Most point-and-shoots have speed settings I think.

A good site for comparing cameras is DPReview. Check out their various buying guides.

There are many camera review sites; here's another one that goes so far as to name the current "best cameras" (in their opinion) for a variety of types: Steve's Digicams

GeneralE

Canon PowerShot S3 IS

Canon 12x IS USM (S3 IS built-in Lens) -- 36-432mm (35mm EQ)

04/27/2009 06:27:14 PM · #3

Originally posted by citymars:

How long of an exposure are you looking for? Most point-and-shoots have speed settings I think.

Most only go to 15 or 30 seconds, and don't have a "bulb" feature at all ... :-(

Canon 12x IS USM (S3 IS built-in Lens) -- 36-432mm (35mm EQ)

04/27/2009 06:28:32 PM · #4

I would be so happy with something that did 15 to 30 seconds. My brother and cousin are both members on here and I usually end up using their fuji's that only have up to 4 seconds.

GeneralE

Canon PowerShot S3 IS

04/27/2009 06:34:16 PM · #5

Well, the Canon S5 IS and similar models try to fill the gap, with the small sensor of a P&S but a long zoom range (10-15x is common now) with image stabilization. You sacrifice in quality (low light/high ISO especially) but gain in versatility (zoom, video, macro, etc.) and convenience (no lens changes, o sensor dust).

Sony FE 200-600mm f/5.6-6.3 G OSS

04/27/2009 06:37:27 PM · #6

If I was to spend the little extra money on a low end dslr, what would you suggest?

vawendy

Sony Alpha 1

04/27/2009 07:02:45 PM · #7

Don't know what the canon rebels are going for, but I started out with that for dslr and really loved it. Perhaps one of the older used rebels would be inexpensive. I had my rebel 5 years ago, and it was wonderful.

dagaleaa

Panasonic Lumix DMC-GH2

Panasonic Lumix 20mm f1.7 ASPH

04/27/2009 07:06:00 PM · #8

You can take a look at the Panasonic LX3--it does what you are asking, and so much more! I love this camera!

6 Non-Traditional ways to use a Panasonic Lumix LX3
As you probably know I love pinhole cameras, antiques, hacked and modified cameras, and pretty much anything except for flawless image making devices. I like the chaos and the chance of photography. Thatâ��s where the excitement is for me. I am not interested in perfectly exposed, perfectly boring photos. So it may come as a surprise to you that the newest camera in my collection is a digital point-and-shoot. I recently purchased a Panasonic Lumix LX3 and I really love it.

There are plenty of articles online praising the technical prowess of this camera praising it as a point-and-shoot that can compete with an SLR. The only other camera that might give the LX a run for its money is the Canon G10. So rather than rehash the technical specs of the Panasonic Lumix LX3 I thought I would throw out some ideas that might get you thinking how to â��hackâ�� this camera to create non-traditional digital photos. If you have some ideas of your own, please add them in the comments.

1. Long Exposures Switch the Panasonic Lumix LX3 over to manual mode and you can control the shutter speed. Try it at night, or in situations where a long exposure can give you unexpected results.

2. Multiple Exposures The Panasonic Lumix LX3 allows you to create multiple exposures in camera. You have to scroll through some menus to get to this setting, but it can give you some really fun and interesting results.

3. Street photography The LX3 is small and quiet so it is a great camera for street photography. Some times I like to â��shoot from the hipâ�� and take photos by just pointing the camera in someoneâ��s general direction and snapping a shot. Every once in a while this technique can create some real gems.

4. Manual Focus You paid good money for the fancy focusing technology of the Panasonic Lumix LX3, but why not turn it off? The manual focus of this camera is another way to get back to basics with your camera. Or add some creative blur to your shots.

5. Macro Itâ��s amazing how much things change when you get really close to them. The macro ability of the Panasonic LX3 is pretty impressive and opens a whole new world of possibilities.

6. Black and white I find that unless color really adds something to a photo, I typically prefer the image in black and white. Why not save yourself the trouble of converting to black and white in Photoshop later and shoot in black and white mode. Another advantage of shooting in b&w is that it puts you in a different mind set. I feel like I am looking at the world differently when I have black and white film in my camera.

I hope you found these ideas inspiring. As always, follow me on Flickr if you are curious about what my latest work.

Also---Starry sky mode lets you take super long exposures: 15, 30, or 60 seconds -- it's similar to "bulb mode" on more advanced cameras.