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11/15/2014 11:42:33 AM · #1 |
I get this question all the time before Christmas. "What kind of camera should I buy?" If they are going for a DSLR it is easy for me to come up with some suggestions. But most of the time they are looking for point and shoot and don't want to spend a ton of money.
My opinion is that unless you are willing to spend a little bit of money on a point and shoot you are just as well to use your iphone. More convenient too. Am I wrong about this?
My friend just asked me this morning and I don't want to tell her wrong....She is looking to spend around $200 on a camera. She has the latest iphone and I just don't see that there is going to be a camera in that price range that is better than just using her iphone. Especially since most people want the convenience of being able to instantly post their photos online like on instagram. I know there are point and shoot cameras out their with wifi. But does this allow you to upload to facebook and instagram?
So if I am wrong and there are good point and shoot cameras out there in the $200 price range, what are they so I can pass the info along to her. |
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11/15/2014 11:45:42 AM · #2 |
This is kind of what I am looking at recommending to her. It is a point and shoot with wifi capabilities, but would the quality be any better than a iphone?
canon power shot elph |
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11/15/2014 11:53:46 AM · #3 |
One big advantage of a point and shoot over an iPhone, for the needs of someone who doesn't want to delve into manual controls, etc, is the optical zoom.
iPhones are garbage for shooting things that are far away, while some of the point and shoots with long zoom are pretty good. I think the $400+ ones are better but there should be a few in the $200 range with a pretty long zoom.
If she doesn't shoot things far away, I'd say keep using the phone or save up and make the jump to a low end slr with a kit lens. |
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11/15/2014 12:20:56 PM · #4 |
| Another big advantage of a camera is the longer battery life. My iPhone has to be charged every night. |
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11/15/2014 12:31:55 PM · #5 |
| I think your recommendation is spot on for general-purpose use. If they know they want certain capabilities, then perhaps the recommendation might change. If, for example they want great low-light performance, then a camera with a larger sensor and faster lens might be better. This one is OK at the wide end but the lens is godawful slow at the long end, which is fully to be expected in something this compact. |
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11/15/2014 12:50:43 PM · #6 |
Think about E-Bay.. Generally you can find some damned good cameras there pretty cheap.
Take for instance the S95, which brought home some ribbon action for me.
How's $100 sound? They regularly sell for $75 to $100, and there's absolutely nothing wrong with this as a choice for most people who want more than their cellphone can deliver, but don't want all the kit, or the high price tag. |
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11/15/2014 06:58:07 PM · #7 |
Originally posted by Cory:
Take for instance the S95, which brought home some ribbon action for me.
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I second that suggestion. I have 4 ribbons shot with an S90 or G11 (Same guts in a different body) Pretty darn good for a small sensor compact. Can be used as a point and shoot, but has room to grow.
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11/16/2014 12:27:44 AM · #8 |
Thanks all really helpful suggestions. All good info for myself as well, if I decide I need a point and shoot. I have been feeling more and more like I might need a little camera to take with me camping and hiking.
Message edited by author 2014-11-16 00:28:18. |
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11/16/2014 03:59:41 AM · #9 |
| For about 200 bucks you can get Fuji XF-1 and that's much more than a Point and shoot. It's your fault, my mind started thinking about that camera again :) |
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11/16/2014 05:11:14 AM · #10 |
sjhuls: I bought a nice mirror-less P&S thinking I would take it with me when I might not want to take my D600 and bag...
Result: It looks pretty on a shelf in my office, and I still always end up taking my D600 and bag anyway.
I always start out thinking "I'll just take the little one" - and then I start thinking "but what if the most epic scene presents it's self... "
And in the Jeep my entire kit goes...
Just my observation on the whole photographer trying to work a P&S in to their used gear subtopic :) |
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11/16/2014 05:13:55 AM · #11 |
Sony DSC-HX200V
That is my point and shoot and I love it...
It is out on loan right now to a friend who doesn't have a camera.. but if that camera only changed lenses I would be using it forever..
I paid $150 for mine bran new and have loved it until I outgrew it. If it is in my hands its my take along because I am not worried about it breaking on me.
That has been my everyday travel camera and I have taken it everywhere with me and it is tuff and durable...
I also have owned 2 Canon Powershots.. awesome little cameras, but those always broke on me and did not last long.. I tend to be hard on things and use them till they die
The sony does not have the wifi thing going on for it..but the other options makes it worth while.
Message edited by author 2014-11-16 05:20:10. |
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11/16/2014 10:47:17 AM · #12 |
I use a Canon G15 all the time now, in the pocket off yer go.
The phone stays on the wall for talkin' |
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11/16/2014 12:22:17 PM · #13 |
Originally posted by sjhuls:
I have been feeling more and more like I might need a little camera to take with me camping and hiking. |
For this you might want to look at the waterproof/drop-resistant P&S cameras (Canon, Olympus among others). |
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