About to upgrade, on a flexible budget, help?

Sigma 17-70mm f/2.8-4.5 DC Macro for Canon

09/06/2007 07:50:27 PM · #1

'ello everyone!
I currently have a Vivitar Vivicam 3750 (eww, right?) that is on it's way out. It's held together by duct tape at the moment. Yeah, it's time for a new camera.
I wanting something a little more professional (digital), I do a wide range of photo types (portraits, city shots, lots of outdoor as well as indoor, moving subjects as well as stationary ones, landscapes, a little bit of everything) but I don't want to break the bank either. I'm hoping for something around $250 or under. What's the best out there?
I've been looking at a few of the Kodak EasyShare cameras (the 12.1MP and the 10.2MP models, but would the Z712IS be better?) and they look really good. But then again, the Nikon Coolpix L12 looks good as well, but it's only 7.1MP.
Does anyone here have any of the mentioned cameras? Are they any good?
Any insight would be great. Thanks guys!

paddles

Pentax K10D

Pentax FA 50mm f/1.4 AF

09/07/2007 02:35:46 AM · #2

Why is "only" 7 megapixels a problem? More megapixels on the same size sensor = more noise, particularly in low-light situations which could affect your indoor photography. But the increase from 7 to 10 megapixels isn't going to make a big difference to the detail/resolution on your images.

What's the biggest you are enlarging your shots?

macleodn

Canon EOS-30D

09/07/2007 06:25:48 AM · #3

I'm a Canon guy so I would probably recommend going on ebay and seeing if you can get an S2 IS. They are a great little camera for starting out. I would try and maybe go used that way you get a little more camera for less. I think it will only be a short time before you want to go DSLR. Start saving now!

Canon EOS-5D Mark IV

Canon EF 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6L IS

09/07/2007 06:47:44 AM · #4

This is a very nice, low-noise toy, I just ribboned with it and it cost me just 205 â�¬ (approx. 270 $ US).

The Canon S3 IS is another option, should be on ebay for around 300 $, has an excellent super-macro but produces a lot of noise with ISO 400 and higher

Both cameras have 6 MP, but I don't see why this shouldn't be enough. I am even selling pictures made with the Fuji.

bassbone

Nikon Z8

Nikon NIKKOR Z 24-120 f/4 S

09/07/2007 06:57:48 AM · #5

How big of prints are you planning on making with your images?

At 6mpix, my D70 can easily print good quality full color prints at 16x20. For this site, you can only use 720x720, so anything over 2mpix with good optics and a decent photog will give pretty good results.

I would take the recommendations of the earlier posters - the Canon S2 is a really nice camera and will have more than enough pixels for you to use...

Nikon AF-S Nikkor 70-200mm f/2.8G ED VR II

09/07/2007 01:20:43 PM · #6

I doubt at thist point I will be doing any larger than 16X20, so a 6MP would work with those dementions?

The Canon S2 and S3 models look really nice, and there are some really good deals on e-bay as well. I think I may get that one. But I've got a couple of weeks to think about it anyhow. No rush. : )

basssman7

Nikon D500

09/07/2007 01:44:48 PM · #7

don't count out the Panasonic Lumix models. They are affordable, have Leica lenses, a super large zoom that you will need for sports, incredible macro capabilities, and a built in image stablization for those long zoom shots.

If I was to buy a PS right now it would be one of those.

Ann

Olympus OM-D E-M1

Olympus 12-40mm f/2.8 Pro

09/07/2007 01:48:50 PM · #8

I've done 16x20 prints with my 6mp D70. The original needs to be good quality, of course.

For the range of cameras you're looking at, anything with 5-6 MP or more will be more limited by the quality of the lens then the resolution of the sensor, so don't worry about pixel counts.

I would definitely look at the Canon S2 or S3. Those seem like nice cameras, and people are able to produce some really nice work with them.

edit: What bassman said on the Lumix models, too.

Message edited by author 2007-09-07 13:49:29.

fotomann_forever

09/07/2007 01:50:07 PM · #9

Originally posted by basssman7:

I'll second the Panasonic Lunix cameras... great reviews.

Also, having owned two Nikon Coolpix cameras will attest to their quality. However they are a bit noisy at ISOs over 400, at least the 8700 was.

bassbone

Nikon Z8

Nikon NIKKOR Z 24-120 f/4 S

09/07/2007 01:54:51 PM · #10

I think the point we are making is that megapixels are often overvalued by people just getting into digital. A 200mpixel camera with a crappy lens will still give you a crappy image. But a 2 mpix camera with a great lens can do some really special things - but you just won't be able to print it very big!

Go for better optics and you should be fine (such as the Panasonic Lumix, the Canon S2/S3, or the Nikon Coolpix cameras)

Canon EF 28-135mm f/3.5-5.6 IS USM

09/08/2007 11:45:04 AM · #11

Hmm, so many different cameras! They all look so good. Now I think I'm veering more towards the Lumix (DMC-LZ7K) which is very nicely priced at Best Buyfor only $209. Decisions, desisions...
What is so special about the Lumix lens?

Message edited by author 2007-09-08 11:48:28.

Truegsht

Canon EOS-400D Rebel XTi

09/08/2007 11:49:05 AM · #12

I know you are on a budget, but if you or anyone else here is interested...I'm thinking of selling my NEW 400D XTI...purchased last week, only taken 30pics with it..I just bought a 30D since the price has dropped. The 400D comes with 2 batteries, brand new grip (never used and still in shipping from BHphoto), all software, unused warranty cards. I'm keeping the lens though. If interested, let me know. Thanks