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DPChallenge Forums >> Hardware and Software >> Upgrade to a better a camera, help!
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10/15/2004 10:03:42 AM · #1
I am currently using a Cannon SD10 3.2 megapixel camera. I am truly a novice, I just love taking pictures. I would like to know for someone who likes to learn, but also wants to be able to take great pictures, what is an affordable, digital camera that I could start with, that is not just a point & Shoot? I like what I hear about the Canon Rebel, I can't afford that.

Thank you
10/15/2004 10:12:16 AM · #2
Originally posted by Karalew:

I am currently using a Cannon SD10 3.2 megapixel camera. I am truly a novice, I just love taking pictures. I would like to know for someone who likes to learn, but also wants to be able to take great pictures, what is an affordable, digital camera that I could start with, that is not just a point & Shoot? I like what I hear about the Canon Rebel, I can't afford that.

Thank you


There are so many cameras available at so many price points.

What is your budget?

What stuff do you have already, aside from your SD10?
10/15/2004 10:28:11 AM · #3
Karalew:

I am currently selling my Digital Nikon CoolPix 5700, perhaps it would fill your needs.
It's a fantastic little camera, and should do a great deal for you... If you have any questions, feel free to e-mail me at: throughthelensltd@att.net

I remain,
ginette
throughthelensltd@att.net
10/15/2004 10:34:41 AM · #4
There are a few cheaper dSLR's now, the Sigma or the Olympus...but you have to think about the long term too, especially with lenses... The Sigma for example is a very impressive body....but your stuck with sigma lenses...
10/15/2004 11:00:11 AM · #5
Fujifilm S1 Pro now very cheap on e-bay / yahoo auctions and it takes Nikon glass ... perfect. Im looking for one as a back up and saw one today on yahoo japan for 45,000 yen, thats about $420 USD.

If that is out of budget then the Minolta Dimage 7i is very cheap these days around the $250 USD mark but it has a fixed lens (all be it a very good lens too).

Happy shopping
10/15/2004 11:12:04 AM · #6
My budget is no more than $500.00, and at this time I have no other equipment. I have white posterboard and Adobe photoshop6 :-)
10/15/2004 11:17:48 AM · #7
shameless plug, i'm also selling a camera, my fuji s602z :)
10/15/2004 11:19:06 AM · #8
Kodak DX-7590 is what I would recommend in that price range. It's my camera's new big brother. FABULOUS camera for the $. :o)
10/15/2004 11:23:31 AM · #9
I was reading about the Sony Cyber Shot DSC F717, what do you guys think of it?

//reviews.cnet.com/Sony_Cyber_Shot_DSC_F717/4505-6501_7-20378051.html?tag=topprods
10/15/2004 11:26:36 AM · #10
Personally, I think you should consider the Panasonic DMC-FZ3 if you want something small, and the DMC-FZ15 or DMC-FZ20 if you want something more SLR size.

I just bought a dRebel 1 month ago, and I find:

1) dSLRs take great pictures
2) There's so much to carry, you need to buy a big bag for the camera and lenses
3) Difficult to shoot indoors without flash unless you invest in lenses with wider apertures, and zooms with 2.8 and below are expensive.
4) The investment "never stops". Expensive to get good glass.
5) You have to deal with dust on your sensor.

So I am going to buy this DMC-FZ3 just to have a smaller, easier to carry camera with great lens reach (12x, Leica lens 36-420mm at F2.8 with IS). This is true of the FZ15 and 20 as well. Think how much that 36-420mm F2.8 IS lens would cost for your SLR! The Canon EF 35-350mm f/3.5-5.6 USM L IS lens is about $1200 without IS.

The FZ3 is about $350, the FZ15 about $435, and the FZ20 in mid $500's, for 3, 4, and 5 MP respectively.

See DPReview for their review and details. Bobsterlobster has won quite a few challenges using an older FZ10!

My suggestion: get one of these and then when you can afford it, you can always start investing in a dSLR too.

Links: DCRP Review
DPReview

Message edited by author 2004-10-15 11:30:41.
10/15/2004 11:35:37 AM · #11
When I read your first post, I thought that the 717 would be perfect for you. It has a lot of features that you can use to adjust the settings. It is rather easy to run in full auto, and still has the power to control your shots. There are some downsides, but for the price it is a great camera. I took some great pictures with mine, and I loved it so much that when it came to upgrade time I got the 828. I can't say enough about the 717. It is a great camera in that price range, and that swivel design really lets you get shots that you wouldn't normally be able to get.

drake
10/15/2004 11:43:47 AM · #12
Originally posted by fstopopen:

When I read your first post, I thought that the 717 would be perfect for you...It is a great camera in that price range, and that swivel design really lets you get shots that you wouldn't normally be able to get...


I agree, plus it has a spot-meter. I have a DSLR but decided to keep the 717, coz I felt, as Drake said, I would miss certain shots without it. Besides, the price for a used 717 these days is more than a bargain considering what you get for it.
10/15/2004 11:53:36 AM · #13
Wow, what a great topic. Actually I'm thinking about buying something for myself, since my Photosmart is better for my children than for me. I was thinking about second hand camera, your answers helped me a lot. Thank you Karalew for starting this topic ;-)

Edit: some typos

Message edited by author 2004-10-15 11:54:09.
10/15/2004 11:54:42 AM · #14
Originally posted by nshapiro:

Personally, I think you should consider the Panasonic DMC-FZ3 if you want something small, and the DMC-FZ15 or DMC-FZ20 if you want something more SLR size.

I just bought a dRebel 1 month ago, and I find:

1) dSLRs take great pictures
2) There's so much to carry, you need to buy a big bag for the camera and lenses
3) Difficult to shoot indoors without flash unless you invest in lenses with wider apertures, and zooms with 2.8 and below are expensive.
4) The investment "never stops". Expensive to get good glass.
5) You have to deal with dust on your sensor.

So I am going to buy this DMC-FZ3 just to have a smaller, easier to carry camera with great lens reach (12x, Leica lens 36-420mm at F2.8 with IS). This is true of the FZ15 and 20 as well. Think how much that 36-420mm F2.8 IS lens would cost for your SLR! The Canon EF 35-350mm f/3.5-5.6 USM L IS lens is about $1200 without IS.

The FZ3 is about $350, the FZ15 about $435, and the FZ20 in mid $500's, for 3, 4, and 5 MP respectively.

See DPReview for their review and details. Bobsterlobster has won quite a few challenges using an older FZ10!

My suggestion: get one of these and then when you can afford it, you can always start investing in a dSLR too.

Links: DCRP Review
DPReview


Yep, FZ10 is a fantastic camera, and I'm not missing a DSLR too much yet. The quality of the lens is incredible. I just noticed that my ribbons I won with this camera were all taken at the widest angle setting though! Perhaps I should invest in a prosumer with a wider angle lens?!
10/15/2004 12:11:06 PM · #15
Originally posted by laurielblack:

Kodak DX-7590 is what I would recommend in that price range. It's my camera's new big brother. FABULOUS camera for the $. :o)


YES - I own it and it is a little wonder!!!! I think it would be perfect for you. Any quesitons, please feel free to PM me. Good luck and happy shopping, whatever you decide!
10/15/2004 12:20:26 PM · #16
I'm a Canon fan - that's my interest declared.

At the price points you're talking about I'd go for a Canon Powershot. Either one of the S or G range. The Gs are the prosumer range and come with useful bits like flash hotshoe and lens filter rings plus there are macro attachments and suchlike. The S range are basically the same camera as the G with a smaller lens (but still quite adequate), no flash hotshoe and no way to add on lens adapters or filters.

Both S and G cameras come with full manual features for when you get a little more confident and want to start shooting in aperture priority, play around with exposure values or whatever. In both cases it's really just the lens that will restrict you but really not all that much until you're really pushing the envelope. For examples of some images taken with the various different cameras you can check out shots here on DPC.

Images taken with Canon Powershot S50
Images taken with Canon Powershot G5

To browse images taken with all the different types of camera check out this page.

Have fun choosing your new camera!

Message edited by author 2004-10-15 12:21:00.
10/15/2004 01:04:47 PM · #17
There was mention of the Panasonics but not the FZ10, which is a great camera for the money, has great optical zoom, anti shake, and is usually $499 at all internet stores. Also now the new Minolta Z3 has the same capabilities for the same price. I have the Panasonic and it does a great job and is very easy to use.
10/15/2004 01:15:14 PM · #18
Originally posted by Tressider:

There was mention of the Panasonics but not the FZ10, which is a great camera for the money, has great optical zoom, anti shake, and is usually $499 at all internet stores. Also now the new Minolta Z3 has the same capabilities for the same price. I have the Panasonic and it does a great job and is very easy to use.


Is there a reason why would you buy the older FZ10 when the FZ15 is available for less?
10/15/2004 01:27:31 PM · #19
I have a Minolta Dimage 7hi. purchased in 9/03 which I replaced with the Canon 10D.

The packgae cost me 1179.00. Comes with extention tele and wide angle, great charger( bought separate).

Going price 450.00. It is like new and I sell it with a six month guarantee. Check out this camera, you can use it as point and shoot, but it is a full featured professional camera.
10/15/2004 01:30:35 PM · #20
I was impressed with the Panasonics when I was shopping, but I've heard bad things about their quality/reliability. Those of you with them, have you had any problems?
10/15/2004 01:43:05 PM · #21
Originally posted by louddog:

I was impressed with the Panasonics when I was shopping, but I've heard bad things about their quality/reliability. Those of you with them, have you had any problems?


Looking on Consumerreports.org, the order from fewest to most repairs by brand:

Sony About 3%
Panasonic
Canon
Olympus
Fuji
Casio
Nikon
JVC
HP
Minolta
Kodak
Pentax
Toshiba About 9%

10/15/2004 02:59:42 PM · #22
Originally posted by nshapiro:

Originally posted by louddog:

I was impressed with the Panasonics when I was shopping, but I've heard bad things about their quality/reliability. Those of you with them, have you had any problems?


Looking on Consumerreports.org, the order from fewest to most repairs by brand:

Sony About 3%
Panasonic
Canon
Olympus
Fuji
Casio
Nikon
JVC
HP
Minolta
Kodak
Pentax
Toshiba About 9%


Is it repairs per unit, or just total repairs?
10/15/2004 03:30:01 PM · #23
You guys are so great! Thank you, I have so many options I was not aware of. What do you think of the Minolta Dimagze Z3?
10/15/2004 03:31:24 PM · #24
I use a sony DSC-V1 which I have been very happy with. You can get one new with accessories at around your budget.

Full Review of Camera and Sample Photos
10/15/2004 03:35:21 PM · #25
Im the king of shameless plugs, buy MY f717.
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