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07/02/2008 11:23:23 AM · #1 |
Hey guys, I'm trying to decide between the following 4 cameras:
Nikon D40,
Nikon D40X,
Canon PowerShot S5 IS, and
Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ18
Any suggestions?
I want a camera I can take on vacation as well as take some cool shots with.
I'm an amateur and am looking up to the $600 dollar range.
And let me know if there are any better cameras that I have not seen yet (in the same class).
Thanks,
Minja |
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07/02/2008 12:02:41 PM · #2 |
| I would recommend a DSLR. That will allow you to upgrade lenses if you decide to later. So D40, or D40x...I believe D40x is a 10MP and D40 is only 6MP. 6MP is rather low these days, so I think you're better off with D40x given the choices you mentioned. Good luck. |
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07/02/2008 12:13:10 PM · #3 |
I have the S5 and it is a nice camera, which I still love, even though I now have an SLR as well. It does great for macros. I've done some relatively high scoring shots with it (including my highest to date), but it has some huge shortcomings in low light. The Lumix will be similar in that regard, due to the small sensor. Here's a review of the S5 IS I wrote up on Epinions.com
The major benefit of a camera in this "superzoom" class is that you have everything in one, and they are a bit smaller and easier to take on vacation with you.
I'd suggest the D40x is the better choice since your budget can go that far. You can get some longer reach lenses later on.
However, It all really depends on what you intend to do with it and what features are most important to you. An SLR has a much larger hassle factor. |
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07/02/2008 01:38:24 PM · #4 |
If you're going for the D40 or d40x, it would probably be worth the extra $30 or so and grab the d60. Its still has some of the limitations with manual focusing older lenses, but its a slightly better build than the d40 models. Or just save for a few more weeks/months and get a better model.
No matter what camera you buy, you'll be looking to constantly improve which means better lenses, better bodies, and better lighting....there's no way you can just spend $x. |
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07/02/2008 04:05:39 PM · #5 |
Just a note about the S series of Canon, they have poor low light performance and problems with noise as //www.DPReview.com and  GeneralE can attest to along with excessive noise reduction.
Doing a quick compare, the S5 has as much noise as ISO 50 as does the D40X at 400. The S5 has as much noise at 400 as the D40X has at 1600. Compared to other super-zoom cameras the S5 has the most noise, compared to the Olympus SP-550UZ and Sony DSC-H9.
This is actually how I ended up with a D300. I saw a Canon S3 at Wal-Mart and fell in love with it, by the time I was ready to buy the S5 was out. However after checking the reviews and finding out how it stacked up against other super-zooms I got really turned off on it, then later Canon in general, so I went Nikon.
It all depends on your usage however, if you never shoot in low light or indoors or don't mind noise or value ease of use over absolute image quality. People here will tell you they love their S3's and S5's others will say the same of their D40s. :)
ETA:
S5 Noise information
D40X Noise information
Message edited by author 2008-07-02 16:07:07. |
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07/02/2008 04:13:45 PM · #6 |
Originally posted by togtog:
Just a note about the S series of Canon, they have poor low light performance and problems with noise as //www.DPReview.com and GeneralE can attest to along with excessive noise reduction.
Doing a quick compare, the S5 has as much noise as ISO 50 as does the D40X at 400. The S5 has as much noise at 400 as the D40X has at 1600. Compared to other super-zoom cameras the S5 has the most noise, compared to the Olympus SP-550UZ and Sony DSC-H9.
This is actually how I ended up with a D300. I saw a Canon S3 at Wal-Mart and fell in love with it, by the time I was ready to buy the S5 was out. However after checking the reviews and finding out how it stacked up against other super-zooms I got really turned off on it, then later Canon in general, so I went Nikon.
It all depends on your usage however, if you never shoot in low light or indoors or don't mind noise or value ease of use over absolute image quality. People here will tell you they love their S3's and S5's others will say the same of their D40s. :)
ETA:
S5 Noise information
D40X Noise information |
I bought the S2 when it first came out, and it really is just as bad as you make it out to be. |
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07/02/2008 04:21:55 PM · #7 |
To be fair about the noise in the S5 compared to other superzooms, the detailed reviews and comparisons I have read indicate that much of the issue is that Canon uses less in camera noise reduction than others use in similar cameras. I would much rather make the choice myself as to how much NR to apply.
You will have noise problems at high ISO on any camera that is not an SLR. The lone exception being Sigma's new compact that uses an APS-C sized sensor. But, it costs more than a low end SLR.
I like both my S5 and my Rebel/350D. Both cameras have different strong areas. I prefer the S5 for tabletop macro work because of the wider depth of field and the articulated live view screen. The S5 is also the one I usually tote to work with me every day, and I carry on my bike rides.I prefer the Rebel when I need the most and clearest detail possible, and may be shooting in low light.
Message edited by author 2008-07-02 16:25:57. |
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