Need Expert Camera Advice! Do I Buy Photoshop?-11/13/12

[havoc315]

Originally Posted by momof1princess

alright, guys, i've got my camera set just like y'all told me, and DH and i are about to leave to watch DD15's 2nd band competition of the season!

he's going to be taping with the camcorder, and i'll be taking pics. :

oh, the book-i can't really use it, since it gives instructions for a type of camera i don't own...lol. it tells how to set shutter speed and all that, and my little P&S doesn't do that. DH has given me the go-ahead to buy a better camera, but i'd like to wait until black friday for a good deal, if possible. will there be any BF deals on decent cameras?

Yes, there will be Black Friday deals. But you can actually get some of the best deals now, on last years models. New models are rolling out now, so last years models are on clearance. For example, I've seen great prices on the Sony Nex3 and Nex5. Seen excellent package discounts on the Canon SLRs.

[momof1princess]

alrighty, here's what i got with my canon powershot A1100IS today, with the suggested settings:


IMG_0351 by iluvamystery89

My baby on the 45 yard line!


IMG_0352 by iluvamystery89

My baby at the "4" in "40"!


IMG_0366 by iluvamystery89

Our trumpet soloists, Blake and Nathan!


IMG_0361 by iluvamystery89

This is a shot of the entire band...well, almost. I might have a couple of the colorguard missing over on the left.

[momof1princess]

okay, i've narrowed it down to 4 cameras (i think), and i've found a site that will compare them side-by-side, but i don't know what some of the specs mean. based upon this comparison, which camera would y'all buy? or is there another one i should consider? (would love the sony RX100, but just can't afford it.)

http://www.dpreview.com/products/com...tDir=ascending

[momof1princess]

i killed my own thread!

[hakepb]

I voiced my opinion earlier, but I'll start up the conversation, again
Photographically the most important specs are
sensor size (bigger is better, but its a 4-way tie in this comparison)
Aperature (smaller f/ is better for low light. Note the FZ200 only has 1 number, so it has the same, bright aperature at full zoom where other cameras are at a "darker" f/5-f/6, I would rule out the Canon for that high f/)
Full PASM modes (Aperature priority, shutter priority...) will make it easier to fully learn the Understanding Exposure). That is a weakness of my HX30. I do have full manual control, but it is not as fast and easy as others.
Depending on your style, it can be very important or inconsequential to have a viewfinder and external flash attachment.

From there, most specs are about personal preference...does the size matter? (I wouldn't mind size at my kids event, but it might get in the way at other times)
Will the battery last long enough for a typical day/event?
Some people might prefer having certain scenes available.
For me having an accurate Auto mode was important as my camera is also used by my spouse.

[havoc315]

Originally Posted by momof1princess

okay, i've narrowed it down to 4 cameras (i think), and i've found a site that will compare them side-by-side, but i don't know what some of the specs mean. based upon this comparison, which camera would y'all buy? or is there another one i should consider? (would love the sony RX100, but just can't afford it.)

http://www.dpreview.com/products/com...tDir=ascending

Based on the side by side you posted, I see the Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ200 as having a few big advantages over the others, as well as a couple of disadvantages.

First the disadvantages -- the FZ200 is much bigger than the other cameras. It is not a compact camera. So if you truly want a compact camera that can fit in your pocket or easily fit in your purse, then cross if off the list.
Also, it's about $550 from what I saw online -- For just $100 more, you could get the RX100. Or for around that price, there are lots of other options. You can get the Sony Nex5N for about $500, and it is a much better all-around camera than the FZ200. You can even get a true SLR for around that price.

Now the advantages of the FZ200 compared to the other 3 on your list, at least according to the comparison you posted:
-- Faster lens. Aperture of 2.8, and it appears to be that way throughout the zoom. That's a much faster lens than the other 3 cameras, especially at maximum zoom.
-- Ability to shoot in RAW mode. This is great if you like to do post-processing in lightroom, or want to build your own HDR images.
-- More manual control than the others. More manual control means more freedom to override the auto and get the picture you really want.

But for the size and price of the FZ200, there are other cameras that should be on your list. Many of those cameras may have inferior zoom, but will be superior in every other way, including in image quality.
That said, for the specific purpose you've been doing -- Shooting your daughter from the stands, the FZ200 is a great choice. The extended zoom and the 2.8 aperture would really do a great job in that situation.

If you were to add other considerations in that price range:
You could get a Canon Rebel T2 with 2 lenses, including a 75-300mm zoom for just over $600:
http://www.amazon.com/Canon-Digital-...9876598&sr=1-4

For under $500, the Sony Cyber-shot DSC-HX200V .

For $500, the Sony Nex-5N: http://store.sony.com/p/Sony-NEX-5-1.../en/p/NEX5NK/B. It lacks the super zoom, without adding a lens. But you would have a SLR-sized sensor in a pretty small body. And can add a better zoom later on. (A good zoom lens can be added for $350).

Also in that price range, you can get some great refurbished and used cameras. Try B&H Photo, for example:
A Nikon D3100 with 2 lenses (including a zoom lens) for $515
A Sony Alpha A55 with kit lens for $530. (Since it takes old Minolta lenses, you can actually add a zoom lens cheaply, under $100. For my Sony SLR, I basically just use old Minolta lenses.)

So really, if you are looking in the $500+ range, and are looking beyond compacts, then you have lots of great options beyond the FX200.

Of the 3 compacts that you listed, the Sony Cybershot HX30V is probably the best but they are all pretty close. I happen to think Sony excels at smaller-sized cameras. (The NEX series seems better than rival bridge cameras. The RX100 is the best pure compact.). Of the 3 compacts you listed, the HX30V has superior ISO range, more megapixels, and a slightly faster lens than the other 2.

[havoc315]

By the way, now that you took pics with the maximum quality, you can crop effectively. Hope you don't mind, I took the liberty of copying 1 of your pictures, just to give you an example. It's a bit grainy, but not too bad. Just demonstrating that in-camera zoom is not always the most important thing.


8061564563_429b9ee331_k by Havoc315, on Flickr

[momof1princess]

Originally Posted by havoc315

By the way, now that you took pics with the maximum quality, you can crop effectively. Hope you don't mind, I took the liberty of copying 1 of your pictures, just to give you an example. It's a bit grainy, but not too bad. Just demonstrating that in-camera zoom is not always the most important thing.


8061564563_429b9ee331_k by Havoc315, on Flickr

WOW! as you said, it's a bit grainy, but not all that bad for my crappy little camera! may i ask what you use to crop? i've cropped pics and graphics before, but just used MS paint, and i'm assuming there's something better, lol.

thank you! i used the settings y'all recommended on the P&S magic thread for these pictures, and was even able to show another band mom how to set them on HER little P&S!

[momof1princess]

Originally Posted by havoc315

Based on the side by side you posted, I see the Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ200 as having a few big advantages over the others, as well as a couple of disadvantages.

First the disadvantages -- the FZ200 is much bigger than the other cameras. It is not a compact camera. So if you truly want a compact camera that can fit in your pocket or easily fit in your purse, then cross if off the list.
Also, it's about $550 from what I saw online -- For just $100 more, you could get the RX100. Or for around that price, there are lots of other options. You can get the Sony Nex5N for about $500, and it is a much better all-around camera than the FZ200. You can even get a true SLR for around that price.

Now the advantages of the FZ200 compared to the other 3 on your list, at least according to the comparison you posted:
-- Faster lens. Aperture of 2.8, and it appears to be that way throughout the zoom. That's a much faster lens than the other 3 cameras, especially at maximum zoom.
-- Ability to shoot in RAW mode. This is great if you like to do post-processing in lightroom, or want to build your own HDR images.
-- More manual control than the others. More manual control means more freedom to override the auto and get the picture you really want.

But for the size and price of the FZ200, there are other cameras that should be on your list. Many of those cameras may have inferior zoom, but will be superior in every other way, including in image quality.
That said, for the specific purpose you've been doing -- Shooting your daughter from the stands, the FZ200 is a great choice. The extended zoom and the 2.8 aperture would really do a great job in that situation.

If you were to add other considerations in that price range:
You could get a Canon Rebel T2 with 2 lenses, including a 75-300mm zoom for just over $600:
http://www.amazon.com/Canon-Digital-...9876598&sr=1-4

For under $500, the Sony Cyber-shot DSC-HX200V .

For $500, the Sony Nex-5N: http://store.sony.com/p/Sony-NEX-5-1.../en/p/NEX5NK/B. It lacks the super zoom, without adding a lens. But you would have a SLR-sized sensor in a pretty small body. And can add a better zoom later on. (A good zoom lens can be added for $350).

Also in that price range, you can get some great refurbished and used cameras. Try B&H Photo, for example:
A Nikon D3100 with 2 lenses (including a zoom lens) for $515
A Sony Alpha A55 with kit lens for $530. (Since it takes old Minolta lenses, you can actually add a zoom lens cheaply, under $100. For my Sony SLR, I basically just use old Minolta lenses.)

So really, if you are looking in the $500+ range, and are looking beyond compacts, then you have lots of great options beyond the FX200.

Of the 3 compacts that you listed, the Sony Cybershot HX30V is probably the best but they are all pretty close. I happen to think Sony excels at smaller-sized cameras. (The NEX series seems better than rival bridge cameras. The RX100 is the best pure compact.). Of the 3 compacts you listed, the HX30V has superior ISO range, more megapixels, and a slightly faster lens than the other 2.

ironically, my cousin recommended the nikon D3100, lol.

i was hoping to keep the price under $500; honestly, around $400, if possible. but, i'll go a little higher for a great camera.

[havoc315]

I did that crop right in Flickr. Click in actions, and you have editing options within Flickr.

A true dslr will give you potential for pictures that generally cannot be matched with a compact. Once you are over $500, you are in dslr price range. I love the rx100, but it is a bit of an exception. It is the rare compact that gets dslr quality.
If I was spending over $500, and Didnt care about size, then I'd go with a dslr. Only downside being a need/desire/ability to add future lenses.

[momof1princess]

Originally Posted by hakepb

I voiced my opinion earlier, but I'll start up the conversation, again
Photographically the most important specs are
sensor size (bigger is better, but its a 4-way tie in this comparison)
Aperature (smaller f/ is better for low light. Note the FZ200 only has 1 number, so it has the same, bright aperature at full zoom where other cameras are at a "darker" f/5-f/6, I would rule out the Canon for that high f/)
Full PASM modes (Aperature priority, shutter priority...) will make it easier to fully learn the Understanding Exposure). That is a weakness of my HX30. I do have full manual control, but it is not as fast and easy as others.
Depending on your style, it can be very important or inconsequential to have a viewfinder and external flash attachment.

From there, most specs are about personal preference...does the size matter? (I wouldn't mind size at my kids event, but it might get in the way at other times)
Will the battery last long enough for a typical day/event?
Some people might prefer having certain scenes available.
For me having an accurate Auto mode was important as my camera is also used by my spouse.

Originally Posted by havoc315

Based on the side by side you posted, I see the Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ200 as having a few big advantages over the others, as well as a couple of disadvantages.

First the disadvantages -- the FZ200 is much bigger than the other cameras. It is not a compact camera. So if you truly want a compact camera that can fit in your pocket or easily fit in your purse, then cross if off the list.
Also, it's about $550 from what I saw online -- For just $100 more, you could get the RX100. Or for around that price, there are lots of other options. You can get the Sony Nex5N for about $500, and it is a much better all-around camera than the FZ200. You can even get a true SLR for around that price.

Now the advantages of the FZ200 compared to the other 3 on your list, at least according to the comparison you posted:
-- Faster lens. Aperture of 2.8, and it appears to be that way throughout the zoom. That's a much faster lens than the other 3 cameras, especially at maximum zoom.
-- Ability to shoot in RAW mode. This is great if you like to do post-processing in lightroom, or want to build your own HDR images.
-- More manual control than the others. More manual control means more freedom to override the auto and get the picture you really want.

But for the size and price of the FZ200, there are other cameras that should be on your list. Many of those cameras may have inferior zoom, but will be superior in every other way, including in image quality.
That said, for the specific purpose you've been doing -- Shooting your daughter from the stands, the FZ200 is a great choice. The extended zoom and the 2.8 aperture would really do a great job in that situation.

If you were to add other considerations in that price range:
You could get a Canon Rebel T2 with 2 lenses, including a 75-300mm zoom for just over $600:
http://www.amazon.com/Canon-Digital-...9876598&sr=1-4

For under $500, the Sony Cyber-shot DSC-HX200V .

For $500, the Sony Nex-5N: http://store.sony.com/p/Sony-NEX-5-1.../en/p/NEX5NK/B. It lacks the super zoom, without adding a lens. But you would have a SLR-sized sensor in a pretty small body. And can add a better zoom later on. (A good zoom lens can be added for $350).

Also in that price range, you can get some great refurbished and used cameras. Try B&H Photo, for example:
A Nikon D3100 with 2 lenses (including a zoom lens) for $515
A Sony Alpha A55 with kit lens for $530. (Since it takes old Minolta lenses, you can actually add a zoom lens cheaply, under $100. For my Sony SLR, I basically just use old Minolta lenses.)

So really, if you are looking in the $500+ range, and are looking beyond compacts, then you have lots of great options beyond the FX200.

Of the 3 compacts that you listed, the Sony Cybershot HX30V is probably the best but they are all pretty close. I happen to think Sony excels at smaller-sized cameras. (The NEX series seems better than rival bridge cameras. The RX100 is the best pure compact.). Of the 3 compacts you listed, the HX30V has superior ISO range, more megapixels, and a slightly faster lens than the other 2.

thank you both! i'm still a little confused, but now at least i know more about what i'm confused about! LOL

[momof1princess]

IMG_0366 by iluvamystery89

aha! i was able to crop it too! YIPPEE!

[momof1princess]

sooooo...if i got the sony hx30, would i be able to take great pictures of DD on the field with a 20x optical zoom? once i got through reading the book (understanding exposure) and got a feel for how to use it.

[havoc315]

Originally Posted by momof1princess

sooooo...if i got the sony hx30, would i be able to take great pictures of DD on the field with a 20x optical zoom? once i got through reading the book (understanding exposure) and got a feel for how to use it.

"Great" would be relative, and would still depend on other factors. Certainly, you'd get better pictures than your current camera. You won't get dSLR quality. But if the lighting is good, and you compose the shot well, you could get very use-able photographs.

[photo_chick]

Originally Posted by momof1princess

sooooo...if i got the sony hx30, would i be able to take great pictures of DD on the field with a 20x optical zoom? once i got through reading the book (understanding exposure) and got a feel for how to use it.

Whether or not you get great photographs really comes down to you, not the camera. The camera is just the tool. 20x optical zoom is a lot of reach, as long as you have the wide aperture or lighting to go with it you'll be able to get the shot. If it's less than idea lighitng and you have a smaller aperture on the long end then it might make it more difficult to get the shots you want.