Advice please?

[horseshowmom]

This is my first time on this board, but I'm looking for some help.

I would like to buy a point and shoot camera that wouldn't be complicated to use but would take very good pictures. Years ago, when I was much younger, I used to enjoy photography (on a simple basis) and would like to get back to it now that I'm retired.

Since I often travel with my daughter to horse shows, I want something that would work well in a horse show environment. These shows are in indoor arenas. The video capability isn't really that important because I use my phone for that.

I would also use it for other things. For example, recently I was coming home and passed a soybean field where the farmers were harvesting. The dust was in the air. The pickup trucks were parked to the side, and the equipment was cutting the beans. With the sun in the background, it was a gorgeous sight. If I had had a camera (other than my phone), I would have turned around to go back for the picture.

I can't afford something terribly expensive, but there's always a good chance that I could find a used version on eBay if someone has anything that they especially want to mention.

Also, are any of the waterproof cameras particularly good?

Thank you so much for your help! I just don't want to waste my money.

 

[havoc315]

The waterproof cameras contain lots of compromises, to make them waterproof. So unless you really need a camera for snorkeling, I don't recommend them.

Unfortunately, a cheap camera that can take good indoor action shots from a distance -- basically what you're seeking.... That's not easy. That's basically the most technologically demanding type of photography that exists, its the very reason that some cameras and lenses can cost thousands of dollars.

My strong advice would be to pick up a not-too-old used dSLR from Ebay, along with a 50 1.8 lens. It will be the cheapest option, that will cover the types of shots you want. the downside, would be that you would need to zoom in with your feet -- The lens won't get you very close if you're sitting in the stands.

The most affordable P&S/Compact-ish type of camera that could be worth trying, is the Panasonic FZ200. It has a huge zoom range, with what is considered a "fast lens" -- so it will perform much better in low light than other zooms. That said, it's use of a very small sensor prevents it from getting anywhere near the low light ability of a dSLR.

 

[toomanycars]

If you decide to go with a DSLR, the under $300.00 ($287.99) Canon T3 is a solid basic camera. It's on sale refurbished at Canon today.

http://shop.usa.canon.com/shop/en/c...m-is-ii-lens-kit-refurbished?gclid={SI:gclid}

Move ~$100.00 to the T3i for the price it's a hard to beat camera.

http://shop.usa.canon.com/shop/en/catalog/cameras/refurbished-eos-digital-slr-cameras/eos-rebel-t3i-ef-s-18-55mm-is-ii-lens-kit-refurbished


Canon refurbished cameras come with a one-year warranty.

From Canon's website

"
All refurbished products:
• Are fully functional
• Come with a 1 Year Refurbished Limited Warranty"

 

[cobright]

I'm a lot like you I think (though not yet retired). I was huge into photography 25 years ago but never jumped full into the digital world until recently.

Here's a method of analyzing your options that has worked well for me:

First, ask a lot of questions; like you have here. Understand that for every person who responds you will get between 0 and 1.5 specific recommendations.

When you get one, google it and trust the analysis performed by dpreview.com. When you see a search result from that site, go there first.

I started looking at cameras to buy from the inside out. Start at the sensor. In the film days nearly all cameras had the same 'sensor' size (35mm film fram sized). When digital got big, the idea of sensor size didn't really have a film camera analogy so we got stuck with a bunch of measurements that are far less useful.

They tell us the megapixels, but you have to squint at the box to find the shutter speed and iso range. And if you want to know what size the sensor is ... you're just SOL until you look it up online.

So just a little sidetrack to talk about sensor size. It's the most important characteristic of a digital camera. Sensor size drives the physics that determine most elements of your camera's performance; especially it's ability to capture in low light and to do so with reasonable 'noise'. It determines the performance of your optics, is a 11mm lens going to give you wide angle, normal, or telephoto magnification? What will your depth of field be like? Sensor size is fundamental, and bigger is better.

How big is the 'sensor' size of an old 35mm film camera? About 1.5" wide by 1" tall (36mmX24mm)

How big is the average point and shoot camera? About .25" wide by .22" tall.

So, keep that in mind. Some PnS are better than others but they are expensive. The Sony RX100 is largely considered to be a great PnS, and it has a 1" sensor. But it's expensive.

Compact System cameras offer PnS ease of use and some flexibility of using interchangable lenses, and they have sensors that are, at least, bigger than most point and shoot. Some have sensors as big as DSLR cameras. The Sony Nex-3 is well regarded and the Nikon J1 can be picked up refurbished or used for $300ish (it had great autofocus performance especially on moving objects).

So there it is... sensor size... say it with me...

 

[Gianna'sPapa]

This is my first time on this board, but I'm looking for some help.

I would like to buy a point and shoot camera that wouldn't be complicated to use but would take very good pictures. Years ago, when I was much younger, I used to enjoy photography (on a simple basis) and would like to get back to it now that I'm retired.

Since I often travel with my daughter to horse shows, I want something that would work well in a horse show environment. These shows are in indoor arenas. The video capability isn't really that important because I use my phone for that.

I would also use it for other things. For example, recently I was coming home and passed a soybean field where the farmers were harvesting. The dust was in the air. The pickup trucks were parked to the side, and the equipment was cutting the beans. With the sun in the background, it was a gorgeous sight. If I had had a camera (other than my phone), I would have turned around to go back for the picture.

I can't afford something terribly expensive, but there's always a good chance that I could find a used version on eBay if someone has anything that they especially want to mention.

Also, are any of the waterproof cameras particularly good?

Thank you so much for your help! I just don't want to waste my money.

You state you "can't afford something terribly expensive". May I ask what your budget is? The reason I ask, is that you are asking a camera to perform in conditions that are very difficult for the inexpensive compacts. Arena lighting is traditionally bad. While it may appear to be satisfactory, camera-wise, it's not. I shoot a lot of lowlight motorsports from very advantageous shooting positions with pretty good equipment and its difficult. Within your budget we may get you close to something acceptable, but it will not be up to anything an enthusiast or pro can do with their DSLR equipment.

 

[horseshowmom]

Okay, these posts have been a big help. When I say "not terribly expensive", you're right, that could mean a lot of things. I would probably want to realistically stay under $300 but don't have a problem with buying refurbished with a warranty or a good used one.

I don't do anything underwater so it sounds like I would be much better off to drop that from my list altogether (mainly just concerned about being around places that would include water). I would rather have the better camera than the waterproof ability.

I'll never be a professional photographer but did have a lot of people comment favorably on my pictures when I was younger, and I really enjoyed it. I also know that I want something that is easy to carry around. I have a friend who has a wonderful camera system with lots of lenses, etc., but she also has a very large, heavy case to carry around. The reason I am now retired is because of two neck surgeries that left me with some problems. I want something small and easy to carry around.

I'm going now to check out the suggestions already made here. I really do appreciate the help! Thank you!


ETA: I just wanted to thank everybody again. It looks like I can get pretty much any of the cameras listed for around the money I want to spend +/- (used or refurbished in some cases). You have been a tremendous help, now I just have to sort through them in more detail!

 

[toomanycars]

Okay, these posts have been a big help. When I say "not terribly expensive", you're right, that could mean a lot of things. I would probably want to realistically stay under $300 but don't have a problem with buying refurbished with a warranty or a good used one.

I don't do anything underwater so it sounds like I would be much better off to drop that from my list altogether (mainly just concerned about being around places that would include water). I would rather have the better camera than the waterproof ability.

I'll never be a professional photographer but did have a lot of people comment favorably on my pictures when I was younger, and I really enjoyed it. I also know that I want something that is easy to carry around. I have a friend who has a wonderful camera system with lots of lenses, etc., but she also have a very large, heavy case to carry around. The reason I am now retired is because of two neck surgeries that left me with some problems. I want something small and easy to carry around.

I'm going now to check out the suggestions already made here. I really do appreciate the help! Thank you!


ETA: I just wanted to thank everybody again. It looks like I can get pretty much any of the cameras listed for around the money I want to spend +/- (used or refurbished in some cases). You have been a tremendous help, now I just have to sort through them in more detail!

When you get your new camera come back and show us your photos!

 

[havoc315]

All my cameras have gotten a little wet without damage. The waterproof is if you want to literally shoot IN the water.. Or a massive downpour. A few drops of water splashed on most cameras, usually won't cause any harm.

I do want my next camera to be weather sealed, but it's really not necessary in most circumstances.

 

[horseshowmom]

When you get your new camera come back and show us your photos!

All my cameras have gotten a little wet without damage. The waterproof is if you want to literally shoot IN the water.. Or a massive downpour. A few drops of water splashed on most cameras, usually won't cause any harm.

I do want my next camera to be weather sealed, but it's really not necessary in most circumstances.

Yeah, I'm not likely to be out in any downpours - at least not on purpose.

 

[photo_chick]

Yeah, I'm not likely to be out in any downpours - at least not on purpose.

Even if you are, keep a rain sleeve in whatever bag you carry your camera in. They're cheap and can keep your gear dry, whatever size camera you go with. Unless you're dunking it in the pool you don't need a waterproof camera.

People make a big deal about weather sealed DSLR's. The truth is, and the manufacturers tend to bury this in their literature, that even the highest end DSLR's with the "best sealing" are not intended to be rain proof.

 

[horseshowmom]

Even if you are, keep a rain sleeve in whatever bag you carry your camera in. They're cheap and can keep your gear dry, whatever size camera you go with. Unless you're dunking it in the pool you don't need a waterproof camera.

People make a big deal about weather sealed DSLR's. The truth is, and the manufacturers tend to bury this in their literature, that even the highest end DSLR's with the "best sealing" are not intended to be rain proof.

Thanks, I've never heard of a rain sleeve before. I'll definitely do that.