Camera Help!

[disneyfanUSA]

I currently have the Sony T77. I have had it since 2008. I am thinking about getting a new camera I want something that will

*take good night/ low light shots and are not blurry.
*Is affordable
*Built in video camera
*Easy to use
*Good zoom
*Do not want to be extra lenses.
*Do not want to carry a tripod around.
*Also I saw these on another thread but have no clue what they mean easy access to exposure compensation, RAW and HDR.??

I was thinking I would get a DSLR but after reading some posts it sounds like alot of work. I want a camera that will take really good pictures right out of the box. I have some knowledge about cameras and would probably be able to learn quick however. Would a point and shoot camera be a better choice?The camera must also be ALOT better then my other camera I don't want too wast my money on a camera that is practically like my old camera.

Please help

 

[Master Mason]

*take good night/ low light shots and are not blurry.

*Do not want to carry a tripod around.
:

The second item the list above makes the first one impossible.

 

[disneyboy2003]

I currently have the Sony T77. I have had it since 2008. I am thinking about getting a new camera I want something that will

*take good night/ low light shots and are not blurry.
*Is affordable
*Built in video camera
*Easy to use
*Good zoom
*Do not want to be extra lenses.
*Do not want to carry a tripod around.
*Also I saw these on another thread but have no clue what they mean easy access to exposure compensation, RAW and HDR.??

I was thinking I would get a DSLR but after reading some posts it sounds like alot of work. I want a camera that will take really good pictures right out of the box. I have some knowledge about cameras and would probably be able to learn quick however. Would a point and shoot camera be a better choice?The camera must also be ALOT better then my other camera I don't want too wast my money on a camera that is practically like my old camera.

Please help

Hmmm, it might be a little tough to meet all your requirements with a non-dSLR camera.

I took a look at your current Sony Cybershot T77:

There are 2 reasons dSLR cameras are better than point-and-shoot (P&S) cameras for low-light / night photography. First, dSLR cameras have *much* larger sensors than P&S cameras. In a low-light situation, a larger sensor gives the dSLR camera a larger area to "collect" more light.

For example, your Sony T77, like most P&S cameras, has a sensor dimension of 6.16 x 4.62 mm = area of 28.5 mm2. On the other hand, the Canon T2i (an entry-level dSLR) has a sensor size of 22.2 x 14.8 = area of 329 mm2. As you can see, a dSLR has at least 11.5 times *more* sensor area to collect light than a typical P&S camera.

The second reason dSLR cameras are better at low-light & night photography is that you have the option of switching lenses, and using lenses that specifically have larger apertures. Larger apertures allow more light into your camera, which is important in low-light photography. As you delve more into photography, you'll learn about the concept of aperture, and how larger apertures (small f-numbers) allow more light into your camera.

I'll go ahead and address your other requirements:

You mention that you don't want to change lenses, but by definition, dSLR cameras give you the option of changing lenses. You can certainly use the "kit" lens that comes with your dSLR, and I'm sure that a lot of dSLR owners never venture to change lenses. But if you really want to get better at low-light photography, you'll need to get used to switching lenses so that you *can* use your large-aperture lens for low-light photography.

You mention that you want a camera that's affordable. I guess that's pretty subjective. You can currently buy the Canon T2i (Canon's entry-level dSLR, which came out in Feb 2010) for about $899.99. I'm only familiar with Canon's models, so others will have to chime in about Nikon, Pentax, Sony, etc.

The Canon T2i also allows you to shoot HD video, too. Shooting video with a dSLR is a brand new feature in the past 2 years, and might be somewhat different than what you're used to, but not that hard.

Easy to use? Canon's (and Nikon's) advertisements boast how easy their cameras are to use. You can certainly set the camera to "Auto" mode (ie. set it and forget it), but your pictures will really shine when you learn the basics of photography and venture outside "Auto" mode. Also, "Auto" mode is best at easy, daytime photography. However, as easy as it may be, "Auto" mode really doesn't do well with low-light or night photography.

Whether or not you want to carry a tripod is up to you. I went without a tripod for a few years, and I think I did okay. But if you're looking to take spectacular low-light photography, you will eventually need a tripod. A tripod is most useful for photographing fireworks and low-light *stationary* subjects (ex. Cinderella's Castle at night, Sunset Boulevard at Disney's Hollywood Studios, etc.). A tripod allows you to take long-exposure photos (ie. at least 1/2 second or longer) and still get your photos tack-sharp.

For low-light photography, you *might* need to use longer exposures (ie. slower shutter speeds) to allow more time for light to get into your camera. That's why for longer exposures, you'll eventually need a tripod to prevent shaking / blurring during your multi-second exposures.

Finally, you mentioned that you wanted a camera that's a LOT better than your current camera. Your current ultra-compact P&S camera really isn't ideal for low-light or night photography. For these photos to be "a lot better", you'll have to look into so-called "bridge cameras" (which would probably give you a moderate improvement) or dSLR cameras (which would give you a significant improvement) for low-light photography.

Low-light photography is not just about what camera you have, but it is also dependent on your understanding of photography, too. Go to your local library or bookstore and browse through any Intro to Digital Photography book. Or check out Understanding Exposure by Bryan Peterson (link to Amazon). These books will teach you the basic concepts of photography, like aperture, shutter speed, ISO, etc. I've already hinted at aperture and shutter speed above. Regardless of what camera you have (ex. dSLR, bridge camera, point-and-shoot, etc), these are the concepts you'll need to know for successful low-light photography.

Sorry for the long post. Hope that helps.

 

[ukcatfan]

Sorry, but I do not think that camera exists. There have been some nice things said about some of the new p&s Sonys when it comes to low light (see note below), but I believe that they are all around 3x zoom. I personally think you need to get over your fears of a DSLR and jump right in! As for changing lenses, you can cover almost all needs with two or three lenses. I personally use a basic three lens setup. An 18-55mm, 50-200mm, and a 50mm f/1.4 (for low light). If you decide to check it out, be sure to look at all brands. The Canon and Nikon options are the most popular, but there are very nice options besides them. I personally have a Pentax K-x and love it! It is my second Pentax DSLR.

Note: From what I understand, the Sony applies different levels of ISO and noise reduction to the different areas of the picture. So, the areas needing more ISO end up being a little less detailed and have kind of a smooth look to them. For me, that is not good enough, but you have to make your own decision.

 

[photo_chick]

I'm only gonna touch on low light, since everything else are things you can look at on the specs for the camera, or is a subjective requirement (like affordable and easy to use) that can vary greatly by interpretation.

ISO 1600 on a point and shoot has the same light sensitivity as ISO 1600 on a DSLR. The difference comes down to noise and usable ISO settings. It's not just about the sensor collecting more light. It's also about how ISO sensitivity is achieved and how the size of the sensor effects that. Bigger is generally better, but many, many people are happy with what today's point and shoot offer. What's acceptable is like so many things, subjective.

I also think when it comes to low light people need to keep it in perspective. The average film user used ISO 400 or 800 in their camera. ISO in DSLR's is comparable to ISO in film. A growing number of point and shoots can achieve ISO 3200 with noise comparable to grain in that speed film. Just something to think about when you are seeking out a camera that can shoot in the dark.

 

[rtphokie]

I currently have the Sony T77. I have had it since 2008. I am thinking about getting a new camera I want something that will

Based on your requirements, you are looking for a good point and shoot. If you could share a bit more of how you want to use the camera (what you will be taking photos of, how you will carry it, etc.) and your budget, we might be able to help a bit more.

*take good night/ low light shots and are not blurry.

Look for a camera which allows you to adjust the ISO. A higher ISO means you can take photos in a darker room without a flash. The trade off is digital noise. The solution to digital noise is post processing in your computer with software like NoiseWare Community Edition (it's free, it's an extra step but you wont have to do it with all your photos). Most point and shoot cameras have a night mode which is simply cranking up the ISO and opening the aperture as wide as possible to allow as much light as possible in, but it does it for you.

*Is affordable

This is a bit too subjective for anyone here to help out with much. Did you have a budget in mind?

*Built in video camera

Most manufacturers have put this feature on point and shoots and are starting to do it on dSLRs. It's because they often use the same sensors in their video and still cameras so it's cheap and easy to add it as a feature to still cameras. The quality of the video produced really varies among cameras, even those with the same sensors under the hood. If this is a big requirement for you, you'll need to visit your local store, try them out and compare.

Something to be aware of is that many lower priced cameras produce motion JPEG movies which can create compatibility headaches (uploading to YouTube, importing to Windows Movie Maker, etc.)

If the camera will output HD quality video (many newer ones do), you are more likely to get it in a format like quicktime which you'll have less compatibility problems with.

*Easy to use

*Good zoom

A good zoom generally means an optical zoom. Digital zooms will bring the subject in closer but they do it by cropping the image which reduces its quality.

10x optical, 4x digital zoom good
4x optical, 10x digital zoom bad

*Do not want to be extra lenses.

Sounds like you are looking for a point and shoot rather than an SLR. Just keep an open mind that if you find an SLR that meets your needs (there are some smaller ones) that you dont have to change lenses on it if you dont want to.

*Do not want to carry a tripod around.

Thats up to you. I sounds like you are more interested in snapshots than artistic ones so you can easily go with out it.

*Also I saw these on another thread but have no clue what they mean easy access to exposure compensation, RAW and HDR.??

Unless you plan to venture beyond the preprogrammed modes the camera offers (auto, sports mode, night mode, portrait mode), you wont need to worry about These too much. To answer your question though, RAW is an optional, often manufacturer specific, file format that takes the image straight from the sensor without any in camera sharpening, white balance ect., not as convenient as the JPG files that most cameras produce. Exposure compensation is a feature that allows some finer control over the exposure of a photo beyond what the camera has automatically calculated. HDR (high dynamic range) imaging is an artistic technique where multiple images of the same subject are taken purposefully over exposed and underexposed then combined together to make an image with greater dynamic range. Details which are very dark in a normally exposed photo are visible thanks to the overexposed image and details which are blown out in the normally exposed photo are more detailed thanks to the underexposed image. This is more of an artistic technique. You may see it mentioned alongside bracketing as a feature as it's helpful in creating HDR images.

Another thing to consider is the memory cards used by your current camera. It would be nice for your new camera to use those same cards. Your S77 uses Memory Stick Duo which will limit you to Sony products unfortunately. This would reduce the investment you need to make but it also signifcantly reduces the choices available to you. Also its got to be said that which there have been incredible advances in the quality of even low priced digital cameras, you still get what you pay for.

All that being said, Canon, Sony and Nikon have some point and shoot cameras that might fit your needs. The links below might help you decide.

• Canon Camera Advisor
• Nikon Coolpix series
• dpreview.com has an excellent feature search tool and play with the settings until it starts to narrow things down for you a bit.

 

[disneyfanUSA]

Thanks for al the help so far ...I am not against getting a DSLR I'm just not sure. I also do not care about changing the lenses I just do not want to buy any extra lenses ...I see people buy additional lenses for $500 !!

$400 would be the most I am willing to pay hopefully less. .....

Some of the pictures my T77 takes are great well, compared to my old camera, not compared to pictures other people on this board take those are.... AMAZING!

My old kodak camera never would of been able to capture fireworks...I found firework mode dose not work on my Sony (maybe because I do not use a tripod?) so I use PGM mode (not really sure what it is but it works the best,) for all my pictures it allows me to adjust the ISO and flash.

but there is still some noise (Is that what it's called?)

And these pictures of the castle and osborne lights would have been a total blur with my old Kodak

Now here are some pictures I am not happy with and would like a camera that improve how they come out..I know the above pictures could use improvment too.

The colorig always seems off for inside pictures like this:

So all in all I don't have a preference of point and shoot or DSLR I just want to buy a camera that will take nice pictures. Maybe there is any older model DSLR camera that still takes great picture but I can still afford? Perhaps something refurbished? Is that a bad idea?

 

[ukcatfan]

It looks like you would benefit the most from learning about white balance and using a tripod/monopod. A tripod is pretty much a must for fireworks. Here are some of my ideas on your shots you posted.

GF tree:
You were too far away for a flash to help and with the low light you would probably need a monopod at least so you can use a slow shutter speed without blurring. You also need a custom WB or use RAW to set it after the fact.

Dock picture (Boardwalk?):
A tripod would be a must. A monopod would not be enough.

On the last four shots:
The WB is tough to get on these because the WB is different for the subject and background. The flash is lighting your subject and the camera set the WB to match that. The background is lit by the surrounding lighting which has a different colr temperature than the flash. That is why they do not match. The only way to fix this is by not using a flash or in post processing. Using RAW would help.

 

[photo_chick]

What I'm seeing in the images you are unhappy with are user issues mostly. You will run into similar problems with just about any camera unless you learn more about photography.

 

[Altair]

*Also I saw these on another thread but have no clue what they mean easy access to exposure compensation

Your camera is capable of +/-2 EV of exposure compensastion. In low light situations you can tell the camera to increase exposure by up to 2 stops. In bright situations you can decrease exposure by up to 2 stops. Both can be changed in 1/3 stop increments.

Most of the things you list, your camera should already be able to do. You just need to learn how to tell it to do it.

 

[disneyfanUSA]

Thanks for the help every one I found I camera I might be interested in getting

here is the link

http://www.bestbuy.com/site/Nikon+-...d=1158323379076&skuId=8139169#tabbed-customer reviews

The reviews on the website seem VERY good! It is also affordable!!

One thing I am confused about is it says it has only 6.1 mp while my Sony has 10.1 mp. What does that mean?

Sorry for all the questions that probably seem dumb, but I would really like to get a good camera before DS graduation on the 24Th. I know my camera now would not be take good pictures in the low light.

 

[ukcatfan]

The D40, like any DSLR, is a nice camera. The only problem is that it is getting a little old. For only $100 more you can get a current model. If you go with a DSLR, you have to think a little more than just getting the cheapest one. There are many more considerations that you need to think about. As for the 6MP vs. 10MP, it is like apples to oranges. A MP from a DSLR is a higher quality one than one from a p&s. My first DSLR was 6MP and I never felt like it held me back. It is because the larger sensor on a DSLR is able to capture more detail and the lenses on them are also better at capturing the light.

Speaking of lenses, remember that the kit lens on almost all DSLRs are only around a 3x. You might want to consider something in a two lens kit such as an 18-55mm and a 50-200mm. That gives you 18-200mm, which in zoom terms is around 11x. Adding the second lens is going to add at least another $100 to the total price. Check out Adorama, B&H, and Buydig. They are all reputable online stores.

 

[photo_chick]

I would not buy the D40 at that price. Like said above, you're not saving that much and it's an old model. It's only $100 more for the Rebel XS, which is a bit newer.

But you can't let price be the bottom line with a DSLR. You need to go to the store and hold the cameras to see which one fits in your hands well. Make sure the controls are easily accessible to you. This is a size able investment for most people and you need to make sure it fits you.

And if you're looking at a DSLR factor in the cost for any additional lenses you will want, as well as memory cards and extra batteries. That can easily add a few hundred dollars to your total. You're not just buying a camera, you're buying a system. Unfortunately affordable and DSLR rarely go together.

 

[ukcatfan]

I would not buy the D40 at that price. Like said above, you're not saving that much and it's an old model. It's only $100 more for the Rebel XS, which is a bit newer.

But you can't let price be the bottom line with a DSLR. You need to go to the store and hold the cameras to see which one fits in your hands well. Make sure the controls are easily accessible to you. This is a size able investment for most people and you need to make sure it fits you.

And if you're looking at a DSLR factor in the cost for any additional lenses you will want, as well as memory cards and extra batteries. That can easily add a few hundred dollars to your total. You're not just buying a camera, you're buying a system. Unfortunately affordable and DSLR rarely go together.

Agree, but I was thinking the Pentax K-x instead of the XS Same price for a lot more camera. Just sayin'

 

[disneyfanUSA]

Agree, but I was thinking the Pentax K-x instead of the XS Same price for a lot more camera. Just sayin'

I like the looks of this camera it seems good! I like that it had a HD video camera built in! Have you used it is it good? I could probaly get the camera now but might have to wait before I get another lens how would the camera fair without it the 11x? Is the 3x really bad?

 

[ukcatfan]

I like the looks of this camera it seems good! I like that it had a HD video camera built in! Have you used it is it good? I could probaly get the camera now but might have to wait before I get another lens how would the camera fair without it the 11x? Is the 3x really bad?

I have not used the video too much, but have used it for a middle school band concert and I was pleased. I have also used it a couple times just messing around with the kids. You have to use a decent speed card though. My Kingston DSHC Class 6 works just fine, but all my Class 4 cards only allow two minutes at a time. As for the batteries mentioned earlier, the K-x uses AAs, so it is less expensive to get rechargeables and you can always find disposables in a pinch.

I cannot answer if you need the extra lens or not. It all depends on how close you can get to the action. I do not use mine very often, but I am glad I have it. The benefit of buying it in the two lens kit is that it is cheaper than buying it alone. You can however pick one up used for cheaper than retail. The real nice thing about Pentax is that you can use any old Pentax K mount lens ever made going back decades. Check out the used lens departments at Adorama, B&H, and KEH where you can pick up a lower quality telephoto lens for pretty cheap. I bought one for only $30 when I first got my old K100D. It was not the best lens, but that is relatively speaking. The quality out of it still beat a p&s camera.

 

[photo_chick]

Agree, but I was thinking the Pentax K-x instead of the XS Same price for a lot more camera. Just sayin'

Good point. The Pentax does give you more for your money between those two.

Also with the Pentax they make an adapter to let you use the old screw mount (M-42) lenses that Pentax used before they adopted the K mount.

 

[ukcatfan]

I like the looks of this camera it seems good! I like that it had a HD video camera built in! Have you used it is it good? I could probaly get the camera now but might have to wait before I get another lens how would the camera fair without it the 11x? Is the 3x really bad?

One last thing to consider about the K-x two lens kit. If you get that kit, you get a black camera and lenses. If you go with the standard one lens kit, you can chose from black, white, red, or navy. Or directly from Pentax (i.e. regular retail $) you can also pick blue, green, orange, or purple.

 

[Daisy14'sDH]

Ukcatfan, could this be another future Pentaxian? I didn't want to put my 2 cents in and try to steer another P&S user to the light... but what the heck... the Kx rocks! woot woot! <insert frat boy photo here>

In all seriousness For the price point its a great place to start.

 

[disneyfanUSA]

Does this seem like a good deal?

http://www.adorama.com/Als/ProductPage/IPXKXBK2A.html

Is there a thread of pictures that where taken with this camera I would?

Would shots of fantasmic come out with this camera I have never been able to before and would like too.