Camera Shopping

[tcoopman]

Hi experts,

I'm looking for a new camera and I wanted to ask your advice. (I did check out the point and shoot thread linked in the sticky post but that info seemed a few year old...so here I am.)

All recommendations appreciated...here is some info to go on:

1. I'd classify myself as a beginner...although I was a yearbook photographer for my high school...20 odd years ago. So, yeah, beginner. I'd make good use of a full auto mode, I think.

2. I'm not necessarily trying to make fine art but I'd love to be able to take some frameable photos.

3. I'm looking for a point and shoot camera. With my old camera, I have to hold the button down a bit for the picture to finally be taken...I hate that. I want to push the button and take the picture.

4. I'm looking for one camera to use on my trips...particularly WDW trips. So that means daytime, nighttime, all the time. So good in all kinds of light and movement and stuff. (yeah, I'm a newb, not even trying to hide it)

5. I'm looking for something that will fit comfortable in a pocket...so something compact.

6. My budget is $200 or less.

I am currently considering a Panasonic Lumix SZ1 and a Nikon Coolpix P310 but I am not married to either of those choices and may have eliminated or not considered others out of ignorance.

Thanks in advance for your help!

 

[havoc315]

Hi experts,

I'm looking for a new camera and I wanted to ask your advice. (I did check out the point and shoot thread linked in the sticky post but that info seemed a few year old...so here I am.)

All recommendations appreciated...here is some info to go on:

1. I'd classify myself as a beginner...although I was a yearbook photographer for my high school...20 odd years ago. So, yeah, beginner. I'd make good use of a full auto mode, I think.

2. I'm not necessarily trying to make fine art but I'd love to be able to take some frameable photos.

3. I'm looking for a point and shoot camera. With my old camera, I have to hold the button down a bit for the picture to finally be taken...I hate that. I want to push the button and take the picture.

4. I'm looking for one camera to use on my trips...particularly WDW trips. So that means daytime, nighttime, all the time. So good in all kinds of light and movement and stuff. (yeah, I'm a newb, not even trying to hide it)

5. I'm looking for something that will fit comfortable in a pocket...so something compact.

6. My budget is $200 or less.

I am currently considering a Panasonic Lumix SZ1 and a Nikon Coolpix P310 but I am not married to either of those choices and may have eliminated or not considered others out of ignorance.

Thanks in advance for your help!

There are reasons people spend thousands on cameras and lenses. There are some ok cameras for under $200, but none that will excel in all lighting situations with no shutter lag.
I find my iPhone 5 matches or outperforms most sub $200 p&s cameras.

 

[Pic Stitch]

Hi,

I own several camera's from DSLR types [Canon T3i and Sony Nex 6] to P&S [several Sony's, Casio's and Canon's] and other in between. I recently purchased a Sony DSC-TX20 [there is a newer version..TX30, but with that comes an added cost!] The TX20 is waterproof and drop proof to 15 ft and 5 ft, respectively [great for water rides, rainy days and general wear and tear]. It takes very nice shots considering it has such a small sensor and it was reasonable priced on Amazon.com [I think I paid ~$150]. I purchased the Black model, since it was less expensive than the colored versions [Orange and green I believe...however they too were not much over $200].
My daughter wound up taking the camera and she found some very fun modes to work with. And very nice snapshots with it as well! I would say for the amount of money you are looking to spend, just about any known brand name P&S will take reasonably nice pics!

I think the grey area is the low light performance. You would be stuck to using the in camera low light modes [which are not bad for snapshots IMO!] on a P&S, unless you are willing to shell out several hundred for say a Sony RX 100/Mk ii, which has awesome low light abilities, larger sensor, etc.

Good luck in your decision! But I do like the Sony TX20. Hope this helps!

Cheers!

B-

 

[cobright]

This:

A refurb sold at B&H Photo for $229: http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/985198-REF/nikon_27528b_1_j1_mirrorless_digital.html

Or this:

Or This:

Used at www.bhphotovideo.com all for right about $200.

I like that Nikon 1 though.

 

[plumsiren]

This:

A refurb sold at B&H Photo for $229: http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/985198-REF/nikon_27528b_1_j1_mirrorless_digital.html

Or this:

Or This:

Used at www.bhphotovideo.com all for right about $200.

I like that Nikon 1 though.

I have that black Nikon. It's okay, but nothing special. Looking more like a DSLR doesn't make it behave more like one (though I knew that going in; I wanted it for the extra heft because light little p&s cameras annoy me).

 

[cobright]

Its a decent way to get an amazing amount of telephoto. I had the fuji one similar to this and you're right but I wanted to run both ends of the spectrum.

I actually kinda want that nikon 1.

 

[hakepb]

The Nikon p310 is a halfway decent choice with its f/1.8 -4.9 lens. It has a smaller sensor and no RAW like the Canon s110, but its not a bad budget choice for a PnS.

http://www.dpreview.com/reviews/nikon-coolpix-p310

I would definitely rule out the SZ1, I'm not a fan of cheap,tiny 16mp CCD sensors.

But, no one has ever complained about the Nikon J1's speed...it ois really fast with its hybrid phase detect autofocus.

 

[havoc315]

The Nikon p310 is a halfway decent choice with its f/1.8 -4.9 lens. It has a smaller sensor and no RAW like the Canon s110, but its not a bad budget choice for a PnS.

http://www.dpreview.com/reviews/nikon-coolpix-p310

I would definitely rule out the SZ1, I'm not a fan of cheap,tiny 16mp CCD sensors.

But, no one has ever complained about the Nikon J1's speed...it ois really fast with its hybrid phase detect autofocus.

The J1 is supposed to be lightening fast in good light and that was my experience when I played with it. The focus struggles in poor light.

For that price, the J1 is an excellent p&s substitute.

Though great for some shooters who want simplicity, the weird thing about the J1 is the lack of access to manual controls. It is meant to be an "easy" camera.

But yes, for that price, hard to match the iq and performance.

 

[cobright]

I think I read somewhere there is a mount adapter for newer AF-S lenses for the Nikon 1.

 

[hakepb]

I think I read somewhere there is a mount adapter for newer AF-S lenses for the Nikon 1.

http://m.nikonusa.com/en/Nikon-Products/Product/Lens-Adapters/3613/FT1-Mount-Adapter.html

Yes, and at $269, it is cheap compared to Sony's Alpha to NEX adaptor..but still not a great value customer choice...unless you were looking for a super telephoto. A 300mm lens has a 800mm field of view thanks to the J1's 2.7x crop factor.

 

[cobright]

Was just playing with a j3, I gotta see if they updated the v or added a mechanical shutter to the j. I think I would be lost without a viewfinder.

Apoligies, this comment is pure digression. /sigh