Digital Cameras - Something Good $500 or Less??

[SharpMomOfTwo]

Hey all - DH and I are looking to get a new digital camera, but we don't want to spend more than $500. What are you suggestions? I'm looking at the Sony DSLR-A200 but DH thinks its to much - what do you think? We are looking to use it for Disney, and every day things.


TIA!

 

[Pea-n-Me]

I'm looking at the Sony DSLR-A200 but DH thinks its to much - what do you think?

What do you mean too much? Too much money? Too much camera for what you think you need? Beyond your skill level? Too much to handle with two young children in tow?

Have you ever used an SLR before, and if not, do you want to learn how? Does carrying around lots of gear and changing lenses, etc, bother you? Or would you rather keep it simple and have something that fits in your purse or pocket?

Need a little more information.

 

[vanillarum]

I have a Canon SD700IS that is great. Takes great pictures, is easy to use, and small enuf to keep in your pocket. Good luck.

 

[SharpMomOfTwo]

What do you mean too much? Too much money? Too much camera for what you think you need? Beyond your skill level? Too much to handle with two young children in tow?

Have you ever used an SLR before, and if not, do you want to learn how? Does carrying around lots of gear and changing lenses, etc, bother you? Or would you rather keep it simple and have something that fits in your purse or pocket?

Need a little more information.

OK, I'll try to answer your questions as well as I can!!
By "to much" I mean to advanced. Right now we just have a point and shoot, but I want something a bit better. From what I've seen in the Sony is that it has a very nice, very large lense that just stays there. I like the size of the lense, and I like that fact that you don't have to take it off, because yes, I will be with two kids, and the less I have to do the better!

TIA!
Sarah

 

[Pea-n-Me]

SharpMom, I'm confused, because with the Sony DSLR, the lenses are interchangable. You'd need different lenses for different things.

Maybe you're talking about the Sony bridge camera? Can you post a link of the one you like?

 

[thomas998]

It wouldn't be too much for you... to start with you would likely use full auto-mode and then as you became comfortable start tweaking things with the other modes.

I would only suggest that if you go for the A200 that you consider either getting the package deal that comes with two lenses or be prepared to buy an additional lens on your own.. if money weren't an object I would say get the body only and then buy a 18-250mm lense to go with it and call it a day.. but those lenses are over $500 so you might find it more budget friendly to start with the body and kit lens and then maybe add a additional zoom lens.. don't forget that you can use older minolta autofocus lenses with the sony and they are fairly cheap on ebay compared to similar nikon and canon lenses.

At the end of the day you would likely wonder why you ever suffered with a point and shoot camera.

 

[Pea-n-Me]

I really think she was talking about the bridge camera.

From what I've seen in the Sony is that it has a very nice, very large lense that just stays there. I like the size of the lense, and I like that fact that you don't have to take it off, because yes, I will be with two kids, and the less I have to do the better!

 

[PhotobearSam]

If you are looking for a bridge camera than I highly recommend the Canon S5IS...AWESOME.

 

[Rob_Drebel]

If you are talking the Sony camera, that is the Sony H50. It is a 15x optical zoom with a 3" tilting screen. I bought one in early June and like it a lot. I also have a DSLR, but there are time that I just do not want to carry 4 lenses (to get a range close to the Sony).
Most major manufacturers offer a 'bridge' camera where most are 12x to 20x (New Canon is 20X).
Some will point out that the Sony uses it's own custom memory type which does cost more, but memory prices have dropped so low, it really is not an issue anymore.
I found that the Sony offered a lot of little extras that were nice and the cost was in the same range as the Canon and Nikon. There slideshot on camera is the nicest I have seen as well as the 3" inch screen to see what I am shooting.
Good luck in you choice.

 

[Frantasmic]

Target had the Rebel XT with a lens for $350 yesterday. I know it is last year's camera; still, I couldn't believe the price.

 

[SharpMomOfTwo]

If you are looking for a bridge camera than I highly recommend the Canon S5IS...AWESOME.

Oooh, I think thats the one DH has been looking at. We went to look at it at Circut City, but no one there could help us - they really need to hire people that know something about cameras!!!