Looking For New Camera. Please help

[Eaglefan9727]

Hi Fellow Dis-board Forum Members,

At this moment, I am just starting to look for a new camera for the new year. The camera that I have right now is a "Sony DSC H20" which I have had since 2008. Here is a link to the camera that I have right now via amazon

http://www.amazon.com/Sony-Cyber-sh...8&qid=1383874139&sr=8-1&keywords=Sony+DSC+H20

At this moment, I am looking at 6 different cameras and I want some opinions from others to help me with my best of choice of cameras or atleast narrow it down to only a couple of them.

Here are the choices that I am looking at for the new camera

#1) Sony A3000 Interchangeable Lens Digital 20.1MP Camera with 18-55mm Lens

http://www.amazon.com/Sony-Intercha...TF8&qid=1383875217&sr=8-2&keywords=sony+alpha

#2) Nikon COOLPIX L820 16 MP CMOS Digital Camera with 30x Zoom Lens and Full HD 1080p Video

http://www.amazon.com/Nikon-COOLPIX...?ie=UTF8&qid=1383874381&sr=8-1&keywords=Nikon

#3) Nikon COOLPIX L810 16.1 MP Digital Camera with 26x Zoom NIKKOR ED Glass Lens and 3-inch LCD (Black)

http://www.amazon.com/Nikon-COOLPIX...?ie=UTF8&qid=1383874535&sr=8-3&keywords=nikon

#4) Canon PowerShot SX510 HS 12.1 MP CMOS Digital Camera with 30x Optical Zoom and 1080p Full-HD Video

http://www.amazon.com/Canon-PowerSh...&qid=1383874596&sr=8-2&keywords=cannon+camera

# 5) Canon EOS Rebel T3 12.2 MP CMOS Digital SLR with 18-55mm IS II Lens and EOS HD Movie Mode (Black)

http://www.amazon.com/Canon-Rebel-T...&qid=1383874894&sr=8-3&keywords=cannon+camera

#6) Canon PowerShot SX500 IS 16.0 MP Digital Camera with 30x Wide-Angle Optical Image Stabilized Zoom and 3.0-Inch LCD (Black)

http://www.amazon.com/Canon-PowerSh...&qid=1383875066&sr=8-5&keywords=cannon+camera

I am just looking for a camera that will take great shots in great detail and is very good at night shots. I rarely shoot video on the camera as I have a video cam for video shooting. However, The zoom feature is one feature that I really want in a cam. Anyways, Here is 1 day shot and 1 night shot from the camera that I have right now which is a Sony DSC H20 and I would like to get better shots than the shots that I am posting.





If anyone can give me some advice/opinions. It would be appreciated. Thanks in advance.

Eaglefan

 

[havoc315]

Fireworks shots require a tripod, not a really a better camera.

You have a very broad diverse list there. Very very different camera.

The single biggest differentiating factor between cameras is one that the manufacturers so t usually make obvious -- it's not the megapixels or the zoom, it's the sensor size.

With a few exceptions-- point and shoots use tiny sensors giving mediocre image quality and poor low light performance. They may have a massive zoom, because it's cheap and easy to put a massive zoom on a small sensor. Most of the cameras you mentioned are tiny sensor cameras.

You also mentioned the Canon t3 and Sony a3000. Both these cameras use MUCH larger sensors than a point and shoot -- a APS-C sensor. Those included lenses you mentioned don't give much telephoto reach -- they are 3x lenses. Because it's hard and expensive and heavy to put a big telephoto zoom on a large sensor camera. But those large sensors give you better image quality and better low light performance. Especially if paired with an upgraded lens.

You also mentioned the Sony a37 in another thread, which I think is a much better camera than the A3000 or the Canon T3.

The Canon T3 is a traditional dSLR. Uses a mirror to reflect the image into an optical viewfinder. The mirror flips when you take the image. It's a somewhat older camera, but vastly superior to most p&s cameras.

The Sony a3000 was designed to look like a dSLR. Similar body. The sensor is the same size and type you find in a dSLR. But there is no mirror. The image comes into the camera, and is processed onto an electronic viewfinder. Since there is no mirror, it also relies on a slower autofocus system. But lack of a mirror also has some advantages. Image quality is indeed very good on the a3000.

The a37 fits between traditional dSLR and mirrorless. There is a mirror, but it's translucent so it never flips. The mirror exists just to allow for superior dSLR autofocus. But like a mirrorless, the image is processed into an electronic viewfinder instead of optical. As a result also, it has " live view " superior to a dSLR.
The Canon T3 works great if you use the viewfinder -- but focus becomes horrible if you switch to the LCD screen. On the A37, focus is great and you can seamlessly switch between the LCD and the viewfinder. But some people hate electronic viewfinders.

So you need to ask yourself what size sensor do you want. Do you want the ability to change lenses to add functionality to the camera.

 

[Eaglefan9727]

Fireworks shots require a tripod, not a really a better camera.

You have a very broad diverse list there. Very very different camera.

The single biggest differentiating factor between cameras is one that the manufacturers so t usually make obvious -- it's not the megapixels or the zoom, it's the sensor size.

With a few exceptions-- point and shoots use tiny sensors giving mediocre image quality and poor low light performance. They may have a massive zoom, because it's cheap and easy to put a massive zoom on a small sensor. Most of the cameras you mentioned are tiny sensor cameras.

You also mentioned the Canon t3 and Sony a3000. Both these cameras use MUCH larger sensors than a point and shoot -- a APS-C sensor. Those included lenses you mentioned don't give much telephoto reach -- they are 3x lenses. Because it's hard and expensive and heavy to put a big telephoto zoom on a large sensor camera. But those large sensors give you better image quality and better low light performance. Especially if paired with an upgraded lens.

You also mentioned the Sony a37 in another thread, which I think is a much better camera than the A3000 or the Canon T3.

The Canon T3 is a traditional dSLR. Uses a mirror to reflect the image into an optical viewfinder. The mirror flips when you take the image. It's a somewhat older camera, but vastly superior to most p&s cameras.

The Sony a3000 was designed to look like a dSLR. Similar body. The sensor is the same size and type you find in a dSLR. But there is no mirror. The image comes into the camera, and is processed onto an electronic viewfinder. Since there is no mirror, it also relies on a slower autofocus system. But lack of a mirror also has some advantages. Image quality is indeed very good on the a3000.

The a37 fits between traditional dSLR and mirrorless. There is a mirror, but it's translucent so it never flips. The mirror exists just to allow for superior dSLR autofocus. But like a mirrorless, the image is processed into an electronic viewfinder instead of optical. As a result also, it has " live view " superior to a dSLR.
The Canon T3 works great if you use the viewfinder -- but focus becomes horrible if you switch to the LCD screen. On the A37, focus is great and you can seamlessly switch between the LCD and the viewfinder. But some people hate electronic viewfinders.

So you need to ask yourself what size sensor do you want. Do you want the ability to change lenses to add functionality to the camera.

A lot of info to take in. As for your question about wanting the ability to change lenses to add functionality to the camera. The answer to that question is no. Maybe, Down the road, I might be interested in changing lenses to add functionality to the camera, But at this time. I have no interest in doing so. I am just more interested in getting better quality shots than the camera that I have right now and the ability to shoot a little better with night shots.

The question is. How big of a difference is the Canon T3 from the Sony DSC H20 that I have right now. Would I be able to tell right away how much better quality shots are with the Canon T3?

 

[jewood1234]

You might want to take a look at the Sony RX100 from what you're saying about zoom, lens changing, and performance. It's a new type of camera with great performance from what I hear.

I use a micro 4/3 system and am a big fan....but it sounds like it may be more lens changing than you're looking for unless you look at a 14-150 or similar.

Good luck!

 

[wiigirl]

The Canon T3 is a traditional dSLR. Uses a mirror to reflect the image into an optical viewfinder. The mirror flips when you take the image. It's a somewhat older camera, but vastly superior to most p&s cameras.

.

 

[Eaglefan9727]

You might want to take a look at the Sony RX100 from what you're saying about zoom, lens changing, and performance. It's a new type of camera with great performance from what I hear.

I use a micro 4/3 system and am a big fan....but it sounds like it may be more lens changing than you're looking for unless you look at a 14-150 or similar.

Good luck!

The Sony RX100 on Amazon is $748 which is almost double the amount that I want to spend on a new camera. While I am willing to spend $400 to $450 for the right camera. I would rather be somewhere in the $300 price range for the camera.

 

[Animagic!]

The Sony RX100 on Amazon is $748 which is almost double the amount that I want to spend on a new camera. While I am willing to spend $400 to $450 for the right camera. I would rather be somewhere in the $300 price range for the camera.

I mentioned this on the Sony Alpha thread but this camera should meet your needs and budget:

http://www.amazon.com/Sony-NEX-3NL-Compact-Interchangeable-Digital/dp/B00BF9MUAS/ref=sr_1_2?s=electronics&ie=UTF8&qid=1383886649&sr=1-2&keywords=sony%20nex&tag=vglnkc5948-20

 

[Daisy14'sDH]

The Sony RX100 on Amazon is $748 which is almost double the amount that I want to spend on a new camera. While I am willing to spend $400 to $450 for the right camera. I would rather be somewhere in the $300 price range for the camera.

At your budget, you will have to sacrifice either: not willing to change lenses or achieve Night or Dark Images

Maybe in a few more years the technology will met your budget, but not yet fellow Disser....

 

[Eaglefan9727]

I mentioned this on the Sony Alpha thread but this camera should meet your needs and budget:

http://www.amazon.com/Sony-NEX-3NL-Compact-Interchangeable-Digital/dp/B00BF9MUAS/ref=sr_1_2?s=electronics&ie=UTF8&qid=1383886649&sr=1-2&keywords=sony%20nex&tag=vglnkc5948-20

Thanks for the link, But I am on the page right now and I am trying to find what the zoom on the camera is as my old camera is 10x. I know it can use a extra Lens, But I am just trying to figure what the zoom is on just out of the box. It has to be greater than the one that I have on my camera right now as I use the zoom a lot.

OK, I will just make this a lot easier of the requirements that I am looking for a camera and they are as follows:

1) While I am willing to spend $400 to $450 for the right camera (If needed). I would rather be somewhere in the $300 to $400 price range for the camera.

2) Better quality higher resolution shots for day time and night time shots than the Cybershot Sony DSC H20 that I have right now (See my shots from the Cybershot Sony DSC H20 above).

3) A zoom that is more than 10x which is on my camera that I have right now.

4) Anti-Motion Blur mode or should I say a good camera for motion shots like taking pictures of roller coasters, auto racing, and so forth.

5) Video is really NOT a big thing needed for the camera as I will shoot very little video from the camera itself.

 

[hakepb]

I mentioned this on the Sony Alpha thread but this camera should meet your needs and budget:

http://www.amazon.com/Sony-NEX-3NL-Compact-Interchangeable-Digital/dp/B00BF9MUAS/ref=sr_1_2?s=electronics&ie=UTF8&qid=1383886649&sr=1-2&keywords=sony%20nex&tag=vglnkc5948-20

Yes, I think I would prefer the NEX3N over the a3000, too. While the a3000 might have a tiny edge in IQ with its 20mp sensor, it sounds like the super cheap a3000 EFV and LCD screen are a often a big negative in usuability.

On the Canon side, I'd try to get a T3i over the plain T3
Or, if you are OK with the kit zoom, the EOS M is a cheap way to get T4i image quality for a T3 price..(it is a different system than the DSLr)
http://www.buydig.com/shop/product.aspx?sdtid=6389088&sku=cneosmdeluxe&ref=cj&fullsite=1

 

[hakepb]

FYI 10x is a really bad comparison term in photography.

Your H20 had a 38-380mm equivalent zoom. Now, most cameras start at a wider-angle 24 or 28mm. So a modern 10x camera might only zoom to 240mm , which is only 6x on your H20.

For race cars, you either need really expensive equipment, or you can learn technique with lesser equipment. Capturing a moving race car as it passes by a stationary camera is very difficult. Capturing a moving race car when you pan the camera with the race car can be done with lesser equipment. (Like my dad with his old manual focus film camera)

 

[Eaglefan9727]

FYI 10x is a really bad comparison term in photography.

Your H20 had a 38-380mm equivalent zoom. Now, most cameras start at a wider-angle 24 or 28mm. So a modern 10x camera might only zoom to 240mm , which is only 6x on your H20.

For race cars, you either need really expensive equipment, or you can learn technique with lesser equipment. Capturing a moving race car as it passes by a stationary camera is very difficult. Capturing a moving race car when you pan the camera with the race car can be done with lesser equipment. (Like my dad with his old manual focus film camera)

Here are a few racing shots from Long Beach Grand Prix from 2011 using the camera that I have right now. Every shot except the last shot was taken at 140 MPH plus. The shots aren't that bad, But could be slightly better in my opinion.

 

[havoc315]

A lot of info to take in. As for your question about wanting the ability to change lenses to add functionality to the camera. The answer to that question is no. Maybe, Down the road, I might be interested in changing lenses to add functionality to the camera, But at this time. I have no interest in doing so. I am just more interested in getting better quality shots than the camera that I have right now and the ability to shoot a little better with night shots.

The question is. How big of a difference is the Canon T3 from the Sony DSC H20 that I have right now. Would I be able to tell right away how much better quality shots are with the Canon T3?

Again, it's sensor size. The T3 has a massive sensor compared to the H20. I believe it's about 10x the surface area.

Thus, it has the potential for vastly superior image quality. Whether you immediately see a difference depends on various factors including what lens you use (the T3 is interchangeable lens), the lighting conditions, your skill as a photographer, etc. Under ideal circumstances, an iPhone photograph can be indistinguishable from a $10,000 camera. But under more challenging circumstances, the better camera produces better quality.

Here is a good article laying out sensor size differences:

http://www.gizmag.com/camera-sensor-size-guide/26684/

 

[havoc315]

The Sony RX100 on Amazon is $748 which is almost double the amount that I want to spend on a new camera. While I am willing to spend $400 to $450 for the right camera. I would rather be somewhere in the $300 price range for the camera.

You can get a used Rx100 (first edition) around that price range. The image quality and low light performance is better than any of the cameras you mentioned.

 

[havoc315]

Thanks for the link, But I am on the page right now and I am trying to find what the zoom on the camera is as my old camera is 10x. I know it can use a extra Lens, But I am just trying to figure what the zoom is on just out of the box. It has to be greater than the one that I have on my camera right now as I use the zoom a lot.

OK, I will just make this a lot easier of the requirements that I am looking for a camera and they are as follows:

1) While I am willing to spend $400 to $450 for the right camera (If needed). I would rather be somewhere in the $300 to $400 price range for the camera.

2) Better quality higher resolution shots for day time and night time shots than the Cybershot Sony DSC H20 that I have right now (See my shots from the Cybershot Sony DSC H20 above).

3) A zoom that is more than 10x which is on my camera that I have right now.

4) Anti-Motion Blur mode or should I say a good camera for motion shots like taking pictures of roller coasters, auto racing, and so forth.

5) Video is really NOT a big thing needed for the camera as I will shoot very little video from the camera itself.

Going backwards --5--- all cameras have pretty good video now. Whether you use it or not, it's there.
4-- action shots are not about "anti-motion blur mode" -- they are about fast autofocus and fast shutter speeds. DSLRs excel here, such as the T3 and Sony A37.

3 & 2 are mutually exclusive in your price range. You mention the T3 and Sony a3000 with kit lenses. Those lenses are 3x zoom. I assume in 2, you mean better image quality and not simply more megapixels. Small sensor cameras will give you similar quality to what you already get. If you want to move up in image quality and low light, you need to move up in sensor size and/or lens quality.

1-- price range. You can expand your choices by looking in the used market. As mentioned, the rx100 can fall around that range and it is arguably better than any of the cameras you listed. The ideal camera for you is actually the rx10, though it's only about 8x zoom and runs $1300. But it fits your requirements the best.

 

[Eaglefan9727]

OK, I will just get down to the point and see if I can get my point across, So others can understand what I am looking for in a camera.

I am just really looking for a camera that I can get that can give me better image quality shots in the long run during the day and night. Please note that most of my shooting is done during the day. I would say about 99.5% of my shooting during the year is daytime shooting. And out of that, I would say that about 80 to 85% of that shooting is railroad related shooting. The camera that I will end up getting is a camera that I will be shooting pretty much right out of the box with no extra lens from the get go as I wouldn't be able to afford any extra lens for the camera after I spend the money on the new camera. Down the road, I might look at different lens for the camera, But not for a while. The camera that I use right now. I do a lot of zooming in with the pictures, So the camera that I decide to get has to have better than a 10x optical zoom which is on my Sony Cybershot. So the key factors on the new camera is better image quality, better than 10x optical zoom, fast autofocus and fast shutter speeds, the option to get different lens when and if I decide to go down that avenue, and the price factor.

As for buying used cameras. I have no desire to go down that avenue as when I make a purchase of this kind. I only want my stuff to be new and not someone else's problem and headaches, So there is no point in discussing the possibility of buying used cameras at all.

From looking through the whole thread. It seems like it is down to 3 cameras for the price range that I am looking at and they are as follows:

1) Sony A3000 Interchangeable Lens Digital 20.1MP Camera with 18-55mm Lens

2) Canon EOS Rebel T3 12.2 MP CMOS Digital SLR with 18-55mm IS II Lens and EOS HD Movie Mode

3) Sony NEX-3NL/W Compact Interchangeable Lens Digital Camera Kit

With those 3 cameras I mentioned above. Here are the important questions that need to be answered. Question #4 is the least important out of the 4 questions as questions #1,2, and 3 are very important for what I am looking for in a camera.

1) Can ALL of these cameras give me a better image quality for the shots that I am interested in right out of the box?

2) Do ALL of these cameras have better than a 10x optical zoom right out of the box?

3) Do ALL cameras give me a better fast autofocus and fast shutter speeds compared to my current camera right out of the box?

4) And do ALL of these cameras give me a option to get different lens when and if I decide to go down that avenue at some point in the future.

Right now, I am leaning toward the Canon EOS Rebel T3 12.2 MP CMOS Digital SLR with 18-55mm IS II Lens and EOS HD Movie Mode

 

[Daisy14'sDH]

Reading through the thread a few members answered those questions for you already.

1) Yes they are more than capable but its up to the user to maximize its potential

2)Zoom is relative to sensor size, so yes they can achieve your 10x goal with the purchase of a different lens which of course answers your 4th question.

3) They should focus faster, they could have faster glass depending on the lens you use.


Read the information provided in the links that have been posted, they should give you all the info you need and answer all your questions. If that doesn't work google is your friend. Also check out DP review, pretty techy but informative

 

[havoc315]

OK, I will just get down to the point and see if I can get my point across, So others can understand what I am looking for in a camera.

I am just really looking for a camera that I can get that can give me better image quality shots in the long run during the day and night. Please note that most of my shooting is done during the day. I would say about 99.5% of my shooting during the year is daytime shooting. And out of that, I would say that about 80 to 85% of that shooting is railroad related shooting. The camera that I will end up getting is a camera that I will be shooting pretty much right out of the box with no extra lens from the get go as I wouldn't be able to afford any extra lens for the camera after I spend the money on the new camera. Down the road, I might look at different lens for the camera, But not for a while. The camera that I use right now. I do a lot of zooming in with the pictures, So the camera that I decide to get has to have better than a 10x optical zoom which is on my Sony Cybershot. So the key factors on the new camera is better image quality, better than 10x optical zoom, fast autofocus and fast shutter speeds, the option to get different lens when and if I decide to go down that avenue, and the price factor.

As for buying used cameras. I have no desire to go down that avenue as when I make a purchase of this kind. I only want my stuff to be new and not someone else's problem and headaches, So there is no point in discussing the possibility of buying used cameras at all.

From looking through the whole thread. It seems like it is down to 3 cameras for the price range that I am looking at and they are as follows:

1) Sony A3000 Interchangeable Lens Digital 20.1MP Camera with 18-55mm Lens

2) Canon EOS Rebel T3 12.2 MP CMOS Digital SLR with 18-55mm IS II Lens and EOS HD Movie Mode

3) Sony NEX-3NL/W Compact Interchangeable Lens Digital Camera Kit

With those 3 cameras I mentioned above. Here are the important questions that need to be answered. Question #4 is the least important out of the 4 questions as questions #1,2, and 3 are very important for what I am looking for in a camera.

1) Can ALL of these cameras give me a better image quality for the shots that I am interested in right out of the box?

2) Do ALL of these cameras have better than a 10x optical zoom right out of the box?

3) Do ALL cameras give me a better fast autofocus and fast shutter speeds compared to my current camera right out of the box?

4) And do ALL of these cameras give me a option to get different lens when and if I decide to go down that avenue at some point in the future.

Right now, I am leaning toward the Canon EOS Rebel T3 12.2 MP CMOS Digital SLR with 18-55mm IS II Lens and EOS HD Movie Mode

1, 3, and 4 -- yes.
2-- no. The kit lenses are 3x zoom.

 

[hakepb]

If you do not mind a 2 lens solution, you might be able to score a deal with the T3 with the kit lens and the 50-250mm lens. (Everyone says to avoid the 70-300)

It's too bad the new Olympus Stylus 1 is above your price range:
http://www.dpreview.com/previews/olympus-stylus-1

And if you need more zoom than the RX100, and really, really do not want a 2 lens solution, I'd probably check out the Panasonic FZ200
http://www.dpreview.com/reviews/panasonic-lumix-dmc-fz200

And then possibly the Fuji F900 EXR
http://www.dpreview.com/news/2013/01/30/Fujifilm-announces-WIFi-enabled-F900EXR

 

[havoc315]

If you do not mind a 2 lens solution, you might be able to score a deal with the T3 with the kit lens and the 50-250mm lens. (Everyone says to avoid the 70-300)

It's too bad the new Olympus Stylus 1 is above your price range:
http://www.dpreview.com/previews/olympus-stylus-1

And if you need more zoom than the RX100, and really, really do not want a 2 lens solution, I'd probably check out the Panasonic FZ200
http://www.dpreview.com/reviews/panasonic-lumix-dmc-fz200

And then possibly the Fuji F900 EXR
http://www.dpreview.com/news/2013/01/30/Fujifilm-announces-WIFi-enabled-F900EXR

The FZ200 is a mixed bag. Plenty of users do love it. It may be the best superzoom under $1000. But when it comes down to nuts and bolts, it's still a small-sensor camera, with all the drawbacks of a small sensor camera. The fixed aperture lens gives it a definite advantage over other small sensor cameras. But it won't give the other advantages you get with a larger sensor, with better focus systems, etc.

I've heard some bad things about the ergonomics and execution of the Sony A3000 -- But it's still an APS-C sensor sized camera. Contrast detect AF as opposed to the phase detection of a true dSLR. Amazon has a bundle of the 18-55 lens and the 55-210 lens. Effectively, by combining these 2 lens, it is 11x zoom. (18-210 covered). The bundle price is $500.
So $500 for an APS-C sensor camera combined with 18-210 lenses for $500 is a pretty goo deal.

Comparing the Canon T3 and Sony A3000..... tough choice. The Canon T3 is a true dSLR... probably better ergonomics, and it has phase detection AF.
The A3000 has the slower auto focus, but it is much newer. Much higher resolution sensor. The A3000 has a higher ISO range, which will allow faster shutter speeds and better low light photography. And the A3000 allows features like panorama and HDR, which are absent from the older T3.
I might lean towards the A3000... but not by much. In that price range, personally, I'd be looking for a used or discontinued dSLR/SLT like the Sony A57.... In a heartbeat, I'd take a used A57 over a new T3 or A3000.