New Camera Recommendations??

[DisneyBeagle]

I am looking for a new camera and would appreciate any recommendations you can offer. I currently have a Sony Cyber-shot which is great because it's small enough to fit in my purse or pocket, but I am wanting to buying a camera that will take better pictures. One of the main things I am looking for is a camera that is still easily portable. I know that ALL cameras are portable, but I want something that isn't extremely heavy or require a huge bag to transport it. I am going to be taking a few photography classes in the future, so I would need a camera with manual controls (I think).

I would mainly be taking photos of vacations spots and family get togethers. I am looking to spend around $500 if it's possible to get a decent camera for that amount.

What types of features should I look for?

I am just beginning my quest for a new camera, so any recommendations or websites you can direct me to would be great!

Thanks

 

[Steve's Girl]

I am looking for a new camera and would appreciate any recommendations you can offer. I currently have a Sony Cyber-shot which is great because it's small enough to fit in my purse or pocket, but I am wanting to buying a camera that will take better pictures. One of the main things I am looking for is a camera that is still easily portable. I know that ALL cameras are portable, but I want something that isn't extremely heavy or require a huge bag to transport it. I am going to be taking a few photography classes in the future, so I would need a camera with manual controls (I think).

I would mainly be taking photos of vacations spots and family get togethers. I am looking to spend around $500 if it's possible to get a decent camera for that amount.

What types of features should I look for?

I am just beginning my quest for a new camera, so any recommendations or websites you can direct me to would be great!

Thanks

If you are taking photography classes in the future, I would think that you would want an entry level DSLR. Many point and shoot as well as bridge cameras have some manual controls, but I'm not sure if they will give you everything you need for a photography class. I would recommend reading the course description for the classes you are considering taking to see if an SLR camera is a requirement. However, an SLR camera is not necessarily portable. All brands have an entry DSLR available that is very capable and close to your budget. If you are not looking to go the DSLR route, you will probably want to look at the Canon, Fuji, Nikon, Sony or Panasonic bridge cameras. Just be sure they offer the manual controls you will need for class.

 

[Pea-n-Me]

Many times you can improve your shots with your current camera by improving your knowledge of photography basics. Maybe, if you're going to take a class anyway, you should consider taking your class first (or at least, launching a study on your own), improving your techniques, and then look to see if you a) still need a new camera and b) if your camera wants/needs have changed.

 

[DisneyBeagle]

If you are taking photography classes in the future, I would think that you would want an entry level DSLR. Many point and shoot as well as bridge cameras have some manual controls, but I'm not sure if they will give you everything you need for a photography class. I would recommend reading the course description for the classes you are considering taking to see if an SLR camera is a requirement. However, an SLR camera is not necessarily portable. All brands have an entry DSLR available that is very capable and close to your budget. If you are not looking to go the DSLR route, you will probably want to look at the Canon, Fuji, Nikon, Sony or Panasonic bridge cameras. Just be sure they offer the manual controls you will need for class.

Thanks. The course description just says that they prefer you to have a camera with manual controls. Now when I say portable, I don't necessarily mean that it has to fit in my pocket like my Sony does, but I also don't see myself carrying around a camera with one of those HUGE lenses on it either. I was at a party this weekend and one gentleman had a camera with a 10-12" long lense on the end of it. I just kept thinking that probably takes great photos but would be a pain to lug around.

Many times you can improve your shots with your current camera by improving your knowledge of photography basics. Maybe, if you're going to take a class anyway, you should consider taking your class first (or at least, launching a study on your own), improving your techniques, and then look to see if you a) still need a new camera and b) if your camera wants/needs have changed.

Thanks, that's very true. I do love the portability of my current camera, but I just haven't been thrilled with the photo quality.

 

[Pea-n-Me]

Why don't you post a few that you aren't happy with and we'll see if we can help figure out what went wrong.

 

[DisneyBeagle]

Why don't you post a few that you aren't happy with and we'll see if we can help figure out what went wrong.

I am at work and don't have any photos on my computer here. One of the big problems is that I hate the flash on this camera. It takes forever for the flash to go off and by that time whatever I was trying to take a photo of is gone.