What kind of camera do you take with you

[Patrick in Oregon]

No biggie - I only brought it up because there are a lot of questions about the different types of cameras around and I thought it might be helpful to clarify. I use 4:3 and micro 4:3 cameras. BTW, the Lumix is a really nice camera!

No - that's great info to know. Now I'm doing my research. We are somewhat in the market for a new camera. Our current one is OLD is limited to a 4gb card. I can and have taken several hundred pictures on a low setting, but I'd like to be able to take some bigger/nicer pictures. On the highest setting, which I think is .tiff, we are limited to around 100 pictures on 4 gb. Do we need more than 100? Probably not, but it would be nice to have the capacity to take a lot of pictures without having to review and delete bad ones all day.

I'm reading through the thread right now and looking up the cameras that people are using. I'm open to any suggestions. Don't think I need a DSLR (though they are sexy). Probably will end up with something similar to what we have now, just newer.

 

[Pea-n-Me]

No - that's great info to know. Now I'm doing my research. We are somewhat in the market for a new camera. Our current one is OLD is limited to a 4gb card. I can and have taken several hundred pictures on a low setting, but I'd like to be able to take some bigger/nicer pictures. On the highest setting, which I think is .tiff, we are limited to around 100 pictures on 4 gb. Do we need more than 100? Probably not, but it would be nice to have the capacity to take a lot of pictures without having to review and delete bad ones all day.

I'm reading through the thread right now and looking up the cameras that people are using. I'm open to any suggestions. Don't think I need a DSLR (though they are sexy). Probably will end up with something similar to what we have now, just newer.

You have an awesome camera in the Lumix. The sensor in it is eight times as big as that in a point and shoot, which will yield good pictures in general, and better pictures in low light (once you learn how to work it, and maybe pick up a couple of specialzed lenses). It's also relatively small. If I were you I'd stick with that and just work on your photography skills. That's really what's going to improve your pictures the most anyway, regardless of the camera you use! There is a Mirrorless thread on the Photography Board if you want to see what it (and cameras like it, which include the Olympus PEN and the Sony NEX, whose sensor is even a little bigger) can do.

For those who want to buy Mirrorless, do your research into what they're all about and what features they have. There are quite a few to choose from now, and more will be coming out. They are evolving. (And some older models have come down in price but are still very usable.) Also hold them in your hands to see if it's a comfortable fit and if the dials and such feel intuitive. Most mirrorless cameras are not exactly carry-in-your-pocket like point and shoot cameras are, although with the smallest lens and minimal other accessories, you could do that. But once you see the nice pics you're getting you'll probably want other lenses and some accessories so you can have even more fun with it! What's nice is that it's something you can grow with that way if you want to, or not. But either way, a fairly small bag should suffice.

There are some different schools of thought on the memory cards. Some people don't like to keep all their eggs in one basket, so to speak, so they have and use multiple cards in case one gets lost or malfunctions, etc. Memory cards are a lot cheaper than they used to be, so it's easier than ever to have several. I like to buy the ones that say Extreme III, or something to that effect, on them, since they can write faster and therefore your camera is ready for the next shot sooner. I'd probably keep older cards primarily as spares. Also, always use your best settings unless you absolutely need to squeeze in a few more shots or something - don't let cards stand in your way of getting "best" pictures.

 

[Patrick in Oregon]

You have an awesome camera in the Lumix.

It was my dad's camera and he always managed to take great pictures. I guess I was worried that it is around 8 years old. Most other electronics are heavily outdated at that point. I wasn't planning on buying right away so maybe I'll take the time to practice. I hate its inability to accept > 4gb cards but I guess a very reasonable, and likely more affordable, solution is to get multiple 4 gb cards.

So you're telling me $1000 won't make me take better pictures?? how rude

Thanks for all of your input too

 

[tanyaewa]

didn't have tiome to read the whole thread - will go back later.

What I do is take both with me and use the big camera for special events like chracter meals and for a great day at each park. Then when we start to do lots of rides I put it into the locker and carry my klittle one. After dark I rarely carry either unless it's a special event evening.
We love the locker and use it every day. You can get in and out of it many times a day so we store all our hats & jackets & extra stuff there.

 

[davmill]

I use my phone mostly, but will occasionally take a small Kodak that fits in a pocket.

 

[Pea-n-Me]

It was my dad's camera and he always managed to take great pictures. I guess I was worried that it is around 8 years old. Most other electronics are heavily outdated at that point. I wasn't planning on buying right away so maybe I'll take the time to practice. I hate its inability to accept > 4gb cards but I guess a very reasonable, and likely more affordable, solution is to get multiple 4 gb cards.

When you first posted, you listed the name of the camera. I wasn't sure about it so I googled it to see, and it came up as a micro 4:3. However, if it's 8 years old, it can't be, since they've only been around for a few years. So I'm confused. Can you repost the name, or a link? Maybe it's a superzoom/bridge. I know both can fall under the Lumix umbrella.

So you're telling me $1000 won't make me take better pictures?? how rude

I know. But no, even the finest equipment in unknowing hands won't necessarily yield great pics. Sad, but true. The opposite is true as well, though - skilled photographers can make just about any camera sing, even cell phones.

Thanks for all of your input too

Anytime. If I can help let me know.

 

[blackjackdelta]

When you first posted, you listed the name of the camera. I wasn't sure about it so I googled it to see, and it came up as a micro 4:3. However, if it's 8 years old, it can't be, since they've only been around for a few years. So I'm confused. Can you repost the name, or a link? Maybe it's a superzoom/bridge. I know both can fall under the Lumix umbrella.

I know. But no, even the finest equipment in unknowing hands won't necessarily yield great pics. Sad, but true. The opposite is true as well, though - skilled photographers can make just about any camera sing, even cell phones.


Anytime. If I can help let me know.

We will see how the iPhone 4s will do, it will be interesting. I could put my Hass 500el in most peoples hands and they will not even have a clue.

Jack

 

[blackjackdelta]

You have an awesome camera in the Lumix. The sensor in it is eight times as big as that in a point and shoot, which will yield good pictures in general, and better pictures in low light (once you learn how to work it, and maybe pick up a couple of specialzed lenses). It's also relatively small. If I were you I'd stick with that and just work on your photography skills. That's really what's going to improve your pictures the most anyway, regardless of the camera you use! There is a Mirrorless thread on the Photography Board if you want to see what it (and cameras like it, which include the Olympus PEN and the Sony NEX, whose sensor is even a little bigger) can do.

For those who want to buy Mirrorless, do your research into what they're all about and what features they have. There are quite a few to choose from now, and more will be coming out. They are evolving. (And some older models have come down in price but are still very usable.) Also hold them in your hands to see if it's a comfortable fit and if the dials and such feel intuitive. Most mirrorless cameras are not exactly carry-in-your-pocket like point and shoot cameras are, although with the smallest lens and minimal other accessories, you could do that. But once you see the nice pics you're getting you'll probably want other lenses and some accessories so you can have even more fun with it! What's nice is that it's something you can grow with that way if you want to, or not. But either way, a fairly small bag should suffice.

There are some different schools of thought on the memory cards. Some people don't like to keep all their eggs in one basket, so to speak, so they have and use multiple cards in case one gets lost or malfunctions, etc. Memory cards are a lot cheaper than they used to be, so it's easier than ever to have several. I like to buy the ones that say Extreme III, or something to that effect, on them, since they can write faster and therefore your camera is ready for the next shot sooner. I'd probably keep older cards primarily as spares. Also, always use your best settings unless you absolutely need to squeeze in a few more shots or something - don't let cards stand in your way of getting "best" pictures.

Some of the newer mirrorless cameras have the same size(aps-c) sensors as the 60D's being used here, faster processors and can shoot as high or higher ASA's/ISO's. The camer has to fit the shooter and a technique has to be developed to use the camera, over have the dgital shooter do not even read the instruction books/cds.
You should be able to get outstanding photo's if you learn exposure vs shutter speed vs iso and all the capabilities of the camera. I do not believe in post processing to get excellent photo's but PP can enhance the photo..we will see what I come back with using an iPhone.

Good luck,

Jack

 

[Elk Grove Chris]

Jack,

I know you aren't big into post processing, but there are a ton of apps available for the iPhone that can automate a lot of things for you. I have seen some of the HDR pics from the iPhone, they can look pretty decent, not cartoony.

 

[Patrick in Oregon]

When you first posted, you listed the name of the camera. I wasn't sure about it so I googled it to see, and it came up as a micro 4:3. However, if it's 8 years old, it can't be, since they've only been around for a few years. So I'm confused. Can you repost the name, or a link? Maybe it's a superzoom/bridge. I know both can fall under the Lumix umbrella.

I'll look when I get home. For now I'm scouring the internet.

 

[Patrick in Oregon]

EUREKA!
DMC-FZ30K (amazon link)

More informative link
http://www.dpreview.com/reviews/PanasonicFZ30/

 

[cyclenut]

Jack,

I know you aren't big into post processing, but there are a ton of apps available for the iPhone that can automate a lot of things for you. I have seen some of the HDR pics from the iPhone, they can look pretty decent, not cartoony.

I am not into post processing primarily due to time constraints. I might take 500 pictures in day (sometimes more, sometimes less) depending on what I am shooting. It is hard enough to find time to go through those 500 to cull out the keepers. I can only imagine how much time it would take if I did post processing on them.

Of course I could change my approach and take far fewer pictures, but I am more interested in capturing the specific moment, the "right" action shot for example, than being super selective on what I take a picture of. If I see something I there sting going on, I'll take a few shots of it.

 

[Jagdcarcajou]

Heya,

Taking our Sony NEX 5N in September, using an f/1.8 24mm prime (35mm equivalent on a DSLR). Lets me work in low light, bright light, whatever. Framing can be somewhat tricky, but the image quality is amazing. Fantastic bokeh in portraits too.

Chris

 

[kailuagirl]

We need a new point and shoot big time! We have a Nikon D90, but need a little one also. I bought a Nikon one last year, it was terrible, kept getting lense errrors so I returned it to costo after our trip. Unfortunately, DL was the first time we used it and it wasn't a good camera.

I know alot of you here really like Cannon's. I've never owned a Cannon, but I know 3 people who've ended up with black spots in the pics on their Cannon's, anyone else experience this? I'm looking at the SX260 possibly.

I really wanted to get a Sony, I had one before and loved it, but it broke after 4 years But I can't find one I like.

Thanks everyone for sharing what you have, like, etc. I love reading your reviews and seeing your photos, it really helps and is very interesting!!

 

[Ingrid0382]

We bring my iPhone and our Sony A100, a DSLR that came out years ago when DSLRs were starting to show up at most stores. I'm definitely due for an update I guess, but I've learned enough about exposure, shutter speed, and quality lenses so that I am still happy with the pictures I end up with.

We were given a Nikon D5000 body with no lens 18 months ago and it's still in the box. I'd like to play around with it sometime to see how the two cameras compare, but I've enjoyed being able to score some Minolta lenses for the Sony at a fraction of what I would pay for lenses to fit the Nikon.

My husband carries the DSLR in his backpack and never complains of it being too heavy. We don't ever leave it with the stroller while we're on rides.

 

[krispin41]

I have been shooting with Canons for about 10 years now (digital) and my dad even longer than that (we have a darkroom in our garage, so he's my goto camera guy) and never any problem with black spots.

 

[tiggerjay]

I tend to switch off days between the DSLR and the point-and-shoot. I typically do basic facebook type photos with the point and shoot, but bring the DSLR for some more planned shots. DSLR days are more with photographic intent/focus so I tend to miss a bit of the experience behind the lens but get great results. Then I spend some days with the point and shoot and just experience things.

 

[Pea-n-Me]

Some of the newer mirrorless cameras have the same size(aps-c) sensors as the 60D's being used here, faster processors and can shoot as high or higher ASA's/ISO's. The camer has to fit the shooter and a technique has to be developed to use the camera, over have the dgital shooter do not even read the instruction books/cds.
You should be able to get outstanding photo's if you learn exposure vs shutter speed vs iso and all the capabilities of the camera. I do not believe in post processing to get excellent photo's but PP can enhance the photo..we will see what I come back with using an iPhone.

I agree. I am not big into pp, either. I strive to get the shot I want in-camera the first time around. I might do some basic edits to enhance the color or white balance, reduce the noise, etc., but that's about it.

Once I took up photography as a serious hobby I realized what was so difficult about it. There are really three factors you have to become good at in order to get the types of great photos that people ooh and aah over. 1) You have to learn to use the camera itself, and these days cameras can be like little computers, so it's not always easy. This also includes understanding how digital photography differs from film photography. 2) You have to learn principles of photography, i.e. the exposure triangle of aperture, shutter speed and ISO and how these effect your photos, as well as finding good light and such, etc. And 3) You have to learn how to use a post processing tool, even if it's just the one that came with your digital camera. Taking the time to figure these out is what will yield the best photos.

People want to think there's a magic camera out there that will take amazing photos with minimal effort and of course, for under $200. On the Photography Board we refer to it as the Holy Grail of cameras, and unfortunately, it doesn't exist. As it stands now, one has to balance photo quality with convenience. This will likely change as digital photography evolves even more than it already has, but we are not completely there yet. As stated upthread, right now Mirrorless cameras seem to be balancing out the quality vs convenience aspect as well, if not better, than any other types of cameras to date. Unfortunately they are still bigger than most people want to carry and have a complexity factor that most don't want to deal with.

 

[Pea-n-Me]

My last few trips have included carrying around bigger and bigger bags as I've upgraded my dSLR and aquired more lenses, etc. It was one of the things I feared before I bought my first dSLR. But I like having all my gear with me because there is nothing more frustrating than being in the process of setting up the perfect shot and realizing an essential piece of equipment is missing or broken, has dead batteries, is inadequate for the task at hand, etc. (Remembering the frustration of having my gorillapod with my dSLR on top of it tipping over repeatedly during a particularly windy night at World Showcase on that last one. Uggh!!)

Most everyday people don't feel this way, but when you're really into photography, picture taking is often a highlight of your trip. On two trips I was incredibly frustrated when I had my tripod all set to go but due to miscommunication between myself and my DH, neither time did it make it into the luggage. (Nothing like running to WalMart during the first hours of a trip and dropping $30 bucks on a cheap tripod. Seems every trip, no matter how good I think I've planned, I wind up either there or at a camera store - if I can find one and they're open - for something.)

On our last trip I kept my Canon bridge camera in my purse so I always had something in case I wanted to take decent photos. (I still love that camera and it does a decent job for me, though I don't use it much any more since we've gotten a mirrorless as back up.) I also have my iPhone but I use that for the Scavenger Hunt at home and honestly I'm not overly impressed with it, save for the video capabilities. Although my DD has gotten some incredible shots with hers, the difference probably being that I only use it for quick snapshots where she's likely to really work at a photo with it - always a good thing. She's taken a few shots that I've actually questioned whether she actually took them or not - including one of the castle - and was pleasantly surprised to see that she had. Good for her for working it.

 

[BayGirl22]

Really enjoying this thread, thanks everyone for posting! I just got the BlackRapid strap (woman's version) and I think I'm going to really like it.

And how did I not know there was a Photography forum on the DIS? I never leave the DL board. Now just one more place to spend time when I should be doing something else.

The only downside of this thread - now I want another lens so my trip expenses just increased by $600+.