consumer camera advice

[jAQUAN]

Too many precious moments to miss these days and our old ass finepix just aint cutting it. We need to invest in a better consumer level camera in the $400 - $500 range. I guess resolution and a good chip are the biggest requirements. Something really good in low light suppressed flash conditions. The more bells and whistles the better but I'll do without those in exchange for timeless baby pics.

Any suggestions?

[Loyal Rogue]

The best all around cam I found in that price range is the one I just bought.

Canon SX20 IS
12mp
20x optical wide-angle zoom
0cm macro
720p movie w/ stereo

The only cons are it's too big to stick in a pocket and no RAW mode.

Runs about $400 but I've seen it on sale every now and then for around $350.
You can pair it with a 16gb class 6 SDHC memcard and some rechargeable batteries and charger for under $500.

[jAQUAN]

Sounds like a nice buy. I guess size would be a key feature though.

[Loyal Rogue]

Sounds like a nice buy. I guess size would be a key feature though.

Then that's not the camera for you.

I use it for vacations, nature shots, and sporting events so the super-zoom lens is a must for me, and you can't get that in a pocket camera.

I'm sure wannabe will chime in soon with a nice pick in your price range.

[lefteyewilly]

nikon coolpix S630 is pretty sweet for a pocket cam. Nice clarity and quick shooting. but it's definitely not something you'd want if you're looking for something that gives you a lot of easy manual control.

however, i can guarantee you wouldn't regret this purchase, even at its size:
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/produc..._Rebel_XT.html

[david petley]

if you are looking for one of those pocket-size 12mp+ digicams, check this -
http://www.digitalcamerawarehouse.co...egory131_1.htm

It is an Australian site, so ignore pricing, but it lists a lot of cameras with a one-paragraph summary and basic specs, so you can compare features a bit.

david

[argonauta]

I'm a sony cybershot fan. I haven't tried this camera: http://reviews.cnet.com/digital-came...-33939643.html
but it looks like it might be what you need: both compact and goes up to iso 3200 so it's good for low light photos. It doesn't seem to be quite good as other cameras, but it covers both your needs.

[loydall]

As lefteyewilly said - if you're not bothered about it being a bit bigger, get a DSLR - no question. The image quality and low-light capability will be much better than a point and shoot (bigger sensor, more light etc).

The 350d that lefteyewilly mentioned would be more than adequate - it's a little old now so you might want to consider a 2nd hand 400d or 450d if you can find one.

[WannaBe_80z]

If you don't care about size I'm will 3rd a DLSR but just know the body is just step one of the image quality. You'll want to invest in good glass to go in front of it and you're $400 budget would be blown on that alone. Not saying the Kit 18-55 IS wouldn't be good for a while but down the road you'll definitely want to buy more and with a new baby you might not have that sort of money to throw around.

So I will suggest any of the Canon Powershot G series. It's up to 11 now but the last couple generations have all been great.

Also I just want to point out that this MP race is insane(I understand the number game for consumers but bleh). Sure I'd love a 60+ Hasselblad with a medium format sensor but these little pocket cameras are a fraction of the sensor size. So when you start packing in massive amounts of pixels on a tiny little sensor that's where all the digital "grain" comes from. Canon actually backed off on the last G series camera so that the higher iso could perform better which imo is way more important. I used the Rebel XT for that Niagara falls shot I had in the FK calandar years ago and I got it printed 24x36 for my mom and it looks damn good. So unless you are planning on printing HUGE prints out of this thing looks for something with nice features and don't worry if it has 12325 MPs.

</rant>

[jAQUAN]

So it looks like it's a toss up between the powershot g11 and a cyber-shot. Tough to decide. I like the option to zoom while shooting video on the cyber-shot but the experience seems to back the powershot. hmmm.

[loydall]

Does the cyber-shot shoot in RAW? I'm fairly sure the G11 does and that's a great feature to have - you'll get loads more out of your images shooting in RAW than just relying on the camera's JPEG compression.

[FlashLackey]

We've had a number of cameras and camcorders over the years, including the pocket-camera types.

Here is what gets used from experience:

Canon DLSR for more planned snapshots.

For quick "moments", why go with stills? The ipod Nano actually works out perfect for this. Tiny, easy to have around. Just good enough resolution. Grandparents appreciate the audio. A lot of the memorable things have to do with what is said and done over time. Steps. First words. Etc.

[WannaBe_80z]

Not sure how you feel about used stuff but just saw a Canon Powershot G11 for $400 over on POTN forums. You should obviously check out the user with each transaction but I have traded and sold/bought almost all of my gear I own through this site and they are usually professionals who keep excellent care of their stuff.

You need to sign up to see the buy/sell forums(and nude/glamour )

http://photography-on-the.net/forum/...d.php?t=871048

I just received this today from Canon and only opened the box to make sure it looks perfect. I haven't even powered it on. The item has a 3 month warranty from Canon and I will include the documentation I have, should it need service. I have sold a couple of items here, but have bought and sold items for over 10 years on ebay under the id of js0012. My feedback is 497 and 100%.

Price is $400 net to me paypal. I will pick up shipping to lower 48 states. I can ship elsewhere, but at your cost.

PM me with any questions.

[jAQUAN]

Ok looks like the G11 it is. Seriously huge thanks to those who gave their two cents. This will be third electronics purchase this board has helped me choose wisely with.

@FL Yeah our nano takes pretty good video from what I can tell. Now if I could only convince my wifes windows machine to allow us to download it.

[WannaBe_80z]

I just took the G10 we have at work and shot a little video with it and it let me zoom in/out while recording. So if that was the featuring setting it apart I would say go Powershot. Also it's nice that there is official lens attachments for a longer zoom or wider angle. There is a piece you unscrew around the base of the lens and the adapter mount right on it and in the menu you just let the camera know what's attached. I've never actually used them before but it's nice that they are official and not some knock off.

Also the G series is very widely used with underwater photography so if you ever want to do something like that the housing for those are only like $150. Once I buy more DLSR kit I really want to invest in a G series and the housing to play with underwater stuff. Since DLSR water housings cost 2x as much as the friggin body

Ok so a little more then $150 but still better then 2k+ for my DLSR
http://www.amazon.com/Canon-WP-DC34-.../dp/B002LITT5G

[WannaBe_80z]

Another G11 goes up for sale. Not sure if you care about used but it saves you $70...

http://photography-on-the.net/forum/...d.php?t=872146

[jAQUAN]

I actually spent a little more for a g11 plus starter kit (tri-pod, case, memory etc). Got it today. Beautiful piece of hardware. Damn thing does everything but tweet to my facebook. I never thought I'd have to use a bookmark for a manual.

[WannaBe_80z]

You didn't buy one of those ebay starter kits, did you?

[jAQUAN]

No. Similar to this. http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B002SS...3720253&sr=8-4

[WannaBe_80z]

ah same sort of thing. I did the same thing back when I bought a video camera when I thought I was going to get into video years ago. All the accessories they package are cheapo no name brand stuff and usually over priced. It's an alright starter but I usually tell people to stay away from those "deals".