Camera advice

[Thor]

So both my brother and niece are looking for something in between a full size DSLR and a cheaper small digital camera. Something that has a solid digital zoom (since no big lens) and high quality photos.

I really only know about bigger cameras since thats what I have, but I was wondering if you guys had any great camera ideas that I could suggest for them.

[Arsenal14]

I'd recommend my old camera (which just happens to be for sale ):
http://forum.calgarypuck.com/showthread.php?t=117852

Of course the newer versions of that camera would probably be quite good as well. I believe the current one is the Canon Powershot SX40HS.

[Thor]

Wow how about this one:

http://store.sony.com/webapp/wcs/sto...52921666429163

Thats a solid camera Arsenal, I'll let them both know about the thread and see if they are interested.

[lazy_programmer]

Consider one of the micro 4/3rd cameras. I have a Cannon 300d slr and my wife had a point and shoot that finally died. We got the pansonic gx1 as a replacement. I found it had the best compromise between size and performance.

http://www.memoryexpress.com/Products/MX37781

The 14-42 lense is a 28-84 35 mm equivalent, so it's a reasonable walk around and you still have the ability to change lenses to suit your needs


There is also the GF3, a little smaller but less features.
http://www.memoryexpress.com/Products/MX37775

In terms of performance, auto focus, speed/responsive, I find it comparable to an entry level DSLR. I am quite happy with the camera to the point I don't really use the DSLR anymore.

-Paul

[SeoulFire]

I just bought a Nikon Coolpix p510 as it is seems to be a bridge between dslr and a point and shoot (afaik).

http://www.pcmag.com/article2/0,2817,2403846,00.asp

I have not had a chance to check it out (just bought yesterday) but the in store demo had pretty much everything I needed.

[SebC]

Originally Posted by Thor

So both my brother and niece are looking for something in between a full size DSLR and a cheaper small digital camera. Something that has a solid digital zoom (since no big lens) and high quality photos.

Digital zoom is 100% worthless. Optical zoom is what you want.

I'd also question exactly what form factor their looking for me. As a guy, I feel there are two options: if I want something that fits in my pocket, I need a point and shoot that has a lens that restracts flat, or a least smooth; if it's not going to fit in my pocket then it might as well be a DSLR. If you carry a purse, then the micro 4/3rds and such might be more useful, but I don't know many guys who do.

[Kipper is King]

I felt much the same way as you, and I ended up getting a Canon 310hs. It is a compact, but the 8x optical zoom is quite nice.

[Hans Landa]

Originally Posted by Thor

Wow how about this one:

http://store.sony.com/webapp/wcs/sto...52921666429163

That's as big as a DSLR... if they're going to lug something like that around, they might as well get the real deal in entry level trim.


My suggestion would be for the Fuji X10 (approx $550)

Looks cool. Small. Made in Japan. Packed full of DSLR-like features. Usable photos up to ISO3200 (capable of ISO12800). Shoots RAW.

If I was buying something in the $500 range to supplement my DSLR when I don't feel like lugging it around on a heavily packed hike in the mountains, or don't want to draw attention to myself in the city, the X10 would be my first choice.


If I was stepping up the budget, the Fuji X100 (though a bit dated now) would be high on the list too. Poor man's Leica look-a-like.

[Thor]

Yeah Ive mentioned the size thing, not sure why they have this hang up on DSLRs being so big, I think they assume you just have a bag and 5 lenses when you buy a stock camera.

[SebC]

Originally Posted by Thor

I think they assume you just have a bag and 5 lenses when you buy a stock camera.

You don't... but it's a slippery slope.