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iPhone 11 Upgrade to a DSLR, Micro 4/3's or a Bridge Camera
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Jun 7, 2021 10:23:46   #
jerryc41 Loc: Catskill Mts of NY
 
There are lots of good cameras that don't cost a fortune. Built-in flash is a necessity for her situation.

Compact $200 -
https://improb.com/digital-cameras-under-200/
https://www.digitalcameraworld.com/buying-guides/the-best-camera-under-pound200
https://shotkit.com/best-cameras-200/
https://www.lifewire.com/best-digital-cameras-under-200-3897831

Compact $300 -
https://www.consumerreports.org/point-shoot-digital-cameras/best-digital-cameras-under-300-dollars/
https://photophique.com/best-cameras-under-300/
https://www.photoworkout.com/best-compact-cameras-under-300-dollars/
https://www.adorama.com/alc/the-best-point-and-shoot-cameras-under-300

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Jun 7, 2021 11:17:28   #
billmck Loc: Central KY
 
ABJanes wrote:
Good Morning:

My niece is asking me for advice on a iPhone 11 Upgrade but she has a thin budget (right now less than $500--unrealistic I know). She complains of dark & blurry images. Her family has a young fast moving toddler. Learning to use her iPhone Flash and auto semi-high speed shutter might help and I will research that for her with articles and/or YouTube Videos. I think training first with what she has is best. But if a camera is what she wants, I think a micro 4/3's with a telephoto lens would make sense but used might be required to fit her finances. Would a Bridge Camera with the flash turned off with auto iso make sense--I have shutter lag concerns? Direct flash over and over is not very pleasing IMHO. Learning tech is not high on her list, which makes all of this challenging. I'm a DSLR Nikon Guy. Any thoughts here!

Thanks,
Bruce Janes
Good Morning: br br My niece is asking me for adv... (show quote)


The reality is that your niece will get more use out of her iPhone 11 in her environment. For one thing, she’ll almost always have it with her. iPhone 12 has a better camera, and likely the iPhone 13 camera will be better yet, but she can use her iPhone 11 for some really good pictures.

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Jun 7, 2021 11:56:48   #
radiojohn
 
About 10 years ago all the moms in my class raved about using a Canon Rebel (not full frame) with a 50mm 1.8 Canon lens which acted like a 100mm.

As we know, spending a lot does not insure better results. Understanding exposure does.

A used rig as described might do the trick.

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Jun 7, 2021 12:17:36   #
radiojohn
 
Having worked in/managed cameras stores, written photo magazine articles and books and taught newbie classes, I still do not claim to have all the answers in a changing world.

But I can state this: Over the years, more money has been wasted on excess photo gear by people refusing to learn the basics than the cost of a SpaceX launch.

Throwing more money at yet another shiny object does not solve much. If this person uses an iPhone, chances are even a technically capable traditional camera won't cut it. You'll still hear, Why are these pictures dark and blurry?"

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Jun 7, 2021 12:29:32   #
timcc Loc: Virginia
 
It sounds as if she simply doesn't know how to use her iPhone camera properly. Trying to get her to learn how to use a new (to her) camera may be a futile effort, likely resulting in it just collecting dust in a closet. Teaching her how to use the camera she always has with her (important when trying to catch momentary toddler shots) seems to be the best alternative. The least expensive, also.

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Jun 7, 2021 12:29:41   #
Chadp Loc: Virginia Beach
 
billmck wrote:
The reality is that your niece will get more use out of her iPhone 11 in her environment. For one thing, she’ll almost always have it with her. iPhone 12 has a better camera, and likely the iPhone 13 camera will be better yet, but she can use her iPhone 11 for some really good pictures.


This is true. The convenience and being able to operate the phone/camera single handed are the two most important things for a parent of young kids. 90% of the pics I take of my kids are still with my iPhone. The camera gear only comes out for special occasions.

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Jun 7, 2021 12:34:38   #
Fredrick Loc: Former NYC, now San Francisco Bay Area
 
ABJanes wrote:
Good Morning:

My niece is asking me for advice on a iPhone 11 Upgrade but she has a thin budget (right now less than $500--unrealistic I know). She complains of dark & blurry images. Her family has a young fast moving toddler. Learning to use her iPhone Flash and auto semi-high speed shutter might help and I will research that for her with articles and/or YouTube Videos. I think training first with what she has is best. But if a camera is what she wants, I think a micro 4/3's with a telephoto lens would make sense but used might be required to fit her finances. Would a Bridge Camera with the flash turned off with auto iso make sense--I have shutter lag concerns? Direct flash over and over is not very pleasing IMHO. Learning tech is not high on her list, which makes all of this challenging. I'm a DSLR Nikon Guy. Any thoughts here!

Thanks,
Bruce Janes
Good Morning: br br My niece is asking me for adv... (show quote)

One thing your daughter might not be aware of is that she can very easily increase the exposure before she takes the image on her iPhone 11. All she has to do is tap the screen once. She then will be presented with a box and a slider next to it. She can just slide her finger up on the screen and it will lighten the exposure. Pretty easy.

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Jun 7, 2021 18:59:42   #
tcthome Loc: NJ
 
The next move would be a point & shoot. Probably can set the camera to auto use flash when needed, give her more zoom & have a choice of shooting in M, S, & M modes. Might be the start of a photography hobby. I have a Iphone 11 in a ILife case. I had to remove the crappy plastic cover over the lens from the case to get clear photos again but, you need to hold it pretty steady to get un-blurred photo as with any camera.

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Jun 7, 2021 19:11:49   #
Ioannis
 
ABJanes wrote:
Good Morning:

My niece is asking me for advice on a iPhone 11 Upgrade but she has a thin budget (right now less than $500--unrealistic I know). She complains of dark & blurry images. Her family has a young fast moving toddler. Learning to use her iPhone Flash and auto semi-high speed shutter might help and I will research that for her with articles and/or YouTube Videos. I think training first with what she has is best. But if a camera is what she wants, I think a micro 4/3's with a telephoto lens would make sense but used might be required to fit her finances. Would a Bridge Camera with the flash turned off with auto iso make sense--I have shutter lag concerns? Direct flash over and over is not very pleasing IMHO. Learning tech is not high on her list, which makes all of this challenging. I'm a DSLR Nikon Guy. Any thoughts here!

Thanks,
Bruce Janes
Good Morning: br br My niece is asking me for adv... (show quote)


I hate to say but after 35 years of using a 35mm camera and experimenting with several digital cameras at my age of 83, I have put away my RP and M50 cameras and I’m using my iPhone 11. I know that I’m locking a lot of enjoyment stepping away from a camera, but I find taking photos of my family, flowers, landscapes and more at any given time with the iPhone11 my photos are sharp enough and easy to share with others.

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Jun 7, 2021 21:15:42   #
AppleSellout Loc: Parttime Socal and Wilds of Idaho
 
Having set asside my nikon and lenses for a iPhone 12, may I suggest the iPhone 11 may be set at Portrait and focusing on a different item than the object desired? I suggest she set the camera to PHOTO and press the LIVE button and she will get a burst of shots to choose from, providing the best fleeting expression and eye direction. Unless the lens is dirty or broken she should get excellent pictures without spending anything.

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Jun 8, 2021 04:16:22   #
42 degreesS
 
ABJanes wrote:
Good Morning:

My niece is asking me for advice on a iPhone 11 Upgrade but she has a thin budget.
Thanks,
Bruce Janes


Further down in the list of blogs is one about the Sony RX100 which might be a suitable “next step” for your niece. The earlier model RX 100i or ii or iii are well within her budget and there are various recommendations for each version. Moving from a phone to a DSLR or even Bridge camera might be too big a step in terms of convenience from what she is used to. Someone has already made the suggestion to first develop her skills on the iPhone which I would support and there are some excellent courses. iPhone Photography School for one.

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Jun 8, 2021 08:01:36   #
mizzee Loc: Boston,Ma
 
She can probably pick up an Olympus m5 II or an earlier Olympus m10 that would be in her budget. Full disclosure, I am an admitted Olympus fan!

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