looking for a better camera, but I'm on a budget (Page 3): SLR or DSLR camera? An SLR is a film camera, DSLR is a digital camera. Both use interchangeable lenses. The cost of a DSLR is...

oldtool2 Loc: South Jersey

davidheald1942 wrote:

I'm thinking a Nikon, but want one better than my Canon
SX160 is with 16x zoom. I'd prefer one with full frame whatever it's called. I know I can't afford a slr, but interchangeable lenses is a must. Thanks a lot.
David

SLR or DSLR camera? An SLR is a film camera, DSLR is a digital camera. Both use interchangeable lenses. The cost of a DSLR is cheaper to operate because of the price of film and developing the film these days, however, the cost of the camera and lens probably will cost you more.

davidheald1942 wrote:

Makes no sense? u2! I have between $400.oo-$500.oo that I can spend & not break the bank. does that make sense

David,

Sorry, that still does not clear things up. I hate to be the bearer of bad news but any digital camera with interchangeable lenses is most likely going to break your bank, especially a FF camera.

Do you understand the differences between a FF (full frame) and an ASP-C (crop sensor) camera (both are digital), or are you referring to all DSLR cameras with interchangeable lenses as a FF? There is a big difference in these camera prices, not to mention the cost of some of the lenses for DSLR cameras. Lenses for a FF camera are generally more expensive.

You might find a used SLR (film camera) camera on Craig's list or Ebay in your price range if you are lucky.

Jim D

Laurajc Loc: East Texas

davidheald1942 wrote:

Makes no sense? u2! I have between $400.oo-$500.oo that I can spend & not break the bank. does that make sense

Canon rebel series is not full frame but is DSLR with interchangeable lenses, you can get a kit with 18-55 lens and 70-300 lens for under $500

Racin17 Loc: Western Pa

I agree with oldtool. I too wanted a interchangeable lense dslr, then I saw what the bridge cameras can do. My nikon fits all my needs. I can't really justify the added expense of interchangeable lenses. Im not a pro, I dont do this for a living, I do enjoy taking pics when I can. I know I cant get the same results as a dslr with a high end lenses. Doesnt mean I cant try.

GordonB. Loc: St. Petersburg, Fl.

BigDaddy wrote:

I'd recommend you look at a Sony DSC-HX300, and here are two reasons why:
http://www.uglyhedgehog.com/t-207091-1.html
http://www.uglyhedgehog.com/t-207103-1.html.

I agree with Big Daddy. The sharpness of the photos this camera produces is remarkable. The Blue Jay is so sharp you can easily see the texture of each feather.

Amazon has this camera new for $398 and $285 for a used which fits the OP's budget.

True, the person behind the camera has a lot to do with the final product, but if he doesn't have good equipment there's only so much that he/she can do to make great photos.

Bram boy Loc: Vancouver Island B.C. Canada

Cdouthitt wrote:

Makes no sense. You can't afford an slr, but you want full frame. How much would you like to spend.

I think he ment he would perfer a full frame, but can't afford one . well you have lots to choose from. just get the nikon D5200. used or refurbished . it will do what you want . I don't think you will be put out any way . maybe a bridge camera canon , paniasonic, fiuiji ,

Bram boy Loc: Vancouver Island B.C. Canada

davidheald1942 wrote:

Makes no sense? u2! I have between $400.oo-$500.oo that I can spend & not break the bank. does that make sense

$4-$500 will get you a nice little D3200 and a short zoom . or a used d5200 body if you look around and bargain for a price in your range.

MDI Mainer

Before you make up your mind, take a look at the Sony A65 SLT, now $498 body only, $598 w Sony 18-55 kit lens (so-so lens), at B&H, Adorama, etc.

APSC sensor, but 24.3 Mp sensor, shoots Raw and JPEG, fast burst speed for this price point camera, excellent video capability if that interests you, and AF works w many Minolta Maxxum lenses, many of which are excellent optical quality and available at low cost.

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/search?Ntt=sony+alpha+slt-a65&N=0&InitialSearch=yes&sts=ta

http://www.dpreview.com/reviews/sonyslta65

http://www.pcmag.com/article2/0,2817,2399692,00.asp

Alby144 Loc: Northern Nevada

davidheald1942 wrote:

Makes no sense? u2! I have between $400.oo-$500.oo that I can spend & not break the bank. does that make sense

Go to DPReview.com and do some homework...then you'll have a better idea of what you're asking here. The only way you might be able to get an interchangable lens camera for that amount of money is to buy used and dated equipment...good luck with your search.

You can probably find a decent super-zoom camera, (fixed lens) for that kind of money...

Bram boy Loc: Vancouver Island B.C. Canada

also just reading between the lines. and with your knowledge . it would crazy for you to get a SLR . you would better of getting a point and shoot or join a photo club .and at lest learn some of the jargin. and what the stuff means . and what happens when you chang a f stop , iso etc . I think you would be lost with a DSLR .

Alby144 Loc: Northern Nevada

Alby144 wrote:

Go to DPReview.com and do some homework...then you'll have a better idea of what you're asking here. The only way you might be able to get an interchangable lens camera for that amount of money is to buy used and dated equipment...good luck with your search.

You can probably find a decent super-zoom camera, (fixed lens) for that kind of money...

From a couple of the other posts, it looks like I may be wrong about not being able to get a DSLR for your budget target. At any rate have fun shopping!

I went from a FujiFilm FinePix S7000 (about ten years ago), to the FujiFilm FinePix S200-EXR (about 5 years ago which I bought used for around $200). These cameras are super-zoom, fixed lens cameras that yield excellent results. The S200 EXR is 12MP, shoots JPEG and RAW, is very versatile and DSLR like in it's features, but not nearly as complicated. It was a good bridge camera before I went to my Nikon D7000.

I would suggest that you try a bridge camera before jumping into a DSLR which could be frustrating to learn. Also, do your homework and you'll find a camera that satisfies your needs.

tdekany Loc: Oregon

I am pretty sure you hand this camera to the OP, he will not get the same results. You can put a D800 in his hands and may not come close to it. That should be clear. Was there any PP done to that picture, what were the setting on the camera? Tripod or handheld? Just like with any camera/lens combo, I have seen amazing pictures and I have seen terrible shots come out of the same cameras. So to say to the OP: look at these examples, see how sharp your pictures will be is misleading. I'm sure he would be very happy with it, but don't tell the poor guy what result he will get. He may return the camera, thinking there is something wrong with "his" copy.

GordonB. wrote:

I agree with Big Daddy. The sharpness of the photos this camera produces is remarkable. The Blue Jay is so sharp you can easily see the texture of each feather.

Amazon has this camera new for $398 and $285 for a used which fits the OP's budget.

True, the person behind the camera has a lot to do with the final product, but if he doesn't have good equipment there's only so much that he/she can do to make great photos.

pappy0352 Loc: Oregon

I would take the time to look at the Canon 60D refurbished. I shoot with this camera and love it. Check Adorama and B&H.

Pappy

Alby144 Loc: Northern Nevada

tdekany wrote:

I am pretty sure you hand this camera to the OP, h... (show quote)

I'd have to agree with this assessment. You can get great shots from just about any camera just as well as you can get poor shots. Look at the camera the original poster has been using...in my opinion he needs to step up to something other than a DSLR, but he needs to do a lot of homework first.

imagemeister Loc: mid east Florida

Sony A3000, $350 at Walmart with 18-55 zoom, APS-c 20+MP.

Realist101 Loc: Indiana

I'm new to all this...? What is 'full frame'? Does a Canon EOS T5 have it? I will google too. Thanks!! Happy pix taking!