Sweety

Hello,

I’m in process to get new camera by end of this year. I know only POINT at object and CLICK the button to capture the object. Is it hard to learn little beat more about photography?

I like to take picture of nature ~scenes, birds, flowers, people, if there is any event in the family. I want camera with better zoom and macro. I know there are several types of cameras in the market. Compact point and shoot, Super zoom, Mirror less, DSLR etc….Should I go with one of the super zoom cameras or DSLR or is there something else that I should consider?

Thanks

speters Loc: Grangeville/Idaho

There are several photographers on this forum, shooting for over 50 years - they're still learning (every day), but that's what makes it a so exciting and rewarding journey!!!!! Welcome to the forum, so point and click away!!!!

Wahawk Loc: NE IA

So much depends on your budget!! And on your plans for the future.
If you have the budget, and don't mind having to change lenses all the time, dSLR is the choice of many.

I used to use SLR cameras in film days, but as a hobbyist I just can't justify the costs so in digital days I started with P&S simple cameras. Then when I decided to get a little more serious I got a super zoom. My first was a Kodak Z980 with 24x zoom that I still love for great results. About 18 months ago I decided to upgrade and got the Canon SX40 and was so impressed and happy with the results that approx 3 months ago I upgraded that with the SX50. These and similar cameras give most of the benefits of a dSLR without having to change lenses. They won't give true macro (1:1) without accessory close-up lenses in front of the lense but do a very good job.

Use the UHH search and enter SX40 or SX50 to see many of the postings here from the various users of these cameras. Carolina Wings, GeezerGal, Lorima and a number of others also use these cameras.

Bottom line, only YOU can make the decision as to which direction to go, and then which brand and model you want to use. There are many other examples of Nikon, Fuji, Panasonic, etc on UHH to review in the P&S, Bridge (SuperZoom) and dSLR styles.

mwsilvers Loc: Central New Jersey

The reason many of us get dSLRs is because of the control over the results, the features and options, and the ability to use better lenses. Learning how to use a dSLR in order to get the most out of it takes some significant interest, time, and effort. Its an ongoing process that can take years to master. If you're hoping you can learn how to use it in a couple of hours and then you are finished and good to go, that is unfortunately not the case. To get the real benefits from a dSLR requires a commitment. If you are not prepared to do that you might consider staying with a point and shoot.

jsauquoit Loc: Sauquoit NY

It all depends on how and what you want to shoot. I'm an amateur photojournalist who specializes in landscape and nature photography. I have a Minolta SLR with a 300mm lens that I never use anymore since I got a Canon Power Shot SX 50. This camera suits my needs perfectly with the 50X optical and digital zoom out to 200X, without the costs and added weight of additional lenses. I bought it on sale at Best Buy recently for $462.00 that included memory card, battery, charger, manual, CD, and tax. It can zoom out to the equivalent of 1200 mm. I am thrilled with the pics and ease of performance of this smart camera. I have attached some photos. It is a12.1 megapixel camera.

JPL

No it is not hard to learn a bit more, just like learning everything else, you need to read a little bit and keep in mind what you read (preferably on the internet) and you need to practice. Very similar to other learning.

In your case it would also be perfect if you approach this as getting a new hobby that you want to be good at. And as with other hobbies that you want to be good at, you need to learn and practice, weather it is fishing, mountain hiking, making Christmas cards or whatever. If you want to be good you need to learn and practice. So it is with photography also.

And if you feel you are getting good at this then you will want more gear and more lenses and new cameras and more gear and more practice etc......

What gear should you start with? It is no way to tell you, in the end it will be a matter of personal taste. If you are young and strong and want to be very good at this you will go for Dslr. If you want to travel light and keep this hobby as easy as possible in terms of weight and volume you will either have a bridge or hybrid camera. If you just want to sit on your sofa shooting through the window in the living room you will buy a superzoom 50x or more - maybe you will also buy that if you want to go out of your home to take pics.

Then you may want to be able to record videos as well, some cameras have excellent video capabilities today and then you have to consider that as well.

Sweety

Thanks for the tip!!!

Sweety

I believe SX60 will out in a month or two, correct?? Is it worth to wait?

Sweety

Thanks.
And thanks for sharing pictures....they are great.

Sweety

Thanks....you gave me another thought of hybride. I will compre both Hybride and Bridge before I buy.

Dlevon Loc: New Jersey

It's probably worth the wait. Using the 40 and the 50 I'm also anxiously awaiting it!

Wahawk Loc: NE IA

I am anxious to see what it has to offer, but not sure what could be better than the SX50.

Sweety

Heard SX60 will have Digic6 and may be 16 mp.
Canon vs Nikon vs Sony?? Which brand is better choice?

Wahawk Loc: NE IA

If it moves up to 16mp and the Digic6 is significantly better, then I will be on board within 6 mo or so after introduction!!

Bultaco Loc: Aiken, SC

I purchased a SX50 as I shot 90% wildlife and need a long lens.
The cost of a DSLR body is not bad but the long lens will run 10K plus. The long lens are heavy and large, I am either horse back or on a ATV a lot of the time and am afraid of damaging a 10K lens. It all depends on what your primary subjects you want to take photos of and your bank account. There are several bridge cameras that take great pictures. I'm retired military and can't afford damaging a long lens. Good luck in what ever you decide on.