I am going to purchase a digital camera for personal use, primarily scenes and wildlife. I have used an Olympus SP-500UZ and an Olympus SP-565UZ at work for photographing inventory. Since Olympus is the only brand I have used, I was looking at an Olympus SP-820UZ - 14 Mega Pixels, 40x zoom; and the new SP-100 - 16 Mega Pixels, 50x zoom. I know nothing about lenses, apertures, shutter speeds etc. and since I cannot remember anything, I am not sure what would be the best investment. I plan in keeping the budget at $500 or less. Your input will be greatly appreciated.
forgetful1 wrote:
I am going to purchase a digital camera for personal use, primarily scenes and wildlife. I have used an Olympus SP-500UZ and an Olympus SP-565UZ at work for photographing inventory. Since Olympus is the only brand I have used, I was looking at an Olympus SP-820UZ - 14 Mega Pixels, 40x zoom; and the new SP-100 - 16 Mega Pixels, 50x zoom. I know nothing about lenses, apertures, shutter speeds etc. and since I cannot remember anything, I am not sure what would be the best investment. I plan in keeping the budget at $500 or less. Your input will be greatly appreciated.
I am going to purchase a digital camera for person... (
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If you stretch your budget a little bit, you can get the Stylus 1 and be well-rewarded.
Or, stick with the models you're looking at, since they are excellent choices too.
I'm sorry to expose ignorance but what is a Stylus 1?
forgetful1 wrote:
I'm sorry to expose ignorance but what is a Stylus 1?
Sounds like an Epson printer to me??!! :lol:
SS
forgetful1 wrote:
I'm sorry to expose ignorance but what is a Stylus 1?
In Olympus parlance, it is at the top of the point-and-shoot bridge camera heap. It happens to be very capable of producing great pictures. Look it up, read the reviews.
SharpShooter wrote:
Sounds like an Epson printer to me??!! :lol:
SS
The Stylus 1 isn't a printer. But, the Epson printer you'd want is the 3880 Pro.
I have an Olympus Stylus 1. It's a SMALL bridge camera with f/2.8 throughout the range; and it has many parts from the higher Olympus M4/3s. I really like it so far.
--Beagleman
You don't list a location. If you had one of us might have been able to point you to a good shop. You should be able to find many decent cameras in that price range. I'd suggest visiting a camera shop in your area and holding each of the cameras that you've been considering. While you're there, ask if there are alternatives, in the same price range, to the ones you've just held. Good luck. Shopping for a camera should be fun, no reason not to consider all of them out there.
The closest camera shops would be a 2.5 hour drive from my Wyoming home to Salt Lake City.
A "best investment" on a camera purchase, without being able to touch and hold it first, that's a hard one. You're going to have to rely on reviews. The SP-100 is too new to have much of a track record. You could get good advice here, but you've chosen a subject that usually grabs Canon vs Nikon responses. I'd start a new post specifically asking about the two cameras you've mentioned. Try "Olympus SP-820UZ vs the new SP-100." You might include Lukan's suggestion of a Stylus 1, if you like it's online reviews. State again how you want to use it and your budget. If you're hunting with the camera, mention that. That should grab the attention of experienced Olympus fanciers.
I do like to "hunt" with a camera but a lot of time the animals come here so I would need to shoot through glass without reflection. Most of the cameras available at Sam's, Costco, and the Salt Lake stores listed online feature Nikons and Canons. I never used a digital camera before until this job - Olympus had been the choice by employers and I found I could use it - probably not up to the camera's potential, however. Thank you for your feedback. This is the first time I have ever used a computer to "speak" to anyone; hopefully words are clear.
First off welcome to the Hog. Secondly go to the store and handle all the major brands and see which one feels the best in your hand.
Personally I'd recommend the Nikon D3200 for it's Guide Mode which will get you off to a quick start in the DSLR world. Nothing is more gratifying than getting good shots "right out of the box." Plus it is reasonably priced.
for a beginner, anyone of the cheaper used dslr's from 5 or 10 years ago plus a wide- tele zoom or two kit lenses will get almost anyone off to a good start.
There is a lot of great used stuff out there that will get you off to a great start. Welcome to the hog.
forgetful1 wrote:
I am going to purchase a digital camera for personal use, primarily scenes and wildlife. I have used an Olympus SP-500UZ and an Olympus SP-565UZ at work for photographing inventory. Since Olympus is the only brand I have used, I was looking at an Olympus SP-820UZ - 14 Mega Pixels, 40x zoom; and the new SP-100 - 16 Mega Pixels, 50x zoom. I know nothing about lenses, apertures, shutter speeds etc. and since I cannot remember anything, I am not sure what would be the best investment. I plan in keeping the budget at $500 or less. Your input will be greatly appreciated.
I am going to purchase a digital camera for person... (
show quote)
This is a fixed lens camera. If you don't have any other needs, then it will suit your needs.
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