New to forum. Advice on best $400 camera: I'm James. I just joined the forum last week. Within the next two months I want to buy a camera. My budget can't exceed $400. I have two High...

sternej

I'm James. I just joined the forum last week. Within the next two months I want to buy a camera. My budget can't exceed $400. I have two High school boys in Marching band and orchestra.. I will take both indoor pictures in school auditoriums (low light, zoom shots) and pictures on the field. I'm desiring about a X20 optical zoom (minimum). Any recomendations?

dsmeltz Loc: Philadelphia

Canon SX50 might work. Currently $399.00 at B&H. There is a newer version the SX60 but that runs $549.00

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/889965-REG/Canon_PowerShot_SX50HS_Digital_Camera.html

jerryc41 Loc: Catskill Mts of NY

sternej wrote:

I'm James. I just joined the forum last week. Within the next two months I want to buy a camera. My budget can't exceed $400. I have two High school boys in Marching band and orchestra.. I will take both indoor pictures in school auditoriums (low light, zoom shots) and pictures on the field. I'm desiring about a X20 optical zoom (minimum). Any recomendations?

Welcome to our forum!

When you narrow down your choices, look at dpreview.com and snapsort.com. You can do comparisons of the features.

Shellback Loc: North of Cheyenne Bottoms Wetlands - Kansas

jerryc41 wrote:

Welcome to our forum!

When you narrow down your choices, look at dpreview.com and snapsort.com. You can do comparisons of the features.

And when the decision is made - you can look at refurbished or used...

I buy refurbished and have been very pleased with the equipment. Some folks buy used and the comments have been very positive.

Check out these stores:

B&H Photo & Video here
Adorama here
Cameta Camera here
KEH Camera here

It is recommended to stay away from gray market items (non-USA items) as explained in this article by Nikon.

dsmeltz Loc: Philadelphia

Shellback wrote:

<snip>
It is recommended to stay away from gray market items (non-USA items) as explained in this article by Nikon.

:thumbup: :thumbup: :thumbup:
This assumes you are in the USA. If you are in another country, you need to make sure the warranty you get covers where you are.

Shakey Loc: Traveling again to Norway and other places.

sternej wrote:

I'm James. I just joined the forum last week. Within the next two months I want to buy a camera. My budget can't exceed $400. I have two High school boys in Marching band and orchestra.. I will take both indoor pictures in school auditoriums (low light, zoom shots) and pictures on the field. I'm desiring about a X20 optical zoom (minimum). Any recomendations?

The Panasonic Lumix FZ200 is an excellent camera (not pocketable) which gives outstanding results. Shop around and remember Black Friday is not far away. This is a bridge camera which will extend from 25-600mm. This means that you have a longer reach than many kit DSLR cameras, and you don't need to change lenses.
I am an owner and avid user and traveler. Some users complain about low light results, I don't know why. Here is a low light shot, you can check the result for yourself.

(Download)

ralphc4176 Loc: Conyers, GA

I concur about the Canon PowerShot SX50 HS, currently $400 at B&H with free shipping and including a free memory card.

dsmeltz Loc: Philadelphia

Shakey wrote:

The Panasonic Lumix FZ200 is an excellent camera (not pocketable) which gives outstanding results. Shop around and remember Black Friday is not far away. This is a bridge camera which will extend from 25-600mm. This means that you have a longer reach than many kit DSLR cameras, and you don't need to change lenses.
I am an owner and avid user and traveler. Some users complain about low light results, I don't know why. Here is a low light shot, you can check the result for yourself.

Nice camera, but closer to $500 than under $400.

Shakey Loc: Traveling again to Norway and other places.

dsmeltz wrote:

Nice camera, but closer to $500 than under $400.

True but if you shop around:
http://www.amazon.com/s/?ie=UTF8&keywords=lumix+dmc+fz200&tag=googhydr-20&index=aps&hvadid=15914656164&hvpos=1t1&hvexid=&hvnetw=g&hvrand=6940556399854507138&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=b&hvdev=c&ref=pd_sl_8vdx304b3a_b

DavidPine Loc: Fredericksburg, TX

The Canon SX50 will do a good job for you. Good luck.

sternej wrote:

I'm James. I just joined the forum last week. Within the next two months I want to buy a camera. My budget can't exceed $400. I have two High school boys in Marching band and orchestra.. I will take both indoor pictures in school auditoriums (low light, zoom shots) and pictures on the field. I'm desiring about a X20 optical zoom (minimum). Any recomendations?

Bruski Loc: Ellensburg, WA

A bridge camera for sure - shop features and price on the net - lots and lots of information there. Besides Canon check out Panasonic,Fuji, Nikon and some others. If you can feel them, see how they fit your hand, are the controls where you would like. As stated above you can get some new last years models at great prices. Make sure you get a viewfinder! Enjoy the process.

Jackdoor Loc: Huddersfield, Yorkshire.

sternej wrote:

I'm James. I just joined the forum last week. Within the next two months I want to buy a camera. My budget can't exceed $400. I have two High school boys in Marching band and orchestra.. I will take both indoor pictures in school auditoriums (low light, zoom shots) and pictures on the field. I'm desiring about a X20 optical zoom (minimum). Any recomendations?

Panasonic ZS40. Enough zoom, great camera at the price, and it will fit in your pocket. That's a huge advantage, often overlooked.

MarkD Loc: NYC

A bridge camera would be a good choice, but bridge cameras are generally not good in low light. For that reason the bridge camera that I recommend is the Panasonic FZ200 because of its lens that has a maximum aperture of a fast f/2.8 at all focal lengths. It runs more than $400 new but there are good used ones around for under $400. I found one at keh.com and 2 at Adorama. Both are very reliable dealers who have good return and warranty policies.

sternej

This Forum is Great! Thanks eveybody who has replied. I'm thinking about used as a way to get the best bang for the buck. Hopefully I'd like to get a waranty for at least 90 days.

Nikon_DonB Loc: Chicago

Welcome to The Hogg!