Camera for person going overseas, who is not a photographer
Oct 30, 2016 13:02:05 #
Oct 30, 2016 13:04:16 #
Sony makes newer models but much more expensive The Sony rx100MK2 is an amazing choice. Read any review and many are trying hard to copy but have only come close. One reason is the zeiss lens. . Sony has a clear image zoom which is far superior to digital zoom and takes you from 3.7 to 7x which should cover you. It also has digital which takes you to 11x but I turn it off and never use it. Comes with built in flash. Use it on sport scene mode or superior auto mode to capture movement Put it in my jean pocket. I use the Alex White has a great book on the camera so you can learn how to maximize the abundant features. I would suggest 3 accessories. Mega gear uv lens protector. Invisable. Richard franiec grip. Sony semi hard screen protector. You will be amazed at the quality of the images. Once you learn how to use the settings results will rival many bulky DSLRs. My daughter took this camera to her European tour at 15 years old. The photos were better than semi pro cameras which the guide and some students had. They used hers for the yearbook
Oct 30, 2016 13:49:36 #
wdross
Loc: Castle Rock, Colorado
buckwheat wrote:
I can Google, check KEH, Craigslist, and study the... (show quote)
jerryc41and I are thinking the same, but I would also consider the more expensive Olympus TG-4 along with the Olympus TG-850. If she is into some video, you might want to consider the Olympus TG-TRACKER. They are all in the $300 range, plus or minus, and are capable of taking some abuse without falling apart. A little more expensive consideration would be the Olympus AIR O-1A with the 14-42 EZ lense. The Olympus Air uses the cellphone as the viewfinder / controls and allows her to expand to other lenses in the future.
Oct 30, 2016 14:10:42 #
If you have the time before she leaves the USA I would go to eBay and find a "Buy it Now" or "Best Offer" advertised Used Panasonic LUMIX DMC-LX7 digital camera which can readily be found at less than $300 delivered especially if you look at the white body version. Be certain that it includes the USB transfer cable, a battery and charger. The current adapter can often be found in an airport shop or every large city in Europe. There are plenty of sources for a few SD, SDHC, or SDHX cards. The Panasonic LX7 has a short zoom lens f1.4-f2.3, 24-90mm(equiv.35mm) Leica Summilux which tops all other compact digicams especially useful when indoors in historical places. Try finding f1.4, 24mm(equiv.) in any other small light Auto Mode "easy peasy" camera for amateur use.
After the trip the LX7 offers her the potential for advancing her photographic skills with the many options this camera possesses.
I have the earlier LX5 version which only has a f2.0-3.3 lens as my everyday walk around camera but got for $112 delivered. (I'm a cheapskate.)
After the trip the LX7 offers her the potential for advancing her photographic skills with the many options this camera possesses.
I have the earlier LX5 version which only has a f2.0-3.3 lens as my everyday walk around camera but got for $112 delivered. (I'm a cheapskate.)
Oct 30, 2016 14:29:38 #
I am thanking all who offered actual advice and appreciate the opinions. That is what I asked for, as many of you carry a "spare" camera for off the cuff photos. I thought about her IPhone as she does use it for snapshots. I do tend to overthink things (according to my wife) and I sometimes end up feeling like "Tim the Toolman" when all the person wanted was a screwdriver.
I now have some items to research, based on your testimony and don't have to wade through the hundreds of available options. I'm open to all the information I can get.
I now have some items to research, based on your testimony and don't have to wade through the hundreds of available options. I'm open to all the information I can get.
Oct 30, 2016 16:00:42 #
If she has little to no knowledge of photography, I agree with sticking with a good phone camera.
Anything better will also require some effort in order to understand how to use it properly.
Anything better will also require some effort in order to understand how to use it properly.
Oct 30, 2016 16:03:05 #
wdross
Loc: Castle Rock, Colorado
buckwheat wrote:
I am thanking all who offered actual advice and ap... (show quote)
I know TommiRulz had two bad TG-850s, but the reviews have been good for the 850. There was a very knowledgeable UHH member that had trouble with her TG-4 which required forcing the camera back to the factory resets before she was able the great pictures she expected from it. Personally I like the TG-4 over the 850, but it is more expensive.
Oct 30, 2016 16:40:53 #
I agree with the Panasnic Lumix ZS50 suggestion -- I am very happy with mine for taking casual shots.
Oct 30, 2016 18:07:27 #
delkeener wrote:
If you have the time before she leaves the USA I w... (show quote)
Although I am strongly for the cell phone option, I differ with the posters who have warned about a
learning curve with P&S and bridge cameras. My directions: 1. Power on. 2. Choose "Auto." 3. You're done. Start shooting.
Oct 30, 2016 18:38:36 #
If your granddaughter doesn't mind a used camera then another idea is to buy a used Sony RX100 original. That would be the best for all the museums, churches/ cathedrals that don't allow flash.
You can get one on eBay for around 300
But I do understand that used camera as a gift is kinda tacky - just an idea
You can get one on eBay for around 300
But I do understand that used camera as a gift is kinda tacky - just an idea
Oct 30, 2016 20:53:07 #
My only concern with using a smart phone or a typical P&S is the typical poor performance in low light. As was mentioned, many buildings and cathedrals, etc. over there are very poorly lit, and most will also not allow the use of flash (so the ability/knowledge to inhibit the flash is very important); in most cases, a typical camera-resident flash will not do any good, anyway--if the subject is more than about 15 feet away, those flashes are useless. (Although not germane to this discussion, the same disclaimer works for tripods--they are not allowed most anywhere they'd do any good.)
So my recommendation would be to concentrate on the reported low-light capability of any camera being considered--most of the other functions/capabilities will probably be satisfactory.
So my recommendation would be to concentrate on the reported low-light capability of any camera being considered--most of the other functions/capabilities will probably be satisfactory.
Oct 30, 2016 21:49:54 #
Oct 30, 2016 22:27:13 #
Leitz wrote:
Those who freely admit they're too useless to do anything for themselves are not worthy of any assistance!
Well, excuuuuse me.
Oct 30, 2016 22:33:23 #
David in Dallas wrote:
My only concern with using a smart phone or a typi... (show quote)
<My iPhone is remarkably good in very low light.>
Oct 30, 2016 23:02:55 #
When my daughter graduated from college, she wanted to go to Europe, so we sent both her and my son on a school associated trip. They both took point and shoot cameras and came back with some nice photos. They are small, easy to keep in a pocket, not cumbersome, yet amazingly sharp.
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