Newbie Needs Help With Camera Purchase
Nov 12, 2017 11:47:52 #
dfaith wrote:
Thanks everyone for responding...I never thought I would receive so much input.
For those who have the FZ1000, do you find the zoom sufficient? I am used to a 20x and I love it, but if the FZ1000 is a better fit for me I could learn to love it too.
For those who have the FZ1000, do you find the zoom sufficient? I am used to a 20x and I love it, but if the FZ1000 is a better fit for me I could learn to love it too.
The optical 400mm in the FZ1000 is more than adequate for me, and I really like the zoom control on the lens barrel. Unlike the zoom levers around the shutter button, the one on the lens barrel is very slow and precise, much like a manual zoom on a DSLR. If I have to more rapidly move the zoom in and out I use the control around the shutter button. The view from the eye level monitor is very bright and clear compared to the ZS50 which I already have. The digital zoom on the FZ1000 is not as good as the 400mm optical zoom, but because the FZ1000 has a larger 1" sensor, I have found the images comparable to the 600mm ZS50 with a smaller sensor.
Nov 12, 2017 12:29:39 #
I recomend the Canon SX60. I have the SX50, no longer made and replaced by the SX60. It is a bridge camera with excellent image stabilization and long zoom. You will not be missing any "Kodak" moments fumbling with your camera trying to change lenses like you would with a DSLR. This "all in one" feature is very important when trying to shoot kids or animals. Go to the Canon Factory site I have listed for a Referbished unit. They are backed by Canon Factory Warranty and at a price that won't break the bank. https://shop.usa.canon.com/shop/en/catalog/powershot-sx60-hs-refurbished. Welcome to UHH, Happy Shooting
Nov 12, 2017 12:31:12 #
dfaith wrote:
I am new to uglyhedgehog. I have been reading diff... (show quote)
welcome Dfaith... Loving to take photos is just the start of your love affair with photography...It always starts out simply taking photos, then you discover that you want to improve. This is where the real photographer in you steps up. The more you want to take better shots the more you will learn about photography and all of the choices of equipment. However if you feel you are happy with just "snap shots" of the family, then I would suggest you go to B&H photo and look for a used DSLR camera. https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/801662620-USE/canon_5169b003_eos_rebel_t3i_dslr.html With this type of camera you can improve your skills in time.
Nov 12, 2017 13:06:29 #
If I were in your shoes I'd stick with a point and shoot. For what you are doing, the best thing is to get the camera out of the way and take pictures. You really do just want to "point and shoot" and not fiddle with focus, fiddle with settings, fiddle changing lenses, or fiddle with anything else.
For example, I have an old Ricoh GRIII. A VERY compact point and shoot camera that takes awesome photos...and since it's several years old, they are cheap-ish.
I'd stick with looking at compact point and shoots if it were me.
For example, I have an old Ricoh GRIII. A VERY compact point and shoot camera that takes awesome photos...and since it's several years old, they are cheap-ish.
I'd stick with looking at compact point and shoots if it were me.
Nov 12, 2017 14:51:17 #
Hello!
The low light problem is due to the size of the sensor, 1/2.33". While I love my SX50 HS, both it and the later SX60HS have the same size sensor. Cameras that have larger sensors (1", Micro 4/3 (MFT)) and the like will be bigger and more expensive. Even larger are the APS-C and full frame (FF) DSLRs and mirrorless. Definitely NOT pocket cameras.
Others have given many different models as suggestions. I recommend going to a store where you can compare the feel and the how intuitive the menus are. Buying refurbished from the manufacturer or KEH or one of the ABCs (Adorama, B and H, Cometa) is strongly advised. RENTING before you buy is also highly recommended.
Just be sure the camera is rated at better than the 1/2.33" types for low light.
The low light problem is due to the size of the sensor, 1/2.33". While I love my SX50 HS, both it and the later SX60HS have the same size sensor. Cameras that have larger sensors (1", Micro 4/3 (MFT)) and the like will be bigger and more expensive. Even larger are the APS-C and full frame (FF) DSLRs and mirrorless. Definitely NOT pocket cameras.
Others have given many different models as suggestions. I recommend going to a store where you can compare the feel and the how intuitive the menus are. Buying refurbished from the manufacturer or KEH or one of the ABCs (Adorama, B and H, Cometa) is strongly advised. RENTING before you buy is also highly recommended.
Just be sure the camera is rated at better than the 1/2.33" types for low light.
Nov 12, 2017 15:35:19 #
dfaith wrote:
I am new to uglyhedgehog. I have been reading diff... (show quote)
The Canon SX50Hs is a decent bridge camera with a 50x zoom, it is around 300 to 400 bucks and it is a tiny, little thing (if that is what you like)!
Nov 12, 2017 16:18:45 #
Wow! Congratulations on the 7 children! With all that activity, you need something you can grab quick and get that shot. My 3 sons are grown now, but I really treasure the grab shots I got with my pocket-able Pentax waterproof; it was always there! I hope at least you and your wife are carrying a cell phone with good low-light shootablility. As far as better quality shots, look for an HX version of Sony, any of those Lumix with a fast lens, and, with all those kids, some kind of tough, knock-around, can be dropped-in-the-sand-or-surf-or-kitchen-floor camera, like the waterproof Ricoh.
Nov 12, 2017 20:05:33 #
I have been spending a lot of time reading the sites you guys have recommended. So much to cipher through and choose from! Overwhelming! While there are specs I like in each camera, I seem to keep coming back to the Canon G9 X Mark II. The zoom is less than what I was hoping for, but it seems it may be a good fit for me. I like what I read about the 1 inch sensor. Any advice? Steer me away if you think it’s a bad choice.
Nov 12, 2017 21:19:47 #
From tomsguide.com (I have no idea if this site is reputable or not)
VERDICT
The Canon G9 X Mark II is speedy and takes great pictures for its small size, but other compact cameras offer more features for around the same price.
QUICK TAKE
Consider the G9 X Mark II if you’re looking for a compact, take-anywhere camera with plenty of controls. But you should get the Panasonic Lumix DC-ZS70K if you want to record 4K video, and you want a bigger zoom.
However, yes, the Lumix has a better zoom but also a smaller sensor (1/2.3 inch).
So I am finding no one camera “has it all”. How, then, does one choose? I guess I do not know enough to make an educated decision!
VERDICT
The Canon G9 X Mark II is speedy and takes great pictures for its small size, but other compact cameras offer more features for around the same price.
QUICK TAKE
Consider the G9 X Mark II if you’re looking for a compact, take-anywhere camera with plenty of controls. But you should get the Panasonic Lumix DC-ZS70K if you want to record 4K video, and you want a bigger zoom.
However, yes, the Lumix has a better zoom but also a smaller sensor (1/2.3 inch).
So I am finding no one camera “has it all”. How, then, does one choose? I guess I do not know enough to make an educated decision!
Nov 12, 2017 22:49:15 #
dfaith wrote:
I am new to uglyhedgehog. I have been reading diff... (show quote)
I have the Canon G15 which has a 6.1-30.5 mm lens at f/1.8 - 2.8
It is a pretty good low light lens. I use it when my 5D IV is too large to take with me. The G15 is in my bowling bag so that I can take brag shots of the score monitors when someone gets a high 200s game. Also take it curling icase someone gets an eight-ender. It shoots raw or jpeg or both at the same time. It has been replaced by the G16.
Bud
Nov 13, 2017 07:42:12 #
Make a list of your absolute must haves. Mine included a good eye-level display in addition to the rear LCD, a zoom reaching out to at least 400mm (city folk can probably get by with less), enough size to hold steady, a larger than 1/2 inch sensor, and a price not more than $700. Video, to me, was unimportant because I have found a dedicated video camera takes better videos anyway.
Once you have your list of must-haves, hold out for the perfect camera. Mine was the FZ1000, but likely you will reach a different conclusion.
Once you have your list of must-haves, hold out for the perfect camera. Mine was the FZ1000, but likely you will reach a different conclusion.
Nov 13, 2017 11:38:18 #
dfaith wrote:
I am new to uglyhedgehog. I have been reading diff... (show quote)
Look at the website redtag/eBay they have the prices you're looking for and a number of kits/bundles The Nikon D 3300 and D 5300 are in that price range perhaps a little bit more for the 5600. Both with lots of goodies.
Nov 13, 2017 12:10:52 #
dfaith wrote:
From tomsguide.com (I have no idea if this site is... (show quote)
Looking around, here is a camera with a 1.5" sensor and a viewfinder. It is used but only $300:
https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/801660062-USE/canon_5249b001_powershot_g1_x_digital.html
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