Ugly Hedgehog - Photography Forum
Home Active Topics Newest Pictures Search Login Register
Main Photography Discussion
What’s the best point and shoot camera
Page <<first <prev 3 of 4 next>
Mar 29, 2018 13:58:44   #
MNgpsy68 Loc: Southern Minnesota
 
I would recommend the Sony HX400v. You can get a used one for around $340. It has a 50x zoom and does quite well for birding pictures, movies, panoramas, scene shots, stop action, and lots more. I dunked mine in a river, sadly, and bought a Nikon P900 because it has a longer zoom. I am quite dissatisfied with it, though. It doesn't hold a candle to the Sony HX400v.

Reply
Mar 29, 2018 14:14:23   #
Rashid Abdu Loc: Ohio
 
Sorry! Yes, it is a bit pricey at $1700.00!

Reply
Mar 29, 2018 14:31:20   #
Bill_de Loc: US
 
For what the OP asked the Canon SX60HS, already recommended by a couple of members, is a very good choice.

I don't see the need for a whole lot more information than what was provided. Telling someone to pick a different subject seems ludicrous to me. Just as bad is saying that all the good bird shots are taken with expensive equipment by experienced photographers. That's like applying for your first job and being told everywhere you go, come back when you have experience.

Shoot the birds you can get close to by feeding them regularly or visiting them at a zoo. Most of all, enjoy yourself.

---

Reply
 
 
Mar 29, 2018 14:45:53   #
Fotoartist Loc: Detroit, Michigan
 
You are right about the latest generation of cell phone cameras probably beating quite a few PNSs. Do cell phone cameras shoot raw now?
burkphoto wrote:
If you already have a high end smart phone, you're probably always going to have the best point and shoot camera (the one you have with you!), unless you have a real point-and-shoot. $300 isn't going to get you much.

http://www.dpreview.com has all the reviews you need. https://www.dpreview.com/reviews/buying-guide-best-cameras-under-500 is a good place to start.

As for your, "How do I get the sharpest and clearest photos from a camera?" question, we could spend thousands of lifetimes answering that! Go to the top of this page and click Photography Digest, first.
If you already have a high end smart phone, you're... (show quote)

Reply
Mar 29, 2018 15:11:13   #
Bobspez Loc: Southern NJ, USA
 
For Christmas I got a used Coolpix B700 on ebay for $300 plus $18 shipping. For that price I don't think there's a better bridge camera.

Reply
Mar 29, 2018 16:53:52   #
rmorrison1116 Loc: Near Valley Forge, Pennsylvania
 
jdub82 wrote:
What I took issue with was that you stated that bridge cameras don't have the needed zoom for photographing birds. This just isn't true. Since you own all those bridge cameras you are aware of this. You went on to recommend a DSLR to an OP who had asked about a point and shoot in the $300.00 range. Yes, at the very end of your post you tacked on a recommendation for the SX60 after you had stated a DSLR with a 150-600mm lens was a much better idea. A confusing post is what I responded to. I don't doubt your knowledge, I just disagree with a couple of statements that were made.
What I took issue with was that you stated that br... (show quote)


You took what I said out of context and you put words in my mouth. I did not recommend a DSLR, I recommended, I believe, the same camera you recommended. I pointed out how an inexpensive DSLR may be less expensive than a high end point and shoot. The OP's topic was the best point and shoot camera, not the best point and shoot for around $300. Big difference a few words can make. I didn't tack on anything. The last line was my recommendation and it was part of my original reply. I stand by what I said and if you take the time to do some research, you will find that I am not incorrect.

Reply
Mar 29, 2018 17:03:52   #
PhotosBySteve
 
Fletcher91 wrote:
IHow do I get the sharpest and clearest photos from a camera. And what camera would work best for me. I want to stay around the $300 amount


Getting the best from a camera is dependant on the operator (photographer). At that price level, a late model high end cell phone will do the job.

Reply
 
 
Mar 29, 2018 18:17:57   #
Bill_de Loc: US
 
PhotosBySteve wrote:
Getting the best from a camera is dependant on the operator (photographer). At that price level, a late model high end cell phone will do the job.


I never shot with a cell phone camera. Are they such that using one would teach him about shooting with a real camera? I would hate to think that if in a year or so he decides to move up, he is still in the dark about camera controls. I don't dislike what the cell phones can produce as I've seen some great work done with them. But are they a good stepping stone?

--

Reply
Mar 29, 2018 19:09:01   #
bsprague Loc: Lacey, WA, USA
 
Fotoartist wrote:
..... Do cell phone cameras shoot raw now?
Newer ones do. And, the Lightroom app for phones takes advantage of it.

Reply
Mar 29, 2018 22:21:19   #
burkphoto Loc: High Point, NC
 
Fotoartist wrote:
You are right about the latest generation of cell phone cameras probably beating quite a few PNSs. Do cell phone cameras shoot raw now?


The better iPhones do. I’m pretty sure the better Android phones do, too.

Reply
Mar 29, 2018 22:38:18   #
rehess Loc: South Bend, Indiana, USA
 
Bill_de wrote:
I never shot with a cell phone camera. Are they such that using one would teach him about shooting with a real camera? I would hate to think that if in a year or so he decides to move up, he is still in the dark about camera controls. I don't dislike what the cell phones can produce as I've seen some great work done with them. But are they a good stepping stone?

--

Main thing transferable is composition. Phone has only a few buttons - most controls are 'soft' - and there is no viewfinder.

Reply
 
 
Mar 29, 2018 22:41:35   #
Bill_de Loc: US
 
rehess wrote:
Main thing transferable is composition. Phone has only a few buttons - most controls are 'soft' - and there is no viewfinder.


Thanks!

--

Reply
Mar 30, 2018 02:36:48   #
rdrechsler Loc: Channel Islands Harbor, CA
 
[quote=jdub82]
rmorrison1116 wrote:
Most of the high end P&S cameras, also known as bridge cameras, don't have the long zoom you need for birds


I disagree. I've found quite the opposite to be true true. The Canon SX60 has a 65X zoom (1400mm) and the Nikon P900 has an 83X zoom (2000mm). DSLR lenses can't even come close to matching that capability. There are many bird enthusiasts right here on UHH who use bridge cameras quite successfully. While bridge cameras have their limitations, zoom capability is far and away their biggest strength. They are also relatively affordable. An example: A refurbished Canon SX60 can be purchased for $379.00 from Canon's website, with a full 1 year warranty. It is a pretty capable camera for the price. Price seemed to be a key issue for the OP. Birds are not my main focus, but here is a bird photo taken with my Canon SX50 while on a Safari in Kenya. (FYI, I also own and use a DSLR)
Most of the high end P&S cameras, also known ... (show quote)


Even though I have upgraded to the Nikon D850 with three high-end lenses, I still use my Canon SX60HS all the time. It's a great go-to camera and the zoom capabilities are remarkable. And it's fast enough to capture birds on the fly without issue. If you can get one use for $379, I'd be all over it. The Nikon P900 would be as good or maybe even a better choice, but I'm not sure if you can get one within your budget. But for the uses you describe, I second the motion that one of those two bridge cameras would be your best bet. You won't need much else in the way of accessories... a good tripod and a range of ND filters and you should be good to go.

Reply
Mar 30, 2018 03:40:05   #
rts2568
 
Hi,
You ask for the best, cheap, compact camera for you.

Save your cash and find one that takes the best photos by itself without any interference from you.


Ron

Reply
Mar 30, 2018 04:39:26   #
rmorrison1116 Loc: Near Valley Forge, Pennsylvania
 
rdrechsler wrote:
Even though I have upgraded to the Nikon D850 with three high-end lenses, I still use my Canon SX60HS all the time. It's a great go-to camera and the zoom capabilities are remarkable. And it's fast enough to capture birds on the fly without issue. If you can get one use for $379, I'd be all over it. The Nikon P900 would be as good or maybe even a better choice, but I'm not sure if you can get one within your budget. But for the uses you describe, I second the motion that one of those two bridge cameras would be your best bet. You won't need much else in the way of accessories... a good tripod and a range of ND filters and you should be good to go.
Even though I have upgraded to the Nikon D850 with... (show quote)


I didn't recommend the P900 because the cheapest one I found was well over the OP'S budget. I bought my SX60HS used for $325 and it was in like new condition. I keep it handy all the time, I call it my puppy cam, it and an SL1 with EF-S 18-200 mounted.

Reply
Page <<first <prev 3 of 4 next>
If you want to reply, then register here. Registration is free and your account is created instantly, so you can post right away.
Main Photography Discussion
UglyHedgehog.com - Forum
Copyright 2011-2024 Ugly Hedgehog, Inc.