DSLR or good compact?
Discussion
Hi everyone, new member and first post.
Im coming up soon for my long service award at work, in the company catalogue they have listed a Canon 600D and a Nikon D3100 both with kit lenses.
My questions are, as I'm looking for a new camera (upgrade from a Panasonic TZ6) and I'd like HD video, should I stick with one of those. There's a possibility that I can ask them for something different of similar value .
I'm not entirely sure what type of camera to go for, I'd like a good all round camera for most types of photo taking i.e carshows ,indoors and maybe fast action shots etc.
I dont know whether to go for something like the cameras I've mentioned, or maybe one of these Sony RX100, Panasonic LX7 & FZ200. Looking at internet reviews I like the look of the Pentax K 30 and Sony A37.
OK, almost finished!, I'm keen on a good quality compact but wonder if I'll miss a decent zoom and if I went for a DSLR I couldn;t see me having money to buy extra lenses.
Thanks for any ideas and guidance.
Im coming up soon for my long service award at work, in the company catalogue they have listed a Canon 600D and a Nikon D3100 both with kit lenses.
My questions are, as I'm looking for a new camera (upgrade from a Panasonic TZ6) and I'd like HD video, should I stick with one of those. There's a possibility that I can ask them for something different of similar value .
I'm not entirely sure what type of camera to go for, I'd like a good all round camera for most types of photo taking i.e carshows ,indoors and maybe fast action shots etc.
I dont know whether to go for something like the cameras I've mentioned, or maybe one of these Sony RX100, Panasonic LX7 & FZ200. Looking at internet reviews I like the look of the Pentax K 30 and Sony A37.
OK, almost finished!, I'm keen on a good quality compact but wonder if I'll miss a decent zoom and if I went for a DSLR I couldn;t see me having money to buy extra lenses.
Thanks for any ideas and guidance.
Im no expert unfortunately but recently upgraded my 4 year old Panasonic dmc-lx3 compact. I was torn between the Sony rx100 and the nex 5r (slim dslr). Had a play with both and while I did like the size and pocket-ability of the rx100 I preferred the larger lens/zoom and functionality on the 5xr.
However in the end I went for the new Canon EOS M as I found it easier to use and I thought the pics looked better than the Sony's.
Not had a chance to really use it yet but off to South Wales soon for a short-break so will report back.
However in the end I went for the new Canon EOS M as I found it easier to use and I thought the pics looked better than the Sony's.
Not had a chance to really use it yet but off to South Wales soon for a short-break so will report back.
I think it's true to say that like all gadgets there is no easy answer except "whatever suits you/your pocket"
I use a 'bridge' type camera myself - I'll grant you that it's ultimate picture quality won't be as good as an SLR with separate lenses etc, but I don't want to carry a load of gear BTDT. There can be a situation where I can use the 18x zoom and get a picture that would be missed whilst fiddling with various lenses. Equally my wife finds it fiddly to use, and prefers a point and shoot compact!
I use a 'bridge' type camera myself - I'll grant you that it's ultimate picture quality won't be as good as an SLR with separate lenses etc, but I don't want to carry a load of gear BTDT. There can be a situation where I can use the 18x zoom and get a picture that would be missed whilst fiddling with various lenses. Equally my wife finds it fiddly to use, and prefers a point and shoot compact!
Regarding the FZ200 - having been a previous (recently) user of the FZ50, I was pleased to hear the FZs were being updated with a new model.
That was until I saw one on display in a local Currys.
Christ on a bike it's feckin' tiny! I'm sure I'd have been able to fit inside the lens barrel on the '50, with room to spare.
Horrible little toy of a thing, and I couldn't put it back down any faster if I tried. Funny how close up images with nothing to compare against make it look respectably decent sized.
That said, I have seen some high-ish ISO images on DPReview's forum, and they look very good considering, but it's still toy-like.
Anyway, moving on......your last few words seem to define what you should be looking at, since you don't envisage being in a position to fund more lenses (both new and pre-owned? ), so that would suggest the notion of a DLSR has been put paid to.
That would then leave you with the Sony RX100/Lumix LX-7, with its fast f1.8/f1.4 lens, so should be good for low-light/indoors use as you'll be able to make sure the image is non-blurry, with or without the IS kicking in.
Would love to suggest the Fujifilm X100, but don't think it's going to quite meet all the criteria you're looking for in your post, and maybe the rangefinder style doens't appeal either.
That was until I saw one on display in a local Currys.
Christ on a bike it's feckin' tiny! I'm sure I'd have been able to fit inside the lens barrel on the '50, with room to spare.
Horrible little toy of a thing, and I couldn't put it back down any faster if I tried. Funny how close up images with nothing to compare against make it look respectably decent sized.
That said, I have seen some high-ish ISO images on DPReview's forum, and they look very good considering, but it's still toy-like.
Anyway, moving on......your last few words seem to define what you should be looking at, since you don't envisage being in a position to fund more lenses (both new and pre-owned? ), so that would suggest the notion of a DLSR has been put paid to.
That would then leave you with the Sony RX100/Lumix LX-7, with its fast f1.8/f1.4 lens, so should be good for low-light/indoors use as you'll be able to make sure the image is non-blurry, with or without the IS kicking in.
Would love to suggest the Fujifilm X100, but don't think it's going to quite meet all the criteria you're looking for in your post, and maybe the rangefinder style doens't appeal either.
PJ S said:
Regarding the FZ200 - having been a previous (recently) user of the FZ50, I was pleased to hear the FZs were being updated with a new model.
That was until I saw one on display in a local Currys.
Christ on a bike it's feckin' tiny! I'm sure I'd have been able to fit inside the lens barrel on the '50, with room to spare.
Horrible little toy of a thing, and I couldn't put it back down any faster if I tried. Funny how close up images with nothing to compare against make it look respectably decent sized.
That said, I have seen some high-ish ISO images on DPReview's forum, and they look very good considering, but it's still toy-like.
Just had a wander round Jessops and John Lewis - I think the DSLRs are may be bigger than I like to carry around, the bridge cameras -FZ200, Sony HX200? and Canon SX50 seemed ok but have doubts about their low light performance.That was until I saw one on display in a local Currys.
Christ on a bike it's feckin' tiny! I'm sure I'd have been able to fit inside the lens barrel on the '50, with room to spare.
Horrible little toy of a thing, and I couldn't put it back down any faster if I tried. Funny how close up images with nothing to compare against make it look respectably decent sized.
That said, I have seen some high-ish ISO images on DPReview's forum, and they look very good considering, but it's still toy-like.
PJ S said:
Anyway, moving on......your last few words seem to define what you should be looking at, since you don't envisage being in a position to fund more lenses (both new and pre-owned? ), so that would suggest the notion of a DLSR has been put paid to.
would then leave you with the Sony RX100/Lumix LX-7, with its fast f1.8/f1.4 lens, so should be good for low-light/indoors use as you'll be able to make sure the image is non-blurry, with or without the IS kicking in.Would love to suggest the Fujifilm X100, but don't think it's going to quite meet all the criteria you're looking for in your post, and maybe the rangefinder style doens't appeal either.
[b] Could of done with one of those for a wedding we went to on Saturday, I'd guess that 50% of my photos came out blurred - indoors and zoomed inwould then leave you with the Sony RX100/Lumix LX-7, with its fast f1.8/f1.4 lens, so should be good for low-light/indoors use as you'll be able to make sure the image is non-blurry, with or without the IS kicking in.Would love to suggest the Fujifilm X100, but don't think it's going to quite meet all the criteria you're looking for in your post, and maybe the rangefinder style doens't appeal either.
Edited by Spanglepants on Monday 26th November 18:52
Ive finally got my long service award but still having problems choosing.
Looked at a Nikon 1 J2 twin lens kit which I thought was quite neat, read some reviews and now not sure if i should go for it. the other camera ive looked at is the Olympus EPL 5. Lenses and batteries seem expensive though. Any more thoughts or suggestions please?
Looked at a Nikon 1 J2 twin lens kit which I thought was quite neat, read some reviews and now not sure if i should go for it. the other camera ive looked at is the Olympus EPL 5. Lenses and batteries seem expensive though. Any more thoughts or suggestions please?
What about a bridge camera? My friend & neighbour is looking at this:
http://www.fujifilm.com/products/digital_cameras/s...
Which looks decent enough and is currently £200.
http://www.fujifilm.com/products/digital_cameras/s...
Which looks decent enough and is currently £200.
james_tigerwoods said:
What about a bridge camera? My friend & neighbour is looking at this:
http://www.fujifilm.com/products/digital_cameras/s...
Which looks decent enough and is currently £200.
Now that does look good IMHO.http://www.fujifilm.com/products/digital_cameras/s...
Which looks decent enough and is currently £200.
Blast only bought a 14MP fuji last year and now I fancy one of these - Maybe I'll wait a few more years and see what else comes along
Fastpedeller said:
james_tigerwoods said:
What about a bridge camera? My friend & neighbour is looking at this:
http://www.fujifilm.com/products/digital_cameras/s...
Which looks decent enough and is currently £200.
Now that does look good IMHO.http://www.fujifilm.com/products/digital_cameras/s...
Which looks decent enough and is currently £200.
Blast only bought a 14MP fuji last year and now I fancy one of these - Maybe I'll wait a few more years and see what else comes along
I've got a Sony RX100 for the times I want a camera with me but my D7000 is too big.
It never ceases to amaze me for a compact camera. Absolutely amazing. When the light falls it keeps churning out stunning photos, which is normally where pocket compacts completely fall apart.
This was a simple handheld snap from the RX100 as I was walking through town one night. It really was completely dark bar a bit of moonlight and lighting in the street/building.
For what it's worth, I personally would always want a decent DSLR and a decent compact as I use the DSLR for more 'artistic stuff', long exposure and all that, but if I had to have only 1 camera I would be tempted to go for an RX100 as you can simply slip it into a jacket or jeans pocket and take it anywhere, yet still get excellent shots. There are many places you can't or wouldn't want to take a DSLR with you.
I don't see the point in 'bridge cameras'... All the impracticality and size of a DSLR but not quite the image quality..
It never ceases to amaze me for a compact camera. Absolutely amazing. When the light falls it keeps churning out stunning photos, which is normally where pocket compacts completely fall apart.
This was a simple handheld snap from the RX100 as I was walking through town one night. It really was completely dark bar a bit of moonlight and lighting in the street/building.
For what it's worth, I personally would always want a decent DSLR and a decent compact as I use the DSLR for more 'artistic stuff', long exposure and all that, but if I had to have only 1 camera I would be tempted to go for an RX100 as you can simply slip it into a jacket or jeans pocket and take it anywhere, yet still get excellent shots. There are many places you can't or wouldn't want to take a DSLR with you.
I don't see the point in 'bridge cameras'... All the impracticality and size of a DSLR but not quite the image quality..
Edited by NinjaPower on Wednesday 30th January 15:59
That looks quite impressive. How do you get on with it being 28mm? My TZ6 is 25mm and I wonder how much I would miss that.
NinjaPower said:
I've got a Sony RX100 for the times I want a camera with me but my D7000 is too big.
It never ceases to amaze me for a compact camera. Absolutely amazing. When the light falls it keeps churning out stunning photos, which is normally where pocket compacts completely fall apart.
This was a simple handheld snap as I was walking through town one night:
It never ceases to amaze me for a compact camera. Absolutely amazing. When the light falls it keeps churning out stunning photos, which is normally where pocket compacts completely fall apart.
This was a simple handheld snap as I was walking through town one night:
Yes, the Olympus I mentioned has good reviews.
Is the Nikon J2 not worth considering?
I stopped looking at bridge cameras as they have small sensors I assumed they wouldnt be much of a step up from my TZ6, thanks for the suggestions though.
Is the Nikon J2 not worth considering?
I stopped looking at bridge cameras as they have small sensors I assumed they wouldnt be much of a step up from my TZ6, thanks for the suggestions though.
Guvernator said:
Have you considered a Compact System Camera? Image quality almost as good as a DSLR but in a smaller size? The APS-C and Micro 4\3rds camera's fall into this category. Might be worth having a look as a good compromise between size vs image quality.
Spanglepants said:
Yes, the Olympus I mentioned has good reviews.
Is the Nikon J2 not worth considering?
I stopped looking at bridge cameras as they have small sensors I assumed they wouldnt be much of a step up from my TZ6, thanks for the suggestions though.
Most of the CSCs should be a marked improvment on most point and shoot compacts. The J2 might be a good choice for a beginners CSC and they are very small and easy to use. Do note that they've just announced a J3 so might be worth holding out for that one for a few weeks to see if it offers anything about the J2 that you'd want.Is the Nikon J2 not worth considering?
I stopped looking at bridge cameras as they have small sensors I assumed they wouldnt be much of a step up from my TZ6, thanks for the suggestions though.
Either go for something that will fit in your pocket, or a DSLR.
The options in between are just as much hassle to carry as an SLR, more expensive and have lower image quality.
As to the original question - it depends if you want a camera to carry while doing other things (Compact) or you want to specifically head out to take photographs (SLR)
The options in between are just as much hassle to carry as an SLR, more expensive and have lower image quality.
As to the original question - it depends if you want a camera to carry while doing other things (Compact) or you want to specifically head out to take photographs (SLR)
The long service award Ive received has a catalogue , the camera they're offering is a Canon 650D + 18-55mm. You have the option of choosing something of your choice as well. Had a play with a 650 in Costco last night. I like it but how often will i take it out ? I had a Canon 20D a few years ago but sold it , I found it a heavy camera to lug around.
I just want a good all round camera that can cope with most situations and isnt limited like my TZ6. The TZ takes nice sharp photos but is restricted in what it can do.
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