What is your favorite camera? And what would you recommend?

[mnhtnbb]

I have been thinking about buying a new camera. I find that I am enjoying
photography with just a simple point and shoot digital camera--which I've had
for about 4 years (Canon Powershot A2100 IS). In fact, the photo I submitted
for the contest this month--taken at sunrise on Lake Titicaca--was taken
on the first trip I did using the camera.

But I think I'm ready to take on the challenge of working with something
else that will give me better close-ups for flowers, bugs, critters, as well
as sharper long distance without changing lenses (I'm not ready to go the route
of carrying a lot of equipment). I'm not into sports photography. I like
landscapes, buildings (especially architectural details), portraits. I am fascinated
with clouds--texture and contrast--trees and not surprisingly, sunrises. I saw
someone comment that Canons don't get purple right. Do others agree? I'd also like to be able
to play with various effects on photos.

I have been leaning toward another Canon--maybe the G15--or should I wait for
the soon to be released G-16? Find a G-12? Or...what do you use and recommend?

Thanks!

[RC]

1. Mine is a Canon t3i.

I have a Canon Power Shot S95 that I carry with me almost all the time, in a Kodak belt case.

I have never used a Nikon that I really liked. there were always little niggling things, that quickly grew into aggravations, wiht every Nikon I have ever used. Just little things. My S/O has a Nikon pocket camera. We were watching an artist demonstration and I forgot my camera, so I borrowed hers. Every picture turned out with a green cast. There was nothing in the menus for white balance.
I've taken pictures there before with my Canon S95 and they turned out fine. My camera includes the information so the picture program on the computer, knows which is the top of the picture. Hers doe not and hers cost as much as mine did. The programs for up loading to the computer from both my Canons will create a new folder for each day any pictures were taken. The Nikon will create one folder for the date the pictures were uploaded, regardless of the date they were taken. It is little things like that.

[Nitram]

2. Nikon 5100

Amazing technology, HD video, very flexible LCD flip-out monitor and same image sensor as the high-end D7000. And Nikon lenses are brilliant. That said, Canon cameras are also excellent.

I highly recommend browsing user reviews on Amazon for various cameras and triangulate the reviews with your needs.

[mnhtnbb]

5. I find it helpful to read reviews on Amazon

Interestingly, the first review that popped up on the Nikon 5100 was from a
professional photographer in NY who also teaches beginners. Had some
interesting comparisons to make between Nikon and Canon--which lead
me to believe I'd be happier with the Canon--both from how each works
to best uses and how I'd be using the camera. (Canon equates
to mac--Nikon to pc; Canon for art photography and color--Nikon
for flash photography.

I'm not ready to go the the DSLR route, though.

[handmade34]

3. you should listen to

some of the great experience in this group... not me but... what I use is the Olympus Tough... love it for its quality of photos, macro abilities and durability. I started in this group with a Pentax, went to a Canon Powershot (P&S and great videos) and then I was given a Canon 50D (SLR)... LOVED it but gave it to a daughter who was interested... now I have a Canon 7D (if I would learn to use it I could do nice work!!) ...but mostly I use the Tough and am very happy!

photography is so much rolled in together... do the research, take everything with a grain of salt and then go with your instincts...


macro... these fungi in my yard are only about 1/8" tall...

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[mnhtnbb]

6. Wow! Amazing shot.

Have you used yours underwater?

I think I want a viewfinder though since one of the things I find most annoying with
my camera is trying to use it in bright light outside--which is where I use it a lot.

[handmade34]

8. not underwater yet...

I felt the same way about a viewfinder, that is why I went with the Pentax to begin with but I have adjusted ok to none

must say I do still like the viewfinder on the Canon...

[alfredo]

16. Fuji X20 or Nikon1 V1 or V2

See my post below.

The Nikon V1 or V2 might be to your liking.

http://www.stevehuffphoto.com/2013/02/19/the-nikon-v2-quick-review-by-steve-huff/

[flamin lib]

4. Check out the Olympus line.

For considerably less than the G15 you can get this: http://www.getolympus.com/us/en/digitalcameras/long-zoom/sh-50-ihs.html which appears to be equivalent.

For about the same price as the G15 you can get this: http://www.getolympus.com/us/en/digitalcameras/pen/e-pm2.html and enter the world of interchangeable lenses.

The Pen has a larger sensor than the P&S cameras which helps with the sweeping scenics and both have image stabilization (up to 4 stops).

As for carrying a lot of gear the Oly is 30% smaller and lighter than the equivalent competitor so when you do expand your camera bag you won't need a pack mule.

As for lens quality I'll put the Zuiko kit lenses up against any other kit lens on the market.

Bottom line: Ya' can't buy a bad product today.

[alfredo]

17. The EPM2 gets glowing reviews from users. You can get a EVF to attach to the top

that will give you more flexibility in use. You can find the VF-3 for $100 and change.




VF-3 attached to an Olympus EPL-1.

[NV Whino]

7. I'm a Nikon person

I couldn't tell you which of the new ones are best. I have a D300 and love it. You might look at B&H, KEH, Adorama for used or refurbished equipment. Good deals and the cameras are in good shape.

As for lenses, I have a 28-200 and a 60mm macro. Those two lens handle just about everything. Although, I do lust after a 500mm.

[Blue_In_AK]

9. I think my most versatile camera is my Canon 7D

As for purples, I haven't had a problem. I probably took this month's photo with the 7D and the color is pretty much as I saw it with minimal processing.

I don't know anything about those G's, but I like Canon, so imagine they're good.

[Stevenmarc]

10. There's a slew of mirrorless cameras

That are a great alternative to big DSLR's. They give you the best of both worlds, they are smaller and lighter than a DSLR but also have a but have larger sensors than even the best P&S, some also have interchangeable lenses, yes I know that's not a priority for you but with a smaller format its something you might reconsider.

[groundloop]

11. Some Thoughts.....

Last edited Fri Sep 13, 2013, 01:31 PM - Edit history (1)

First off you might check out this forum, it's full of Canon users: http://photography-on-the.net There's even a section dedicated to the Canon G series.

....give me better close-ups for flowers, bugs, critters, as well as sharper long distance without changing lenses

That seems like a pretty tall order, especially for a point and shoot. Image quality is heavily dependent on the lens, a lot of megapixels don't mean a thing without good quality glass. I'd almost consider going for one of the Canon Rebels (T3i, T5i) with a super zoom lens like the 18-200 (Sigma and Tamron make good quality super-zooms as well and cost less than Canon's).

[Sherman A1]

12. Everyone has different needs and tastes

I use a T2i with a Sigma 18 - 250mm for the most part. I have other lenses and a Rebel XT as my backup camera, but I have really gotten to like Sigma Lenses.

All that said, note I would have to improve by several magnitudes to reach the level of amateur. As I told a very nice young lady for whom I did High School Senior Pictures early this year, "I'm not a photographer, just a guy with a camera."

[ManiacJoe]

13. My second-hand recommendation

would be something in the Canon G12/G15 line. This is where both the Nikon and Canon DSLR shooters tend to go for something smaller or more family-convenient than the DSLRs in the large photography club at work. However, I have no personal experience with the Canon G12/G15 line.

[mnhtnbb]

14. I am leaning toward either the Canon G12 or G15.

Or maybe waiting for the G16 due out soon?

I have been reading reviews on-line in several places--Amazon, a website someone rec'd upthread, etc.
and I'm leaning toward the G15 although I understand a lot of Canon users were ticked when Canon
removed the articulated swivel screen. I just wonder how much I would use it...vs. liking the lighter/thinner
camera.

[alfredo]

15. The Canon G16 should be a good camera, but Canon has lagged behind other makers in this market.

These two two cameeras have much larger sensors giving them better high ISO performance, better image quality, and depth of field. Sony sensors are excellent, and I bet it is also in the Fuji, but I'm not sure. Even if they use the same sensor, the software will be different.


Look at the Sony RX100 or the Fuji X20.

Sony RX100
http://www.dpreview.com/reviews/sony-cybershot-dsc-rx100/

Fuji X20
http://www.dpreview.com/reviews/fujifilm-x20/


The Fuji has an internal viewfinder. They come in handy in bright light situations where the LCD screen is hard to see, or the light is low and you can use the viewfinder to cut camera shake.

[mnhtnbb]

18. I made the jump and ordered Canon G15 in a bundle deal on Amazon

last night. I think there are some good prices on the 15 due to the 16 coming
out very soon. Extra battery, extra charger, carrying case, tripod and some other stuff.
Very good deal after researching prices all over the net.

Once I get the camera and can try it out, I may spring for the adapter
and telephoto lens that can be added to it. Might be worth it for
some landscape, especially rising moon, shots.

[alfredo]

19. It should be good for Macro too. My G10 was.