Cameras

[Bernie]

I know this has been brought up before in the past. I've done some searches and found some older threads. However, I was hoping some of you can recommend a camera for me.

At the moment I am using my iPhone4 for all of my pictures. Unless there is good lighting the pictures can be pretty awful.

I am not interested in going all out on DSLR's and lenses as photography isnt really something I want to become a hobby, or a great expense.

I am looking for a point and shoot camera that will enable me to take sharp/high quality pictures of my Chameleons at close up.

I'm not overly fussed about fancy features - just looking for the abilty to take great pics of my animals.

Thanks

 

[JackP308]

I use 3 cameras in varying price ranges. Canon Rebel EOS, Iphone 4s , Olympus SP810 Zoom
I actually use all 3 equally and get similar photos being the quality listed in best to least best.
Image from iPhone 4s

Image from Canon Rebel EOS

Image from Olympus SP-810

Those are from all 3

My olympus is small and does pack a lot of features i don't really use and takes pretty good picture especially in the dark as thats when I do take a lot. Its not that expensive and its small and easily taken around and to use. Its really sold on its zoom feature since it is a super zoom but I really don't get into all that as Im usually 5 ft from my target. Overall I think its a good price point and shoot right behind the DSLRs.

 

[Bloodhound]

The problem with low light photography is really only dslr is the only product capable of good images. The sensors on Point and shoots are not even close to the same quality. Note when buying a camera megapixel size means nothing. Probably the best point and shoot cameras available are the Lumix by panasonic. Presently the Nikon sensors are superior to canon. I would go with the Lumix ls-8. You will need some light. You will also need to learn to adjust film speed. Stay away from using the flash. I should get my Cham this week. I will try and take one with a lumix. Shooting in daylight will help. Tungsten and other artificial lights limit your gray scale and can be difficult for beginning photographers. bhphotovideo.com should have the best prices.

 

[Robyrango]

Canon cameras are awesome, even the cheapest one gives you great results... But it's kind of real personal type of thing..Like when you like a phone make and you keep sticking on that when you need to replace it.

 

[Miss Lily]

I use a Samsung PL50 - I think it takes great photos! I have no clue what I am doing photography-wise, so it does it all for me, lol! I mainly use the macro setting and the 'Smart' mode. Here's a few pics that I've taken with it - a lot of the time I take the pic, zoom in, crop, and then upload to the computer.

 

[Robyrango]

I use a Samsung PL50 - I think it takes great photos! I have no clue what I am doing photography-wise, so it does it all for me, lol! I mainly use the macro setting and the 'Smart' mode. Here's a few pics that I've taken with it - a lot of the time I take the pic, zoom in, crop, and then upload to the computer.

Hurrah for Samsung!
Pictures are amazing!

 

[Bernie]

Some good advice there guys thanks. I have been looking at the Lumix range today. They seem to have great reviews and produce great pictures.

Is the Lumix FS35 any good?

 

[Bernie]

I use a Samsung PL50 - I think it takes great photos! I have no clue what I am doing photography-wise, so it does it all for me, lol! I mainly use the macro setting and the 'Smart' mode. Here's a few pics that I've taken with it - a lot of the time I take the pic, zoom in, crop, and then upload to the computer.

I must admit your pictures are very good. It was your Monty close up that has actually inspired me to get a better camera! So it's your fault this thread exists ;-)

 

[Miss Lily]

Thanks! I aim to please, lol! The camera has the knack of making Monty look quite big when in actual fact he is still a tiny l'il boy! He still weighs under 7g and can fit on my finger!

 

[amanda509]

i use a cannon point and shoot (SD1300 IS), very durable and has many settings, the only problem ive had, is it will lag when focusing when its freezing out also, the battery lasts for a loong time, i usually charge it once a week at most if im using it everyday for a couple hours, i usually charge about once every two weeks or once a month seeing how i dont use it everyday usually. got it at bestbuy for about $125 including case and memory card

 

[yankfanthom]

Anything but a Sony Cybershot. Unless you like dark orange pics LOL

 

[azgnoinc]

I use an Olympus Stylus, only cost about $125 and it's a 12 meg camera that takes some pretty good pics if I say so myself, from close up to action shots - do a search of my posts throughout the general photography section for examples, or search Alien or Archimedes, or Pluto - all of the pics have been taken with this camera.

 

[Bernie]

The 2 Cameras that I am looking at are both from the Lumix range....

DMC-LX5
DMC-ZS10/TZ20

Can anyone advise on which camera would be best investing in out of these? Would you recommend them for my needs?

Thanks.

 

[williamsrx]

The 2 Cameras that I am looking at are both from the Lumix range....

DMC-LX5
DMC-ZS10/TZ20

Can anyone advise on which camera would be best investing in out of these? Would you recommend them for my needs?

Thanks.

I have the Lumix LX-3, and it is very good in low light. I know the LX-5 even improves on that. That line also has the best sensors, so I'd go with that.

 

[Rowellos]

Hey I actually work at an electronics store (Frys) here are my recommendations based on pricepoint and the best quality per bracket.

Canon hs100~ usually 109$
Canon s95-s100~329$
canon g12~499$
Sony nex c3~599$

Some basic cameras but best for your money and very nice picture quality.

 

[Bloodhound]

No question the LX-5 is superior. It is a much faster lens and will do better in low light. The Canon G12 is the only camera comparable. The LS 10 has has a really big zoom and that is part of the reason not to get the camera. I won't go into specifics. The lx-5 is the choice. The camera was designed for Leica by panasonic. Panasonic makes all the leica point and shoots. It is the same camera with a different name. Oh, I am a photographer and it is what I would use.

I have the Lumix LX-3, and it is very good in low light. I know the LX-5 even improves on that. That line also has the best sensors, so I'd go with that.

The 2 Cameras that I am looking at are both from the Lumix range....

DMC-LX5
DMC-ZS10/TZ20

Can anyone advise on which camera would be best investing in out of these? Would you recommend them for my needs?

Thanks.

 

[Zajlol]

Cannon D90
Love this camera takes amazing pics!

 

[Bernie]

I have gone with the LX5.

It was a little more than I intended to pay, however I see it as a good investment and I only want to "buy once".

Thanks for all help and advice folks.

 

[williamsrx]

Great choice Bernie, you will not be disappointed.

 

[Bernie]

I picked up my camera this evening. I must say there is a serious amount of settings on this thing! Wowsers!

First stop is the automatic mode for me. However I would like to explore a bit and get some high quality close ups if possible. With me being new to the technical side of photography - can anyone give any pointers as to which settings need to be adjusted to achieve this?