Need Some Advice on What to Get


abcd012340

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Sep 21, 2010
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I'm not really a "newbie" to Photography, but I need some advice on my current situation.

I currently own a 6.0 megapixel Panasonic DMC-FX10 which has optical 3x zoom (35-105mm), and have been saving up for a DSLR.

Meanwhile, I'm thinking of having a replacement for my 4 to 5 years old PnS, and my budget is less than $1000.

I would like to have slightly longer reach than my current PnS, manual controls, HD movie recording, and probably higher ISO limit with acceptable images (currently limited at ISO 1250).

I understand that all these are achievable with a DSLR, but there are just times where a DSLR is too bulky and the extra weight is just not worth bringing out.

Hope you guys out there can recommend me something. Thanks in advance! :)
 

I'm not really a "newbie" to Photography, but I need some advice on my current situation.

I currently own a 6.0 megapixel Panasonic DMC-FX10 which has optical 3x zoom (35-105mm), and have been saving up for a DSLR.

Meanwhile, I'm thinking of having a replacement for my 4 to 5 years old PnS, and my budget is less than $1000.

I would like to have slightly longer reach than my current PnS, manual controls, HD movie recording, and probably higher ISO limit with acceptable images (currently limited at ISO 1250).

I understand that all these are achievable with a DSLR, but there are just times where a DSLR is too bulky and the extra weight is just not worth bringing out.

Hope you guys out there can recommend me something. Thanks in advance! :)

Just take note for dslr, there isnt really a lot of them with AF movie mode. Unless you want to enter the bottomless pit of $$$ that is buying dslr system, i recommend instead advanced pns like Canon SX40 or G1X. Depending how they are used, they can be better then dslr in everyday shooting.
 

Just take note for dslr, there isnt really a lot of them with AF movie mode. Unless you want to enter the bottomless pit of $$$ that is buying dslr system ...

I've already decided to enter the pit, just not yet, with the limited funds I have. Need to earn more $$$.


... i recommend instead advanced pns like Canon SX40 or G1X. Depending how they are used, they can be better then dslr in everyday shooting.

To my understanding the G1X isn't that great of a PnS due to its AF, so will skip that. Have done my research on the SX40.. Seems like it's more or less similar to that of the Nikon P500.
 

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If bulk is a concern, then go for nex or m4/3rd
 

Go bns look for 550d with 18-55 lens.
I believe < $800 can get.
Or 600d < $1000

FYI, although they are entry level Dslr, I find them really good. I am surprise that iso control is so good even better than 50d ...
 

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ahboy168 said:
Go bns look for 550d with 18-55 lens.
I believe < $800 can get.
Or 600d < $1000

He already said no dslr.
 

How about a Sony hx9v ? Retail price at 549, think it's effective range is 24mm-300mm plus . Would be an affordable compact travel zoom .
 

How about a Sony hx9v ? Retail price at 549, think it's effective range is 24mm-300mm plus . Would be an affordable compact travel zoom .

The good: Brilliant LCD screen; excellent build quality; very good low-light image quality; manual exposure control; beautifully colored images; very good video quality.
The bad: Video recording takes a few seconds to initialize; can blow highlights when using auto modes, in-camera battery charging is a bit of a pain; no RAW capture.
The bottom line: The HX9V makes an ideal travel companion for those who enjoy life on the road, with a great feature set, including a 16x optical zoom lens.
- From CNET Asia (Sony Cyber-shot DSC-HX9V Review - Cameras - CNET Asia)

Thanks for the recommendation!

Keep the suggestions coming in!

EDIT: Just realised there isn't Aperture and Shutter Priority modes.
 

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Can also consider the Nikon P7100 or Canon G1X

More manual controls
 

Well for point and shoot,

1) Olympus XZ-1
2) Nikon P5100
3) Panasonic LX-5
4) Canon S95, S100, G12 and the newly released G1X
5) Sony WX-7 (I have one, and it is pretty good).

Actually, you could look at various m4/3 cameras. I believe the Panasonic GX1 cost not more than S$1000. The m4/3 camera should have much better high ISO noise control as compared to most PnS, except maybe for the Canon's G1X.
 

Well for point and shoot,

1) Olympus XZ-1
2) Nikon P5100
3) Panasonic LX-5
4) Canon S95, S100, G12 and the newly released G1X
5) Sony WX-7 (I have one, and it is pretty good).

Actually, you could look at various m4/3 cameras. I believe the Panasonic GX1 cost not more than S$1000. The m4/3 camera should have much better high ISO noise control as compared to most PnS, except maybe for the Canon's G1X.

Thanks for the elaborate list! I'm currently looking into a second hand Sony NEX-5N.. Now that you've mentioned it, which model is comparable to it?
 

Thanks for the elaborate list! I'm currently looking into a second hand Sony NEX-5N.. Now that you've mentioned it, which model is comparable to it?

Sony NEX5n is an APS-C sensored mirrorless camera, in theory it should have better high ISO noise control as compared to the Olympus and Panasonic m4/3 sensor cameras.

The main issues with the NEX 5n (in my opinion) was that the lens aren't exactly small and compact. The Olympus and Panasonic's offering had smaller lenses and had an overall smaller package.

As to which model is comparable to the Sony Nex-5n, I would say, no model or all models... depending on what you are looking at. So it all boils down to yourself and which camera is more comfortable in your hands.

Btw, I have an EPL1, and is loving it. Have brought it on a vacation recently and found that it is very very useful and easy to carry around. The newer Panasonic GX1 and Olympus offering, had much better AF speed and accuracy as compared to the EPL1 and noise control is also better in the newer offerings, almost as good as APS-C sensor I would say.
 

Thanks for the elaborate list! I'm currently looking into a second hand Sony NEX-5N.. Now that you've mentioned it, which model is comparable to it?

In terms of image quality? Nikon D7000, etc. Same sensor.
 

In terms of image quality? Nikon D7000, etc. Same sensor.

Oh wow, that's a new insight for me. I knew that the D7000 was a Sony sensor, but didn't know it was used in the 5N as well!
This should mean that the 5N has better noise management and higher ISO limits then?

Just to add on, I'm reading the GX1 Review from DP Review, and in short this statement describes my current situation:
"DSLR owners looking for a second 'go-anywhere' camera with high image quality embraced the camera's comprehensive external controls and its relatively compact."
 

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Found a great summary from another thread:
http://www.clubsnap.com/forums/newbies-corner/1061862-mirrorless-entry-level-dslr.html

Either MILC or DSLR will do.

Both types of cameras will do well enough for the photography you intend to do.

MILC options :

m4/3 - Olympus EP series and OM-D; Panasonic GH2; G3; GX1
Strengths : small size/weight; nice range of small/fast/good lenses from UWA (ultra wide angle) to short telephoto (ie. 90mm equivalent)
Cons : slightly poorer high ISO performance (about 1 stop compared to the best APS-C); slightly nosier o/p (real slight) at all ISO levels (no big deal unless you push your files in post process (PP)) ; Less dynamic range; Less DOF control compared to APS-C

APS-C sensor MILC
--------------------
Pentax K-01
Pros : Largest range of small APS-C lenses. Small/fast/good quality lenses. Backward comparability to all legacy k-mount lenses. On camera shake reduction
Cons : Largest MILC camera body (though pretty right sized with APS-C lenses)


Sony NEX
Pros : Smallest flange distance to use other brand lenses with an adapter (manual focus only)
Cons : Large sized lenses for a small camera body; mostly slow lenses and zooms; only a few fast primes at the moment (16/2.8; 25/1.8; 501/.8)


Samsung NX
Pros : Good sized; Good prime lenses (small; fast; good performance) from WA to short telephoto
Cons : Not as good high ISO performance compared to the above 2. Very large file sizes in RAW (40MB); Relatively unknown level of user group support here