Picking up Photography


ProwlinPoet

Member
Aug 12, 2010
40
0
6
Woot! 1st Post!!
Hi all!! =D

As per title, I wish to pick up photography as a hobby but have trouble deciding.
I wish to get a decent digicam and pick up some skills before making a decision to buy a DSLR. My research seems to point me to Panny's TZ8/10 due to its flexibility.

Much appreciated if you could advice me on which compact cam I shld go for =)
This is my 1st time buying a camera.

Camera Type/Size:
- Compact, smaller than LX3 (to slip into a jacket pocket.)
Use:
- Picking up photography skills
- Photos for blogging/facebook (resolution is not an issue)
- A light companion for oversea travels if do get a DSLR
Required Features:
- Decent ISO quality up to 800
- Decent no flash, low light shots (For wider learning & party shots. Again, resolution not an issue.)
- Manual Modes (To learn photography skills with)
Budget: $500 ~ 650 SGD
Brand Preference: None
Models in mind:
- Panasonic TZ8/10 (has a 3mp high sense/low noise mode)
- Cannon Power Shot SX210 IS (15 - 1/3200 shutter)
- Fuji F200 EXR (has low noise/high sense mode)
Other notes:
- I prefer to stay away from memory sticks if possible.
- Not intending to do much post processing. Raw is not required.
- Zoom is not an issue.
Intend to get 2x telephoto magnetic lens if its below 5x, exclusive of budget.
Eg: http://www.digitaltoyshop.co.uk/Besel+Digital+Camera+Telephoto+Lens


PS: Out of curiosity and pure fun...
How much optical zoom can i get if i decrease image resolution on Tz8/10 to 3mp and attach the 2x telephoto lens above?
 

Last edited:
Woot! 1st Post!!
Hi all!! =D

As per title, I wish to pick up photography as a hobby but have trouble deciding.
I wish to get a decent digicam and pick up some skills before making a decision to buy a DSLR. My research seems to point me to Panny's TZ8/10 due to its flexibility.

Much appreciated if you could advice me on which compact cam I shld go for =)
This is my 1st time buying a camera.

Camera Type/Size:
- Compact, smaller than LX3 (to slip into a jacket pocket.)
Use:
- Picking up photography skills
- Photos for blogging/facebook (resolution is not an issue)
- A light companion for oversea travels if do get a DSLR
Required Features:
- Decent ISO quality up to 800
- Decent no flash, low light shots (For wider learning & party shots. Again, resolution not an issue.)
- Manual Modes (To learn photography skills with)
Budget: $500 ~ 650 SGD
Brand Preference: None
Models in mind:
- Panasonic TZ8/10 (has a 3mp high sense/low noise mode)
- Cannon Power Shot SX210 IS (15 - 1/3200 shutter)
- Fuji F200 EXR (has low noise/high sense mode)
Other notes:
- I prefer to stay away from memory sticks if possible.
- Not intending to do much post processing. Raw is not required.
- Zoom is not an issue.
Intend to get 2x telephoto magnetic lens if its below 5x, exclusive of budget.
Eg: http://www.digitaltoyshop.co.uk/Besel+Digital+Camera+Telephoto+Lens


PS: Out of curiosity and pure fun...
How much optical zoom can i get if i decrease image resolution on Tz8/10 to 3mp and attach the 2x telephoto lens above?
TZ10 is a good choice, but if u don't need the zoom i recommend looking at canon G11(slightly above ur price range) - 5x zoom or samsung EX1(i like the fell of this thing also apature goes as wide as f1.8) - 2-3x zoom, cheers
 

Welcome to CS.

Your requirements are quite hard to meet. The models you mentioned do not meet your requirements also. But as it stands now, Lumix LX3, LX5, Samsung EX1, Canon G11, S90 are pretty much the popular choices now and seem closest to your requirements.

I encourage you to read more online, and join some newbie outings under the Outings subforum.

Good start here:

Camera basics
http://www.clubsnap.com/forums/showthread.php?t=309544

Composition
http://www.amateursnapper.com/photography/10-top-photography-composition-rules
http://digital-photography-school.com/digital-photography-composition-tips

More topics covered here:
http://www.cambridgeincolour.com/tutorials.htm
 

Last edited:
Woot! 1st Post!!
Hi all!! =D

As per title, I wish to pick up photography as a hobby but have trouble deciding.
I wish to get a decent digicam and pick up some skills before making a decision to buy a DSLR. My research seems to point me to Panny's TZ8/10 due to its flexibility.

Much appreciated if you could advice me on which compact cam I shld go for =)
This is my 1st time buying a camera.

Camera Type/Size:
- Compact, smaller than LX3 (to slip into a jacket pocket.)
Use:
- Picking up photography skills
- Photos for blogging/facebook (resolution is not an issue)
- A light companion for oversea travels if do get a DSLR
Required Features:
- Decent ISO quality up to 800
- Decent no flash, low light shots (For wider learning & party shots. Again, resolution not an issue.)
- Manual Modes (To learn photography skills with)
Budget: $500 ~ 650 SGD
Brand Preference: None
Models in mind:
- Panasonic TZ8/10 (has a 3mp high sense/low noise mode)
- Cannon Power Shot SX210 IS (15 - 1/3200 shutter)
- Fuji F200 EXR (has low noise/high sense mode)
Other notes:
- I prefer to stay away from memory sticks if possible.
- Not intending to do much post processing. Raw is not required.
- Zoom is not an issue.
Intend to get 2x telephoto magnetic lens if its below 5x, exclusive of budget.
Eg: http://www.digitaltoyshop.co.uk/Besel+Digital+Camera+Telephoto+Lens


PS: Out of curiosity and pure fun...
How much optical zoom can i get if i decrease image resolution on Tz8/10 to 3mp and attach the 2x telephoto lens above?

Basically the points I enlarged are gonna be a problem.
smaller than LX3 (already very small), but with high ISO noise performance that exceeds a compact camera? hmmmmmm.... even my D80's ISO800 noise was a bit worrying. But then again it all hinges on your definition of 'decent'.
 

Basically the points I enlarged are gonna be a problem.
smaller than LX3 (already very small), but with high ISO noise performance that exceeds a compact camera? hmmmmmm.... even my D80's ISO800 noise was a bit worrying. But then again it all hinges on your definition of 'decent'.

Can always dream mah...

I am waiting for a new 18-200VR F.2,8 lens, that is the size of the current 18-55 lens. at the price of the tamron 17-50 non VR. Any recommendations? :devil:
 

sony NEX or canon, or Lemix is within ur budget. Go check on which brand or camara function suitable for u if u dont want to throw in $$$ into DSLR
 

sony NEX or canon, or Lemix is within ur budget. Go check on which brand or camara function suitable for u if u dont want to throw in $$$ into DSLR

Sony NEX within budget meh? I thought is over $1k?
 

Canon G11 will do the job but slightly above your budget.
 

thanks for e advice n warm reception! =D

G11 is too big for my liking, s90 is a lil over budget.
also, zoom n resolution are of least concern to me. i prefer to have 7 to 8/10 image quality and a smaller pict than a big pict w 4/10 quality.

btw, how does tz8/10's 3mp low noise mode fair in low light party shots against other competing models such as sony hv5's twilight, f200's exr low noise mode, casio's fh100 compression?
all low light shots will be taken at wide angle only.

@zero i define decent as smooth for websites, small prints for albums =)

@daredevil thanks! i'll read up when i get home. currently on my mobile =p
 

ok I've done some reading up and am starting to look at the following models for the same purposes in opening thread.

Models in mind:
Cannon S90
Panasonic LX3 (The size is a pain but if I can get a good price, I dont mind)
Panasonic TZ8/10

I now understand that Tz10's f3.3 isnt great as there's insufficient lighting.
However, with its manual controls, I'm curious to know if i can optimise it to obtain results like this TZ7 user. I hope Tz10's extra 2mp doesnt get in the way...
http://www.avforums.com/forums/digi...panasonic-dmc-tz7s-low-light-performance.html
 

Last edited:
ok I've done some reading up and am starting to look at the following models for the same purposes in opening thread.

Models in mind:
Cannon S90
Panasonic LX3 (The size is a pain but if I can get a good price, I dont mind)
Panasonic TZ8/10

I now understand that Tz10's f3.3 isnt great as there's insufficient lighting.
However, with its manual controls, I'm curious to know if i can optimise it to obtain results like this TZ7 user. I hope Tz10's extra 2mp doesnt get in the way...
http://www.avforums.com/forums/digi...panasonic-dmc-tz7s-low-light-performance.html

You might want to consider the Samsung EX1. Reviews are not bad. And it does have a F1.8 lens that will give you more low light possibilities. And yes, it is cheaper than the LX3.
 

ok I've done some reading up and am starting to look at the following models for the same purposes in opening thread.

Models in mind:
Cannon S90
Panasonic LX3 (The size is a pain but if I can get a good price, I dont mind)
Panasonic TZ8/10

I now understand that Tz10's f3.3 isnt great as there's insufficient lighting.
However, with its manual controls, I'm curious to know if i can optimise it to obtain results like this TZ7 user. I hope Tz10's extra 2mp doesnt get in the way...
http://www.avforums.com/forums/digi...panasonic-dmc-tz7s-low-light-performance.html

Canon S90 should fit the bill nicely, but you do give up the nice 24mm/25mm wide angle of the Panasonics though....
 

@Zaren the hd movie n optical zoom while filming is just as epic! i was stunned when i saw some vids posted by tz10 users. strangly, their vid looks better than their stills in low light.

@daredevil woah! a low light contender than's cheaper than lx3!? =D
but it looks big! >.<
 

@Zaren the hd movie n optical zoom while filming is just as epic! i was stunned when i saw some vids posted by tz10 users. strangly, their vid looks better than their stills in low light.

@daredevil woah! a low light contender than's cheaper than lx3!? =D
but it looks big! >.<

It is not la. I held it at mustafa this morning. F1.8, articulating screen, AMOLED too, bright... Our very own mod ed bought one and started a review thread there with many pics. Check it out.
 

Last edited:
Sorry for e late reply.

Due to some stuff, I'll prob be traveling alot in abt 10 months from now.
Therefore, I need something small to carry around.
Though I'm in no rush to buy camera, LX3 n EX1 are too bulky for my travel needs.

Hence, I've reviewed my needs and am willing to learn to work round e camera's drawbacks.
Pls advice =)

Camera Type/Size:
- Compact, smaller than LX3 (to slip into a jacket pocket.)
Use:
- Picking up photography skills
- Photos for blogging/facebook (resolution is not an issue)
Required Features:
- Decent Low light shots
Achieved via bayer compression/twilight modes or ISO 400/800 0.5~2 sec exposure
- Optical Zoom while recording
- Manual Modes (To learn photography skills with & work round low light issues)
Budget: $500 ~ 650 SGD
Brand Preference: None
Models in mind:
- Panasonic TZ8/10
- WB650
Other notes:
- Not intending to do much post processing. Raw is not required.
- Zoom & Resolution is not an issue.
- Global Warranty is not an issue
 

Last edited:
Sorry for e late reply.

Due to some stuff, I'll prob be traveling alot in abt 10 months from now.
Therefore, I need something small to carry around.
Though I'm in no rush to buy camera, LX3 n EX1 are too bulky for my travel needs.

Hence, I've reviewed my needs and am willing to learn to work round e camera's drawbacks.
Pls advice =)

Camera Type/Size:
- Compact, smaller than LX3 (to slip into a jacket pocket.)
Use:
- Picking up photography skills
- Photos for blogging/facebook (resolution is not an issue)
Required Features:
- Decent Low light shots
Achieved via bayer compression/twilight modes or ISO 400/800 0.5~2 sec exposure
- Optical Zoom while recording
- Manual Modes (To learn photography skills with & work round low light issues)
Budget: $500 ~ 650 SGD
Brand Preference: None
Models in mind:
- Panasonic TZ8/10
- WB650
Other notes:
- Not intending to do much post processing. Raw is not required.
- Zoom & Resolution is not an issue.
- Global Warranty is not an issue

So you are back to square one? Sure looks like it.

I suggest you go down to a camera store to try out. Since it seems you are quite picky about the camera you want.
 

So you are back to square one? Sure looks like it.

I suggest you go down to a camera store to try out. Since it seems you are quite picky about the camera you want.

more or less back to square one but willing to learn to work round e limitations of e camera =)

eg:
optical image stabilisation is effective up to 1 sec. total exposure time tends to be double of set exposure time for noise removal.

i'll set iso to 400 or 800 and total exposure to 1 sec, largest aperture and raise EV value. not expecting anything close to dslr nor prosumer quality.
 

more or less back to square one but willing to learn to work round e limitations of e camera =)

eg:
optical image stabilisation is effective up to 1 sec. total exposure time tends to be double of set exposure time for noise removal.

i'll set iso to 400 or 800 and total exposure to 1 sec, largest aperture and raise EV value. not expecting anything close to dslr nor prosumer quality.

If you are doing 1 sec? I really hope you have it on a tripod. If you have it on a tripod, there is no need to go 400 or 800, large aperture and raise EV. Just use a fairly small aperture (F8 or F11), ISO set to base, let EV=0, and shoot in timer mode, mounted on a tripod.

Shot on an old prosumer Fuji S9500 (9MP) by my wife on a $40 tripod. keystone distortion corrected in PP.

ISO80, 20s, F11, EV0, 28mm
4490657392_ec0d98d466_z.jpg


You sure you do not want to go DSLR? Compare to this:
4892675244_a112d4dd12_z.jpg
 

Last edited: