Hi all. =] Today my samsung 8.1 s860 took a crap on me. All of a sudden the flash just completely stopped working and I've done just about everything in my power to fix it, and it still isn't working.... and we all know that you can't take a pictures without a flash.
So, I'm in need of a new camera, but I also have restrictions. As much as I'd love to have a SLR camera, I'm an unemployed (as of now) high schooler, and my parents can't afford a $500 camera. I'm looking for the best camera that $100-$200 (closer to the $150 range) can buy. I've been doing some internet browsing and found two models that I am really liking so far.. but again, I haven't taken any photography classes or anything, so I'm really going on close to no knowledge.
I'm looking at the A1100 IS Canon Powershot or the Nikon Coolpix S570. I also don't like looking at reviews of people on the websites (i.e. target) because just because the camera doesn't work for them... well that could just mean that they don't know how to work it... and it could be the user instead of the camera. Because currently if any random person picked up my Samsung then they would just get crappy pictures. Spending time with the camera though, I can get it to take decent pictures, and I know its settings instead out and upside down.
So, do any of you have feedback on the listed cameras or have any recommendations on cameras that would be good and in my price range that are on the market now? Thanks so much!! :D
I gave the A1100 IS Canon Powershot to my daughter before she went to Amsterdam and she took some great pictures. She has an artist's eye but no particular experience with a camera. She is very happy with the camera.
I have a Canon Powershot SX10 IS and love it! It's not in your price range, unfortunately, but I have looked at the A1100. I think it's a really good camera. If I was to get a second smaller camera, that's one I'd seriously consider. I can't tell you what kind of pictures it takes as I haven't used one more that what you can in-store.
You don't necessarily NEED to have a flash to take a photo... I never use a flash.
But I would recommend a canon camera. Just thought i'd put my 2 cents in =]
i have the nikon coolpix s560 (which i imagine is really close to the 570) and i love it. it takes great pictures, and the image color and quality is great. i haven't had any issues with it at all, and it has a ton of different settings to play around with.
hie.. i am new to this site and have a canon IXUS 95IS , i am soon planning to upgrade my camera from a digital camera to a SLR , but i would like to know more about from all you guys , how important is it to click from a SLR ? Why is it that much necessary that a person should have a SLR ? and last , which one would be better, a Nikon or a Canon SLR.. if Nikon then which one D3000 or D60, though i can get all this from google.. but having a tip from professionals is something different... thank you.. i will be waiting for ur replies
even if i buy a DSLR, which is better...? canon or nikon ..? right now i have a digital camera of canon.. but want to improve as i have keen interest in photography..
It's a matter of personal preference, I swapped from a Nikon to Canon and am really happy with my entry level Canon - it's a 400d. I will upgrade to a 5d at some point though!
There is a certain philosophy that is quite popular at the moment that states ,"the best camera is the one you have on you".
Having the wolrds best camera isn't going to magically make you think about composition or force you to understand lighting- most cameras nowadays are so feature packed they will make the photo work no matter what!
Personally I would recommend getting something as cheap as possible (i.e. One that you can treat like crap without being too worried you will hurt it in orde to get those really adventurous shots) that you can still take manual control off if needs
be, but anything that let's you adjust a few stops is all you will really need.
I can't say I'm that familiar with any of the Nikons! But as Richard said, don't worry about it being the most expensive camera, an entry level camera will suit you for a long while until you become really comfortable using an SLR. The more functions you have on a camera, the more you have to learn! Go easy on yourself and your bank balance.
My first digicam was an Olympus C770. It only shoot 4MB but they really are nice photos. It was great all the way up to the time I dropped it in the dark, lost the lens and couldn't find it. Now its just a nice back up camera as it has no zoom. Sigh... My 5yr old son has taken it over and when he holds still he still gets great pics out of it. I use it on the fly sometimes for the moments when I NEED a camera.
I'm now shooting with a Canon Powershot SX 100 IS and it take an even better shot than I thought I could manage. It maybe out of your price range but I would definitely recommend a Canon.
But don't give up on the Samsung. It probably has a little more life in it for daytime shots.
Actually, my digital photography professors say you should NEVER use the flash, really. It makes photos look like they're out of a horror movie. Use natural light!
I have a Powershot, albeit a more expensive model at $500, but they're good cameras. Find a camera that has great controls - ones that you can use easily. My 70's film SLR is my favorite camera not because it has a great lens, but that it's so easy to make a good shot.
All I know about this topic is that glass is important. Try and find a point-and-shoot with real glass lenses.
You may also want to consider browsing Amazon or your local pawn shops and finding something in good used condition. That's how I started with stepping up to better quality cameras. Used ones are everywhere. and the way technology depreciates, you may actually find something decent.
all the Nikon models out there are really good. the one thing i heard about Canon , add I am sorry don't remember the model, is issues with the autofocus. don't know ~ only have read about it.
if you aren't going to shoot professionally, there is no need for the more expensive model. you can get the low end Nikon and still achieve great results :)
which won a big magazine test of "superzooms" in a UK magazine last year. Not sure what the $ price is but it can be got for around £150 in UK. Eats batteries though so invest in some rechargeable AA's.
hey aeron..i understand what you going through right now..i was at the same stage an year back from now.
researched a lot, read reviews etc..bcoz i wanted to buy the best..
i wanted something with which i could start with and grow up further..
after everything i settled for canon a590 IS..
the cam is a point and shoot but has a capability of outgrowing all the others in its price range and higher..
y m i telling this to you, because id recommend u a canon..
simply because of me being a user and one aspect which you may want to consider is the CHDK..
google it for more information..
i can simply shoot in RAW, at shutter speed as high as 64 sec and as low as 1\80k.. aperture can go as high as 16 too..which no other point and shoot in this price range can do.
more than an year after i bought the camera and i still have a lot to learn..
@ vaibhav..
it is not about buying the most expensive camera..
you cant use class 12th books if you are studying in class 2..
buy an entry level or a simple point and shoot camera..
learn the basics first. and then grow gradually.
change the camera only and only when you think that it's limiting your growth.
also, if you have a sams club or costco membership - depending on where you live, you can get a dslr there. i know sams club i think carries the d60 for nikon at a pretty good price. my uncle bought his there, and it has been put to quite a bit of use. my cousin uses it occasionally for her 365 project on here.
I'm preferable to Nikon, but both are great. Since I am apparently either old or am a traditionalist, I would still recommend buying a good film SLR if you really want to learn photography. I picked up a used semi pro Nikon with a 35-80 mm lens for $60 a year ago. Takes better pics than my DSLR by far. Just have to pay to convert slide film to disc. But, it makes you a more patient photog, that's for sure!
Vaibhav, I have the Nikon D90 and I love it! I bought mine as a kit from Costco a year ago for $1300. It came with 2 lenses, a bag, DVDs, and other little extra stuff including a 2GB memory card. It's an awesome kit!
Aeron, Nikon and Canon both have loyal followers. My preference is Nikon, but my best friend does more with a Powershot than I ever thought possible with a point and shoot. Basically, if they both look good, go with the cheaper one. Because you'll learn either one and get the most out of it that you can. Good luck! And I agree, flash really isn't very nice looking, but it can help, especially in outdoor portraits where you need to make up for backlighting.
this is the camera i have. i got it for $130 which is a pretty good deal. its somewhat basic but works really well for me and i'm often pleased with the shots i get. i would definitely recommend it!
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Good luck
But I would recommend a canon camera. Just thought i'd put my 2 cents in =]
Having the wolrds best camera isn't going to magically make you think about composition or force you to understand lighting- most cameras nowadays are so feature packed they will make the photo work no matter what!
Personally I would recommend getting something as cheap as possible (i.e. One that you can treat like crap without being too worried you will hurt it in orde to get those really adventurous shots) that you can still take manual control off if needs
be, but anything that let's you adjust a few stops is all you will really need.
That's my two cents worth anyway :)
I'm now shooting with a Canon Powershot SX 100 IS and it take an even better shot than I thought I could manage. It maybe out of your price range but I would definitely recommend a Canon.
But don't give up on the Samsung. It probably has a little more life in it for daytime shots.
I have a Powershot, albeit a more expensive model at $500, but they're good cameras. Find a camera that has great controls - ones that you can use easily. My 70's film SLR is my favorite camera not because it has a great lens, but that it's so easy to make a good shot.
You may also want to consider browsing Amazon or your local pawn shops and finding something in good used condition. That's how I started with stepping up to better quality cameras. Used ones are everywhere. and the way technology depreciates, you may actually find something decent.
if you aren't going to shoot professionally, there is no need for the more expensive model. you can get the low end Nikon and still achieve great results :)
http://www.canon.co.uk/For_Home/Product_Finder/Cameras/Digital_Camera/PowerShot/PowerShot_SX120_IS/index.asp
which won a big magazine test of "superzooms" in a UK magazine last year. Not sure what the $ price is but it can be got for around £150 in UK. Eats batteries though so invest in some rechargeable AA's.
researched a lot, read reviews etc..bcoz i wanted to buy the best..
i wanted something with which i could start with and grow up further..
after everything i settled for canon a590 IS..
the cam is a point and shoot but has a capability of outgrowing all the others in its price range and higher..
y m i telling this to you, because id recommend u a canon..
simply because of me being a user and one aspect which you may want to consider is the CHDK..
google it for more information..
i can simply shoot in RAW, at shutter speed as high as 64 sec and as low as 1\80k.. aperture can go as high as 16 too..which no other point and shoot in this price range can do.
more than an year after i bought the camera and i still have a lot to learn..
@ vaibhav..
it is not about buying the most expensive camera..
you cant use class 12th books if you are studying in class 2..
buy an entry level or a simple point and shoot camera..
learn the basics first. and then grow gradually.
change the camera only and only when you think that it's limiting your growth.
Aeron, Nikon and Canon both have loyal followers. My preference is Nikon, but my best friend does more with a Powershot than I ever thought possible with a point and shoot. Basically, if they both look good, go with the cheaper one. Because you'll learn either one and get the most out of it that you can. Good luck! And I agree, flash really isn't very nice looking, but it can help, especially in outdoor portraits where you need to make up for backlighting.
this is the camera i have. i got it for $130 which is a pretty good deal. its somewhat basic but works really well for me and i'm often pleased with the shots i get. i would definitely recommend it!
I studied this inside and out before getting my camera.