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250-300 budget for new camera

Falloutboy

Diamond Member
not sure what to get. really IQ is the primary goal, ease of use is secondary since my Fiance will be using the camera as well. Looking at used and new options.

Cameras that have caught my eye E-pl1, s95, gf2, g11/12, maybe a low end used dslr?
 
I sent you a PM based off your FS/T post. In general, I'd avoid the first generation of M4/3 cameras right now but they might have improved. While the low end DSLR might be an option, it might not suit your needs for ease of use for the fiancee.
 
For the money, the Nikon P300 is hard to beat.

2011 TIPA Award for Best General Compact Camera

New from Adorama $277, Refurbished for $250.
http://www.adorama.com/INKCPP300BK.html

Here is a good article comparing the Nikon P300, Canon S95 and the Panasonic LX5.
http://www.ephotozine.com/article/panasonic-lx5-vs-canon-s95-vs-nikon-p300-15928

JR

EDIT: I have, use and love the Canon S95. What makes it so special are the manual controls and RAW. It has its limitations, especially the LCD. Its resolution is too low and it shows the color as much bolder than in the shot itself. The issue here is that you might think you nailed focus when the AF misses, or love a shot only to be disappointed later when it is too late to redo the shot. My wife has the P300 and its LCD is a much more useful tool. You'll have to evaluate what is really important to you in a P&S. Either way you go, having a shirt-pocket sized camera is a huge plus.
 
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I'll 3rd the S95. I have one. And I have a 5D2. The S95 performs so well and can fit in ur pocket. However, I didn't want to give up much in IQ when I did get a P&S. The S95 fits the bill nicely.
 
Get an old Nikon D40 or D40x and kit lens 18-55 and SB-400 flash.

Those might be hard to find nowadays, but definitely a good choice for image quality. DSLR's have AUTO mode just like compacts, so as long as the size and weight is not a problem, you can still use them even if you don't know anything about photography.
 
Are y'all recommending the S95 instead of the S100 just because of the price ? Or is there something better about the S95 ?
 
Are y'all recommending the S95 instead of the S100 just because of the price ? Or is there something better about the S95 ?

ive seen quality issues reported on the S100 a few months ago, dont know if thats still the case or if theyve worked it out
 
Are y'all recommending the S95 instead of the S100 just because of the price ? Or is there something better about the S95 ?

The price has dropped so much since they came out, it's just the best bang for the buck hands down. You need to compare the differences in the S100 for yourself and see if they're worth it to you. For most, the S95 is the best choice. And you'll be very pleased with it.
 
If you get the S95, be sure to get the semi-rigid leather case for it. It makes is a snap to have the camera with you all the time.

JR
 
ended up pulling the trigger on a Pannasonic GF3 Body, have a friend with a Kit Lens he is selling me for 50 bucks so nice combo for just under 250.
 
If IQ is your number one priority... used DSLR, hands down. S95 is a great P&S, but DSLR is still on a whole nother league in IQ.
 
Where'd you get a GF3 body for $200 ?

thru amazon, found the deal on slickdeals, sounds like open box returns condition listed as "like new" but not positive what they are, I get the camera this afternoon, but has the same return policy as a normal amazon order and bought it on amex so it has a warranty regardless
 
if Amazon didn't tell me this was used I would of accepted it as brand new with a little beatup box. Loveing the camera so far, but its been so long since i've used anything other than a cheap P&S or Cell Camera i'm still learning, but here are a few shots from my annoying my pets since its raining out no one else to annoy lol.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/77170581@N03
 
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