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Looking to buy a GOOD digital camera!

IEC

IEC

Elite Member
Super Moderator
Update:

I've decided to completely ignore everything below the level of a DSLR simply because the sensor sizes are too small and the feature-set is lacking.

I'm currently looking at:

Pentax K100D or K110D - only difference is Shake Reduction (SR) vs no SR
Canon EOS D350
Nikon D40

ATM I'm thinking buy the K100D in a few months and purchase lenses later if I so desire. It has image stabilization on the sensor in the form of SR and much better auto-focusing than the Canon. It's also significantly cheaper at <$450 with 18-55mm lens kit.

Pentax K100D Review (dpreview)
Pentax K100D User Photos

Pentax K100D - $381.99 AR ($50 MIR)

Edit: I know it's body only, but I've got two lenses from a Pentax film camera that will fit.
 
Originally posted by: edro
S5 IS?
Click to expand...

At $500 that's a wee bit out of my price range. I'd rather buy a Pentax D*ist for less... used of course.
 
Canon SD800 ftw that is such a great camera. and its under 500. just make sure u get a 4 gig sd card its worth taking 1000 of best quality pics
 
Originally posted by: freshgeardude
Canon SD800 ftw that is such a great camera. and its under 500. just make sure u get a 4 gig sd card its worth taking 1000 of best quality pics
Click to expand...

I'll have to do some more research and shopping around before buying, because $500 is quite a bit to swallow ATM... so is the consensus that I should wait to be able to purchase a DSLR camera rather than buying an SLR-like camera? Is the quality and feature-set difference _that_ noticeable?
 
Originally posted by: Spartan Niner
Originally posted by: freshgeardude
Canon SD800 ftw that is such a great camera. and its under 500. just make sure u get a 4 gig sd card its worth taking 1000 of best quality pics
Click to expand...

I'll have to do some more research and shopping around before buying, because $500 is quite a bit to swallow ATM... so is the consensus that I should wait to be able to purchase a DSLR camera rather than buying an SLR-like camera? Is the quality and feature-set difference _that_ noticeable?
Click to expand...

I went from a compact, Powershot S400 (still use it for going out with friends) to a Rebel XT. I thought about getting the S3 IS, but I felt the features of the Rebel were worth the extra money, plus the flexibility that you gain from a dSLR. I don't know how to use all the features to their full potential, but I'm slowly learning what will make a good picture for various circumstances.
 
I'm on my 4th Canon Camera, a Digital Rebel XTi; also had Powershots a40, a95, a620. With the three P&S I never had any manufacturing problems. Just was a little rought with one (dropped many times) that caused any problems.
 
How important is sensor size in cameras such as the OP listed? They are all 1/2.5" compared to a 4/3" sensor you might find on a DSLR.
 
Originally posted by: mb
How important is sensor size in cameras such as the OP listed? They are all 1/2.5" compared to a 4/3" sensor you might find on a DSLR.
Click to expand...

I'm thinking it probably has a greater effect at higher ISOs and leads to less noise... but I could be wrong. Someone better informed please respond 😉
 
Originally posted by: Spartan Niner
Originally posted by: freshgeardude
Canon SD800 ftw that is such a great camera. and its under 500. just make sure u get a 4 gig sd card its worth taking 1000 of best quality pics
Click to expand...

I'll have to do some more research and shopping around before buying, because $500 is quite a bit to swallow ATM... so is the consensus that I should wait to be able to purchase a DSLR camera rather than buying an SLR-like camera? Is the quality and feature-set difference _that_ noticeable?
Click to expand...

In your price range I'd just get a P&S like the S3 IS. It'll take good shots and the camera is already as optimized as it's going to get unless you count memory cards.

With a SLR, you'll find yourself wanting and buying different lenses which will add up in cost. Don't get me wrong, it's worth it, but it's an additional cost.
 
Originally posted by: Spartan Niner
Originally posted by: freshgeardude
Canon SD800 ftw that is such a great camera. and its under 500. just make sure u get a 4 gig sd card its worth taking 1000 of best quality pics
Click to expand...

I'll have to do some more research and shopping around before buying, because $500 is quite a bit to swallow ATM... so is the consensus that I should wait to be able to purchase a DSLR camera rather than buying an SLR-like camera? Is the quality and feature-set difference _that_ noticeable?
Click to expand...

Yup. And yup.
 
Originally posted by: virtuamike
All point n shoots 🙁
Click to expand...

Yeah, when I saw the topic title, "Looking to buy a GOOD digital camera!" and the
topic summary, "No sub-compacts/compacts, period :|," I was expecting a bit more than point 'n' shoots...

Oh well...
 
Originally posted by: b0mbrman
Originally posted by: virtuamike
All point n shoots 🙁
Click to expand...

Yeah, when I saw the topic title, "Looking to buy a GOOD digital camera!" and the
topic summary, "No sub-compacts/compacts, period :|," I was expecting a bit more than point 'n' shoots...

Oh well...
Click to expand...

Edit: I'm ignoring Canon S3-IS/Fujifilm S700 and the like, as their CCD sizes are tiny...
 
Say I were able to purchase a Pentax K110D w/18-55mm lens kit for $397 new... isn't that a HOT deal?
 
If you want something small enough to pocket, the Fuji F30 and F31 are head and shoulders above the rest in high ISO performance.

If you don't need something so small, get an SLR; I hear the new Nikons (D40 and D40x) are good cameras for first time SLR buyers
 
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