Question Need Recommendations for Budget Camera

[gamerguy2]

I am using my Iphone camera now to take pictures. I take pictures indoors in dim light and with regular light bulb lighting. I also have a weak LED photography lamp. The pictures are ok. I was hoping to upgrade to a dedicated camera to take sharper pictures. The Iphone often distorts or yellows in the dim light.

Can you recommend a camera in the $250 budget range for indoor shooting of still objects that will take the clearest natural picture indoors with the lighting?

 

[Syborg1211]

This is a pretty common question so poke around the past threads or search the forum for more info, but the general answer is you won't find anything with that budget that will beat a phone camera handily. You might be able to get close to that by going the used or refurbished route. Check out the Sony RX100 (there are 5 versions of this camera, even the original version is pretty awesome at low light compared to a phone). Another option is to get an entry-level DSLR (like a Nikon D3200) and purchase separately a 35mm f/1.8 lens.

You gotta shell out the cash for low-light performance in cameras.

 

[ElFenix]

used SLR on ebay/craigslist/any other buy/sell listing, and a lens with an aperture f/2 or faster (f/2, f/1.8, f/1.4, etc). you can use a slower lens if you have a tripod, though they don't really get less expensive than nikon's 35/1.8 or canon's 50/1.8.

edit: https://www.keh.com/shop/d3000-10-2-m-p.html
and
https://www.keh.com/shop/nikon-nikkor-35mm-f-1-8g-af-s-dx-wide-angle-lens.html

edit2: https://www.keh.com/shop/sony-cyber-shot-dscrx100-20-2-megapixel-compact-camera-674445.html

 

[gamerguy2]

You gotta shell out the cash for low-light performance in cameras.

Thanks. That about sums it up. It fits in with most of what I read.

 

[lykaon78]

Why not spend a little more on a better lamp to illuminate your subject?

 

[Don Vito Corleone]

A used Panasonic LX7 is in that price range, and could do what you're looking for.