DSLR is by far the most bang for your buck, ESPECIALLY if you are not too woried about weight. 4/3 is to save weight and space. P/S is for when you don't have a cell phone that takes pictures. Large and medium are for professional landscape photographers.
CuriousMike
Diamond Member
- Feb 22, 2001
- 3,044
- 544
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I've owned a few P&S cameras. I've participated in forums dedicated to those cameras. I've seen a lot of photos posted by owners of these cameras. They rarely make me go wow.
DSLR owners may be more serious, hence have a higher probability of posting nice photos.
If you want "really good image quality" then stop dicking around and look at DSLR/APSC cameras.
If image quality isn't the absolute most important feature, then a good ultra-zoom bridge type P&S can be considered.
Silenus
Senior member
- Mar 11, 2008
- 358
- 1
- 81
What Glen said is right on. For features and image quality you simply cannot beat the bang for the buck of a DSLR, particularly the entry level DSLR's. The compromise you make is size and weight though. Micro 4/3 is also great...and some are are very nearly DSLR quality in features and image quality, while being smaller and lighter. But it will cost you MORE than entry level APS-C DSLR.
It really sounds (to me) that you should be looking at the entry and mid range 'crop sensor) (APS-C) DSLR's from Nikon and Cannon (maybe Sony) in particular. Then it just comes down to lenses for your intended use, of which there are plenty of options. Also buying USED can be a good alternative to save some money.
I appreciate you advice. I think I am going to go the high quality compact route, with it being a toss up between Nikon P330 and Canon PowerShot S110, both getting rave reviews. I really like the emphasis on image quality rather than the amount of megapixels. a big DSLR is something that I just won't carry with me alot and therefore won't get used as much as I'd like. I was into photography when I was in high school and a camera like this I think will be just the ticket to get me snappin' and become a backup if I get into it and want to get a more advanced DSLR....
CuriousMike
Diamond Member
- Feb 22, 2001
- 3,044
- 544
- 136
Something I would recommend is hopping on a site like Flickr and searching for pictures taken with the cameras you are interested in. You have to be mindful of the variation in skill level of the users, but these kind of searches are excellent at showing you what you can expect out of the cameras.
I personally would only consider two P&S's out right now - the Panasonic LX7 and the Sony RX100. These two cameras have sensors significantly larger than the rest of the compacts and awesome lenses to match them. I have the RX100 and am still pleasantly surprised at the pictures that come out of it compared to my DSLRs.
Consider the RX100. Has the same sensor size as the Nikon J1/V1!
Also, a comparison of sensor sizes:
http://www.dpreview.com/reviews/sony-cybershot-dsc-rx100
Also, a comparison of sensor sizes:
http://www.dpreview.com/reviews/sony-cybershot-dsc-rx100
That RX100 is nniiicccee, just too much $$$
Canon S110 is on the way. I'll post a pic or two with some thoughts when it gets here..should be 2 or 3 days...
Excellent camera for IQ???? Not sure what that means.... anyway....
The camera arrived, just been playing with it on Auto for a little bit and I am just stunned how clear and crisp the images are. Just not used to this. I'm gonna need a class to figure this thing out, cuz I certainly want to be able to use all the functions. Still haven't figured out the WiFi though, kind of a pain. Maybe the next firmware upgrade will sort that out. But so far I am VERY impressed. This thing just may start a new hobby for me.
The camera arrived, just been playing with it on Auto for a little bit and I am just stunned how clear and crisp the images are. Just not used to this. I'm gonna need a class to figure this thing out, cuz I certainly want to be able to use all the functions. Still haven't figured out the WiFi though, kind of a pain. Maybe the next firmware upgrade will sort that out. But so far I am VERY impressed. This thing just may start a new hobby for me.
Nice... glad you are happy so far! I started out on the Canon S90 a few years ago, and it's a good first step into photography. First tip is to switch the camera to save RAW+JPEG and keep the raw files of your favorite photos. This will enable you to go back to the raw files later down the road with photo editting software such as Adobe Lightroom and do some awesome things with the photos. Some people would argue there are better tips to give starting off, but my biggest regret looking back at old photos was not enabling RAW files for those early shots of mine.
Oh btw, IQ is short for Image Quality.
blastingcap
Diamond Member
- Sep 16, 2010
- 6,654
- 5
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If RX100 is too high in price for you look at the LX7. In some ways the LX7 is better anyway (e.g., hotshoe). Though it's also significantly bigger/heavier.
Kanalua
Diamond Member
- Jun 14, 2001
- 4,860
- 2
- 81
I see you already purchased a camera. In light of that...
I think it's good you're starting with a reasonable budget. It will help you learn to use your tool, instead of purchasing a camera for the latest gimmick, advertising, or pixel count.
When you look to upgrading to a DSLR, I would start looking for a used model. A t2i/550D (body only) would run you about $300-$350 used. You could probably find one and a kit 18-55mm lens for cheap on craigslist. That should give you plenty of camera to take great photos and learn the tools.
I think it's good you're starting with a reasonable budget. It will help you learn to use your tool, instead of purchasing a camera for the latest gimmick, advertising, or pixel count.
When you look to upgrading to a DSLR, I would start looking for a used model. A t2i/550D (body only) would run you about $300-$350 used. You could probably find one and a kit 18-55mm lens for cheap on craigslist. That should give you plenty of camera to take great photos and learn the tools.
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JohnnyRebel
Senior member
- Feb 7, 2011
- 762
- 0
- 0
Canon's PSC-900 camera case is a must have accessory for the S110. It slips on your belt and your camera is always ready at your waist. Semi-rigid and magnetic closure that really works.
Olympus Epl1/2/3 , Olympus rpm 1, Panasonic g2/3, Panasonic gf2/3/5, Nikon j1...great m4/3 cams out there.
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