Apologies for the vagueness, but...

[AdamsRocksHurt]

I remember seeing an ad in a magazine, probably Details or GQ or whatever was in the library and in front of me, about a digital camera that had near-SLR quality. I believe the price was around $500, and one of the selling points was the portability/flexibility of it. There were two testimonials in the double-page spread, one from a guy who worked for Saturday Night Live who used the camera to capture the top of a cab minus a rig for the opening credits, ad one a guy who worked for Detroit 187 who used the camera to capture a time-lapse of the setting sun over the skyline. Maker might be Panasonic.

I was wondering if anyone has any idea what I'm talking about, and even better, whether it's worth the investment. I might be going to Madrid later this year, and thought I should bring something more substantial than my point-and-click.

 

[PASM]

Could be any number of cameras. As a suggestion, take a look at Sony's new mirrorless APS-C system: NEX-3 and NEX-5.

 

[Dao]

These??

Panasonic Lumix DMC-GF1 Review: 1. Introduction: Digital Photography Review
Panasonic DMC-GF2 Preview: 1. Introduction: Digital Photography Review

 

[bigtwinky]

I was thinking the Sony NEX as well, but never saw the ad you mention

 

[AdamsRocksHurt]

Thanks for all the replies. I realize the description was quite vague, but I the ad didn't really hit me until later, when I started fully messing around with a photo assignment for school. I've tried googling "digital camera" with "SNL" and "Detroit 187" to no avail.

I've actually looked at another ad that featured a single hand coming out between a chain-link fence to capture a killer whale float with the sun giving an awesome solar flare. I don't know if it's the same camera, or even a similar device.

I realize I know next to nothing about photography, but I'm a sucker for gadgets. I like the idea of something being able to get great quality, with being smaller and easier to handle than an SLR, and ostensibly for a lower cost.

 

[djacobox372]

The significant difference between most SLR cameras and most "point and shoot" is sensor size.

4/3rds cameras have sensor's nearly the same size as APS sensor slrs, which make them a viable alternative.

 

[AdamsRocksHurt]

In the (quite likely) circumstance that I won't be able to completely track down that camer again... I'm going to open the floor to overall suggestions on affordable cameras, a bit nicer than point-and-clicks, that I could take to Madrid. Something with a real nice quality, but if stolen by Madridian ninjas or accidentally smashed by airline employees, I won't have a heart attack over...

 

[Dao]

1. Do you mind swapping lens?
2. Do you like to travel light without carry extra lenses?
3. Do you like to take portrait type photos that subject is in focus while background is out of focus?
4. Do you prefer zoom with buttons, push/pull a little level or turn the zoom ring by hand?
5. Do you often or planning to use the camera in low light environment and flash is not allow?

 

[AdamsRocksHurt]

1. Do you mind swapping lens?
2. Do you like to travel light without carry extra lenses?
3. Do you like to take portrait type photos that subject is in focus while background is out of focus?
4. Do you prefer zoom with buttons, push/pull a little level or turn the zoom ring by hand?
5. Do you often or planning to use the camera in low light environment and flash is not allow?

1. I'd prefer not to, although I'm open (see no. 2).
2. I'd rather travel light, yeah.
3. I'm kind of thinking of taking pictures with an overall sharp focus. While I'm sure I'll pose for some pictures, I've got a point and click I can use to capture me and my friends, I'd rather use something a bit nicer to capture places that I can't ordinarily see, unique, without people in it to muck it up. I don't know, I'm weird like that.
4. I would probably favor either a button or hand-turned model.
5. I would guess that some of the places I'd go might have restrictions on flash. Not entirely sure, though.

 

[Dao]

In that case, I will recommend those high end point and shoot type cameras

Based on ..
- Prefer not to swap lens.
- Travel light.
- Use for regular friends and family events.
- Use for taken scenic photos.




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