Camera Purchase

[yioties]

We are baptizing our son the end of March and want to get the couple that is baptizing our son a camera as a gift. Preferably a compact system camera. Our budget is around $400. I would have posted this in the mirorless section of the forum but I'm always in the Nikon section of the forum and trust everyones judgement here in this specific part of the forum. The camera doesn't need to be a Nikon. I don't have any knowledge what so ever with these types of cameras and would like some insight on what to buy.

Thanks

 

[Designer]

That's a nice gift, particularly if they don't already have a camera. I will refrain from making specific suggestions, but rather suggest that you simply start reading some reviews. Start by getting a list of cameras that fit the budget, then read the reviews.

You could also give a gift certificate and let them choose.

 

[goodguy]

Well if they are regular folks who doesn't see photography as their hobby then my advise would be a good point and shoot.

And I have the perfect camera for ya, either Canon G15 or Canon G16

Fantastic cameras, with all bells and whistles like a proper DSLR but with a fixed and fast lens, small body (relatively) and produces excellent pictures!!!
Right in your price range.

 

[yioties]

I thought of getting them a gift certificate but I think I want it to be a little more personal.

 

[jaomul]

Have a look at the panasonic gf6 and the olympus epm2. Both very respectable and at approx your budget. I have the olly epl5 which has the same sensor as the epm2 and I amvery surprised at how good the image quality is. Good luck

 

[yioties]

What about something like this?

 

[brunerww]

Hi yioties - the Canon EOS M is a great camera at this price point - but your friends will be limited to non-standard EF-M lenses (and there are only a few of them) - unless they spend the extra money for an adapter. If you do decide to buy one, though, you may want to get it for $355.99CDN at Amazon Canada instead of $419.95CDN at Vistek.

If you want to get a mirrorless interchangeable lens camera for your friends with a fairly wide selection of Sony E mount lenses, they might appreciate a 20.1 MP Sony A3000, which is $444.10CDN right now. This camera has a full size APS-C sensor, the same as a crop sensor DSLR, and a viewfinder (something missing from most mirrorless cameras in this price class).

If you don't mind getting them a traditional APS-C Nikon DSLR - the Nikon D3100 is on sale right now for $389.99CDN.

Hope this is helpful!

Bill

 

[1074]

In regards to the EOS M, I have one (with both the 18-55mm & 22mm EF-M lenses). Those lenses are pretty good to start, to be sure.

I also have a $15 adapter from ebay that allows me to use all of my Nikon glass, including G lenses. It's great. For me. Because I'm patient, and don't mind figuring things out the hard way. And sometimes the hard way involves the gentle use of pliers and logic. It can be a very good time.

I'm not sure I'd recommend this camera to beginners, though... The interface isn't as quick to learn and operate as a DSLR (lots of semi-random touch screen, not a lot of buttons/dials), and adapters aren't the most simple thing for non-photogs to figure out...

Maybe look for a used D7000? Or go for the D3100 on sale...

 

[yioties]

What do you guys think of this as a gift?

Sony Alpha NEX-3N with 16-50mm lens