Need help finding the perfect camera!

[MrOh]

Hi all! I'm a college freshman with a limited budget and I was wondering if you guys could help me find the perfect camera!

The money issue rules out all DSLR's. :-( Although I know I could probably dig around and find a moderately priced one, I'd rather not. :meh:

I just have a few things I really need.

1.) "Ultrazoom" camera. i.e.: greater than 10x optical zoom
2.) The ability to shoot in RAW format.

That's it! There are some things I'd like to also have... but I wouldn't mind terribly if the camera lacked it... Things like it running off of AA batteries, optical viewfinder, image stabilization...

I was looking at the Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ18... but I've heard not so great things about it's picture quality. If I can't find a good alternative, then I'll buy it.

Thank you all so much!

If this is the wrong place for this thread... SORRY! Please direct me to the right place.

Thanks!

 

[tirediron]

Your requirement for high-power zoom and RAW capture rules out all but a very few high-end P&S, which aren't much different in price from entry-level DSLRs. Since money is a concern, how about looking around at your local camera stores for a used Nikon 10 series (40, 40x, 50, etc) or a Canon Rebel. I'm seeing lots of them in my area hitting the used market for prices comparable to a good P&S.

 

[MrOh]

well the Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ18 has both 18x zoom and can shoot in RAW... And I can get it for around $300... Not exactly chump change but I'd be delighted to find a used DSLR at that price.

 

[Dao]

For example.

Canon Digital Rebel W/18-55 Kit W/bx


It is not going to be a great ZOOM. But it is a good start. And I am sure you maybe able to find some even at a lower cost.

 

[skoka]

I was in a similar boat to you: i'm a masters student looking to get into photography but couldn't justify the necessary investment to get set up with a good DSLR body and versatile lens. I wanted solid picture quality and a good set of features.

I initially bought 2 cameras - a Canon XTi with kit lens and the Fuji S100FS.

I chose the Fuji S100FS. I has the largest sensor out of any non DSLR digital in the price range. The features are amazing and the photo quality is beyond what I expected. You may read some reviews that talk about slight purple fringing but I have yet to experience any - and I've tried.

Check out the Fuji - read some reviews (DPReview.com, Amazon.com, etc.). You wont be disappointed. Hope this helps somewhat.

Cheers.

 

[Village Idiot]

The biggest thing to look for is whether the P&S you're looking at is digital zoom or optical zoom. Digital zoom is bad. It zooms in on what the lens sees and is effectively just a crop of the photo you take where as optical zoom zooms in by using the lens optics for a photo that's far superior to one taken with a digital zoom.

That's why something like a used DSLR would be a good buy.

 

[Mike_E]

Get a Nikon F3 and a couple of lenses. Find a nice photo major whom you wouldn't mind dateing who can help you learn to develop (pun intended and / or not ) and go on to live a wonderful life!

 

[MrOh]

oh wow that Canon is an awesome deal! I'd love to have a DSLR...

Man! The choices....

 

[MrOh]

wow that Fuji's sort of on the expensive side...

 

[Samriel]

The Panasonic DMC FZ-18 is sort of as good as it gets with ultra-zoom advanced P&S cameras, especially for that price. It's by no means a bad camera, I prefer it's viewfinder to the Canon S5, but it is still a small sensor, meaning more noise etc. than a dSLR. If anyhow possible, I suggest you go for a cheap dSLR (like the Rebel above, or a used Nikon D70 - can be had for around USD300 here), since any ultra-zoom P&S is bound to be about the same size as an entry level dSLR. If not possible, then the FZ18 will serve you well.

 

[MrOh]

I really had no ideas i could get even an used DSLR for less than $500

I'll definately look into this... Can you guys give me some input on a good one i could find for at most, $350?

Ok now I'm confused with this whole lenses business.... I'm seeing all these numbers like, 50 mm, 90 mm, and 135-400mm. What does all that mean?

 

[LynziMarie]

oh yeah.... I think the camera shop near me has a used Nikon D50 for about $350....
I think if you can, it would be more beneficial in the long run to go with a DSLR...
Looking around can really only help you in your search.

 

[MrOh]

so from what I'm reading, a D70 is better than a Rebel?

 

[Zansho]

Nowadays, it really doesn't matter TOO much about which camera system you go with. You'll get Canon people saying "lolNoinks, they suck!" and you'll get Nikon people poo-pooing at Canon's offerings.

Your best bet is to actually go look at one. Put it in your hands, play with it a bit. Some cameras will feel right at home and some might be too awkward. Take a look at where the controls are placed, and see if they're right for you.

My personal recommendation is to go find a used Canon 10D or even a 20D. They can be had for a very reasonable price from Adorama, refurbished.

And before you nikon folks go "Oh, he's only telling him to go canon because he has them too," I'm only talking about equipment that I actually have experience with. I used to have a rebel XTI, and a 10D, and I loved both of them. Only reason I got my 5D and 40D, was simply because I wanted something that can perform better in low light and high ISO captures.

I'm sure there are some Noinks that could point you to a nikon for a reasonable price

 

[Samriel]

so from what I'm reading, a D70 is better than a Rebel?

As a Nikon person, I'm not familiar with other brands as much. But as the poster before me said, you're best bet is to go to a shop and hold a few of the models in your hands, play with the buttons, try and take a few photos etc. and see how you like the "feel" of the camera. I've been hearing a lot of good things about Pentax as well, and it seems Sony is planning on investing more in it's dSLRs.

As to lenght focal lengths, I've found this and this by googling around, but I'm sure there are other and better explanations if you look a bit more. Don't worry if it seems complicated in the beginning, you'll get used to it in no time. Even if you don't go for a dSLR, it's useful knowledge.