New to Photography -- Camera Suggestions for a Beginner?

[Luke D.]

Hey PhotoForum,
I've been shooting with a very simple point-and-shoot Fujifilm Finepix JV100, and I've gotten tired of pictures turning out badly and not being able to produce really beautiful photos. I'm really passionate about my photo-taking, so I've decided that it is time upgrade and get a good, high-quality camera. However, I've been researching different models for over a month and still can't decide what would be best for me. I hike and backpack alot, so my camera would be primarily used for nature and landscape photos (mostly waterfalls, forests, and vistas), but including some macro or some wildlife shots. I guess these would be my requirements, if such a camera exists:

-Not too bulky or heavy.
-Fairly durable and weather-sealed, if possible.
-Image stabilization features.
-Not too expensive, around $700 maximum for the initial setup.
-Decent user interface for a beginner, with automatic features.
-Good in dim light and for taking shots in the outdoors.
-Viewfinder, definitely. I love the way it feels.
-Accessories that aren't too expensive (I plan on getting a wide-angle lens at least).
-Video feature.

One more question I'd like to ask:
Should I bother with compact interchangeable lens cameras (micro four-thirds comes into mind, but the mirrorless design and lack of viewfinder really bugs me -- then again, I believe a Panasonic model has a built-in electronic viewfinder?), or are DSLR's the only way to go? I don't think I'd mind the weight if I could have a camera which felt as professional and was as adjustable as a DSLR -- but I still don't want anything too bulky or heavy.

Also, if someone could clear this up: Wide angle lenses go somewhere between 11mm to 30mm, but I am confused by the fact that the "standard" lenses that come with many DSLR's on amazon start at 14mm and are much cheaper -- isn't a focal length so low already wide-angle, or is there more to a wide-angle lens than this?

Thanks .

 

[Camera Man]

If you have the money I would definitely check out the Nikon D5000 , it is a beginner mid level grade DSLR and you can purchase a new one for a little over $700 but it is worth every cent. Now if you are just looking for a solid durable camera for a good price I would check out the Pentax Optio WG-1 , the sony cyber-shot TX10, or the canon powershot s95 these 3 compact digital cameras are some of the top in the market hope this helped. Oh and I would not bother with an interchangeable lens compact camera just not worth it in my opinion.

 

[Luke D.]

Thanks for the input, Camera Man. I've taken a look at your suggestions, and they do look impressively durable, but I don't plan on going scuba diving with my camera, and I believe I do in fact want a DSLR, or at least a mirrorless one. I may consider the D5000, but I found it somewhat bulky, and I'm not sure if it has any particular attributes more suited to me. I noticed the Pentax K-7 would be great for my needs, and has a great water resistant starter lens (here's an article that describes it's former version, the k20d: Best Digital SLR for Landscapes) -- but it's really pricey. Trying to figure out if there is there a more basic/beginner pentax available with similar features... And then there's still the panasonic. Too many decisions :meh:.

 

[VoidnNull]

FYI Most of the micro 4/3 camera has view finder. It just has to be added on in place of a external flash.

I think your talking about the Panasonic GH-1. It's within your price range. It has a view finder and lighter then your average DSLR. There is the GH-2, but pricier. The G-3 was recently announced so the price of the GH-2 might drop.

 

[o hey tyler]

If you have the money I would definitely check out the Nikon D5000 , it is a beginner mid level grade DSLR and you can purchase a new one for a little over $700 but it is worth every cent. Now if you are just looking for a solid durable camera for a good price I would check out the Pentax Optio WG-1 , the sony cyber-shot TX10, or the canon powershot s95 these 3 compact digital cameras are some of the top in the market hope this helped. Oh and I would not bother with an interchangeable lens compact camera just not worth it in my opinion.

How is the D5000 a "beginner mid level grade" camera? WTF

 

[o hey tyler]

FYI Most of the micro 4/3 camera has view finder. It just has to be added on in place of a external flash.

I think your talking about the Panasonic GH-1. It's within your price range. It has a view finder and lighter then your average DSLR. There is the GH-2, but pricier. The G-3 was recently announced so the price of the GH-2 might drop.

Is it an optical viewfinder that you can see through the lens with? If not, it's probably mostly useless.

 

[usayit]

Is it an optical viewfinder that you can see through the lens with? If not, it's probably mostly useless.

You should re-examine... EVF might not be as good as Optical but it is far from useless and for some work actually better. Yes.. I shoot with rangefinders, SLRs, and EVF mirrorless. Honestly, for what I do... I'd take a good EVF over the crappy penta-mirror (NOTE I did not say penta-PRISM) viewfinders any day of the week.

All Panasonics m43 have built in EVF with the exception of GF1, GF2, GF3 (just came out). EVF add on for the GF1 and GF2 SUCKS.. to put it lightly. The EVF built into the other Panny bodies are really GOOD.

All current Olympus m43 cameras have EVF optional attachment to the hotshoe. They are just as good as the Panasonic Built-in EVFs. The only body with no optional EVF is the E-P1 which is no longer in production.

 

[o hey tyler]

Is it an optical viewfinder that you can see through the lens with? If not, it's probably mostly useless.

You should re-examine... EVF might not be as good as Optical but it is far from useless and for some work actually better. Yes.. I shoot with rangefinders, SLRs, and EVF mirrorless. Honestly, for what I do... I'd take a good EVF over the crappy penta-mirror (NOTE I did not say penta-PRISM) viewfinders any day of the week.

All Panasonics m43 have built in EVF with the exception of GF1, GF2, GF3 (just came out). EVF add on for the GF1 and GF2 SUCKS.. to put it lightly. The EVF built into the other Panny bodies are really GOOD.

All current Olympus m43 cameras have EVF optional attachment to the hotshoe. They are just as good as the Panasonic Built-in EVFs. The only body with no optional EVF is the E-P1 which is no longer in production.

You can attach an EVF to the hotshoe? I didn't know that. I figured it would just be a framing reference w/ no "zoom" capabilities. If it's an EVF, it's still useful, but if it's just a plastic box that clips into your hotshoe, I'd skip it.

 

[usayit]

You can attach an EVF to the hotshoe? I didn't know that. I figured it would just be a framing reference w/ no "zoom" capabilities. If it's an EVF, it's still useful, but if it's just a plastic box that clips into your hotshoe, I'd skip it.

Maybe there is a misunderstanding.

EVF - Electronic ViewFinder - Electronic accessory that (in the case of Olympus) attaches to the hotshoe which is equipped with a special plug. When you look throught the EVF you are seeing exactly what the lens "sees". Its similar experience to shooting with an SLR BUT SLRs channel light passing through the lens to the human eye via a penta-prism/mirror and mirror box. The EVF is pure electronic. Some panasonic bodies have EVF built into the camera but it works the same way.

Optical Viewfinder - is an accessory that is fixed focal length and optical glass. Either designed with fixed view of field OR brightlined. It does NOT see through the lens and serves as only for framing. Commonly used on rangefinders.

SLR - Single Light Reflex - As mentioned... Viewfinder that sees through the lens via penta-prism/mirror and mirror box.


There are very distinct advantages and disadvantages to all.

 

[usayit]

The black thing on top of my Olympus is the EVF:

The thing on this hotshoe is an Optical viewfinder (framing only).