Quality/price camera advice for the average Joe

[CameraShil]

Hi there,

I'm going on a trip to Europe this summer and I don't have my own camera, so I'm on the market looking to buy one.

Now, I'm far from being a pro, so I don't intend to buy an 800$ DSLR without ever coming close to using it to full potential. That being said, I don't like to throw my money out the window either (I'd like to buy a good camera). So I registered on this forum looking for advice on what to get.

I asked a friend and he said I should look into mirrorless cameras. My hesitation now stems from the fact that I didn't want to spend more than 250$, and they seem to cost more.

So I guess my question to you is: would it be worth it for an average Joe to spend more in order to get a better camera? Or will my lack of knowledge prevent me from using it to its full potential? Should I simply buy a digital point-and-shoot under 250$ (if so, suggestions)?

Any advice is apprecitated. Thanks in advance! :thumbup:

 

[SCraig]

My recommendation would be either a good point-and-shoot or a more advanced bridge camera. If you aren't going to take the time to learn how to use a DSLR then there is no point in purchasing one. A good mirrorless is going to cost well over your $250 threshold and while they do take fabulous photographs, there is still a learning curve. Point-and-shoot and bridge cameras have come a long way in the past few years. Their quality is improving and is very good on some.

I would also recommend smaller memory cards, one for each day. Fewer if you are taking a computer you can download them onto and will reliably do so each day. This way if your camera gets stolen, lost, or broken then you only lose what you shot that day and not the entire trip.

 

[brunerww]

Hi CameraShil - if you were in the States, I would recommend the Samsung NX100 mirrorless ($240 on eBay US) - it has a DSLR-sized sensor and can give you better quality images than either point and shoot or a superzoom - images like these: Flickr: The NX100 Pool

Since you're in Canada, it will be a challenge to find a large sensor camera for $250, mirrorless or not. You may have to settle for a P&S - unless you're willing to buy a used NX1000 (a much better camera) for $260US from this guy in Nova Scotia

The NX1000 can produce images like these: Flickr: The Samsung NX1000 Pool

Hope this is helpful, and have a great trip!

Bill
Hybrid Camera Revolution