searching for a decent non-dslr. could use help

[k01]

hey,

so i just want to grab a camera that could serve as a simple solution for trips and daily shots. It should also have decent optical zoom, low-light photo quality, macro shots and 1080 video. Things like gps and wi-fi are not really needed.

I've been looking around and sony Cyber-shot DSC-HX20V seems to be a good bet. 20x optical zoom, 18 mpix (even tho we know that is not the main stat to tell camera quality) and slick design.
camera info: Sony Cyber-shot DSC-HX20V Review - Specifications | PhotographyBLOG
i couldn't really find something that would be around that price (250 pounds brand new. ebay) and image quality. There always seems to be one flaw or another. if the camera has great image quality then the build or function set sucks, if it has great style and build and the functions are over the top then the photos are inferior and etc.

can anyone recommend anything?

 

[goodguy]

I bought only few weeks ago my second camera which I use when I dont feel like "schlepping" my DSLR.
Its Canon G15, its a small camera with fantastic low light capabilities, has a very fast lens (f1.8) and has all the functions of a big DSLR with RAW options, 2 dials one for shutter speed and one for apature priority which you find in higher level DSLR only it shoots movies in 1080 and much more.
It does has "only" x5 lens but you get so much in this camera I really dont care about that.

 

[brunerww]

Hi k01 - welcome to the forum! I've been looking for the same thing and I like the HX20V a lot, but its price may a challenge (it is difficult to find a new one for less than £250 on eBay UK, although you can find a new one on Amazon UK for £220), it doesn't shoot RAW, it doesn't have aperture or shutter priority modes, it doesn't have a hot shoe, and there is no facility for adding a viewfinder later.

It takes great photos, though: Flickr: The Sony DSC-HX20V Pool

Rather than the HX20V, I have decided to get the Panasonic LX7. "Only" 10.1MP, but it has full PASM control, a fast f1/4 lens, shoots RAW, has a hot shoe and an optional viewfinder. You can find a few new LX7s for less than £250 on eBay UK (even though they are quite dear on Amazon UK).

It takes great photos as well: Flickr: The Panasonic Lumix LX7 Pool

Hope this is helpful and good luck with your decision!

Bill

 

[k01]

great! Those are some nice cameras, guys. thanks for pointing out aperture and shutter priority modes. I never even considered that.


but really when it comes to photos i'm a newb so i don't think i will be tinkering with the settings much (maaaaaby ISO or basic stuff like that) or be in a dire need of a hot shoe connection.
And while playing with RAWs might sound tempting i should be honest with myself and admit that i will probably do it once or twice or maby less.

so the question now is should i get another camera because HX20V doesn't have full PASM or should i just stick with that? The quality of HX20V seems more than satisfactory to me, i flipped through that flickr pool and there were no photos where i could just point my finger and say it sucks.

 

[Patrice]

The quality of HX20V seems more than satisfactory to me, i flipped through that flickr pool and there were no photos where i could just point my finger and say it sucks.

Seems you already made up your mind before asking. Let us know how the camera works out for you and post some photos to share.

Have fun.

 

[Mully]

Buy a point and shoot used ..... get it for cheap

 

[k01]

heh

usually when i choose something i pick what seems to me to be the best and throw others at it, rinse - repeat. So that's why i already had an example in OP (and not just a general "search and pick for me. i'm too lazy"). As the others mentioned their camera, some of their funcions are rather irrelevant for me and i can't fully comprehend significance of others ( probably PASM). Hence, we have that those other cameras might be better but not in the ways that would be important for me
The sentence about the quality was intended as a reference point for others

 

[Rwsphotos]

If your after nice quality point and shoot with out paying dslr prices I offer up

http://m.samsung.com/us/photography/digital-cameras/EC-WB850FBPBUS#specs

If you haven't already picked one out. We have the wd150 model and have been quite satisfied with it for a ps. Both models are easily found well within your pice point on eBay most likly on Amazon as well.

 

[xiashang]

I also want a camera, recommend a few good it.

 

[k01]

the price of that samsung on ebay is 3 times and on amazon 2 times cheaper than the sony cam.

I read a bit about it and it seems the ASM controls and light price would be the main benefits of this cam. anyone can comment further?

 

[Rwsphotos]

It was under the 250 pound mark we have have the wb150 version which is also under the 250 pound mark. Havent priced out the sony cyber shots. Don't know much about the sonys. Only recommended it since we have one and were pleased with it. I would say your best bet would be to go to a camera store and try s working model of the Sony and any others you may be intrested in. It will give you a better idea of what your dealing with.

 

[k01]

ok, ty.

now uhhhh a bit of a sidetrack.
SAM SUNG 32GB SDHC MEMORY CARD CLASS 10 ORIGINAL SD FOR CAMERA CAMCORDER | eBay
would this card be enough for the cameras we are talking about?
it claims to have " Read speeds of up to 24MB/s and Write speeds of 13MB/s "

 

[Rwsphotos]

Should be sufficient for any ps using sd cards. Not really up on memory cards. Not sure how close they are to the stats listed for them. However all the cards I use are at least class 10 and all high speed. Most point and shoot cameras dont really need any thing fancy card wise. Just one that you find reliable.