The Digital Camera Thread: Questions, discussions, etc.

[given2fly]

One more query. My Panasonic GS-35 handi's LCD display is not working and a couple of repair guys said that the wiring or the display case something has gone kaput. Cost of replacement is 1600. Panny official service center quoted it at 1600/- + 700/- service charges which i think is on a little higher side.

Is it the problem or something else can be done about it. Anywhere else, where I could get it done for lesser?

[reignofchaos]

Originally Posted by s0uljah

Ok guys Iv managed to convince my friend not to take the D-Slr plunge. This is his first ever camera too so it was a no brainer.

For about $500 the only thing that came to mind was the S5 IS and also a New Olympus I read about(i think 570uz or something) as Im not very up to date.

What about the nikons?

Its a lot of travel photography I would think, sunsets, nature, flowers, social gatherings etc.

Anything with 18-20x optical zoom is what he is looking for.

Those 20x or 200x or whatever are compromised designs. As the range goes up, the lens quality goes down. If he's willing to spend 500 or so, I'd suggest he get a DSLR. There's no real need to get a P&S and then move up. If he must have a point and shoot in that price range, I suggest the Powershot G9 or Lumix FZ50.

[suvi]

Originally Posted by kvish

Like @condor suggested, you cannot go wrong with S3 or S5. There is one relatively unkown camera called sx100 IS from canon. Exactly similar to S5 but without hot shoe and some low end video recording (in comparison). If video is not a priority this can be added to the short list.
If size is a priority, I am not sure if these would appeal though.

i bought SX100IS from US and got it for Rs 9500. i am happy with the photo quality, zoom and most importantly the Image Stabilization. the only thing i miss is the lack of optical view finder. using the camera away from the face increases the shake (though IS does help here)

[NetfreakBombay]

Originally Posted by reignofchaos

If he's willing to spend 500 or so, I'd suggest he get a DSLR.

Is it possible to get a DSLR for that much? (Camera + Lenses) For lens, lets say base minimum 50 - 300. Could be wrong here, but I think you would end up spending close to 7 - 800 on that.

[reignofchaos]

A 400D with the basic kit lens would be close to that. The person can add more lenses once familiar with the camera.

[s0uljah]

Wouldnt a Dslr be little to complicated for a first time camera user?

His only experience is with a Phone cam !

Budget is a strict 450-500$

[jaibir]

Originally Posted by s0uljah

Wouldnt a Dslr be little to complicated for a first time camera user?

His only experience is with a Phone cam !

Budget is a strict 450-500$

For someone willing to spend $400-500 on a camera, a DSLR makes more sense. Most current generation DSLR's have easy to use green modes. A beginner can start with these and move on to the more advance modes as he/she becomes familiar with the camera.

Apart from the Canon 400D mentioned above, one can also consider the Nikon D40, Olympus E-410/510 and the Sony Alpha A100/200. There are often two lens kit deals available, some of which would be within striking distance of the budget range you mentioned. Check out bhphotovideo or adorama to see what options fit your requirements.

[NetfreakBombay]

Originally Posted by reignofchaos

A 400D with the basic kit lens would be close to that. The person can add more lenses once familiar with the camera.

Body itself is $560 with shipping (we can ignore taxes for online purchases).

And a basic Tamron 18 - 200 will cost $200.

Have not found an autofocus / IS lense cheaper then this.

Was planning to pick up a SLR next month from B&H or Abes of Maine but cheapest kit that I could build was coming to 800. That too because I already have Tripod/ filters / batteries / cards.

[given2fly]

I will agree with Jaibir, but not Nikon D40. Rather than D40/x, it could be D60 or whatever their latest model is (if the budget permits). D40/x has the focussing issue (won't auto-focus with normal lense, only AF-S lenses/ Auto-Exposure issues) for which I wouldn't recommend it for long run.

Anyway, don't pay much attention to my words. If YOU like it, buy it. You're the user, not me!

Originally Posted by jaibir

For someone willing to spend $400-500 on a camera, a DSLR makes more sense. Most current generation DSLR's have easy to use green modes. A beginner can start with these and move on to the more advance modes as he/she becomes familiar with the camera.

Apart from the Canon 400D mentioned above, one can also consider the Nikon D40, Olympus E-410/510 and the Sony Alpha A100/200. There are often two lens kit deals available, some of which would be within striking distance of the budget range you mentioned. Check out bhphotovideo or adorama to see what options fit your requirements.

[NetfreakBombay]

Originally Posted by navin

I dont think that will happen. The IS-1 is still more than that and it is much older.

Fuji S100fs is down to 680 now

But noticed that it not longer takes AA batteries (unlike S9000/ S9100) have spent quite some $$$ on batteries / chargers in past.

[jaibir]

Originally Posted by given2fly

I will agree with Jaibir, but not Nikon D40. Rather than D40/x, it could be D60 or whatever their latest model is (if the budget permits). D40/x has the focussing issue (won't auto-focus with normal lense, only AF-S lenses/ Auto-Exposure issues) for which I wouldn't recommend it for long run.

The D60 has the same issue with lenses - only AF-S lenses autofocus on it. Really cuts down the options. However, the kit lens plus the basic 55-200 VR AF-S are a reasonable combo for someone starting out. Seen them as a kit on amazon a few times. Its when you want low light lenses or macros that you start running into problems

[reignofchaos]

This is 449$

Canon | EOS Digital Rebel XT Digital Camera (Black) | 0209B003

Completely worth the price.

[NetfreakBombay]

Originally Posted by reignofchaos

This is 449$

Canon | EOS Digital Rebel XT Digital Camera (Black) | 0209B003

It is a good kit. Could not figure out is lens is autofocus or not.

Is there a zoom lens (up to 300/400 mm) under $200 with IS and autofocus?

[jaibir]

Originally Posted by NetfreakBombay

It is a good kit. Could not figure out is lens is autofocus or not.

Is there a zoom lens (up to 300/400 mm) under $200 with IS and autofocus?

The lens is an autofocus one - most lenses these days are. For Canon in particular, a lot of the old manual focus lenses are not compatible with their current cameras as their autofocus mount is different from the old manual one.

The Canon 55-250 is a good option for a zoom with IS. However, its above the $250 mark. There are other, non-IS options in a lower price bracket by Canon as well as third party brands such as Sigma and Tamron.

[Samurai]

Now there is one more choice: Olympus launches E-520: Digital Photography Review