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01/19/2010 02:41:26 PM · #1 |
Right now I'm working with a Nikon Coolpix L11 and it's aggravating the hell out of me.
I want to spend less than $300.
I've narrowed down my search to the following two:
Canon PowerShot SX120 IS
Nikon Coolpix L100
Opinions, suggestions? Anything you think I should keep in mind? I take photographs wherever I go, so I want the size to be somewhat less bulky. I would just like to take a picture that could at least earn the respect of the fellow DPC'ers here.
Thanks!
Kristin |
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01/19/2010 02:46:58 PM · #2 |
| Any way you could save a little more and go with an entry level DSLR? If possible I would suggest doing that then you can always upgrade your lenses and if you ever want to get a more advanced dslr then you (if you got the same brand and size) could use the old lenses. |
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01/19/2010 02:56:13 PM · #3 |
I agree about going with a DSLR if the L11 is aggravating you.
Shop for a used D70 like this one here on Ebay that's going for less than $150 with only 8 hours left to bid.
You can probably get a kit lens, the 18-70mm for under $100 too. |
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01/19/2010 03:15:08 PM · #4 |
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01/19/2010 03:38:11 PM · #5 |
I had a similar Coolpix L6 for a while. Good little snapshooter, but I outgrew it pretty quick. Not a lot in the way of control.
You probably can find a well used DSLR for $300, something like a Rebel XT or XTi, or the D70 mentioned earlier. The SX120 will probably do decently, however. I just bought one for my daughter who has used my Powershot S5 a lot prior to this. Some of my best shots were taken with a compact. There are pluses and minuses to both. It has a much longer zoom range, but image quality will not be up to an SLR. With an SLR you will be lusting for extra 壉‚¬N$€$ pretty soon. The sx120 has a good amount of manual control and is similar in function to many of Canon's other cameras. It doesn't have a viewfinder, just a screen. I always like having a viewfinder, even if it's not a great one.
You are always taking some chance with a used item. $300 is not a terrible risk, though.
Message edited by author 2010-01-19 15:39:40. |
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01/19/2010 03:47:45 PM · #6 |
Originally posted by KLCheripka:
I would just like to take a picture that could at least earn the respect of the fellow DPC'ers here. |
I think you would be surprised what can be done with a point and shoot. I feel that starting off with a compact (The Powershot S5) prepared me better for handling a DSLR. I was not overwhelmed by it when I got one. Have you seen the Point & shoot side challenge from last September? |
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01/19/2010 04:07:19 PM · #7 |
| Pentax K100d...has decent features and the lenses can be interchanged with any model. Ebay has a few listed right around your price range. Ebay Pentax K100D |
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01/19/2010 09:41:22 PM · #8 |
jminso: thanks, you make a very good point. Waiting a little to spend a little more on an actual DSLR would probably be more cost effective down the road.
yakatme, kleski and zeuszen: Your suggestions are great, I'll will check out those two models. Great ebay finds!
Spiff: Yes, you gave me the link to the Point and Shoot Challenge a few weeks ago and it is amazing to see what you can actually do with a point and shoot. I just feel like I'm ready for the next level if you know what I mean? In other words, I'm a control freak...I need more control with my camera.
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01/19/2010 11:24:38 PM · #9 |
I've used the Fuji prosumer models - some can be had new for < $250, and they come with a 10+x optical zoom, manual and automatic controls. They're not a low light camera, and the sensor is rather small (so they tend to be on the noisy side). I've used the S5000 (about 3-4 years old, probably could pick one up for < $100 on ebay), the S5200, and the S700. Even though the S5000 was only a 3 MPx camera, I feel it took the best pictures. You can check out my profile (most of my top shots were taken with the S700) to see what the camera does in my hands (not necessarily a good sample of the camera's best work, but...)
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01/20/2010 02:05:53 AM · #10 |
| You might save up another 150 and get a canon G11--lots of DSLR-like features (full manual, RAW, hotshoe) that you can grow with, but the full auto goodies too, if you still want stay in the point/shoot category. |
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