Camera gear discussions

Unfortunately, that category has completely died out since smartphone cameras became ubiquitous. There are fixed lens point and shoot cameras and advanced zoom point and shoot cameras, but that category is almost always going to be $500-$1000 range and above.

http://www.dpreview.com/articles/0692551582/2015-roundup-advanced-zoom-compacts/12

 

I have a Nikon P330 I'm selling for $75, it's one of the better point and shoots out there from what I understand

 

You could try looking for a used or refurbished Sony RX100Mk1. But like previously said, the category is all but dead except for the high end. I have the RX100Mk4 which I find better than the couple of entry level DSLRs that I have had.

 

Looking for a gift for my parents. They just got cell phones this year - they are basic flip phones. They don't do the technology stuff very well.

 

The Panasonic LX-series is a a lot of bang for the buck. LX5, LX7 and LX100 all are great compacts for the money. Then add the Fuji X20 and X30. Also keep an eye open for the better Canon Powershot cameras, consumer and G-series.

You can also consider a M43 with pancake kit lens. Then you have the bigger sensor and more "add on" options. Olympus and Panasonic have some sleek models.

 

Thank you - I will give all those a look.

 

I just got an Olympus E-PL7! Made the move from entry level DSLR (canon 450D) to save on space. Quite happy with the Olympus so far, but I'm using it on holiday and haven't yet processed photos on my computer.
Fwiw the Lumix LX100 was a close contender in my purchasing decision.

 

So I'm looking at some lenses for my Pentax K-50, was considering getting a prime 50mm or 55mm lens and I'd like something with a small aperture. I'm finding some lenses that look appealing, but what I'm wondering is what should I look out for in regards as to what to get and what to avoid?

I came across 4 that caught my eye:

Asahi SMC Pentax-M 50mm f/2 Lens K PK Mount
Ricoh 50mm F1.7 Manual Focus Prime LENS in Pentax K-mount, Rikenon-XR
SMC PENTAX-A 1:2 50mm CAMERA LENS - K Mount Vintage SLR 50 Prime f2 ASAHI JAPAN

 

All can be good. Check the condition, whether the seller is reliable and potential shipping issues.

If you want AF, go for a modern prime lens. If you want MF, check and ask whether the aperture and focus control rings are still functional. I love manual focus controls yet some parts can be fragile. The good thing here is that each lens brand in your list is known to be pretty reliable in quality control.

I would go Pentax because Pentax really built their lenses to last. F2 is great.

Right now I have the Panasonic 20mm F1.7 on my EPL1. I now always leave it on 1/25 shutter speed, F2, ISO 400 and I am ready to go. Fast primes make photography so much fun.

 

Thanks!

 

This is a very very very good option for you guys looking to get into photography for cheap:



I can confirm that the Canon 5D is really that good. Barely any camera can beat it under $1000, talk about $500...

 

WIth a fast enough lens that camera is still great for high quality stills. Even better, the fast 50 and older lenses are affordable if you have a budget.

 

I'd take that, mate nifty-fifty (50mm f/1.8) to it and call it a day, actually. Doesn't get that much better.

In low light, use flash or use your phone to illuminate subjects, and you're good to go.

 

Hello everyone,

I was thinking about getting into photography but all I have is a very cheap and old Kodak 5MP camera and the pictures turn out horrible. So I wanted to know from some of you experts and photography enthusiasts what would be a good starter camera that isn't too expensive. I don't know anything about cameras , like what a DSLR is, etc. or what would be a good starter camera t get to start getting into photography.

It would be really cool if we could have cameras as part of the loaner program, even though all of our loaners are audio gear. I would really like to be able to see how a good camera looks when it takes pictures.

Any help would be appreciated as I really would like to get into photography - but like I said the only camera I have is an old 5mp Kodak and the pictures turn out horrible.

Thanks to all who are willing to give me advice and to help me get started.

 

@The Alchemist

My progression was a cheap point and shoot (Canon A3300is) that had limited settings to a Nikon P330 that had the ability to shoot in RAW (think of RAW as FLAC) with full manual controls. The P330 was limited by the lens built in, but it allowed me to get familiar with the manual settings - which is what you'd want to do if you got a DSLR.

I now have a Pentax K-50 DSLR which is a fantastic budget DSLR, you can get it with 2 lenses and a case for under $500 new.

I don't know if my progression made sense, hell the P330 was probably a waste since I bought it for $200 or so and can't even resell it for half the price now, I also upgraded from it very quickly. If you just want a point and shoot that takes good photos you can do that no problem, but I wish I'd just gone straight to the DSLR.

To put it into perspective, imagine getting into the audio hobby and buying a few entry level headphones to test the waters, before eventually buying an HD600 with a Schiit stack.

 

So what would you recommend as a good starter camera that takes quality photos? Like I said in my last post, I wish there was a loaner program for Cameras so I can see what a good camera's pictures look like.

 

What is your budget? Are you interested in video as well? Do you want to be able to change lenses at the expense of having to carry more with you?

 

Depends on what you want to do with it. Fraggler asked some good questions!

 

No I do not need video capabilities, I am just looking for a nice starter camera that can take decent pictures, I am sure anything is better than m old Kodak 5mp camera. As far as budget goes, I am not sure, right now because of Christmas and other financial obligations, it may be a while before I can afford a decent camera. But I would certainly love to be able to have a loaner one to be able to check out.

 

Well hey if you cover shipping I could send you my Nikon P330 and if you decide you want it just paypal me $50, it's a steal at that price. It has full manual and can shoot in raw. It has limitations, but for the price you can't beat it.