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geekhack Community => Other Geeky Stuff => Topic started by: oTurtlez on Tue, 18 September 2012, 19:27:27

Title: What camera should I get?
Post by: oTurtlez on Tue, 18 September 2012, 19:27:27
I've got the habit of having something nice for something I don't do too often. I've got a nice laptop even though most of the time I'm at home on my desktop. I've got a BluRay player and most of the time I only watch DVD's or Netflix Stream. I occasionally take pictures, but I don't have a nice camera. Currently I use my phone camera which isn't god awful but it's not near the quality of anything decent. My price range is about 325, and I was looking at the Sony HX20v. It's around 330, so not too bad. I'll take anything really, Small compact point and shoots, or big, clunky DSLR's. Anything around my price point that'll do great photos and not break the bank. Thanks.
Title: Re: What camera should I get?
Post by: SmallFry on Tue, 18 September 2012, 22:00:09
A potato like Demik's!
Title: Re: What camera should I get?
Post by: Malphas on Wed, 19 September 2012, 07:05:18
I'd go with an EVIL system, very good compromise between compact point and shoots and DSLRs. There's very little advantage in a full DSLR unless you're taking photos for a living, and decent point and shoots aren't really that much smaller than the smallest EVILs, and if go for very compact and you might as well be using your phone's camera anyway.
Title: Re: What camera should I get?
Post by: Computer-Lab in Basement on Wed, 19 September 2012, 08:29:31
I would go with any high-end Canon point-and-shoot.  Why?  Because there is hacked firmware for Canon point-and-shoot cameras that give them as much functionality as any DSLR out there.  It is called CHDK, and I used it on my old Canon point-and-shoot before I upgraded to a DSLR. 

Link here:  http://chdk.wikia.com/wiki/CHDK (http://chdk.wikia.com/wiki/CHDK)

I bet if you look through the list of compatible cameras you'll find one that works for you.  I would recommend the SX30.
Title: Re: What camera should I get?
Post by: oTurtlez on Wed, 19 September 2012, 08:30:14
Size doesn't matter, I just want quality for a good price
Title: Re: What camera should I get?
Post by: metalliqaz on Wed, 19 September 2012, 08:33:30
red one. (http://www.red.com/store/products/red-one-s35-mysterium-x)
Title: Re: What camera should I get?
Post by: Computer-Lab in Basement on Wed, 19 September 2012, 08:35:10
Now are you looking for a brand new camera, or would you consider buying used?
Title: Re: What camera should I get?
Post by: Computer-Lab in Basement on Wed, 19 September 2012, 08:42:18
You can buy an SX30 IS on eBay for $320 new.  http://www.ebay.com/itm/Canon-PowerShot-SX30-14-1-MP-Digital-Camera-Black-New-In-Retail-Box-/190726105138#vi-content
Title: Re: What camera should I get?
Post by: oTurtlez on Wed, 19 September 2012, 08:48:50
I would definitely want new.
Title: Re: What camera should I get?
Post by: Bim Gao on Wed, 19 September 2012, 09:24:09
Go mirrorless or four/third cameras bro, lens changeable, quality like DSLR, small and convenient like P&S camera. I'm using NEX 7 from Sony, awesome :)
Many choices many prices, Sony, Canon, Nikon, etc blah blah blah
Title: Re: What camera should I get?
Post by: oTurtlez on Wed, 19 September 2012, 09:53:47
Quote from: Bim Gao on Wed, 19 September 2012, 09:24:09
Go mirrorless or four/third cameras bro, lens changeable, quality like DSLR, small and convenient like P&S camera. I'm using NEX 7 from Sony, awesome :)
Many choices many prices, Sony, Canon, Nikon, etc blah blah blah

What's the price point though?
Title: Re: What camera should I get?
Post by: oTurtlez on Wed, 19 September 2012, 10:12:05
I found the SX40HS on Amazon for 345 and it seems to be quite a bit better than the SX30IS. I think I'm going to go with that one. http://www.amazon.com/Canon-Digital-Stabilized-2-7-Inch-Vari-Angle/dp/B005MTMFHU/ref=sr_1_1?s=photo&ie=UTF8&qid=1348067195&sr=1-1&keywords=canon
Title: Re: What camera should I get?
Post by: Computer-Lab in Basement on Wed, 19 September 2012, 10:16:47
Good choice.  I was going to buy one of those too, but I got an EOS Rebel T3 instead...
Title: Re: What camera should I get?
Post by: oTurtlez on Wed, 19 September 2012, 10:21:09
If it wasnt ~500 I'd get one too haha. So what exactly does this Chdk or whatever do?
Title: Re: What camera should I get?
Post by: The_Beast on Wed, 19 September 2012, 10:26:45
Sounds like a firmware update/flash. It should unlock options the manufacture limited on the camera. So if Sony didn't want you to adjust the ISO on Model A, but it has that as an option on Model B, they can use the same parts but sell them for difference prices due to the firmware being different. So you're getting a Model B (more expensive) for the price of a Model A (less expensive)


That's what it sounds like to me.
Title: Re: What camera should I get?
Post by: Computer-Lab in Basement on Wed, 19 September 2012, 10:30:20
It is an open source firmware that you can add to your Canon camera by installing it onto an SD card.  The firmware boots off of the SD card and allows for many more features than the stock firmware does.  An entire user manual for the CHDK firmware can be found here if you're interested:  http://chdk.wikia.com/wiki/CHDK_User_Manual
Title: Re: What camera should I get?
Post by: swagpiratex on Wed, 19 September 2012, 10:38:00
What are the advantages/disadvantages of 4/3 & DSLR other than size?
Title: Re: What camera should I get?
Post by: Computer-Lab in Basement on Wed, 19 September 2012, 10:43:26
Speed. Quality. Control.  Removable lenses.  Overall DSLRs are just much more powerful than point-and-shoots.  Example: most point-and-shoots don't have bulb mode, and they don't have optical viewfinders (which are much better than any digital viewfinder).  After having owned one DSLR, I will never go back to a point-and-shoot.
Title: Re: What camera should I get?
Post by: Bim Gao on Wed, 19 September 2012, 11:07:13
Price: NEX5 $400-$500 (body/body+lens), nex 7 $1100-$1350 (body/body+lens), nikon j1 ~$400, nikon v1 ~$600....... google search for mirrorless camera and check the price :)
I prefer this cuz think about carry a big camera to go travel sure cannot enjoy :)) The quality of mirrorless camera is higher than most entry level of DSLRs even some mid-level.
The disadvantage is the lens now are limited (but not too little), later sure will release more and more. Can use mount for other brand lens but need to do manual focus.
Title: Re: What camera should I get?
Post by: metalliqaz on Wed, 19 September 2012, 12:03:45
Quote from: Computer-Lab in Basement on Wed, 19 September 2012, 10:43:26
Speed. Quality. Control.  Removable lenses.  Overall DSLRs are just much more powerful than point-and-shoots.  Example: most point-and-shoots don't have bulb mode, and they don't have optical viewfinders (which are much better than any digital viewfinder).  After having owned one DSLR, I will never go back to a point-and-shoot.

I dunno how an optical viewfinder could possibly be better than a digital one.  The digital screen is the actual data from the sensor!
Title: Re: What camera should I get?
Post by: Malphas on Wed, 19 September 2012, 12:22:11
Quote from: metalliqaz on Wed, 19 September 2012, 12:03:45
Quote from: Computer-Lab in Basement on Wed, 19 September 2012, 10:43:26
Speed. Quality. Control.  Removable lenses.  Overall DSLRs are just much more powerful than point-and-shoots.  Example: most point-and-shoots don't have bulb mode, and they don't have optical viewfinders (which are much better than any digital viewfinder).  After having owned one DSLR, I will never go back to a point-and-shoot.

I dunno how an optical viewfinder could possibly be better than a digital one.  The digital screen is the actual data from the sensor!
An optical viewfinder on an SLR is the same light path as the sensor receives though, however I would argue that modern sensors and LCDs make the advantages of an SLR viewfinder borderline obsolete unless you have very demanding requirements. I think a lot of the DSLR hype is a hangover from the pre-digital days where there was obviously a huge advantage in an SLR viewfinder over a compact one, where the film and your eyeball were using independent light sources, and maybe to some extent the early days of digital when sensors and LCDs were less advanced. These days I think the optical versus digital argument is more personal preference than anything. However doing away with the optical viewfinder and mirror mechanism is a huge advantage in terms of size, weight, complexity and cost which I think more than compensates for the minor disadvantage of no longer having an optical viewfinder in my opinion, which is why I would recommend an EVIL over DSLR unless you're buying a very high end camera for professional reasons.
Title: Re: What camera should I get?
Post by: Malphas on Wed, 19 September 2012, 12:38:08
For instance, here's a comparison of a GH2 (Panasonic's high end 4/3 from last year, there's a GH3 now) and a Canon 5D Mark III (basically one of the best DSLRs you can buy). http://www.eoshd.com/content/7631/panasonic-gh2-vs-5d-mark-iii

The fact they're even being compared alongside each other tells you a lot, considering the 5D has a full frame sensor, costs over four times as much, and is much larger and heavier.

With that in mind I can't see any reason to bother messing around with entry level DSLRs like the Rebel series, unless you're a photography student or something and its purpose is as a learning tool with the intention of moving up to a professional level DSLR at a later date for actual work.
Title: Re: What camera should I get?
Post by: swagpiratex on Wed, 19 September 2012, 12:40:04
Quote from: Computer-Lab in Basement on Wed, 19 September 2012, 10:43:26
Speed. Quality. Control.  Removable lenses.  Overall DSLRs are just much more powerful than point-and-shoots.  Example: most point-and-shoots don't have bulb mode, and they don't have optical viewfinders (which are much better than any digital viewfinder).  After having owned one DSLR, I will never go back to a point-and-shoot.

(http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2696/4484945454_7493e6b72b.jpg)

Talking about these, not P&S. My dad has one, and it's got removable lenses, quality is great (he's got an alright lens), more compact. Other than quality, options, and speed, what other advantages does a DSLR have? Trying to decide which platform to go for. (Shooting mostly portraits, not that many macros). Haven't developed any control preferences yet, I'm at the point where I can adapt to use anything.

EDIT: Just saw the link above, thanks!
Title: Re: What camera should I get?
Post by: ontherx on Wed, 19 September 2012, 13:33:25
While outside of the price range, it might not be for much longer. I am in love with my panasonic G3. Like others who have menitioned micro 4/3 format, technology has made m4/3 more than just a middle-of-the-road choice between point-and-shoots and SLR.

For a casual photographer, it provides an immense toolset to improve and learn, without being intimidating. I opted for the G3 because viewfinders are quite nice (regardless of digi vs optical) for bright situations, or also fully zoomed on the larger ranged lenses.

Favorite Lens? f/1.7 20mm prime. This, coupled with the fold out screen, makes macro shots from various angles quite easy.

I saw the GF3 for $300 on a one-day amazon deal the other day. You lose the fixed viewfinder (can hot-shoe one i believe), but retain the sensor and most features. To keep price point in check, 1-generation old cameras are where to start usually...


Good luck in your pic(k)s!
Title: Re: What camera should I get?
Post by: Lanx on Wed, 19 September 2012, 14:32:35
my photography friends tell me (i just have a decent p&s, which they think is great for a p&s, a panasonic lumix) that if i want the 4/3 just pick a decent "body" and splurge on the lens, the idea is that in 5/10 years you'll upgrade the body soon, but you'll still have your lens' around. (beyond this info i'm a total noob)
Title: Re: What camera should I get?
Post by: IvanIvanovich on Wed, 19 September 2012, 15:12:25
One that shoots FILM!
Title: Re: What camera should I get?
Post by: swagpiratex on Wed, 19 September 2012, 15:19:05
Yea, I know how to use a DSLR, and all its features, but I'm not picky to the point where speed/quality is that important to me, which is why micro 4/3 is the platform I'm looking into. Did a little due diligence, seems like a lot of people are liking the Sony NEX C3.

Makes sense that any body will do. I think i'll just save for another month so I can get a body with a nice sensor. Or I could just pick up a 5100, lol.

I'm too impatient for film. I could never go back the day I could take out the card from my camera, stick it in my computer, and post process the images in photoshop, lol.
Title: Re: What camera should I get?
Post by: tsangan on Wed, 19 September 2012, 15:38:19
(http://i.imgur.com/ABOws.jpg)
(http://i.imgur.com/9oJug.jpg)
Title: Re: Re: What camera should I get?
Post by: boost on Wed, 19 September 2012, 15:40:37
Quote from: tsangan on Wed, 19 September 2012, 15:38:19
Show Image
(http://i.imgur.com/ABOws.jpg)

Show Image
(http://i.imgur.com/9oJug.jpg)


Get this one.

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