Great camera for $400 or less?

StephLionfish

StephLionfish

New member
I'd really like to upgrade my camera, but being a student, it doesn't look too good. Most of the cameras I'm seeing people use are an upwards of $1,000, not including the lenses. Photography is my second hobby, but the only things I can get decent pictures of are the mountains and flowers. Is there a great camera for my price budget?
Also, I'm looking for reviews on the pictures I do have. What I can do to make them better, etc. ( Huge pictures, I know... I'm not sure how to make them smaller )

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I nerd over simple things like this...
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This one looks slanted... but it's really not.
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Super simple pictures, but until I can vacation somewhere with some great views, or get a good macro lens or something.. It's what I can work with. Advice on cameras and picture taking would be appreciated!
 
See if you can find a used Canon G10, G11 or G12. It's a great little camera. It shoots in RAW and can be used in full manual mode like a DSLR. A G12 is what I use when I don't feel like dragging my 40lbs of gear around. Nikon finally came out with a similar model if their system makes more sense to you but I don't recall the model.
 
An upgrade IMO. While you may have a longer zoom with the one you have, the G12 is a much better camera. From the reviews of the camera you have, it's not good in low light, the lens is said to get soft as you zoom in, and you can't shoot in raw. I don't know how far you want to go in photography, but you can also think about a used DSLR.
 
I want to get really into photography, but I like being mobile... Is it a hassle to harry around all the equipment? I'll invest in a tripod, but I don't use one now because they seem like they'd be a pain to pick up, carry, adjust, then take pictures, pick up, carry, etc... For instance, I went to a rose garden, and I got pictures of almost every flower there... Is it trouble, or do you just get the hang of it? Do you have to adjust the settings for each picture?
Also, how do you get pictures of bugs with a tripod? How are they still long enough?
I want to be able to take somewhat macro pictures.

EDIT: There's a flower on the side table next to me that would make a great picture... but there's no room for a tripod...? I like simple things like this that I can't use a tripod with ( or things low to the ground)
 
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I'm a Canon shooter, so my suggestion would be to look for a used 30D or maybe even a 40D. They are outstanding cameras that are a three or four "tiers" down on the Canon scale but still take great photos.
 
I shoot Nikon and I won't recommend a specific camera when it comes to a DSLR. Brands or specific bodies really don't matter that much, if at all. The one thing to keep in mind is, get something that's comfortable for you to hold in your hands and one thats easy for you to understand. It's more the lens and the human behind the camera that makes the difference. Get the best glass you can afford. If you're willing to go used, there can be some bargains out there that will help. You will most likely go through a few bodies over your lifetime, but the good glass will last you forever.
 
After looking around, I think I'll just stick to a "smaller scale" camera... Once I get my feet on the ground with a decent amount of money I'll get into all the lenses and such.
I was looking at the Canon G12 again, and I think for the most part I'm convinced on it...
I am noticing the bad reviews on it though...

But, then again, I want to get more into it than that. I don't know.

Your pictures are very beautiful, Jesse.
 
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Here's a list of point and shoot cameras that shoot in raw from B&H camera. This is something you'll want for shooting tanks and as you begin to understand the wrold of photography, pretty much everything else.

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/searc...mat_RAW,+JPEG&ci=8612&N=4288586279+4236029800

Don't rush your decision. Use the one you have till you're sure and just read up on how to use the manual settings on it. Here's a place that will help.

http://www.digital-photography-school.com/

Thanks for your kind words. Remember, we're here to help. Don't be afraid to ask anything.
 
I haven't had to the time to look into cameras like I wanted to... I'm also saving up for stuff for my tanks and my other hobbies, etc. I think I will just stick to the smaller camera. Anybody have pics they've taken with the Canon G12?
 
I shoot with a Canon 40D, but I started with a Canon G6... The G12 will get you great shots, if you learn to use it within it's limitations. I really couldn't tell you anything bad about the G series.. Except for the few times Canon removed RAW from them (G7, G9?). They let you control the picture as much as you want to or as little. Manual mode is full manual. And the sensor is very good and comparable to any similar camera.

Other small cameras I like: Canon S90(my current p&s)/s95, the SX40 for versatility and zoom range, the Nikon P7100, and the Ricoh CX3/CX4/CX5 (slower autofocus but really well built and clean design), and I like the Ricoh GXR w/ 24-72 module.
 
I couldn't find the G12 in any of the stores. Is it an older model? I'll have to get it online.
On the other hand I saw all the DSLR's... and all the lenses... I tried not to get drool on the glass. Then the price slapped me back into reality. :( Still... I'd love to own them.
 
I would imagine it's not bad, but I'd also think it would have a lot to do with available light. As in, it's probably much better outdoors than say at a basketball game. Doug has one, so I'm sure he'll give his opinion on it.
 
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