Need a little advice on my first camera....

[WienerDog]

I am just beginning this hobby and love taking pictures. I just yesterday purchased the GE X500 15X Zoom 16MP Bridge Camera. I didnt want to go expensive just yet as I wanted to see if I am even going to be interested the hobby and to see if I even have time. I got he camera brand new for under 100. I was just offered a Nikon Coolpix 5700 5MP 8X Zoom for the same price. It seems as if ther GE has twice the MP's and twice the zoom. As a starter camera I would think the GE would be the better choice as I learn the hobby. But he Nikon is very nice too. I have no idea of any of the functions on the Nikon...I mean NONE. What should I do?? If I do find alot of interest in the hobby, I will certainly upgrade in the future. Just dont want to start with something too over my head.

 

[IslandCrow]

You already have the GE, so I'd just go with that. Unfortunately, I'm not really familiar with either of these cameras. Megapixels and zoom certainly aren't everything. The big thing I would look for as someone who wants to delve a little deeper into the realm of photography is a camera that allows me to choose my own settings. Specifically, the big three: aperture, shutter speed and ISO. If you can manually set those three things, you'll be able to gain some valuable experience using the camera. The rest comes down to lighting and composition, which are things that can be learned with anything from a $4K DSLR to a disposable camera from Walmart.

I know I'd much rather see a well composed, well lit photograph from a cheap camera than a poorly composed photo with horrible lighting shot with the best professional camera.

 

[WienerDog]

You already have the GE, so I'd just go with that. Unfortunately, I'm not really familiar with either of these cameras. Megapixels and zoom certainly aren't everything. The big thing I would look for as someone who wants to delve a little deeper into the realm of photography is a camera that allows me to choose my own settings. Specifically, the big three: aperture, shutter speed and ISO. If you can manually set those three things, you'll be able to gain some valuable experience using the camera. The rest comes down to lighting and composition, which are things that can be learned with anything from a $4K DSLR to a disposable camera from Walmart.

I know I'd much rather see a well composed, well lit photograph from a cheap camera than a poorly composed photo with horrible lighting shot with the best professional camera.

I am looking forward to jumping in and learning about the hobby. I hope my choice in this GE will help me slowly understand the science to it all. Thanks for your response.

 

[twilson]

I would stick with what you have. Moving to that particular Nikon will not give you much of an actualmupgrade for the things that you will need as you progress.