Question for you photo experts.

[dread240]

So I've been looking into a new camera. I really want to be able to do some nice macro shots, but after pricing DSLR's with good lenses, they're unfortunately out of my budget range.

So then I turned to high end point and shoot cameras. I'm contemplating the s95 as it seems you actually can get some nice macro lenses and all for these, and it has some other 'dslr like' features that I'm not familiar with but want to be. It's also about half the price of the DSLR systems I was looking into getting, so that's another good point.

Anybody with a bit more background knowledge on this stuff have input? I know you want certain things like manual focus controls, aperature control (I think that's the f-stop stuff), white balance settings, yadda yadda, I'm just not really sure what everything does. I do in fact want a camera though that I can hang onto for a few years, take great pictures of my reef tank and everything else on our vacations and travels.

 

[dublo8]

Some point and shoots can be very nice but unfortunately they don't have the abundance of features and accessories that could be had with even a less costly dslr. I would look into getting a Nikon d40 as a starter dslr. It's a great little camera and not as heavy as some of the others I have owned. It was one of my first dslr's and it's still one of my favorites. I carry it everywhere with me and it gives me the freedom I need of a point and shoot and the professionalism of a higher end dslr. I believe the new replacement for it was the d3000? but I haven't been camera shopping in a while after nikon changed their numbering system about a year ago

 

[IPT]

I have the s90 and I love it! As a primary DSLR shooter I love the control it gives me of what I am doing. It's small so I take it more often too. It is also one of the few P&S that shoot RAW. That for me was an essential. I was also quite impressed with the MAcro. It's a little short on the telephoto side, but that was the sacrafice I was willing to make for the other features. I think you'll be happy and it also gives you enough flexibility to learn the basics of using a DSLR. These are all from the s90.

 

[dread240]

That's what I've heard from a few reviews on it so I'm definitely leaning towards it. Have you tried any of the lenses adapters for it?

 

[IPT]

No, I haven't. If I am really going out to take pictures I am going to take my DSLR. I just like to throw this in the bag if I am mtn biking, snow biking, or hiking and photography isn't the main objective. You never know what you'll run across on the trails out here.

 

[dread240]

Yea, I'm not gonna lie.. I'd love a d50 with all the lenses, yadda yadda... but it seems for me to get what I want in a DSLR I'm looking at about $1k to start.. and with the s95 I can get started at under $500 with accessories too. Pretty big price difference to swallow. Plus it seems like the s95 is easily portable to basically take with ya anywhere, another bonus as I'm lazy and hate carrying a bunch of stuff lol.

Thanks for showing off some pics and your experience with it though. Pretty sure that's what I'm going to go with, and I'll even let you know what that camera is like with a different lense

 

[DustinB]

Craigslist! I've seen some insane deals on nikon D40's or D70's with extra lenses. Save your cash and buy a tamron macro lens for it for $400. You might be able to find a camera for $300 or so, maybe less.

 

[IPT]

for me the portability makes it worth it's weight in Gold. As much as I love my DSLR's, they are a pain to hump around. Especially the 1Ds. Then there is at least one lens, usually two. It goes on and on. If you're not sure get the sXX and have fun and learn the basics. It'll make the tranistion to a DSLR much easier. Whatever you do though, don't just take that thing and use "P" (program, auto, or whatever that setting is called). Go manual and learn how to take a picture. Don't let the camera make your choices, you will choose better almost everytime once you figure out what you're doing. I use exp compensation ALL the time. Learn and learn some more....post here, lots of talent and knowledge here.

 

[Fibinotchi]

I've never been disappointed when I bought the best I could afford, I have often been disappointed when I have settled for less.

 

[IPT]

I've never been disappointed when I bought the best I could afford, I have often been disappointed when I have settled for less.

I agree. The big questions is what is the goal? Carrying a P&S is very different than a DSLR. The sXX IMO is the best P&S you can get. Just because you can afford an Indy 500 car doesn't mean it is the best tool for the job. If you never take it out because it guzzles too much gas, or you're afraid to leave it parked then what's the point? A nice Lexus will get you there just the same, do a good job, and cost less. More importantly you will probably use it more.

A DSLR may be a better tool, but it is much less user freindly in terms of portability. I am sure once he gets the P&S and over times gets more funds he'll get a DSLR. Then he'll have the best of both worlds .

 

[BowieReefer84]

I just bought a Panasonic Lumx ZS5. Has full manual controls of aperature, white balance, shutter speed etc etc... The only manual feature it lacks is manual focus. It does have 12x optical zoom. I was between this camera and the S95. The selling point on this one was it only cost $180 on Amazon with no tax and free shipping.... S95 would be #1 if you are ok with the price.

 

[TitusvileSurfer]

IPT what's up with the right side of #3? It looks like you took a picture of someone else's picture that you saw on the TV
I can see it in #2 as well and am really curious what's going on.

 

[DustinB]

IPT what's up with the right side of #3? It looks like you took a picture of someone else's picture that you saw on the TV
I can see it in #2 as well and am really curious what's going on.

Crappy bokeh?

 

[dread240]

I just bought a Panasonic Lumx ZS5. Has full manual controls of aperature, white balance, shutter speed etc etc... The only manual feature it lacks is manual focus. It does have 12x optical zoom. I was between this camera and the S95. The selling point on this one was it only cost $180 on Amazon with no tax and free shipping.... S95 would be #1 if you are ok with the price.

That was another one I saw that did look really good as far as the reviews and all on it, but the manual focus was a killer for me. I can count multiple times when using lower P&S cameras that the inability to manually focus an image has made me frustrated to say the least.

I was really stoked after reading a camera buying magazine that my boss brought in. Basically put the s95 as the best value in the range and best performer... then I even saw an ad for the camera at $319. Broadway Photo... a quick search on the company directed me elsewhere lol.

As for using automatic stuff... I learned how much better it is to set your own settings, even for the little stuff. I could never even get a halfway decent photo of anything, and then read an article on melev's about reef tank photography, and was able to snag a few decent ones after touching them up some in photoshop. I don't think I'll even use automatic settings again after that.

 

[TitusvileSurfer]

No that isn't bokeh, maybe a sensor or post processing issue?? I really have no idea.

 

[IPT]

oh Neally ... look at that . I'll have to goback and look at my archives. I know the first pic was with the s90 because I was sitting on the coush near the phone reading the owners manual and decided it was as good a subject as any to test the macro. Looking at the Coyotte pics though I think they might have been taken with my previousP$S . The reason I ended up getting the s(0 was because the sensor was on the way out...thus that artifact. Sorry about that, in deed those last two were not from the s90. The first one is though.

Good eye. I can't slip anything past you guys here .

 

[TitusvileSurfer]

Oh wow false advertisement!

 

[IPT]

no, no, the Macro shot is the best of the bunch ,and that is the real deal, s90 . Though with the amount of $$ I have invested in Canon gear I should get some sort of kickback from them .