Camera shopping

[BobA]

With so many camera's on the market I'm very confused what to go with. I'm looking to upgrade from my little $100 point and shoot. It just doesnt do the quality i'm wanting. I need something for mainly outdoor use but also indoor,Crisp clear photos,Self timer(think thats what it's called), Able to use a tripod. I'm not very experienced with cameras (Yet) so easy to use is a plus. What would you all suggest or can you point me in the right direction. I'm on about a $800 budget. Thanks.

 

[ssssnake529]

Good pocket cameras with very good image quality, ability to shoot RAW, and full control over exposure (listed in order of size, smallest to largest)

Canon S100
Panasonic LX5
Olympus XZ-1
Fuji X10



More detailed information here:

http://larsonweb.com/blog/?p=205

 

[BobA]

I'm looking to go more the DSLR route. Entry type level but a camera to last a long time and learn with.

 

[ssssnake529]

I'm looking to go more the DSLR route. Entry type level but a camera to last a long time and learn with.

Micro 4/3 might be an option. Smaller and lighter than a big DSLR. Olympus OMD EM-5 is what I'm using now. I'm pretty happy with it.

 

[ajitkommini]

I'd recommend the Nikon D3100 or D5100.

 

[ywen]

Look up olympus epl1 on amazon.. Body goes for $149.. Then You can get a super zoom and a 20mm lumix lens with body all for under $800... Will be better than any dslr you can get for the same price...

 

[Stick Figure]

I am no pro, or expert on cameras, in fact I shouldn't even be in this section since I have vowed to keep photography as a true "hobby" and not let myself get consumed. However about a year ago I picked up a Sony A55 for right around your budget. I'll admit I didn't do a lot of comparison shopping, so there may be better out there, but so far I have been more than happy with it.

The biggest pluses for me are:

The ability to do 10fps. With 10fps it makes it a bit easier for my amateur skills to catch the right moment in action shots. (racing is a big one for me, but sports of any kind count)

The ability to pick up fairly inexpensive lenses when the stock one doesn't quite do it for you anymore. The Sony line carried over the Minolta mount when they bought them out years ago. This means that you can browse craigslist for some older (but not too old) Minolta pieces that are still in good shape, but may not be super over priced.

You can see multiple examples of the quality that I can produce with it (good or bad) either here http://mostdesigns.com/ or search my recent posts, I put a few photos up in the "off topic" area not too long ago from Toyotafest.