Photography n00b needs advice on easy cam for casual shots

[the Interceptor]

I'm currently on the look for the easy camera to casually take a photo here and there. I have little to no knowledge about photography. Therefore, I'm looking for a cam that does most of the work for me already. Nevertheless, I can find my way through manuals, so I don't mind if I have to alter a few settings (like focus, macro, flash) if it improves the result.

I really don't intend to do any professional shots with this. I rather want to use it for a few holiday photos, ongoing local hilarity and mainly for shots of work (building speakers, modding PCs, and so on). So obviously, the camera also needs to work well with artificial lighting and have a decent flash.

On a last note, it would be nice if it does not have too many pixels. I totally disagree with the ongoing megapixel war, so it'd be nice if this cam has around 6 mepgapixels, maybe a bit more (7 is okay I guess, 8 is borderline). The current price should be below 250 Euros (US$ 380). If there's a camera I seriously have to have and it costs a bit more ... I'm willing to pay money if I get quality for it.

Any tips?

[otispunkmeyer]

you probably want one of those SLR a like cameras

like the canon S5 IS or something. they have great super zoom lenses that give you a good working range, they have fully auto modes with the option to go manual when you get more confident and the canons have lens based image stabilization to stop all those shaky hand moments

not sure on the pixel count on the S5, but i reckon you could get an S3 IS which will be around that 6MP mark, 12x zoom lens ( i think, not sure), great movie mode and i believe it has a macro mode capable of focusing on objects that are touching the front of the lens! it also has a handy flip out n twist LCD screen so you can get creative without over exerting yourself. also this camera takes standard AA batts.... no need for expensive proprietary battery packs. just pick up some good rechargables or stuff in some of them lithium energizers and your away. takes SD cards which are dirt cheap

http://www.dpreview.com/reviews/canons3is/

the S5 has that borderline 8MP you are talking about.

i agree too that the megapixel thing is getting a bit daft, especially on the 1/2.5in sensors

[the Interceptor]

Yeah, I think that's pretty much the direction I'm heading at in terms of quality versus useability. I checked the prices, and The S3 only is a tad less expensive than the S5 (266 to 274 Euros). Yet, there's this one thing that bugs me. Here's an outtake of the first review I found of the S5:

The picture quality of the 8 megapixel chip only satisfies at low ISO figures. Above ISO 200, noise already rises significantly.

Would the older S3 be better in this area due to the lower megapixel number?

[otispunkmeyer]

im not sure, it would be better but i dont know by how much

if you look on www.dpreview.com and find the S5 review, they do compare it to the S3. they compare 100% crops at all ISO settings so you should see which is better with the noise

they do employ Noise Reduction, i think nearly all small sensored cameras do because noise really is a problem. i think DPR said that IS200 NR was a bit over the top, but canon are usually very reserved with their NR.

eitherway you cannot escape noise from small sensors too easily,

the S3 goes to ISO800 and the S5 goes to 1600, DPR reckon that on both cameras ISO800 and above is pretty much pointless. especially 1600 on the S5

so really your looking at being stuck in the 50-400 range on ISO, thats just how it is with these small sensors. just checking their reviews it seems the S5 might be worse, they cite NR effects visible at anything above ISO100.

the S5 does have the better screen though and its got a few more fancy features (at the expense of some others mind) such as a hot shoe for flash guns.

have alook at other makes too, im a canon man myself, but im sure Nikon and the like produce very similar cameras. DPR is a great place for reviews.

have alook at Fujifilm too, i nearly bought a Finepix S9100.... looked to be a great SLR like camera.

[otispunkmeyer]

actually, just reading over the S6000/6500 review..... if noise is a concern, definately definately definately take a look at the S6000/6500 (USA/Europe)

this thing packs are larger 1/1.7inch sensor.... that will help with the noise. its a 6.3 MP camera, there is a newer version called the 9100/9600 and thats obviously got improvements n stuff but uses a 9 mp sensor

[LeVeL]

Why not a point&shoot then?

[the Interceptor]

Dpreview.com is a great website. Quite a bit of work to dig through the tests, but that alone is great fun!

Anyway, I stumbled over the Nikon D40 (review). It's a very cheap DSLR, still, it makes very good photos at all ISOs, even better than the already excellent (great hint!) CoolPix S6500. And as a bundle with a 18-55, it's "only" 349 Euros, which is more than I wanted to spend, but great for a DSLR.

So, any opinions on the D40?

[damnhawk]

Originally Posted by the Interceptor

So, any opinions on the D40?

but a second hand 300d.


sorry im a canon guy as well and couldnt resist. Look for Raw capable cameras as well mate. the difference in quality is stunning to say the least. Not trying to knock on the new equipment, but the old stuff does just a good of a job maybe less cool features, but at a hell of a discount.

[the Interceptor]

I'm afraid I ordered a D40 today. I'm no friend of second hand stuff, at least for some items. I have no Nikon or Canon preference (yet). I played around with a Canon 400D today, and I liked it. Still, I think the cams in this class won't have significant differences. At least not as much as paying that much more for a new 350D.

And the D40 is capable of RAW. I saw some JPEG-RAW comparison shots on dpreview.com. It really depends on the situation, but overall RAW is a bit up to heaps better. Well, I'll take myself plenty of time and have lots of joy finding that and everything else out.

Cheers & thanks to all helpers!
the Interceptor

P.S.: I'll post my first shots here!

[LeVeL]

Congrats on the purchase!
SLRs at a certain price range don't differ that much - its mostly down to preference. I have a canon and I have never used a Nikon so Im getting a canon as my next camera simply because I dont have to spend time learning the nikon interface.

[otispunkmeyer]

d40 is a great camera. i think its known for giving very good shots right out the box in auto mode!

6mp sensor is pretty nice, i think they went a little too much with the 10mp D40x. the only things to watch out for with the Nikon are..

1) its a very n00b friendly camera, great for when u are a n00b, maybe not so great when you get to know things a bit better.

2) only nikon AF-S lenses will give you auto focus, the D40 has no built in focus motor. you can still use the older AF lenses because there are some great ones, but you are stuck with manual focus.

other than that.... good choice i'd say, Nikon are usually regarded as having the best quality 18-55mm Kit lens. the canon one is somewhat poor in comparison. not a problem for those with the intent on bigger and better lenses, but if your going to be using the kit lens almost exclusively then why not get the one with the best lens.

when you do get the itch to buy more glass...

50mm F/1.8 should be one of the lenses to consider. everyone needs the cheapo fiddy in their sack

[the Interceptor]

I got it, I got it!

My first shots from the balcony:

[the Interceptor]

Slowly getting better: