Camera Knowledgeable Folk: DSLR or Digital Camera?

[Captain America]

As it says basically. I'm looking for a new camera it's just for holiday snapping, events, weekends away and the like.

I've seen one of each I like but i'm not sure what would be better I know the digital camera is going to be more point and click and pow picture. But is it worth the effort with the DSLR for those nice pictures?

DSLR: http://www.jessops.com/online.store/categories/products/nikon/d3100-digital-slr-camera-with-18-55mm-vr-lens-78032/show.html#descriptionTab

Digital Cam: http://www.amazon.co.uk/Nikon-COOLPIX-L310-Compact-Digital/dp/B00729YXP0/ref=zg_bs_332215031_8

If you have another option the zooming capabilities of the digital camera I linked are important.

Thanks!

[Alkaline]

From the Sony side (i appreciate that you'll take this with a pinch of salt as i work for them):

Sony HX20

Great high zoom compact camera

or

Alpha 57

Good solid DSLT (covers the problems of auto-focus that are inherant in DSLR by having a translucent mirror so great for action shots and shooting video)

or

NEX F3

Good midpoint between point and shoot and DSLR/T cameras. CSC (Compact System Cameras) are definitely the way that the industry is moving.

I have and use the HX20 above and you can get some great shots out of it if you're not that bothered about the manual aspects of DSLR/T cameras.

What sort of things are you going to be taking photos of?

I wouldn't bother with Bridge cameras like the 2nd one you listed either as they're not very good value for money.

[Captain America]

It's a Cybershot from like 8 years ago I have now so that is quite interesting that first option. That DSLT is a little more than I'd like to spend I'd be looking at about £300 for a DSLR/T.

Good stuff though!

[Mr Owl PhD]

You may want to consider a 'bridge' type camera like this:

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Panasonic-DMC-FZ48EB-K-Hybrid-Digital-Optical/dp/B005K6WTSU/ref=sr_1_5?s=electronics&ie=UTF8&qid=1352199498&sr=1-5

These do a lot of the things that SLRs do but are more compact and less expensive. The substantial zoom opens up a lot of possibilities. The picture quality isn't usually as good as an SLR and a good lens, but under good conditions is still decent.

[Alkaline]

It's a Cybershot from like 8 years ago I have now so that is quite interesting that first option. That DSLT is a little more than I'd like to spend I'd be looking at about £300 for a DSLR/T.

Good stuff though!

If you look at my honeymoon photos on facebook they were taken with my HX20 and while i at no point would describe myself as a photo enthusiast i was pretty pleased with the results.

[Gypsum_Fantastic]

If you look at my honeymoon photos on facebook they were taken with my HX20 and while i at no point would describe myself as a photo enthusiast i was pretty pleased with the results.

Have you got any good NSFW ones? For the picture quality obviously.

[Captain America]

You may want to consider a 'bridge' type camera like this:

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Panasonic-DMC-FZ48EB-K-Hybrid-Digital-Optical/dp/B005K6WTSU/ref=sr_1_5?s=electronics&ie=UTF8&qid=1352199498&sr=1-5

These do a lot of the things that SLRs do but are more compact and less expensive. The substantial zoom opens up a lot of possibilities. The picture quality isn't usually as good as an SLR and a good lens, but under good conditions is still decent.

Yeah that looks good. It's quite similar to the Nikon one I posted as a digital camera though isn't it?

[Captain America]

If you look at my honeymoon photos on facebook they were taken with my HX20 and while i at no point would describe myself as a photo enthusiast i was pretty pleased with the results.

Yeah they are good quality. I'm leaning to one of the halfway houses at the moment like the Nikon or maybe the one Mr Owl posted. Think they might offer a little bit more flexability.

So are DSLRs really just for the serious camera type folk and best left alone by me. Lighting/shadow/different lenses etc type of people?

[Alkaline]

Yeah they are good quality. I'm leaning to one of the halfway houses at the moment like the Nikon or maybe the one Mr Owl posted. Think they might offer a little bit more flexability.

So are DSLRs really just for the serious camera type folk and best left alone by me. Lighting/shadow/different lenses etc type of people?

The problem i have with Bridge cameras is that they don't offer much above a high end standard digital i.e the optical zoom isn't much better, the manual elements don't give much control and the lens is usually not up to much. They also only have the same size sensor as a high end digital camera meaning that the pictures aren't generally any better. They are also a lot bulkier.

We have one as well if you want another option

HX200

I hadn't bothered mentioning it as i don't see the point in Bridge cameras.

DSLR/T have a steep learning curve and unless you've got the time and patience it can be a very unrewarding experience at first. They're great when you get to that moment of clarity though and offer awesome results. That NEX F3 that i mentioned above has the same size sensor as a DSLR so gives you the image quality of a DSLR with the flexibility of a good range of lenses if you want to try your hand at different types of photography but in a body no bigger than a standard digital camera. Best of both worlds.

[Mr Owl PhD]

Yeah that looks good. It's quite similar to the Nikon one I posted as a digital camera though isn't it?

Yes - sorry, hadn't checked that link. They're definitely the way to go if you want something compact and versatile. Here are a few pictures I took with a fairly basic Panasonic a few years ago in New Zealand. You'd have something that can do all this without any additional lenses and fit in your pocket or a small bag.

[Guest Bob Knob]

I'm going to agree with Alkaline on this. I worked in Jessops for ten years until recently and by christ, the cameras that Sony are putting out these days (even the cheap compact cameras) are simply outstanding for picture quality. If you want a good all-round camera that will give you a good optical range, good picture quality (even in low light without flash), easy to use, full-auto or semi manual if you fancy being a bit creative, and not too bulky, I'd suggest the HX20 or if you think you'll want to get into photography a bit more in the future, the NEX series cameras are amazing. I have the Sony NEX 3 with a 16mm pancake lens for walking about and the picture quality I get is just amazing. I'd only really suggest a DSLR nowadays if you're thinking about going semi pro.

[Mr Owl PhD]

I think the choice depends on what Captain A wants to use the camera for, and whether convenience is the most important thing or picture quality. All the options will take good pictures, but a DSLR and good lens will always take the best. I actually use a DSLR (a Sony one too!) myself most of the time because it gives the best results for what I want to take pictures of (wildlife mostly). I like the convenience of bridge cameras though, and the quality with the higher end ones is very good these days. They give possibilities for taking good pictures of more distant things (wildlife, sporting events etc) that you can't easily get without spending a lot on a DSLR and a big lens. If you mostly want to take just regular snaps and aren't worried about things that are more distant then a good compact or a DSLR with a small lens would probably be a better option.

[Alkaline]

I'm going to agree with Alkaline on this. I worked in Jessops for ten years until recently and by christ, the cameras that Sony are putting out these days (even the cheap compact cameras) are simply outstanding for picture quality. If you want a good all-round camera that will give you a good optical range, good picture quality (even in low light without flash), easy to use, full-auto or semi manual if you fancy being a bit creative, and not too bulky, I'd suggest the HX20 or if you think you'll want to get into photography a bit more in the future, the NEX series cameras are amazing. I have the Sony NEX 3 with a 16mm pancake lens for walking about and the picture quality I get is just amazing. I'd only really suggest a DSLR nowadays if you're thinking about going semi pro.

Do you know Alpha expert John Dallas then?

[Guest Bob Knob]

Do you know Alpha expert John Dallas then?

I do indeed. He's a top guy!

[Alkaline]

I do indeed. He's a top guy!

Aye, he's one of my colleagues. What JD doesn't know about cameras isn't worth knowing!

[Johnny Mac]

This seems like the coorect place to ask for some help... buying a new camera and been advised the following choices:

 

Can anyone help me narrow it down and advise the best out of the following.

 

Not looking to get into photography in a major way, just for holidays and general use.

 

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Samsung-NX1000-Digital-Compact-System/dp/B007WR32HW/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1360761826&sr=8-2

 

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Fujifilm-X10-Digital-Camera-Optical/dp/B005JRGWNS/ref=sr_1_1?s=electronics&ie=UTF8&qid=1360761618&sr=1-1

 

http://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B007DDCVM2

[french_disko]

This seems like the coorect place to ask for some help... buying a new camera and been advised the following choices:

 

Can anyone help me narrow it down and advise the best out of the following.

 

Not looking to get into photography in a major way, just for holidays and general use.

 

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Samsung-NX1000-Digital-Compact-System/dp/B007WR32HW/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1360761826&sr=8-2

 

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Fujifilm-X10-Digital-Camera-Optical/dp/B005JRGWNS/ref=sr_1_1?s=electronics&ie=UTF8&qid=1360761618&sr=1-1

 

http://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B007DDCVM2

 

 

if you're spending £300, why not get an entry level DLSR?

 

The Nikon D3000 is less than £300 - http://www.amazon.co.uk/Nikon-Digital-Camera-18-55mm-10-2MP/dp/B002J9GIAQ/ref=sr_1_1?s=electronics&ie=UTF8&qid=1360847136&sr=1-1

[Alkaline]

if you're spending £300, why not get an entry level DLSR?

 

The Nikon D3000 is less than £300 - http://www.amazon.co.uk/Nikon-Digital-Camera-18-55mm-10-2MP/dp/B002J9GIAQ/ref=sr_1_1?s=electronics&ie=UTF8&qid=1360847136&sr=1-1

 

Because you have more MP packed into a similar sized sensor meaning you wouldn't necessarily end up with a better picture though you would have more manual control over the photo itself.

 

It's also significantly bigger.

 

An entry-level DSLR has a steep learning curve if you're not photography minded whereas i high end compact or a compact system camera doesn't and your initial attempts at photography with the latter will be more satisfying if you're just looking to take good photos. If you're keen on seriously learning about photography then an entry-level DSLR would be a good idea but be prepared to want to replace it fairly early on as it won't give you the performance you'd be expecting as you grow as a photographer.

[Johnny Mac]

Not really interested in buying a DSLR as Phil says a steep learning curve and don't have time to devote to it. Plus, they are massive.

 

Just looking for a general use camera.

 

I think its between the Sony HX20V and the Samsung NX1000....