New Digital Camera

[Vinny]

Hi all,

I'm getting ready for summer vacation time and a fall trip to WDW and have been looking around for a new digital camera. I currently have a point and shoot Sony Cybershot dsc-wx9 (16.2 MP, 5x optical zoom, full hd movie mode...ect) but want a camera that offers better zoom and works better in lower light.

I am not necessarily looking for a DSLR but then do not want to go with just another point and shoot option that has more megapixels. So far i have looked at both the Canon sx50 and sx500 models and features of both and still looking at other options. I am not looking for a camera that offers wifi but if the model i end up with has it than that is fine.

I am mostly going to be using the camera for scenic and landscape photos and most likely looking to have some prints enlarged and want a camera that can take clear/sharp photos without losing quality.

I am not an expert to photography though not new to it either so my operational camera knowledge is middle of the road. Most times its just trial and error that works best rather than reading the manual.

Does anyone use either the Canon sx50 or sx500 or another camera that they would recommend? Thanks in advance for the info!!

[azcavalier]

Check out the thread here: http://intercot.com/discussion/showthread.php?t=199284

I think that a lot of what I put there would be useful. I usually take landscape photos, and at WDW I use an Olympus PEN E-PL3 with a 20mm Panasonic lens. No zoom. I can add a zoom to it, but it adds bulk. This is NOT a DSLR. Much smaller. Check out the photos I took here, all of which were taken with my Olympus: http://www.flickr.com/photos/2593947...7632861527191/

Now, that said, unless you're going to get a DSLR, I would stay away from Canon and Nikon. They really don't lead in other categories. Sony, Panasonic, Fuji, Samsung, Olympus all have excellent point 'n' shoot and mirrorless cameras, and also what they call "Superzooms"...which are great cameras but not really much smaller than a DSLR.

Is size an issue? What is your target price range?

[Vinny]

Is size an issue?

Size is not that big of an issue though do not want a camera that is too bulky to carry around.

What is your target price range?

My target price range is $399 or less.

[Travelfanatic1]

I just bought a Canon SX40 and I couldn't be more pleased with the picture quality, just amazing!

[azcavalier]

IF size is not too much of an issue, but you want zoom and excellent photo quality for $400 or less, I would recommend a "superzoom" camera. It's bigger than a point 'n' shoot, but for a reason. Basically, cameras that work better in low light are cameras that have bigger sensors. Bigger sensors mean bigger camera bodies....usually (there are always exceptions). Look at a few of these:

Sony Cybershot DSC-HX200V. Usually around $500, but a manufacturer's rebate of $130 at B and H Photo Video's website until Sat.

FujiFilm Finepix HS35EXR ($332) or S8200 ($260)

Panasonic Lumix FZ60 ($350)

and if you want a conversation piece that also takes great photos, there is the Fujifilm XF1 for about $400. Not as great a zoom as those others listed, but a great little camera.

You could also go to CNET to do comparisons and often they have video reviews. Have fun!

[MNNHFLTX]

I have a Panasonic Lumix FZ45 with an 18x zoom that I really like. It has tons of features, so you can customize your photos as much as you want, or you can set It to Intelligent Automatic for quick and simple pics. No wifi with my model; I didn't even realize that this was being offered in some cameras!