Attn: Camera/Photography crew

SON240sx Automotive SON240sx Off Topic
1

So I’m in the market for a digital camera.

I want to explore a bit on the artistic side of photography, without the
need for a Digital-SLR.

My budget also remains a little on the low side of $400cad ($450cad at most).

Some of the cameras I really like are (but can’t afford):

  • Canon S2 IS
  • Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ20
  • Olympus E-500

What kind of options do I have for that budget for a 4MP or 5MP pixel
with a fair bit of control (manual focus, etc.) and image quality.

I have seen some of these on eBay for a little cheaper, but still out of my
reach. I wouldn’t mind used, so as long as I can buy it locally (rather then eBay).

I know I know, digital-SLR, but let me reiterate: No SLR.

Thanks,

2

check out
http://www.steves-digicams.com/
http://www.dpreview.com/

http://www.kenrockwell.com/ has alot of very useful info about digital cameras and digital imagery

3

Crap forgot to mention in my post that I’ve been on Steve’s site and
DPReview.com over and over but I can’t make up my mind. :?

4

You could try checking cnet user reviews or epinions for normal user reviews.
Your best bet is to just go to the store and try em out.

or go buy a d70(s)

5

I’ll also suggest the FujiFilm FinePix S5200 (http://fujifilm.ca/x1882.xml). I just bought a 5100, after reading lots of reviews. 5200 is the same camera, except is 5MP.

And the D70 is good if you wanna spend $1000, and have a (bottom end) SLR

Also, talk to Benson… apparently he can get you a deal on a Kodak P850 or Z650

6

My buddy just got a PnS Nikon Coolpix 7.1 mp camera from Henry’s. It’s a decent camera, and was about $500 or so. The Coolpix 7600 should be in your range.

No point of getting SLR if you don’t know how to use it. If you’re hellbent on DSLR, you will need to save up more and get a used Rebel.

7

Paul, I was looking at the Fuji, and so was my bro but a few reviews
weren’t really all that favorable for it.

AFAIK, the Canon is the leader of the pak…which probablly gives them an
easy reason to mark up their price a little :rofl:

Marc, my bro uses Nikon for work so I’ve used some of his cameras.
I was hoping to try something other then Nikon but for the price, I’ll consider it.

8

The rebel feels cheap and plasticy, the nikon d70(s) outshines it in areas.
Check that Ken Rockwell site if you wanna know why D70(s)>Rebel

9

the rebel (even the xt) is literally an entry level dslr. it’s the base of the base. I think it compares more directly with the D50.

d70, especially the S is a higher grade dslr but also costs a fair bit more.

really, for an amateur beginner you can’t go wrong with either - they might even be overkill if you don’t plan to ever buy better lenses. the kit lenses (-especially- for the rebel xt) leave a lot to be desired.

10

the kit lens for the d70(s) is very good, 18-70mm nikkor lens.

11

I love my Digital Rebel. I’m learning to take good pictures with it, and when/if I need something better I can trade in for a 5D and recycle my lenses.

But back to your request:

Good S2 IS auction: http://tinyurl.com/ce5kw

Also check out this place for amazing prices: http://www.hitcamera.ca/oscommerce/index.php

Only drawback to Hit Camera is that their Canon warranties are in-store or USA only.

12

[quote=“mikeness”]

The rebel feels cheap and plasticy, the nikon d70(s) outshines it in areas.
Check that Ken Rockwell site if you wanna know why D70(s)>Rebel[/quote]

For an amateur it should be fine. I don’t like it either, but it does take great pics. And it’s easier to find a used Rebel than a D70.

Personally, im saving up for a D70.

13

I was looking at the Fuji FinePix 5200 and 5600 series.

Seems like an entry level camra, that’s fairly affordable as well:

http://www.dpreview.com/news/0507/05072802fuji_s5200zs5600z.asp
http://www.dpreview.com/reviews/specs/Fujifilm/fuji_finepixs5200z.asp

Comments on it?

14

Canon S2 IS - $499 at Black’s until Feb 5th. Jump on that homey, awesome camera:

http://www.blackphotostore.com/english/proddetail.asp?sku=4224

15

I was eyeing the IS for a long time. BUt now I was focusing more on the
Fuji FinePix. :frowning:

Not bad at $500, but I decided to buy a Power FC in the next couple weeks.

So I’ll save that for a little later.

16

Buy a PowerShot G6 and shut up.

It’s by FAR the best non-slr camera.

;] ;]