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Gear / Technical Help => Photo / Video Recording => Topic started by: Life In Rewind on February 09, 2015, 09:20:43 AM

Title: Need digital camera recs!
Post by: Life In Rewind on February 09, 2015, 09:20:43 AM
I've put off getting a new camera for too long now.

I sell alot on ebay - so I need it for that primarily.

But - yeah - I like to go out an snap a few when taping too!

I'd like to keep it under 300 bucks.

I like the point and shoot models with the DSLR form factors.

I like that Sony thats coming - but I can't wait til May!

Should I care about video? (I have a TASCAM DR-70D - so maybe...?)

Prefer something with a rechargeable battery.

Thanks!
Title: Re: Need digital camera recs!
Post by: 2manyrocks on February 09, 2015, 12:05:16 PM
A few ideas for a few deals to watch for. Some of these were recent deals that may have been snapped up.  Sometimes they pop back up if you have time to wait.   this is sort of a rambling reply-sorry about that. 

there were some refurb Nikon D3200's with kit lens and lightroom software on Ebay for $299 around Christmas.  This gives you a good entry level DSLR and the option to add other lens later if you want.  The kit lens is very good as it is.  Nikon has been introducing new cameras lately and there are some deals to be had on the older 3200, 5100, etc bodies. 

Keep an eye on:  http://www.getolympus.com/us/en/outlet/reconditioned-cameras.html?icn=topnav&ici=savingsnav_outlet-recon-cameras  they are out of stock at the moment, but they were selling the E-PM2 with kit lens for $249 recently.  It's a mu 4/3 format (smaller sensor than the Nikon), but these make nice pictures and you have the option of adding other lens if you want.  It is a screen display, however.  I don't have this camera, but have read that it has the same sensor as some of the higher end models and it gets you into the mu 4/3 format at an attractive price point. 

Canon also sells a variety of refurb cameras with their full warranty on their website. 

Anytime you look at using a camera for video, you need to check on the particulars of that camera to see if it has the 29 minute time limit on it. 

the Panasonic GH6 doesn't have the 29 minute limit and you can add mu 4/3 lens as you wish.  You can also use an adapter to use older Canon, Minolta, Pentax type lens from 35mm film cameras on the mu 4/3 format cameras.  They will have to be manually focused, but you can get some quality, fast lenses inexpensively this way. 

the general problem with most cameras is they come with a lens that is perfectly fine for daylight and shooting informal pictures with flash, but have aperatures that are much too slow to shoot low light concert photos without flash.  For that, you're going to have to spend some more money for a faster lens.  If you buy a camera that has one fixed lens, it is initially cheaper and simpler, but it limits what you can do with the camera.  It would like buying a recorder with built in mics and never being able to pick from external mics to use with it.   



Title: Re: Need digital camera recs!
Post by: Life In Rewind on August 15, 2015, 01:54:45 PM
Well - I held out for a long time - but finally sprung for Nikon L840 from BestBuy.

So far - very pleased. Great battery life. Nice zoom.

I did a few songs of video last show too -

This was a nice upgrade for me - so I don't have much to compare it to.

But I wouldn't discourage anyone from owning one...