Which Camera to get?

MxPhenom 216 · Dec 10, 2012

Im looking to buy a camera soon for taking nice pictures of hardware when I do builds, and sales. Along with really good close ups. It needs to be under $400. So what would you suggest?

Delta6326 · Dec 10, 2012

You maybe able to find a used Canon T2i(thats what I have) or possible a Canon T3 or t4.

MxPhenom 216 · Dec 10, 2012

The price!

Canon EOS T4i 18.0 MP CMOS Digital SLR with 18-55m...

:eek:

cadaveca · Dec 10, 2012

I don't use an SLR. IF it's all you're gonna use the camera for, there are many decent options under $200. NO, they aren't as capable or anything, but you can still get a really decent picture with a point and shoot.

Even for free, I have no use for an SLR.

mrw1986 · Dec 10, 2012

MxPhenom 216 said:
The price!

Canon EOS T4i 18.0 MP CMOS Digital SLR with 18-55m...

Just because I'm being nice:

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/905541-REG/Canon__EOS_DIGI_REBEL_T4I.html

You can also add a 55-250mm lens for $100 more.

Cold Storm · Dec 10, 2012

I was looking at getting a Canon T3 myself. Selling my E20 from Olympus. Great camera for the price.

Delta6326 · Dec 10, 2012

This is more into your price range it's not as good, but it's still good.

Canon EOS REBEL T3 Black Digital SLR Camera with E...

Example of my T2i

cadaveca · Dec 10, 2012

Guys...OP is a student, wants to take pictures to post on forums(did you read the OP?), and you recommnd these? :shadedshu

Pro photog, sure. Student wanting to take pics of a PC and sell hardware...and you recommend a camera for $600...c'mon, be realistic here please. I think we're way over budget here.

MxPhenom 216 · Dec 10, 2012

FUJIFILM S4500 Black 14.0 MP 30X Optical Zoom Wide...

Cold Storm · Dec 10, 2012

cadaveca said:
Guys...OP is a student, wants to take pictures to post on forums(did you read the OP?), and you recommnd these? :shadedshu

Pro photog, sure. Student wanting to take pics of a PC and sell hardware...and you recommend a camera for $600...c'mon, be realistic here please. I think we're way over budget here.

Well on that note.

Bought a Sony Cybershot for Christmas..

cadaveca · Dec 10, 2012

MxPhenom 216 said:
FUJIFILM S4500 Black 14.0 MP 30X Optical Zoom Wide...

I use this for my reviews, works well enough, but all I do is take pictures for reviews...not for anything else. I am not a photo person, by any means.:

FUJIFILM S4200 Black 14.0 MP 24X Optical Zoom Wide...

So, I don't know squat about cameras or taking pictures. However, there are thousands of my pictures on the front page here, all done with cheap point and shoots that were all less than $200.

Sasqui · Dec 10, 2012

If you want closeups, look for something with a super macro mode. My latest camera, the Panasonic TZ5 does well at everything, but my old Olympus C5050 can get the lens about 5 mm away from a subject. You can see every detail and thread in a dollar bill, every tiny capacitor on a PCB. I still use the old camera for that alone.

Some examples for the C5050 super macro mode: http://www.wrotniak.net/photo/c/c5050-macro.html

Cold Storm · Dec 10, 2012

Now, what is the pros and cons of having a camera with a "battery pack" compared to one that takes normal AA/AAA batteries?

Not trying to thread jack, Figured something good for the op

mlee49 · Dec 10, 2012

$400 may get you an older entry level dSLR, which would make a great camera. But may not suit you.

Check out this Canon:

Canon PowerShot S100 Black 12.1 MP 5X Optical Zoom...

Nice low F2, 12MP, 1080p video, and sleek design. The F2 lens will help in low light situations and give you a nice depth of field(google Bokeh). Also, you can get nice up close picture or decent zoom with 5x optical and 4x digital. And right at $400, its a good price.

Might check around the Micro 4/3s cameras. Their the slim dSLRs that use interchangeable lenses. Might find a good one if you look.

As far as brands, you cant go wrong with:

Canon, Nikon, or Olympic. There are plenty others, but beware of major brands that just make rebrand other's work.

Delta6326 · Dec 10, 2012

Well then this camera will get the job done, has a good Optical zoom, CMOS sensor, DIGIC 5 Image Processor, can also do 1080p video, and has a good res for the pic's.

Has a decent ISO and shutter range, also the Aperture range good too.

Canon PowerShot SX260 HS Black 12.1 MP 20X Optical...

My 2 recommended camera's

The Canon PowerShot S110, has a better Aperture, and higher ISO for low light.

On Sale for $365 + case and 16Gb card. very good deal.
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/889962-REG/Canon_PowerShot_S110_Digital_Camera.html

de.das.dude · Dec 10, 2012

you dont need an SLR -.-
just any normal cameras will do. just buy a stand as well. it will be helpful.

Bo$$ · Dec 10, 2012

Get an older DSLR a 50d or something, those who are telling you to get a P&S don't use SLR or bridge cameras

mlee49 · Dec 10, 2012

Bo$$ said:
Get an older DSLR a 50d or something, those who are telling you to get a P&S don't use SLR or bridge cameras

I have a dSLR and for $400 he's gonna get just as good quality with a point and shoot digital.

Not everyone has to use dSLR, try not to sound like the Camera Master Race.

Fourstaff · Dec 10, 2012

Any compact camera would do, just make sure the lighting is good.

Bo$$ · Dec 10, 2012

mlee49 said:
Not everyone has to use dSLR, try not to sound like the Camera Master Race.

I know, but atleast give the guy a DECENT point and shoot, I've been working in a camera shop and out of my experiences most of those suggested are downright absurd, get a decent bridge camera or yesteryears DSLR.

3870x2 · Dec 10, 2012

cadaveca said:
Guys...OP is a student, wants to take pictures to post on forums(did you read the OP?), and you recommnd these? :shadedshu

Pro photog, sure. Student wanting to take pics of a PC and sell hardware...and you recommend a camera for $600...c'mon, be realistic here please. I think we're way over budget here.

Even if he were to buy one used, a DSLR is heavily recommended. Recommending anything else is like recommending an IGP to someone who wants to be a gamer.

DSLR cameras last if you take care of them.

EDIT: Speak of the devil: http://www.amazon.com/dp/B004J3Y9U6/?tag=tec06d-20

t_ski · Dec 10, 2012

I have a Panasonic Lumix FC40 camera that I like very much, which actually replaced another Panasonic Lumix (FC5 IIRC). The important things to look for are a great optical zoom and check out as many reviews as you can on the products. Here are a couple similar to the one I have:

Panasonic LUMIX LZ20 Black 16.1 MP 21X Optical Zoo...

Panasonic LUMIX FZ60 Black 16.1 MP 24X Optical Zoo...

The only thing I don't like about my Panasonic is that is does not have interchangeable lenses, but that's just due to the model and type of camera I bought (could not afford a DSLR).

If you want to get a DSLR, you can fins a Panasonic version close to your budget:

Panasonic LUMIX DMC-GF2KK Black 12.10 MP Micro Fou...

Radical_Edward · Dec 10, 2012

I picked up a Canon Powershot SX130 recently for $130. Does everything I need and more.

http://www.usa.canon.com/cusa/consumer/products/cameras/digital_cameras/powershot_sx130_is

Also, you could always just buy this. Should do what you need to do just fine.

http://www.techpowerup.com/forums/showthread.php?t=172457

MxPhenom 216 · Dec 10, 2012

t_ski said:
I have a Panasonic Lumix FC40 camera that I like very much, which actually replaced another Panasonic Lumix (FC5 IIRC). The important things to look for are a great optical zoom and check out as many reviews as you can on the products. Here are a couple similar to the one I have:

Panasonic LUMIX LZ20 Black 16.1 MP 21X Optical Zoo...

Panasonic LUMIX FZ60 Black 16.1 MP 24X Optical Zoo...

The only thing I don't like about my Panasonic is that is does not have interchangeable lenses, but that's just due to the model and type of camera I bought (could not afford a DSLR).

If you want to get a DSLR, you can fins a Panasonic version close to your budget:

Panasonic LUMIX DMC-GF2KK Black 12.10 MP Micro Fou...

Panasonic LUMIX FZ60 Black 16.1 MP 24X Optical Zoo...

Thats the one ive actually been looking at for a while.

LAN_deRf_HA · Dec 10, 2012

The panasonic FZs are pretty decent slr-like cameras. If that's the class you want to go with it's a good pick.

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Which Camera to get?

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