1 year, 3 months ago
What, in your opinion, is the best "Hobbyist" digital camera for around $500 or less?
I love taking pictures. I have 2 point and shoot cameras now (that work.. a few more in the drawer that don't any more). They take decent pictures for family outings, pretty sunsets and the like. But lately I've been having aspirations to take it up a notch and become a full fledged "semi-professional level" photographer. This means instead of just taking photos/movies of the kids and pretty scenery, I'd like to expand into "artistic" photos/videos (mostly of my kids and pretty scenery).
The trouble is, I can't decide between the wide options available at or around $500.
This includes Micro 4/3rds, "Entry Level" SLRs and the other classes that I don't know the proper description for.
I realize that the best options really depend on what the priorities are (image quality, zoom, movie capabilities, low light, etc. etc.) and I don't yet know what I would consider my top options. Though I will say "pocket-ability" is not a big concern as I already have that covered. In my dream world, the camera would allow for incredible manual mode pictures, incredible automatic mode pictures all while shooting great HD videos of the school play for 1 hour or more (and cost about $500). But those may not be features found all in one camera at that price point.
So what I would like is some personal reviews/opinions on cameras that if you had to spend around $500 on, what would you choose and why. I'm also interested in used cameras if it means a higher quality at the same general price point.
Links to reviews and information on cameras that fit the description are welcome, but I would prefer personal opinions and experiences.
The trouble is, I can't decide between the wide options available at or around $500.
This includes Micro 4/3rds, "Entry Level" SLRs and the other classes that I don't know the proper description for.
I realize that the best options really depend on what the priorities are (image quality, zoom, movie capabilities, low light, etc. etc.) and I don't yet know what I would consider my top options. Though I will say "pocket-ability" is not a big concern as I already have that covered. In my dream world, the camera would allow for incredible manual mode pictures, incredible automatic mode pictures all while shooting great HD videos of the school play for 1 hour or more (and cost about $500). But those may not be features found all in one camera at that price point.
So what I would like is some personal reviews/opinions on cameras that if you had to spend around $500 on, what would you choose and why. I'm also interested in used cameras if it means a higher quality at the same general price point.
Links to reviews and information on cameras that fit the description are welcome, but I would prefer personal opinions and experiences.
images:
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M$2 Answers
Hi Brian San,
To be honest with you, I knew nothing about camera and its complexities before answering this question. I searched a lot and after doing too many comparisons and reading reviews, have reached to the conclusion that if you want to buy a digital camera which is “Entry level SLR, HD video, built-in shake reduction, good quality photography at nighttime or in low light (with CMOS sensor) and within a budget of $500 range, then the only and the best option I find is Pentax K-x."
Micro 4/3 vs SLR – You will have to pay more for micro 4/3, plus add many things which would make it even more expensive.
Performance:
1. High quality images with high ISO JPEGs better than most DSLRs.
2. Satisfactorily good performance in low light, nighttime photography.
3. 4.7 fps continuous shooting.
4. Movie recording.
5. Features of an expensive camera but in low price.
6. Its compactness and lightness.
Biggest flaw –
Like every other camera, Pentax K-x too has some negatives like unreliable image stabilization, but the biggest flaw is that the viewfinder has lack of visible AF points. If you agree with this, this camera is more than good for you.
It is available in four colors (red, navy blue, white and black). It is lightweight and easy to carry and handle compared to other expensive heavier brands. A good pick for a person switching from a point and shoot to entry level digital SLR.
Other features -
1. Kit including 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 AL lens is better than those with Olympus E-450 or Canon EOS1000D but not like Nikon D3100.
2. Widescreen HD 720p video at 24fps though the video capture feature is not as good as D3100 but you won’t find it in any other entry level SLR.
3. 2.7-inch LCD with autofocus.
4. Face detection live view with 11-point wide-angle autofocus.
5. 4.7fps with 1/6000 sec maximum shutter speed.
Since you don't use point and shoot, I think this is a competent entry level small and compact digital SLR with Live View, HD Video, High Dynamic Range image capture, 12.4-megapixel CMOS sensor at a much, much lower price than the other available options.
Reviews say that sensor strength with high ISO is even slightly better than Nikon D90. Built-in shake reduction and performance in low light can compete with expensive cameras like Nikon D700
A few deals I found are:
Pentax K-x (black, with 18-55mm DA lens)
1. $631.99 Buy.com
2. $465.00 FumFie.com
3. $649.00 Abes Of Maine
4. $499.00 Adorama
5. $499.00 Amazon.com Marketplace
Pentax K-x (red, with 18-55mm DA lens)
1. $598.89 QuikShip Toner
2. $469.00 FumFie.com
3. $559.99 Dell Home & Home Office
4. $649.00 Abes Of Maine
5. $535.99 Buy.com
Sources:
1. http://reviews.cnet.com/digital-cameras/pentax-k-x-red/4505-6501_7-33810153.html?tag=mncol;lst
2. http://digital-photography-school.com/forum/digital-cameras/120821-micro-4-3-vs-dslr.html
3. http://www.dpreview.com/reviews/pentaxkx/page29.asp
4. http://hubpages.com/hub/A-review-of-the-Pentax-K-x-entry-level-digital-SLR-camera
5. http://hubpages.com/hub/Nikon-D3100-Review-Nikon-D3100-Sale-Nikon-D3100-Best-Price-Where-To-Buy
Conclusion: It certainly is not the best camera but with its features at an affordable price makes it a good choice.
To be honest with you, I knew nothing about camera and its complexities before answering this question. I searched a lot and after doing too many comparisons and reading reviews, have reached to the conclusion that if you want to buy a digital camera which is “Entry level SLR, HD video, built-in shake reduction, good quality photography at nighttime or in low light (with CMOS sensor) and within a budget of $500 range, then the only and the best option I find is Pentax K-x."
Micro 4/3 vs SLR – You will have to pay more for micro 4/3, plus add many things which would make it even more expensive.
Performance:
1. High quality images with high ISO JPEGs better than most DSLRs.
2. Satisfactorily good performance in low light, nighttime photography.
3. 4.7 fps continuous shooting.
4. Movie recording.
5. Features of an expensive camera but in low price.
6. Its compactness and lightness.
Biggest flaw –
Like every other camera, Pentax K-x too has some negatives like unreliable image stabilization, but the biggest flaw is that the viewfinder has lack of visible AF points. If you agree with this, this camera is more than good for you.
It is available in four colors (red, navy blue, white and black). It is lightweight and easy to carry and handle compared to other expensive heavier brands. A good pick for a person switching from a point and shoot to entry level digital SLR.
Other features -
1. Kit including 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 AL lens is better than those with Olympus E-450 or Canon EOS1000D but not like Nikon D3100.
2. Widescreen HD 720p video at 24fps though the video capture feature is not as good as D3100 but you won’t find it in any other entry level SLR.
3. 2.7-inch LCD with autofocus.
4. Face detection live view with 11-point wide-angle autofocus.
5. 4.7fps with 1/6000 sec maximum shutter speed.
Since you don't use point and shoot, I think this is a competent entry level small and compact digital SLR with Live View, HD Video, High Dynamic Range image capture, 12.4-megapixel CMOS sensor at a much, much lower price than the other available options.
Reviews say that sensor strength with high ISO is even slightly better than Nikon D90. Built-in shake reduction and performance in low light can compete with expensive cameras like Nikon D700
A few deals I found are:
Pentax K-x (black, with 18-55mm DA lens)
1. $631.99 Buy.com
2. $465.00 FumFie.com
3. $649.00 Abes Of Maine
4. $499.00 Adorama
5. $499.00 Amazon.com Marketplace
Pentax K-x (red, with 18-55mm DA lens)
1. $598.89 QuikShip Toner
2. $469.00 FumFie.com
3. $559.99 Dell Home & Home Office
4. $649.00 Abes Of Maine
5. $535.99 Buy.com
Sources:
1. http://reviews.cnet.com/digital-cameras/pentax-k-x-red/4505-6501_7-33810153.html?tag=mncol;lst
2. http://digital-photography-school.com/forum/digital-cameras/120821-micro-4-3-vs-dslr.html
3. http://www.dpreview.com/reviews/pentaxkx/page29.asp
4. http://hubpages.com/hub/A-review-of-the-Pentax-K-x-entry-level-digital-SLR-camera
5. http://hubpages.com/hub/Nikon-D3100-Review-Nikon-D3100-Sale-Nikon-D3100-Best-Price-Where-To-Buy
Conclusion: It certainly is not the best camera but with its features at an affordable price makes it a good choice.
images:
videos:
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M$
Nikon!!!
In a word - easy. You can be butt-stupid and still figure out how to use the Nikon D80 on eBay for a little over $500. It's a very solid camera and will take you to that next step and a little over.
We owned both the D80 and the D40. If you have big hands the D40 will be too small for you. That's why it worked so well for me since I'm a woman. The D80 has the clarity you want to take wonderful photos.
Here is a site for you to look at: http://www.kenrockwell.com/index.htm
Ken gives excellent reviews on cameras and also shows you how to put your manual settings together. We used his site extensively to set up both cameras. It was through his site that I was convinced that the D40 was a good starter camera for me. After that we went up to the next stage and bought the D80.
If you have any doubts, Ken's site will help guide you through the process of which camera is best for you.
I do wish you luck, but when in doubt, Nikon is a great camera to buy!
In a word - easy. You can be butt-stupid and still figure out how to use the Nikon D80 on eBay for a little over $500. It's a very solid camera and will take you to that next step and a little over.
We owned both the D80 and the D40. If you have big hands the D40 will be too small for you. That's why it worked so well for me since I'm a woman. The D80 has the clarity you want to take wonderful photos.
Here is a site for you to look at: http://www.kenrockwell.com/index.htm
Ken gives excellent reviews on cameras and also shows you how to put your manual settings together. We used his site extensively to set up both cameras. It was through his site that I was convinced that the D40 was a good starter camera for me. After that we went up to the next stage and bought the D80.
If you have any doubts, Ken's site will help guide you through the process of which camera is best for you.
I do wish you luck, but when in doubt, Nikon is a great camera to buy!
You can leave an optional "tip" with Mahalo's virtual currency, Mahalo Dollars. If you are asking a difficult question that might require some research, or if you'd like a wide variety of feedback, a higher tip often leads to more answers to your question.
M$
Hi @ramag,Thank you for the review of the Pentax K-x. I said in my question I wasn't sure on my "priority features", but usable video shooting is fairly high on my list, so the K-x does indeed look promising. I actually live in Japan now, so I will have to check local pricing (but as these cameras are built here, it's a fair bet that deals can be found if I look hard enough!)Choosing the "perfect" camera is pretty much impossible as there are so many different options, but both of the reviews so far have been very helpful. Thanks again!
Hi @ Brian san,The best thing happened to me is that now even I started thinking seriously about buying a camera and trying my luck in this field, not with an SLR but a good point and shoot.Thanks and wishes for your pursuit of a nice camera.
Hi @ramag,
FYI, I just bought a K-x today in Akihabara! The K-x has now been replaced by the K-r, which means the K-x is old news, and I found one for $300!