Digital camera suggestions?

shindig said:
If you have the same sensor on an 8mp and 12mp doesn't mean the 12mp is going to take better pics I guess is my only argument. I just think there's too much emphasis from sales people on megapixel, nowadays every new camera is fine megapixel-wise for me.
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You're absolutely right, a 12 isn't necessarily going to take better shots than an 8 if the camera is shit. However, there are some fantastic higher MP cameras out there and I would still go for a fairly high MP count. It's ultimately more versatile.

shindig said:
There is also a software for converting Tiff images to giant billboard sized images that aren't all grainy. I went on a workshop with some "pro" photographers and he had one image blown up to 7' wide by 5' tall from a 12mp camera and it wasn't all grainy unless you put your face right up 2" from it.
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Yeah. Even Photoshop will do a pretty good job enlarging images. There used to be a software package years ago called Genuine Fractals that was used to enlarge images for things like billboards. Looks like the name has changed or it was bought by these guys... Perfect Resize 7.5 - onOne Software
 


I LOVE this one:

[ame="http://www.amazon.com/Panasonic-DMC-ZS8-Digital-Stabilized-3-0-Inch/dp/B004KKZ0HE/ref=sr_1_10?s=electronics&ie=UTF8&qid=1364592304&sr=1-10&keywords=panasonic+wide+angle"]Amazon.com: Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS8 14.1 MP Digital Camera with 16x Wide Angle Optical Image Stabilized Zoom and 3.0-Inch LCD (Black): Electronics[/ame]

Image stabilization, Leica glass lens, wide angle, good zoom, and an awesome processor that makes it so I don't have to fuck around with the functions. I have the same model, but I think one generation back (just a matter of a few megapixels difference)

I have a DSLR I paid a several grand for. But I never/rarely use it, since it is such a PITA. I learned that lesson good; don't get a good camera unless you are going to invest serious time learning it and photography.
 
With a budget of $500 and no interest in investing more down the track then you're better off getting a compact point and shoot. I can't help with that.

If you are interested in doing decent product shots and want to fiddle a lot then grab a 2nd hand canon 350 to 500d and lighting kit. Lighting is the most important part for product shots - if you want pro results. Either a speedlite (Yonguno do the job nicely on a budget) or a softbox kit will help tremendously.

Kit lens will do the job fine and you couldn't afford an upgrade anyway, not for < $500. Grab some cheap extension tubes as well which will allow you to focus much closer than a 50mm lens by itself. It's a cheap way to get close-up shots. You can also add a reversing ring to get to a 1:1 or greater reproduction - if your products are small.
 
I'd suggest a mirrorless camera like the one below:

[ame=http://www.amazon.com/Sony-Compact-Interchangeable-Touchscreen-18-55mm/dp/B005IHAIJ8/ref=sr_1_1?s=electronics&ie=UTF8&qid=1364602808&sr=1-1&keywords=sony+nex]Amazon.com: Sony NEX-5N 16.1 MP Compact Interchangeable Lens Touchscreen Camera with 18-55mm Lens (Black): SONY: Electronics[/ame]


Small, compact size - but with image quality comparable to DSLRs. Also has inter-changeable lenses and video capabilities.

Flickr page to see some sample photos - http://www.flickr.com/cameras/sony/nex-5n/
 
WTH happened to my post?

Anyway, in that price range I would forget DSLRs, even used ones.

I would seriously consider the Canon G15

This guy has done some really nice work with some of the older models of this.

Megapixels are great and all, if you need them. What are you going to do with them, put them on a digital frame, look at them on your laptop, print them (how big)? My DSLR is 12mp and I get nice 16x24 prints from it. Much of your print quality has to do with the processing and the lab, I recommend blue cube imaging. Keep in mind that with a 25-30mp camera you're going to need a computer with a lot more horsepower to process them than you do with 15mp.
 
It depends on how serious you want to get with photography.

If you just want something you can easily pick up and shoot without having to mess with settings, shutter speed, aperture, etc then get a point and shoot. Canon Powershot is a nice line of cameras. Pick one with the size, zoom, and features you want. Another good one is the Canon G15 as mentioned above.

If you want something to get into, you aren't afraid of camera setting, and you want a very versatile camera then go for a DSLR. You can change lenses and settings for different effects. I would highly recommend a class or getting lessons from a friend, buying a DSLR and never taking it out of auto mode is like buying a sports car and never taking it past 2nd gear.

Personally I have a Canon Powershot for a pocket camera, a Nikon L120 super zoom for casual shooting, and a D3000 DSLR with a few different lenses.
 
I'd look at the Sony RX100, pretty much the best P&S at the moment. Moving towards an interchangable lens body regardless of 4/3's, canon, or nikon, you will be spending alot of money. Also learn how to use Lightroom.
 
But the problem is getting the camera to do what you need it to do. Those results are ok but if you needed a small DOF or longer shutter speed then you're stuffed. Forget about low light or high speed also. Nice and convenient for snapshots which is all it was designed for anyway.
 
Whatever these two are using. :)

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I had a canon 7D but it was too big/complicated so I bought a Sony somethign 65 which was easier to use but still a bit too big. Now use the Sony RSX100 which has a large sensor, mirrorless and awesome photos. plus it's super easy to carry anywhere. Don't underestimate ease of carry. The baddest camera (5D most likely) but which is too big for you to carry easily, isn't worth it
 
Thanks for all the suggestions, guys. Though admittedly I'm still somewhat in the dark as far as what I'll end up going with. I'll most likely get a DSLR, just 'cause I've always wanted one. An old friend of mine had an old fashioned SLR and I always thought it was really cool, so I've always wanted one because of that.
 
You just want a fucking new toy, bro- admit it.

Modern cell phone cams like the one in my Razr take better pics than most mid-grade DSLR's out there.
 
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