Hi all, I'm going to Europe soon, and thinking getting a fairly compact "DSLR" quality camera ( don't need those with detachable len). First of all, I'm really a camera novice, so don't really know how to play with all those settings, just need something which can give good zoom & take good picture in low light. Also, flip screen is a must as I need to be able to take selfies with my partner (sound rather stupid i know). Budget wise if it can be below $400, it would be great!
"DLSR" like portable camera for travelling <$400
Lancerx on 30/12/2013 - 22:46
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the NEX3NL does look quite good & cheap enough. What's the difference between the NEX3NL and NEX3N then? NEX3N just the body correct? But do they both have the same chips inside etc? CHeers
It's a NEX-3N. The "L" means it comes with a lens. It may also be called a NEX-3NLB, which means it comes with a (L)ens and the body is (B)lack. :-)
Sony isn't MFT. I would either get a Olympus or Panasonic MFT camera their lens selection is a lot better.
what on earth is MFT? How does that differ Panasonic from Sony?
Speaking of lens, I'm happy with just what comes with the original package. Not a photography fan looking to change lens all the time.. just need one that works well all rounder out of package
MFT = Micro Four Thirds. Its a sensor format, Panasonic and Olympus make camera bodies and lenses that are compatible with this format.
hmm ok, so meaning the quality of the pictures are better?
Good point. My error & apologies - I was thinking 'mirrorless and m4t' but it came out just m4t. All I can say I was typing it on my mobile… ;-)
So yes, the Sony is not a m4t camera. It uses an APS-C sensor which is approximately 40% bigger (http://petapixel.com/2012/10/30/a-graphical-comparison-of-mi…) than m4t.
Does that mean pictures taken with the Sony would be 40% better than a m4t camera? Nah. Of course not. The m4t camera are brilliant cameras. But yes, I'd personally still be tempted by the Sony - the size of the body is similar to the m4t cameras, you can get some beautiful Zeiss glass to fit the Sony (if you have the $$), you can get adapters to fit m4t lenses to the Sony, and you can even in the future look towards getting a full frame A7 and still use the NEX lenses (if you really wanted to) albeit again via an adapter. The biggest plus with the larger sensor is it is likely to have less sensor noise ie be better in low light compared to a m4t - and low light performance was a criteria from the OP.
is Nikon or 'Ricoh' brands any good?
+1
The OP says they don't need detachable lenses, knows nothing about camera settings (and has given no indication there's interest in learning), and $400ish budget shows no desire to start buying up lenses/adapters. If there were any of these indicators, I'd suggest one of the MFT cameras but it sounds like they're just asking for a good quality camera. At most, "DSLR" means they won't mind carrying a large sized camera.
What I would be focusing on is 'how much zoom'? What have you been using that didn't have enough zoom?
The TZ40 is a superzoom (film equivalent 480mm). There are other cameras that have a smaller but still decent zoom range, and the tradeoff is you get better low light performance.
just need something which can give good zoom & take good picture in low light. Also, flip screen is a must as I need to be able to take selfies
Tough choice.
Good zoom & good pics in low light basically mean superzoom + DSLR and the budget of 400 means it's tough to find what you are after. The flip LCD requirement means it's even harder. As far as I'm concerned, the best low light pics can only be achieved with a larger sensor seen in some of the mirrorless and DSLR cameras. Your cheapest option is probably a DSLR with flip LCD, but expect to pay for a lens with 'good zoom'. I assume you mean more zoom than the typical kit lens?
If you are happy with kit lenses, the Panasonic DMC-G3, DMC-G5 and DMC-G6 are among my favourite mirrorless cameras with flip LCD. But you won't get crazy zoom unless you pay more $, and they can currently only be had for more than $400 in most places. You could try ebay.
On the other hand you can find a camera like the Canon SX50 which will give you flip lcd and good zoom, but won't give you great low-light shots.
Then there's the Panasonic DMC-FZ200 which goes beyond your budget but has a better f2.8 lens (thoughout its zoom range) to let in more light. However, it has a small sensor like other superzooms, so still won't be the best in low light.
If you want the absolute best performance in low light, you need a larger sensor than the typical camera, so you (or the camera) can bump up the sensitivity (ISO) in low light conditions without details getting lost in noise. Larger sensors are so much better at this than small ones. All cameras with massive zoom tend to have small sensors. Good enough in daylight but bad in the shadows and night time (without flash).
Good breakdown mate, thanks! I guess zoom is not so much a priority for me, so long it's good enough within hundred metres, like taking the eiffel tower.. But main thing is flip screen and low light ability
I would look into the Panasonic DMC-G5 then.
About $480 Australian delivered from Amazon.co.uk (Amazon as seller, no third party)
UK VAT (tax) is deducted at checkout so it's £257.25 delivered.The camera costs more locally.
Still a bit above budget but I think you will be very pleased with this camera.
Just need a simple travel adaptor to charge the batt in oz.Thanks for the suggestion. I read some reviews the battery isn't that good? Any particular one with good battery life?
This is one of the best option. But I agree with your concerns also. I am also trying to find the one with good battery life with good.
Pretty much every mirrorless model I've tried has worse battery than an equivalent digital SLR with optical viewfinder. If battery life is a concern (and you can't buy an extra third-party battery or genuine one) then I'd suggest looking at a traditional DSLR, not mirrorless model like this one.
I've tried:
Pentax Q (very short battery)
Nikon V1 (not bad actually, but still runs out when you least expect it, telling you that you can't take photos, and still not as long as any DSLR)
Canon EOS M (very short battery)
Panasonic DMC-G3 (shorter battery life than the DMC-G2, which has a larger battery)(and so on)
Nothing will beat using a DSLR with an optical viewfinder if battery is important to you. Otherwise, bring a spare battery. ;-) The DMC-G5 is not the worst mirrorless camera when it comes to battery life (compare the CIPA figures with other cameras). Plus if you want the flippy screen and mirrorless, your choices are limited anyway :)
I stand by the amazing photos of a Canon Powershot G12 (basically anything from G10-G16). They are basically for DSLR enthusiasts who what the shots of a DSLR but don't want to lug everything around. They aren't as compact as others but I've used that camera with flash suppression and its battery has lasted months even with high use you are going to be unlucky to need to charge it more than weekly/fortnightly.
It is also extremely forgiving but has all the dials so you can learn to take a better shot manually as you go along. It has a great flip screen.
Alternatively I'd go for a camera brand over brands like Sony, Panasonic etc. Personally I've found brands that make their money solely from cameras to be more reliable. I've had many cameras and swear by Ricoh, Fuji and Canon.
Also I've spent many years traveling with the Canon powershot G12 and rarely find it's less compact body much of an issue. It's been rock climbing with me, paragliding, zorbing, inside moshpits, caving etc, it can happily take it's knocks (to an extent, obviously not a 'tough' camera).
Canon PowerShot G15 and G16 don't have flippy screens or large sensors. Low-light/high ISO work will be compromised compared to any other camera with far larger sensor. Plus the G16 in particular is not cheap.
OP is far better off with the alternatives, IMO.
Fine go G12 it's well below budget, I do a fair bit of low-light work with great results. It has a flippy screen.
Depends on what your standards are for low-light work. A larger sensor will leave any smaller Canon G-series sensor in the dust. G12 can't be had new anymore. Not a wise idea to go back that far (in my opinion).
Camera tech has moved on. Even Canon has moved on with the spiritual successor to earlier G-Series cams with the G1X. http://www.dpreview.com/reviews/canong1x
Far larger sensor.
Depends on what you're happy with though. The Canons have good enthusiast controls and are fairly compact. The G1X here is well beyond OP's budget. Basically a flippy LCD DSLR or mirrorless camera will leave the older Canons in the dust for low light / higher ISOs (along with the G1X). Of course some might not meet the budget (or other needs).
I haven't had a good read of the other posts, but something I prefer to do when going on trips where I'd like selfies is to bring a lightweight tripod. Set up the shot with your partner in the field, put on timer and get in there! The shot will be more inclusive of the surroundings, which is preferable for scenic shots (esp if you are going to Europe)
Oh and don't laugh but my husband suggested attaching a mirror above the lens eg even a piece of foil, so you can see your reflection. (If you find you need a convex mirror, you might be able to find a silver convex button or craft piece froma craft shop). That overcomes the need for a flip viewfinder.
(We are ozbargainers!!!)
I'd look for a micro four third camera - eg the Sony NEX3NL. Can get that with kit lens for well under $400 eg $339 plus delivery from the likes of Kogan etc… (https://m.kogan.com/au/buy/sony-nex-3nl-16-50mm-lens-kit/)