Recommend a Camera Even if It's Not a Bargain

900dollaridoos on 01/02/2022 - 19:04

Hello All, I'm in a time sensitive pickle of my own fault.
I've booked in a trip overseas in ~4 weeks where and there's going to be tons of great mountains, canyons and beaches to photograph.
I was originally going to buy either a S21 or S21 Galaxy Ultra to do the job, but as my big goal is to make some giant canvas prints out of the photos to keep the memories, I have been convinced that a dedicated camera is required to get enough resolution and detail.

Couple caveats:
-The 4 week window doesn't leave me much shipping time, so ideally something that is in-store or at least shipping within Aus so I can have some time to practice with it before heading overseas. For this reason I don't mind if it's not an Ozbargain, RRP is to price I'll pay for tardiness.
-Its a bit of a suss country (Do not travel DFAT) so ideally its not so pricey it costs me my intact throat. Ideally <$1k, but I could be easily convinced to spend more as I barely know anything about the camera market.
-I'll be doing some trekking, so ideally not something ludicrously heavy or requiring 10 batteries to last.

So with that all said, are there any recommendations to purchase ASAP from the camera gifted among you?

Electrical & Electronics Camera

Comments

  • AustriaBargain on 01/02/2022 - 19:10
    +1

    The Leica M2 is a classic.

  • Richardc on 01/02/2022 - 19:21
    +2

    A7M3

  • The Value on 01/02/2022 - 19:31
    +5

    Sony RX100 is praised all the time as a Point & Shoot. Price ranges based on earlier to the latest model.

  • Smulder on 01/02/2022 - 19:35
    +11

    Don't get a DSLR camera. With your limited knowledge of cameras and photography you won't get much out of it, and you will just curse how bulky and cumbersome it is.

    Get a good quality compact camera with a large optical zoom that starts at a very wide angle. Look for a fast auto focus and low shutter lag. They are the things that will annoy you as you use it day to day. For your purpose, particularly if you are taking outdoor photos in the day time, any sensor and megapixel combo will be sufficient for your needs, even large canvas prints.

    • 900dollaridoos on 01/02/2022 - 19:39

      Thanks for the detailed reply :)

      The reason I was turned off a good phone camera is becuase the detail wouldn't be enough for the size of a big canvas print. Would a compact camera be the same issue, or is the idea to stitch multiple photos?
      Also do you have an example model so I can see what you mean? Sorry to be lazy, I legit know nothing about brands and models. The plan was to get one then spend hours practicing with it via YouTube vids haha

      • jeeg on 01/02/2022 - 21:11
        +1

        I used to watch Serge Ramelli's photo/lightroom tutorials and one of the video I remember he was shooting using just a Canon n95 or some compact camera (shot in raw). The photo turns out great. It is all dependent on the person's photography skills to be honest - not so much the gear.

      • Smulder on 02/02/2022 - 23:48

        I don't have a recommendation sorry, haven't bought a new camera for a number of years. Just Google 'best compact camera 2022' and you'll get lots of good options from camera experts smarter than me.

        I also think your budget of $1k is excessive. You should be able to get something that suits your needs for $500-$600… save the money and spend it on your holiday!

    • Presence on 02/02/2022 - 07:10

      Get a good quality compact camera with a large optical zoom

      Unless he's going to Africa to look at wildlife a lot of optical zoom just isn't required.

      • Smulder on 02/02/2022 - 23:48

        Africa might be his next trip!

  • HairyChickens on 01/02/2022 - 19:40
    +3

    You want a camera for 900dollaridoos?

  • BuyoTheCat on 01/02/2022 - 19:52
    +4

    I suggest a secondhand RX100 (the newest version you can get) for about $400

    If you want the best sensor in the smallest camera, I recommend the Ricoh GR. There is no zoom so you have to be comfortable with just a 28mm wide lens.
    There are not that many option for a Ricoh GR second, so it a matter of how lucky you get.

    There are lots of RX100 in the used market. From $200 to $900

  • yellowfever on 01/02/2022 - 20:37
    +2

    iPhone 13 Pro.
    /end thread

    • Jimothy Wongingtons on 01/02/2022 - 20:40
      +1

      Don’t forget you usually view canvas from quite a distance. Not the end of the world if pic is a little low res. Flagship camera in excellent light will be comparable to at least mid range slr/mirror less especially if you have no plans to post process.

      • yellowfever on 01/02/2022 - 21:40

        I have absolutely zero idea what you're on about, and that is the point of choosing an Phone 13 Pro. You don't need to understand camera tech to take excellent photos.

    • Caped Baldy on 01/02/2022 - 21:52

      Lol no. One of the requirements is less than $1k.

      I'm not sure if the photos would be good enough for prints. Maybe for daytime but certainly not night shots.

  • coxjon on 01/02/2022 - 20:38
    +1

    A bit out of the box but what about a Mavic Mini? Something a bit different that can complement your phone camera.

    A DJI osmo pocket (get a refurbished one from Kogan) can do amazing panoramas by snapping different photos while moving the gimbal.

    • apple2016 on 01/02/2022 - 20:53
      +1

      Just need to be aware of local restrictions or regulations. Drones have various restrictions in different countries.

    • 900dollaridoos on 02/02/2022 - 07:13

      Definitely what I've gone with so far (although an Air), but to get to my trip I have to layover in Cairo, and Egypt has completely banned drones, so it won't be comin with me this time.

  • apple2016 on 01/02/2022 - 20:51
    +2

    You can get the GST back though when you travel overseas.
    My recomendation would be fujifilm. Your best bet it visiting a camera store and talk to the sales person and see if they can recommend you something.

    • Chandler on 02/02/2022 - 08:03

      You can claim the GST back if the product is not returning to Australia. If it's going with you and them coming back, you can't claim the GST (well, you can, but then you're making a false border declaration which could cost you a tad more than that GST you saved…)

      • Shadowsfury on 02/02/2022 - 08:56
        +1

        What about the $900 per person exemption?

        • Chandler on 02/02/2022 - 13:12

          Interestingly couldn't find any mention of the exemption on the ABF site. All they say is

          You must … declare the goods and pay the full refund back if the items are brought into Australia. Penalties apply to undeclared goods.

          The ATO mentiones the $900 passenger concession. I wonder if the intent here is that you are supposed to declare the goods and pay the refund back, but the ATO gives you a concession that you won't be penalised if you don't declare items up to a total value of $900 (per adult, $450 per child).

          Looking here sounds like they're clarifying that you should be declaring those items every time they pass through customs. So if you claim TRS on your headphones, every time they go through customs their value gets included against your concession, even if it's not the journey you claimed the TRS on.

          See also: https://www.ozbargain.com.au/node/500521

  • bantamdraper on 01/02/2022 - 20:53
    +1

    When you say 'big canvas print', can you give an example of what size you're talking about? 20x30 inches, 30x40 inches? Larger than that?

    Based on all the info you provided, my short answer would be : Fuji X-T30 or X-T3 paired with 18-55mm …closest to a 'goldilocks' solution based on your info.

    (my more longwinded explanation/reasoning is loaded and ready at a moments notice!)

    • 900dollaridoos on 01/02/2022 - 21:11

      Honestly would hope for at least 40inch if it was reasonable without a $10k camera.

      Eager to hear your loaded response mate!

      • bantamdraper on 01/02/2022 - 21:35
        +4

        Ok, you asked for it! :P

        Short answer - Fuji X-T30 or X-T3 paired with 18-55mm. (and I'm saying this as a current Sony full frame shooter..in other words, I'm not a brand snob/ fanboi etc!)

        The X-T30 is essentially a stripped down, cheaper X-T3 so it may be preferable depending on your needs. This gives a good rundown comparing the two (along with the newer X-T30 II ) - https://mirrorlesscomparison.com/preview/fuji-xt30-vs-xt3/

        Longwinded explanation (grab a snack!):

        Why the Fuji X-T30 or X-T3 (which are APS-C cameras)?

        You mention doing a lot of landscape photography, so you'll be wanting a camera that has good dynamic range (or at least noticeably better than what you could get out of a smartphone), especially when shooting at optimal times (early to mid morning and late afternoon…middle of the day shooting may be more convenient time-wise but is going to yield worse results if you're looking to get quality images). That rules out Micro 4/3 cameras. Side note: I'm not hating on Micro 4/3. I started out with Micro 4/3. They have their strengths (macro, telephoto reach due to crop factor), but dynamic range isn't one of them.

        So why not full frame since full frame provides better dynamic range than APS-C? You mentioned you'll be doing some trekking and weight is a concern. Full frame, while having better dynamic range than APS-C, would be more cumbersome as the lenses tend to be quite a bit larger on average.

        Also, you're new to photography (or at least with a dedicated camera), so I assume you'll be shooting JPEGs straight out of camera (and not shooting RAW and postprocessing yourself). As someone who has shot with different brands and formats, Fuji cameras produce some of the best JPEGS straight out of camera color-wise.

        You mention resolution, and a goal of making 'giant canvas prints'. I'm not sure what size you have in mind, but I've had prints and canvases made up to 30x40 inches with 24/26mp APS-C cameras and the quality is great. I can't vouch 100% for larger sizes only because I've never needed to print anything larger.

        You could always go for a camera with a much higher megapixel count, but that would mean going full frame, which as mentioned previously, would most likely involve more weight, but more importantly, significantly more $$$$$.

        So in a nutshell, for your situation, I would recommend either a Fuji X-T30 or an X-T3, and paired with the Fuji 18-55, you would have a nice combo. The 18-55 is classed as a "kit lens", but calling it a kit lens is a bit of a misnomer imo as it punches way above it's weight in terms of image quality, size etc. I think it's the closest think to a 'Goldilocks' setup you could get just based on the info you provided.

        • netjock on 01/02/2022 - 22:31

          You mention resolution, and a goal of making 'giant canvas prints'.

          OP should save their money and get a 40" tv or 43" 4K TV and have all the pictures carousel displayed on it. That way it won't fade.

        • 900dollaridoos on 02/02/2022 - 07:12
          -1

          Ah man thats a really great bit of info thanks. I feel terrible though, when I jumped on this morning I saw I had a neg on your original comment. I went though and upvoted everyone before bed but must've misclicked yours. OzB won't let me revoke it as it's more than an hour old. Sorry mate, but at least now you know no one was actually hating on your comments.

  • jeeg on 01/02/2022 - 21:16
    +3

    Once u decide to take a DSLR grade camera out in the field, then you have to start looking at a camera bag and then a tripod. Then you will be looking at lenses. And all these things add weight. Suddenly that great vacation does not turn out to be so great.

    Add to the fact that within 4 weeks i dont think it is reasonable to assume that you have mastered the usage of the camera (go to a camera store and have a look how many buttons these modern cameras have) - and so while you are supposed to be out there enjoying your vacation, you will end up referring to manuals how to do simple things on your cameras.

    If you are a seasoned photographer who is very used to your own gear and don't mind lugging it around, sure by all means bring a DSLR grade camera.

  • jaffar on 01/02/2022 - 22:17
    +3

    If you want absolute image quality for <1k go for this: https://www.amazon.com.au/Nikon-D3500-18-55-70-300-Black/dp/… . It's Nikon's D3500 + 18-55mm + 70-300mm lens kit. A really good APS-C sensor but in a beginner's orientated body. Don't be fooled by the kit lens as well, the AF-P versions are Nikon's latest and are really good. It's also really light (415g), will cop a beating with good battery life. The major advantage of this kit will be the zooming aspect with the 70-300mm lens. Low light and normal photos - your phone will take nicer looking shots on auto mode - i.e. you need to do some work to get an appreciable difference out of it. Once you blow your pictures up on the computer however the DSLR should win every time. Add the Nikon 35mm f/1.8 DX for $250 and you'll have a very capable little kit. Source: own this as my secondary kit.

    If you want some inspiration:
    Review of the 70-300mm kit lens: https://photographylife.com/reviews/nikon-70-300mm-vr-af-p
    Review of the 18-55mm kit lens: https://photographylife.com/reviews/nikon-18-55mm-dx-vr-af-p
    Review/summary of the D3500's capabilities: https://blog.mingthein.com/2019/05/14/in-praise-of-crappy-ha…
    *These are all taken by pros who can make any camera look great….

    However I'd just add that the above recommendation would be ideal for someone already used to DSLRs as there might be a bit of an adjustment going to one of these. Phone cameras with all the new tech are really great at 'snapping' photos that look great on your phone but a DSLR might require more knowledge to yield results with appreciable benefits. Therefore if you shoot both on auto mode, the phone will do really well whereas the DSLR might require some adjustments or more work on the computer. Still having a physical zoom like the 70-300 will always be better than your phone's digital zoom and once you blow the images up on the computer the DSLR's resolution/detail should be better but you may need some additional post processing.

    Unfortunately you've picked a time where camera gear is a little inflated and expensive which is why there aren't too many options. And while you might get good quality from the above combo it's would be another question if you added into your post about building a potential camera system. I wouldn't recommend the Nikon DSLR for building a camera system. Something like Sony or Fuji might be better for building a camera system (accumalating lenses over time) but you won't be able to find a Sony or Fuji camera option with zoom in your rough price range.

    With this in mind here are some other 'safe bet' options. You could get a point and shoot camera which would be similar to a phone camera in learning curve. Something like the Sony RX100 IV (super small) or Panasonic FZ1000 I or II or used Sony RX10 Mark II would be good and include a zoom range. The Sony RX100 IV would be especially good as you could just have it in your pocket. Also it doubles as a great vlog camera. The FZ1000 and RX10 Mark II look like miniature DSLRs although you can't change the lenses on them.

    You could also go for an inbetween option which would be mirrorless. These have interchangeable lenses and are smaller than DSLRs. They are also more expensive. However if you bought used you could get a Sony A6000 and Sony 18-135 for less than $1k. The Sony 18-135 is an all in one lens so you can keep it on the camera 95% off the time. It covers a huge range and it's also really sharp. Here's a review.

  • netjock on 01/02/2022 - 22:28
    +2

    Canon G9X II same 1" sensor as Sony RX100 series but without the massive price tag.

    I have a A7, RX100 (1st gen) plus A300, A350. I find unless you need to be shooting 70-200mm FF 2.8 because the humpbacks are fast in the north Atlantic in sub zero temperatures and you don't want to freeze your fingers off while bouncing up and down on the rib boat an RX100 type of camera (1" sensor) covers most of your bases including if you want a long exposure shot of northern lights.

  • ddhar on 01/02/2022 - 23:07
    +1

    The Sony RX100 suggestions are solid and which I second.

    Alternatively, if you want a larger camera and don't mind used, scour Gumtree for a Sony A7 body and a wide-angle prime (such as Samyang 24mm F2.8 or a Tamron equivalent).

  • klonky on 02/02/2022 - 09:03
    +1

    A Fuji x100

  • freefall101 on 02/02/2022 - 09:48
    +1

    I'd have a look around for a second hand RX10 II, rather than the suggestions of buying an expensive DSLR/mirrorless and using the kit lens as the RX10 just ticks all the boxes on what it can do, it's a very well rounded camera. It's hard to get a DSLR with a great lens, weather sealing, great image processing, and a lens that's f/2.8 through the entire length for a similar price (IMO get the II over newer ones because of this, the newer version have a massive zoom that's not particularly useful)

  • shane2770 on 02/02/2022 - 10:35
    +1

    Another vote for the Sony Rx100
    Excellent holiday camera

  • OldSchoolHarry on 02/02/2022 - 11:10
    +1

    Have a look at entry level DSLRs such Canon 200D or Nikon D3400. Both are superlight and will do you well. You could buy used to save cost and avoid having to worry about losing it.
    If you do get a DSLR, make sure to get a generic black nylon strap to replace the OEM straps with Canon/Nikon branding to avoid attention.

  • Madaxle on 04/02/2022 - 07:40
    +1

    I recently brought the fujifilm xt30ii with the 18-55mm lense. Small and travel worthy and for $1500 it's a good deal.
    You could get a second had off ebay of a xt3 or xt2 or xt20 and save yourself a few dollars.

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