I'm going to Japan in 3 weeks and need a decent device to either take videos or photos, both if possible around the 200-400 range.
Need a Great Camera or Device That Can Take Photos/Videos ($200-$400)
Ratch on 15/03/2023 - 23:25
Last edited 16/03/2023 - 17:03 by 1 other user
Last edited 16/03/2023 - 17:03 by 1 other user
Comments
He wants to take photos, not play Diablo Immortal.
But seriously, a (good) mobile phone will take better pictures and videos than a $400 camera.
No chance a phone can beat a decent Nikon with an intermediate user.
If I had a decent phone, I wouldn't be posting this.
Get an iPhone Pro or whatever the Android equivalent is. You'll always have it on you and you won't need to learn how to take good photos/video with it.
The Sony RX100 mk1 is still pretty relevant. Just checked used prices. Within your budget but jeez they have kept their value pretty well.
Try stretching for a Pixel 6a.
Alternatively, a used Sony RX100 Mk3 might be found within your budget.
Depends what you wanna specialise in. A better phone would be a good start, otherwise a gopro takes very good video
Buy a 2nd hand Nikon D3400 or D3500 with the AF-P 18-55mm lens. They go for about $300-$500.
The reason I recommend this camera is because there are heaps on the 2nd hand market from people who bought them intending to get into photography but never did, and only took a few photos. Also, they have incredible battery life (much better than mirrorless cameras), a nice big comfortable grip so it won’t slip out of your hand and your hand won’t get tired carrying it around, very light, decent viewfinder, and the AF-P 18-55mm lens is really sharp. The jpegs straight out of these cameras are also very nice, with attractive colours and little noise.
Thank you for your comment
You should be able to pick up a Sony a5000 with kit lens for your budget. It will probably be the best you can get, especially for video.
Thank you
thanks jv, fancy seeing you here.
After carrying a dedicated camera around traveling for years, I'm now a believer of an upper end phone with good camera. I find I'm more likely to quickly pull out the phone to take photos than stop and get a camera out of it's bag. Easier to be much more spontaneous with your photos with the added bonus that being in the phone, they are much easier to backup and share than if in a camera body.
Personally I'm both
I have a 7d which is a bit big and bulky, and want to upgrade to something a bit more modern and smaller, but I find the quality a lot nicer that my phone camera.
BUT phone camera is great for snapping pics, and 100% better on the go.
Generally low light my phone is far better7DmkII here. While the quality is certainly excellent, as a general travel camera they can be cumbersome, especially if carrying outside of the bag to be able to get shots on the go. Still take it with me, but it normally stays in the bag unless i am somewhere that I know i will be taking lots of photos in quick succession.
@ifyareckon May I please ask which phone you are currently using with a good camera? Definitely more convenient to snap with a phone and share
Currently have the iPhone 14 Pro Max.
maybe a old canon 5d mark ii
Do you not have a mobile phone?