$300-400 Cameras with manual focus using lens

Subject says it all, What would be some good suggestions for cameras with manual focus using lens around the price range of $300-400?

I currently own a Canon SX130IS but sometimes the auto focus really gets frustrating when you're trying to get shots like the one shown below because it takes a few attempts as it tends to focus on background objects or other things.

Victorseed said:

Subject says it all, What would be some good suggestions for cameras with manual focus using lens around the price range of $300-400?

I currently own a Canon SX130IS but sometimes the auto focus really gets frustrating when you're trying to get shots like the one shown below because it takes a few attempts as it tends to focus on background objects or other things.

Click to expand...

The Canon SX130IS has manual focus, according to the specs posted on DPReview. Have you tried it?

You can buy NEX-3 by sony or 2nd hand reflex
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http://www.flickr.com/photos/57509674@N08/

It sounds to me as if you're letting the camera choose the focus area. Are you aware you can specify a single focus area for the camera to work in ? If not check your manual under focusing. Typically I use only the central area.

Be aware that for many subjects the camera will do exactly what you describe - any camera. All AF systems do is try and lock on something, usually of high contrast, and naturally they don't care what it is.

Manual focus - I'd suggest a Panasonic G1 (used) or a DSLR. They have viewfinders that facilitate manual focus more than a P&S.

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StephenG

Panasonic G10 at amazon for $414
refurb Olympus E-PL at tristate camera for $389 or New for $427
http://www.tristatecamera.com/lookat.php?refid=279&sku=OLYEPL11442BKR
http://www.tristatecamera.com/lookat.php?sku=OLYEPL11442BK

palincss said:

The Canon SX130IS has manual focus, according to the specs posted on DPReview. Have you tried it?

Click to expand...

sjgcit said:

It sounds to me as if you're letting the camera choose the focus area. Are you aware you can specify a single focus area for the camera to work in ? If not check your manual under focusing. Typically I use only the central area.

Click to expand...

It does have manual focus but I guess you could say i'd like more control over it by utilizing the focus control through the focus ring on a lens.

Another thing that has been bothering me is the big delay between taking pictures, it seems like it has to first focus for each individual shot, then take the picture and then pause for 2-3 seconds after the picture is taken.

I'd really like to take several pictures at times to pick out the best one.

I think a DSLR is more what i'm looking for, I never saw much reason for one for myself in the past aside from better picture quality but i'm starting to realize that there are a lot more benefits involved.

How would the Canon Rebel XSi, Rebel XS & Rebel T1i compare to the cameras suggested so far?

Thank you for the support thus far.

Does this problem happen to you a lot, or only occasionally? Is there any reason you don't want to just turn off the AF when you have trouble?

It really depends on the picture but it's especially annoying during a video recording even if im staring at a bland obvious big object and im powerless to do anything other than pray focus fixes itself which it does eventually but theres a good 4-5 seconds of blurry video during that moment.