Camera Suggestions

[CairnsFella]

Hi all.




Wondering if someone can provide a little guidance.

A friend recently purchased a canon 1100D with a two lens kit. A standard small lens and a 300 zoom. I was a little sceptical as they are not really familiar with the workings of an SLR and are unlikely to take the time to learn (i.e. permanent AUTO mode user).

Anyway, as it turns out they were led to believe that the camera can take automated panoramic shots, which now seems not to be the case. I was wondering if - in the event they may decide to return the camera - there are any cameras in a similar price range that are non-slrs, but offer equivalent sensors and image quality as they would be getting with the 1100D. I think they would be suited to something that offered a good range of auto settings that they can use rather than paying for the functionality an SLR offers without using most of it.

I know very little about non slrs as I use a Sony A65 (ok... technically not an SLR but you get my point) and wasnt sure if all non SLR's used smaller sensors?

Any ballpark suggestions appreciated.

 

[mgd43]

A DSLR can be set to full auto or to a scene mode and be as easy to use as any P&S and still get very good results.

 

[CairnsFella]

mgd43 wrote:

A DSLR can be set to full auto or to a scene mode and be as easy to use as any P&S and still get very good results.

I genuinely appreciate your taking the time to provide a response, though I must accept I must have been vague with my question as ultimately this isnt really telling me anything I do not already know.

I understand that DSLR's have scene and auto modes, indeed I do use these quite often on my sony alpha.

Perhaps my question just isnt as easy to explain as I thought, so please indulge my analogy. Lets say for example they wanted a sports car, and purchased a Range Rover Sport. Now arguably this vehicle is more sporty than an average vehicle but they may not need the luxury, seating, off roading ability etc, so perhaps something like a lotus elise would be more suitable if sportiness was the true requirement.

Of course, you may be saying that for the money a DSLR such as the 1100D is the best option for a P&S with a good selection of auto options. But thats what I am seeking to clarify.

In other words (and my apologies if I seem a little blunt):

Are there any OTHER recommendations for a point and shoot with options in the price range of an 1100D with equivalent image quality as the DSLR OR are you (or is anyone else) saying that nowadays DSLRS are the most suitable purchase for a keen point and shoot photographer looking for good image quality?

 

[Kokeen4231]

How much did they payfor the camera and lens?

Heres a few pns option.

Sony rx100: $900

olumpus xz 2: $500

Canon g15: $600

panasonic lx7: $300

Not all would exactly give dslr quality but the sony rx100 would probably bethe best at it. If you can wait, early next year a fujifilm x100s/x200(somethung like that) would be out and this has apsc sensor and would surpass the quality of the 1100d. In fact, most entry level DSLR's too.

As an alternative, you could get a mirrorless camera.

Olympus epm2/epl5

Sony nex F3

 

[mgd43]

The only other option with equivalent image quality to a DSLR would be a mirrorless, aka ILC (interchangable lens compact) system. It would be smaller and lighter, but it would cost about as much and it would not be any easier to use. This would include the Sony NEX cameras, micro 4/3 cameras, the Nikon 1 series, and similar systems from other makers.



A bridge camera offers a lot for the money. They have high ratio zoom lenses generally in the range of 24-600mm equivalent. Their problem is that they use small sensors which do not perform well at high iso's, so their low light performance is a weak point. They cost anywhere from just under $200 to around $500.



There are high end P&S cameras which are more properly called compacts. But most also use small sensors and have similar low light problems. There are some expensive ones with fast lenses and/or larger sensors but they have short ratio zoom lenses. Typical would be somewhere in the 24-100mm range.



Bridge cameras and compacts are good cameras but they have their limitations. If they want the quality and versatility of a DSLR, they are probably best off with a DSLR or an ILC.

 

[CairnsFella]

Thanks for the suggestions.




I believe they paid around 7-800 AUD for the kit (with a little camera backpack).




I'll have a swift look at your suggestions and come back. Thanks again.

 

[CairnsFella]

OK.. I have done some reading thanks to the responses here. (Its a shame I can only mark one answer as corract as all have been helpful.

Now I hope our friends take some of the advice and information gathered on board.

Thanks again all.

 

[peevee1]

Kokeen4231 wrote:

How much did they payfor the camera and lens?

Heres a few pns option.

Sony rx100: $900

$648 new.

Of course it is the only P&S which can match the quality of DSLRs. And Sony has the best and easiest panorama mode.