Beginner pro-level camera...?

[drjay]

Here I am post #1 and asking for a favor. I'm hoping a few of you can look past that and lend some expertise.

I don't know my way around a camera very well, but I love to learn. I had an Olympus C-750 for a while and liked the features, but wanted a bit more. Then my lovely wife dropped it and now all of the pictures have horizontal lines and look a bit overexposed, no matter the setting. Sooo the hunt is on for a new one.

The camera is going to be used on somewhat a professional level, but will always be used for similar photos. I'm taking pictures of cars in daylight, simple huh? With that, I won't need all the bells and whistles of MOST professional cameras, but I want the image quality found in them.

So that's basically what I'm looking for. I found two that are a toss-up for me. They are:

Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ50 - http://www.digitalcamera-hq.com/digi...0_reviews.html

and

Sony CyberShot DSC-R1 -
http://www.digitalcamera-hq.com/digi...1_reviews.html

I'm leaning towards the DSC-R1 because even at a somewhat similar price point, it doesn't have movie mode. I really believe that means the extra $ is going towards quality in components or features I WILL use. That may not be true, but that's why I'm asking you professionals. The only bad things I've read are that it doesn't come with memory (so?) and the macro isn't all that great. Neither is a big concern.

So which, if either, do you suggest for me? Thanks for reading this far!

[payn817]

Welcome to the forums, you'll find help here, and everyone's friendly, so feel free to ask away.

IMO, the Sony is the better move. It has gotten some great reviews, although it seems to look a bit odd. If you get the Sony, you can use CF cards which you can later use if you decide to go onto a DSLR (most of them anyway). The res is the same, and considering they're in the same class, image quality is likely equal. I haven't heard much about the Pan. One of the best things you can do is go to a local camera shop, and hold and play with both models, and let that experience help you make your decision. See what control layout is more comfortable for you, as well as things like size and weight.

We've all seen some wonderful photos from all kinds of cameras, so it is really a personal, and features choice. Good Luck!

Remember - A "pro" camera is one you make money with, no other definition exists in the mind of Webster.

[drjay]

Awesome thanks for your help. So far I like everything I've heard about the Sony and unless something happens in the next few days I'm likely to go for it. Unless of course someone chimes in here shortly with a reason otherwise.

Very true with the description and this purchase certainly qualifies. Although I get a feeling if I showed up with an Argus DC1512 I'd be unprofessional (Read: Un-Paid :ihih: )

[Sebastian]

Consider a used 10D or Rebel. Probably cheaper, but more control, and most importantly, choices in lenses.

[Erik Stiegler]

I'm not sure the Rebel provides better control than the FZ50 or R1. Canon seriously crippled the firmware on the Rebel. There are hacks that unlock some features, but there are still serious limitations. Like not being able to select the metering mode the camera uses.

A budget that covers the R1 will also cover several current DSLRs, which are definitely worth considering.

[drjay]

Thanks for the thoughts guys. I went to the local Wolf Camera and tried out a few, but without full specs and reviews on each I was stuck with a few I knew about. In the end I walked out with the Sony R1 and I have to say I'm not disappointed!

I'm as much a photographer as my great grandmother is a marathon runner, but I love to tinker. With that in mind, I posted a few pics in the critique section. Be brutally honest but keep in mind those two were within the first dozen pics I've taken with any decent camera.

Link for the lazy: http://forums.photographyreview.com/...d.php?p=159142

Thanks!