Best camera for a passionate beginner

Hi everyone,

i want to buy a new camera, i saw all DSLR models but they are too expensive for me so i'm thinking of buying a BRIDGE cam.. i searched a lot on the web and i found this model that interested me: Fujifilm Finepix S4000 HD .
is there any cam with similar price that can perform better ? or this is enough for me...:idea:

Thanks

Have a look at this review, it also gives you other options to look at.
Good luck


http://www.photographyblog.com/revie..._s4000_review/

You can probably get a good deal on Craig's List, and get a DSLR.
Can find deals on lenses too.
Good luck!

I am going with the Fuji S4000 myself. It's low priced, 14mp, long zoom, small enough.
Compare to Canon SX30, or the bridge Panasonics which cost too much. The SX30 does have bigger zoom, but same MPs and P&S sensor, has flash hot shoe, costing $400. However, you might as well then buy an entry level DSLR w/kit for $550.

Fuji S4000/Canon SX30 and the likes are NOT bridge cams, no more than the garden variety $200 point and shoot. The thing they have is more zoom, but image quality is no different than others, and no closer to DSLR. The true "bridge" cameras, so to speak, are in the category now called Compact system cameras, which includes the micro four third mount system and the Sony NEX E mount as well. Olympus, Panasonic and Sony all produce good models and are worth looking into. They *have* DSLR sensors, so the image quality and image grain is the same as it is with DSLR. The difference is no mirror, no optical viewfinder, no 'single lens reflex'. For a budget oriented pick, the Olympus E-PL1 can be found, with 14-42mm and 40-150mm lens for only ~ $550, or without the 40-150mm for ~ $400. Give or take depending on sales/local pricing. For a fancier more feature filled CSC you could look at the likes of the Olympus E-P3 (which our site editor photo john got to enjoy for his honeymoon), or check out Sony's soon to be announced NEX 7.

I think the Lumix FZ100 is a great way to start off. Lots of great functions and definitely room to play. It's a bridge camera, so no point-n-shoot cheap stuff. I got mine through Amazon at only $399 on sale. Right now it still goes for $449.99.

the best camera is the one you use most and learn most from.
so for me the ideal daily camera is the Olympus XZ-1

bridge cameras tend not to fit a pocket, and for me that is important for daily use
superzoom is nice, but slim and with me all the time beats that.

XZ-1 has full manual controls, including iso and focus so you have total creative control
get the extra vf-2 viewfinder for sunlight, the lcd isn't that bright
the cheaper lower resolution VF-3 will need new firmware in the camera.

I aim to get the E-PL3 when I get out of hospital.
replacethe E-P1 which has no flash, no articulated screen, and no port for the VF-2

XZ-1 is a true system camera, takes micro 4/3 system compatible flashes.
looks silly with a metz 52 af-2 on it but works great.

I would go for a point and shoot with a manual option to experiment with
camera settings like shutter and aperture..

Check out some the latest Canon models...excellent picture quality..

I would look at the Nikon CoolPix P500. Cost is $400 and it will do all you want.

Regards, Jim

nikon D90 is classic

as a new beginner, my dream camera is Leica M9, and i do not think i can afford in a short period of time, my second wish camera is Sony or Canon, i will learn more and make my decision within september, any idea?

I went down the bridge camera route and although it got me started and got me enough confidence to move up to a DSLR if i had the choice again i would have just jumped in and used a DSLR, ok the Bridge allowed me to experiment and i had a wide angle with macro and super macro capabilities and long reach zoom all in one lens but i found i quickly became frustrated at its slow focus speed, the fact it ate batteries like they were going out of fashion and the general clunkiness of them (plus i HATED the LCD Viewfinder yuck!) i would opt for a second hand 450D you cant go wrong if you want to learn photography and you always have the option to move up to a better body later on, spend the cash on a good lens or two not the body! :D

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Originally Posted by lydia1985

as a new beginner, my dream camera is Leica M9, and i do not think i can afford in a short period of time, my second wish camera is Sony or Canon, i will learn more and make my decision within september, any idea?

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Why Leica?

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Naeva

Why Leica?

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Yeah, probably not the best choice for a beginner, passionate or not. They can produce amazing images but are many times the cost of bridge cameras or even really nice dSLRs.
They also favor someone who likes to do things manually. I can appreciate that, but it doesn't describe most beginners.