New Camera

[Dancealot]

Hi there. I am a beginning amateur and would like to buy a camera because i feel inspired by many posters here to take the shots more seriously.

I do not want to walk around with a big camera because i want to make quick shots anywhere i go with a cam from my pocket. Also a big profesional cam feels just plain stupid to me because i wouldnt know what to do with it...

I want a small pocket cam and with a feature that allows me to use my hand to turn the lens to focus...

Surely that's not too much to ask?

[NeverSure]

Hi Dancealot, I don't know what you could do with a pocket model. Maybe someone else does.

Unless you can change both the aperture (lens opening size which controls the amount of light that can come in) and the shutter speed independently, you won't ever get the quality of photos you see. If you want to take a photo (not just a picture) of one flower, you usually want just the flower in focus, and the background blurry. That brings the center of interest straight to the flower. It also makes the flower "pop" from the photo. That is done with aperture setting, but then the shutter speed must be balanced to get the right amount of light.

A photo could just be called a recording of light.

Alternatively, if you are taking a scenic photo and want everything in focus from foreground to infinity, you need a very small aperture and then the shutter speed adjusted to a slower speed to let in enough light to get proper exposure.

Then you see some wonderful photos of passing and moving items where someone used a technique called follow focus. This is a fairly long shutter speed where the camera pans, or follows the moving item keep it sharp, but the background blurs. This is a great look because it matches what our eye would see in that circumstance.

I could go on and on about taking a photo of the moon coming up on the horizon and needing a proper exposure and a telephoto lens with maximum depth of field...

Bottom line is that it isn't that hard to learn the basics and improve 500% in a short time. Kodak makes a very small booklet which covers the basics. You can read it in a couple of hours and then try what they are saying. Suddenly you are taking photos you never dreamed of.

Unless someone knows of a pocket camera that will do that, you many actually need what's called an SLR camera with the proper controls. Here's a tip. The latest cameras aren't necessary for internet postings and small prints. It's easy to buy a camera which has higher resolution than your printer or your screen. For me a good deal is to buy yesterday's news, at 1/2 the price with one or two good zoom lenses and call it good. It's kind of like buying a new computer. If you buy today's latest screamer it will be expensive. But if you buy what was the screamer just two years ago it will do a great job for 1/2 the money.

Cheers.

[Dancealot]

Thanks!

I would rather try what you are saying instead of some booklet.

Shutter time and focus has to be manipulated manually, i learned.

Big cam remains the answer?

[tw25rw]

Are you willing to spend more money on lenses etc after? Most of the mirrorless compact system cameras let you manually focus and are smaller than a DSLR. If not, the enthusiast class compacts will, but you usually focus with buttons and it's more fiddly.

Or you could sell your other possessions and buy a Leica.

[Dancealot]

Whats wrong with a leica? That cam looks good to me. Still doesnt fit n my pocket though unless i detach the lens.

[cdnvic]

Entry level DSLR is your only option for learning to shoot manually. They don't have the bulk that the higher end semi-pro, and pro SLRs do. Compact mirrorless cameras aren't actually all that much smaller once you put a lens on them, and most lack a viewfinder.

For example, this Canon Rebel with a 40mm lens is quite compact, but leaves you a lot of room to grow as your interest and skills dictate. New lenses, filters, flashes, and other accessories can easily be added to expand your capabilities without having to upgrade the camera.

[NeverSure]

Are you willing to spend more money on lenses etc after? Most of the mirrorless compact system cameras let you manually focus and are smaller than a DSLR. If not, the enthusiast class compacts will, but you usually focus with buttons and it's more fiddly.

Or you could sell your other possessions and buy a Leica.

Don't the manual focus compacts have auto exposure? In other words, do you also have control of the shutter speed? Do you have control of the aperture? If you don't you can't control depth of field which is one big thing that makes good photographs stand out from the crowd.

Dancealot, it isn't hard to learn the basics of operating a camera to manipulate your photographs. Depth of field (either focused from near to infinity, or focused on a flower with everything else blurred) is controlled by the size of the opening to the lense (aperture) and some cameras can be set so that if you do that, the shutter automatically adjusts for correct exposure. Some you need to set the shutter speed, but there is always an indicator telling you when it is right.

If you don't like to read things but would rather see it demonstrated, I'm sure there are YouTube video demonstrations. The basics aren't difficult at all.

See if this whets your appetite.

[villagefarang]

I'm still using an old Canon S-90 and get a decent shot now and then. For landscape, pocket cameras do a pretty good job and it is always there in your pocket ready to catch the action or view. I believe the Sony RX-100 gets good reviews these days in the pocket category.

[NeverSure]

If I were wanting a good camera/decent camera, I would want to be able to control aperture as shown in the video above, or shutter speed for which the picture attached is just one tiny example. No I didn't take the picture but it's easy to do. The left is a fast shutter speed which freezes the motion of the water, and the right is slow which leaves the shutter open long enough for the water to blur. Everything else stays sharp because only the water is moving.

These are simple things that can turn an ordinary photo into a great one.

[villagefarang]

While you are at it you might need to get yourself a tripod, too. Try to get something pocket sized to keep with the quick shot from my pocket scenario.

[FracturedRabbit]

Entry level DSLR is your only option for learning to shoot manually. They don't have the bulk that the higher end semi-pro, and pro SLRs do. Compact mirrorless cameras aren't actually all that much smaller once you put a lens on them, and most lack a viewfinder.

For example, this Canon Rebel with a 40mm lens is quite compact, but leaves you a lot of room to grow as your interest and skills dictate. New lenses, filters, flashes, and other accessories can easily be added to expand your capabilities without having to upgrade the camera.

"Entry level DSLR is your only option for learning to shoot manually."

You can shoot manually with a large range of non-DSLR cameras. Manual focusing, which is what the OP specifically said he wants to do, is much easier with a mirrorless camera because the camera will automatically zoom in and/or provide focus peaking that allows you to accurately obtain manual focusing. You can't do that looking through a mirror.

Sony RX100 (and no doubt many other compact cameras) - full manual controls and manual focusing.

Sony NEX series - ditto

Olympus and Panasonic - Micro four thirds - ditto

Fuji X series - ditto

[Rsquared]

I am in the same boat as you Dancealot, and after reading lots of reviews etc. I ended up buying the Sony RX 100 and am very happy with it. Haven't got around to playing with all the features on it yet....but there are heaps.

Cheers.

[cdnvic]

Focus peaking is all the rage among some mirrorless enthusiasts but it's still in it's early stages, prone to inaccuracies, and hardly necessary for a photographer starting out who has many more basics to learn. It has some interesting potential, but as I said, for someone starting out it's not a priority at all.

[FracturedRabbit]

I don't like focus peaking either, not that I have it on any of my cameras, but many seem to like it on their Sony NEXs. But I do appreciate my mirrorless camera automatically zooming in the view in the viewfinder when I touch the lens focus ring when I am in manual focusing mode so I can be sure of achieving precise focus. I can't do that with my DSLR. I agree manual focusing is not a priority if you are still learning, but it is something the OP said he wanted to do.

I don't have one, but I think Rsquared has made an excellent choice in a learning camera. The RX100 is small, light and produces amazing images; whilst offering all the control you may ever need. It does not commit you to a system for the future. Most of all, based on a limited time shooting with one, it is a load of fun to use; a tool that encourages you to take it everywhere and take many many photos. That more than anything is going to help get you going learning photography.

I am not a fan of Sony generally, but they have done more than anyone in the photo industry to shake things up in the last year or so. The NEX range, the A99, the RX100, and now the quite insane RX1.

[cdnvic]

Yeah, I think Sony (and Panasonic/Lumix) are in the business to stay. Won't be long before Sony finishes gobbling up Olympus I think.

[FracturedRabbit]

It's an interesting union. Sony knows how to innovate on cameras and make the best sensors; Olympus know the art of producing great cameras and lenses. A Sony sensor in an Olympus camera has produced the DPreview camera of the year (http://www.dpreview.com/news/2013/01/01/best-camera-of-2012-results) and the lenses rolled out by Olympus over the past year have been spectacular. It can't be long before their lens know-how translates into a better selection of lenses for the NEX series which is currently rather lacking.

The RX1 is a crazy price; but it's full frame and mirrorless and it's tiny and it's possibly the start of the future; and it's telling that it took Sony to make it rather than the old school of Canikon.

[tw25rw]

Don't the manual focus compacts have auto exposure? In other words, do you also have control of the shutter speed? Do you have control of the aperture? If you don't you can't control depth of field which is one big thing that makes good photographs stand out from the crowd.

If you don't like to read things but would rather see it demonstrated, I'm sure there are YouTube video demonstrations. The basics aren't difficult at all.

See if this whets your appetite.

They usually have the option for full auto or full manual and everything in between. These days you could easily have a serious photography hobby and not own a DSLR. I see so many people with entry level DSLRs and standard kit lenses and think that they would have a much more satisfying experience if they bought a camera that was better suited to their needs rather than thinking DLSR was the way to go.

[Dancealot]

I am in the same boat as you Dancealot, and after reading lots of reviews etc. I ended up buying the Sony RX 100 and am very happy with it. Haven't got around to playing with all the features on it yet....but there are heaps.

Cheers.

Hmm i want to get that RX.

But i have to add i am clumsy and whenever i get something expensive i might brake it. It is just a curse on me..

[NeverSure]

I too appreciate all of the answers on here. I'm not "up" on the latest models. My camera is 4 years old and is an SLR. I have 5 lenses and a pretty big camera bag.

I didn't know about the camera like the RX100 and I just read up on it. Now I need one.

See what you guys do to me, LOL?

If I'm going out to shoot photos, I'll still take the SLR because of the lens options, but I think that RX100 or something with similar features would be a great EDC (everyday carry.)

[endure]

I don't like focus peaking either, not that I have it on any of my cameras, but many seem to like it on their Sony NEXs. But I do appreciate my mirrorless camera automatically zooming in the view in the viewfinder when I touch the lens focus ring when I am in manual focusing mode so I can be sure of achieving precise focus. I can't do that with my DSLR. I agree manual focusing is not a priority if you are still learning, but it is something the OP said he wanted to do.

Pentax SLRs in Liveview do the zoomy focus thing.

[FracturedRabbit]

Sure, but doesn't that require you to come away from the viewfinder, raise the mirror and look at the back screen?

I am looking through my viewfinder and using autofocus. I press one button and I am now in manual focus and when I touch the lens focus ring, the view will automatically zoom in, and zoom out again when I touch the shutter button. Manual focus and auto focus are essentially the same process; both achieved seamlessly without having to take my eye away from the viewfinder.

[Dancealot]

I am a little slow on the lingo here. Excuse me.

But i understand i can manually focus the RX100 and adjust shutter/iso and this is very small cam. I want it.

[Dancealot]

Why i need a zillion megapixels i do not understand, still.

I only watch my photos on my pc on a very big TV. I think 5MP does the trick for me?

[NeverSure]

What is wrong with this 12.1 MP camera for about 1/2 the price? 24-110 optical zoom?

"Canon PowerShot S110 12.1 MP Digital Camera with 5x Wide-Angle Optical Image Stabilized Zoom (Black)"

"Focus, aperture, shutter speed, ISO, step zoom, exposure compensation, aspect ratio, i-Contrast, or white balance can be adjusted more quickly and conveniently with the PowerShot S110's control ring.

Custom Define and store your own settings to achieve the effects you prefer.

Manual You have complete control of exposure, selecting both aperture and shutter speed manually.

Aperture-Priority You set the aperture, controlling depth-of-field. The camera automatically selects the shutter speed.

Shutter-priority You select the shutter speed to stop or blur action, and the camera finds the appropriate aperture. With slow exposure times, Canon's noise reduction system activates to ensure low image noise.

Program Access advanced exposure compensation features while shooting mostly automatically."

[cdnvic]

Why i need a zillion megapixels i do not understand, still.

I only watch my photos on my pc on a very big TV. I think 5MP does the trick for me?

It would be difficult to buy anything new at that low of a resolution, but you are right, megapixels does not equate to picture quality. Even 5mp does 8x10 enlargements quite nicely.

[Dancealot]

I am open for your suggestions. Very detailed and useful answer Neversure.

[NeverSure]

Why i need a zillion megapixels i do not understand, still.

I only watch my photos on my pc on a very big TV. I think 5MP does the trick for me?

rebmeM ratS is right, and at some point the quality of the lens trumps the MP #. On a "very big TV," You still have only so many DPI of screen. Sometimes, the smaller the screen, the sharper the "felt" picture is. Your picture can't show more detail than your screen can, and most modern cameras will outperform most screens.

He's also right that 5 MP will do an 8x10 inch print nicely IF you have a good lens and took a sharp pic. With everyday cameras approaching 20 MP, 10 - 12 is now very affordable where just a couple of years ago it was the bees' knees.

I'm going to school on the newer small cameras here though. I hadn't looked at them.

[Dancealot]

Why i need a zillion megapixels i do not understand, still.

I only watch my photos on my pc on a very big TV. I think 5MP does the trick for me?

It would be difficult to buy anything new at that low of a resolution, but you are right, megapixels does not equate to picture quality. Even 5mp does 8x10 enlargements quite nicely.

Aha so my amateur suspicions are supported. Thanks cdnvic.

[NeverSure]

I am open for your suggestions. Very detailed and useful answer Neversure.

Welcome. I wanted to show you one more shot. This is called follow focus and is closely related to the blurred waterfall. Here, the photographer used a slightly long time for the shutter to be open (maybe something like 1/4 second) and with the camera, followed the car. By keeping the car steady in the viewfinder, it stayed sharp while the background blurred to impart a sense of motion.

It is SO much better than a snapshot which would have simple rendered everything sharp, and lost the sense of motion.

This is why I need to be able to control the aperture as in the video of the models demonstrating the advantage of controlling depth of field, and the shutter speed, as in the pics of the waterfall and this one. Automatic exposure is nice for a lot of snapshots, but I must be able to manually set either aperture or shutter.

[endure]

Whats wrong with a leica? That cam looks good to me. Still doesnt fit n my pocket though unless i detach the lens.

If you're thinking of buying either a compact or a bridge Leica then just buy the Panasonic equivalent instead. The only difference is a 50% price cut and the lack of a red button.