Author Topic: lightweight camera ideas (Read 6178 times)

actionshooter · « **on:** June 07, 2009, 10:19:22 PM »

I'm looking for a new camera that is better than my old point and shoot. I virtually know nothing of photography as my pictures on the site indicate

.
Looking for something simple that takes good pictures but doesn't weigh a ton as I'll be carrying it while backpacking/hunting.
Looking for recomendations

Thanks!! Steve

huntnphool · « **Reply #1 on:** June 07, 2009, 10:28:08 PM »

http://www.usa.canon.com/consumer/controller?act=ModelInfoAct&fcategoryid=144&modelid=17624

Dakota Dogman · « **Reply #2 on:** June 07, 2009, 10:56:20 PM »

kenrockwell.com

This guy is a great source of information.
I got the Canon SD 800 I think, and love it. The more you pay the better they are, so if you drop $100 vs. $300 it will show.

God Bless,

billythekidrock · « **Reply #3 on:** June 08, 2009, 05:59:10 AM »

My Canon A570 IS is lightweight and I pack it with me hunting most of the time.
Sometimes I take my heavier Canon S2 IS because it has better zoom.
The A570 uses two AA but if you don't buy good batteries it will eat them up.
The S2 IS uses four AA and with good batteries it will take hundreds of pictures.

Slider · « **Reply #4 on:** June 08, 2009, 07:58:14 AM »

You should be able to get a good point and shoot for about $150.00. I have also had good luck with the Canons.

jackelope · « **Reply #5 on:** June 08, 2009, 08:05:38 AM »

the panasonic lumix fz18 is very light, almost to the point where it feels cheap, but it's a little big to carry while hunting. i might start looking at smaller ones just for the pack too.

huntnphool · « **Reply #6 on:** June 08, 2009, 09:01:07 AM »

Actionshooter, the reason I suggested that camera is because it will shoot RAW. FWIW, I wouldn't buy another camera unless it has this feature

billythekidrock · « **Reply #7 on:** June 08, 2009, 04:41:49 PM »

The current Consumer Reports (July) has a great cover story on 77 different cameras from Point and Shoot to DSLRs.

For subcompact (pocket sized) they recommend:
Nikon Coolpix S610 $220
Canon Powershot SD1100 IS Elph $150
Pentax Optio M50 $120

For compact they recommend:
Canon Powershot G10 $450
Canon Powershot A1000 IS $140
Canon Powershot A470 $90
The their "best buy" option is Canon Powershot A590 IS at $110 which I think would do you just fine.

actionshooter · « **Reply #8 on:** June 08, 2009, 04:45:27 PM »

Quote from: billythekidrock on June 08, 2009, 04:41:49 PM

The current Consumer Reports (July) has a great cover story on 77 different cameras from Point and Shoot to DSLRs.

Thats a great idea, I'll pick that up!!

Hey Phool, Whats RAW?

boneaddict · « **Reply #9 on:** June 08, 2009, 04:53:42 PM »

Panasonic Lumix FZ18. I've recommended it to many folks on here and many have purchased it and loved it. I'd have to scrutinize new models as I am sure there are some. Many of my pics on here are from it and not my big canon. Leica glass, gret macro shots, light and has 18power zoom stabilized. 72 power or something like that without stabilization.

washingtonmuley · « **Reply #10 on:** June 08, 2009, 05:27:28 PM »

Action,
Take a look at the olympus 1030 sw. It is water proof to 30ft. and is very durable. It is 10 megapixels and has I think a 3x zoom. We were testing my boss' camerea out by freefalling from 15'-20' out of a helicopter into the ocean and then taking pictures and the camera worked flawlessly. I will be buying one soon.
Good luck

jackelope · « **Reply #11 on:** June 08, 2009, 05:31:12 PM »

shooting RAW allows for more processing modification or doctoring or photoshopping or whatever you want to call it in plain english.

uncoolperson · « **Reply #12 on:** June 08, 2009, 05:34:34 PM »

just got me a Olympus Stylus 550 Waterproof, small and light... although it does have the normal point and shoot lag, only had it for a week though.

my brother is packing a Pentax W30 (also waterproof) on the pct. (real world not even close to expert user picture examples at http://www.flickr.com/photos/uncoolperson/sets/72157619030539669/)

I still love my bulky D50 though

MIKEXRAY · « **Reply #13 on:** June 08, 2009, 05:47:50 PM »

I also want to get a light weight camera to take. My question is are some quieter to zoom & take the picture? My wife's camera is pretty noisy. I want to take pictures of animals while bow hunting and not scare them. Might be a dumb question but I am curious. Thanks for the info above, make it easier to narrow down. Mike

Kain · « **Reply #14 on:** June 08, 2009, 05:55:56 PM »

I bought the Olympus Stylus 1050SW because it is waterproof to 10', drop resistant from 5' and cold resistant down to 14 degrees. Figured it would hold up to the abuse in the field. It is very slow and the picture quality is so-so. But for the price and the features it is a pretty good deal. I would hate to spend money on a really nice camera only to drop it in a puddle and have it break out in the woods.

I dont have buyers remorse but I do wish it had better pictures and was a little faster. Maybe the new model will be better.

boneaddict · « **Reply #15 on:** June 08, 2009, 05:59:53 PM »

I believe we can shoot raw with the FZ but I never do. I try to always do it with the canon. Something can be said for a "good picture" without editing. I often think a lot of pictures are over edited. but thats just me.
Yes, some are loud some aren't...for instance. TH e fz10 which was the flagship that started it all, was a nice camera, then immediately came the FZ20 and not to be beat the FZ30. Well the 10 and 20 were basically identical, except with an increase in megapixel. The 30 they screwed teh camera and made it louder than hell. The FZ18 came out and I jumped on it. Lilbone still shoots with my FZ10. What I liked mostly about it was first of all, lightgathering. Nice 2.8 lens. Second, its lieca glass and thats hard to beat. Third, its lightweight as Jack said. ITs almost like a toy compared to my bigger camera. 3rd, I like the color I get with it...no Photoshopping. Just what I get. It has options for macro, and fun stuff like lightning and other things. With what equates to 420 lens with stabilization, I can get some good wildlife shots. Without haveing to change lens I can instantly get within 2 inches of a bug on a flower and snap a picture. Then if you have an animal out there 2 miles you can super zoom in to 72 power. Thats alot of oomph for your buck. Granted you won't be making postersized prints off of any 72 power shots but you can come on here and show your pals what you saw and they can't laugh at ya. I carried mine all through my tag hunt taking pics of most what I could just to share with you all.

jackelope · « **Reply #16 on:** June 08, 2009, 08:01:34 PM »

fz 18 shoots raw for sure. i've done it.
it's quiet and all that other stuff that bone mentioned.

boneaddict · « **Reply #17 on:** June 08, 2009, 08:19:07 PM »

So this is essentially full framed, hide behind the camera and point it and shoot at less than a foot. He hit the glass three times that I had to clean off the saliva. Went to photoshop elements, hit auto correct and boom its on the site. No raw no fixing. Thats it.

boneaddict · « **Reply #18 on:** June 08, 2009, 08:22:23 PM »

This was from OVER a half mile away freehand. no tripod.

washingtonmuley · « **Reply #19 on:** June 09, 2009, 09:45:41 AM »

I know a guy that has a 1030sw and one that has the 1050 and the 1050 has already failed in a foot of water. Do not waste your money on the 1050 if it is going to be around water.

Huntbear · « **Reply #20 on:** June 28, 2009, 10:42:59 PM »

This just helped me a lot. I am "buying the wife a Bday present"

and I found the FZ28, basically an upgraded fz18.

Here is the review.

http://www.cameralabs.com/reviews/Panasonic_Lumix_DMC_FZ28/index.shtml

actionshooter · « **Reply #21 on:** June 28, 2009, 11:01:29 PM »

I'm pretty sure I'm going to get the FZ28 also. The best deal I have found has been on E-bay.

Huntbear · « **Reply #22 on:** June 28, 2009, 11:04:09 PM »

actionshooter, how much on ebay, I found it for 269.00 online

actionshooter · « **Reply #23 on:** June 28, 2009, 11:11:28 PM »

Quote from: Huntbear on June 28, 2009, 11:04:09 PM

actionshooter, how much on ebay, I found it for 269.00 online

Thats cheap, I found $309 delivered with extra batteries and memory card.

Where did you find the one for $269?

Huntbear · « **Reply #24 on:** June 28, 2009, 11:34:39 PM »

Comes with everything but the memory card, and free shipping. It is the brushed aluminum if that makes a difference.

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/573590-REG/Panasonic_DMC_FZ28S_Lumix_DMC_FZ28_Digital_Camera.html#accessories

jackelope · « **Reply #25 on:** June 30, 2009, 11:29:31 AM »

why is the new one better and like a hundred bucks cheaper.

i hate it when that happens.

actionshooter · « **Reply #26 on:** June 30, 2009, 04:37:09 PM »

Quote from: jackelope on June 30, 2009, 11:29:31 AM

why is the new one better and like a hundred bucks cheaper.

i hate it when that happens.

Your not alone, when I buy mine I can beat my head on the wall next year.

boneaddict · « **Reply #27 on:** July 01, 2009, 06:44:53 PM »

You still have plenty of shots left in your Jack. That is amazingly cheap though. I stand by the 18, know nothing of the 28. Those *censored*s did that in their other line with the 10, 20,30 50. I think the 10 was awesome, 20 slighly improved, 30 WORSE and 50 Great. then they went to this line. Love it.

Huntbear · « **Reply #28 on:** July 01, 2009, 09:55:06 PM »

Well, I missed it, when I went back to the site, said "Discontinued" none available.

The search continues.... I hate to do this, but may have to go with a "less expensive" camera.... Want to stay with a Super Zoom, but not sure if it is worth it.

buckhorn2 · « **Reply #29 on:** July 02, 2009, 07:33:42 AM »

Bone do you know of a place to find a fz18 or a place to order one I am on the west side.

boneaddict · « **Reply #30 on:** July 02, 2009, 08:54:26 AM »

I bought mine on-line at the digitalmegastore.com VERY happy with them. Very fast shipping. Heres the deal. The FZ18 is available (free shipping) for 389.00 The FZ-28 is available for 379.00 black or 319.00 Silver. I like black! You guys need to look at the reviews for the 28. I have no idea how it stacks up to the 18. Not sure WHY its cheaper. Go online and search for digitalmegastore.com and then look att he specs for both cameras. My stamp is still AWESOME for the 18.

jackelope · « **Reply #31 on:** July 02, 2009, 08:58:57 AM »

i got mine at costco...same price as bone said...maybe $399

not sure if they still carry them or not.

buckhorn2 · « **Reply #32 on:** July 02, 2009, 09:06:21 AM »

Thanks I have been seeing bears about every night but at about 200 yards and my camera just won;t do it. I have high hope for taking pictures this year so want to be ready.

jackelope · « **Reply #33 on:** July 02, 2009, 09:10:32 AM »

at 200 yards if you want any kind of quality with the FZ you will need some time and some light and you'll need to shoot it off of a tripod.
if you want hand held the pics will be crummy, especially in low light. this pic was hand held, almost dark, about 250 yards.

it's a bobcat.

Huntbear · « **Reply #34 on:** July 02, 2009, 02:59:17 PM »

Looks like Bigfoot to me.

On the note of the camera, I am looking at Factory refurbished cameras. They come with a factory warranty, and all the accessories a new camera came with. Best thing is price. Sometimes as much as 1/2 off the new original price.

actionshooter · « **Reply #35 on:** July 02, 2009, 04:35:12 PM »

Quote from: boneaddict on July 02, 2009, 08:54:26 AM

I bought mine on-line at the digitalmegastore.com VERY happy with them. Very fast shipping. Heres the deal. The FZ18 is available (free shipping) for 389.00 The FZ-28 is available for 379.00 black or 319.00 Silver. I like black! You guys need to look at the reviews for the 28. I have no idea how it stacks up to the 18. Not sure WHY its cheaper. Go online and search for digitalmegastore.com and then look att he specs for both cameras. My stamp is still AWESOME for the 18.

I read a ton of reviews for the FZ28 and when looking for the FZ18 I didn't find that many for sale. I kind of took that as the FZ28 is possibly the replacement for the 18.
I didn't read a single negative review for the FZ28 out of 50+-.
I'll pay the extra cash for a brand new unit. I'm always looking for a deal but on tech stuff, I'll buy new.

actionshooter · « **Reply #36 on:** July 03, 2009, 11:10:55 PM »

Thanks for the input guys, I bought the Panisonic FZ28, should have it next week.

Huntbear · « **Reply #37 on:** July 06, 2009, 09:23:38 PM »

actionshooter, did you go the ebay route?

searchnfor · « **Reply #38 on:** July 06, 2009, 10:39:55 PM »

I also have the FZ18, Its a great camera. I don't know much about cameras and found it pretty simple to use, petty versitile and love the light weight.

actionshooter · « **Reply #39 on:** July 07, 2009, 03:30:59 AM »

Quote from: Huntbear on July 06, 2009, 09:23:38 PM

actionshooter, did you go the ebay route?

Ya, I did. It was $360, New (not remaned), with an extra 8 gig card, rechargable batteries, cleaning kit and a cheap a$$ tripod.
Shipped yesterday.

boneaddict · « **Reply #40 on:** July 07, 2009, 05:45:31 AM »

Congrats, I hope you enjoy it.

Huntbear · « **Reply #41 on:** July 08, 2009, 01:16:35 PM »

I am looking at a new Olympus SP-565 UZ with 2 extra lenses, and tri pod and other accessories for 289.00. It has a 20x zoom. Looks like the best bang for the buck for me.

87Ford · « **Reply #42 on:** August 01, 2009, 10:38:50 PM »

I bought the Panasonic fz28 today. Nice! I like it!

Thanks for the info.

News:

Advertisement

Author Topic: lightweight camera ideas (Read 6178 times)

Advertisement

Quick Links

Recent Topics