Best beginner Camera?

[flatsoled604]

So I'm going to this wedding over in south-east asia
I dont want to use a Point and Shoot camera,
having no background whatso-ever im a fast learner
confused as to which camera suits my needs the most
it'll be an indoor event, trying to avoid the whole changing settings thing.

will a g10 suffice my needs? or should i get a better camera and read the dummies guide book on the 24hour flight

[KorruptioN]

Please don't tell us you're the primary photographer ;)

Does it have to be a compact? Entry-level digital SLRs are often found cheaper than the G10 nowadays and will provide much better image quality (better sharpness, depth of field, lower noise, better flash exposure, etc.) in pretty much all scenarios. The only real obvious downside would be size. Besides, you can grow into it much more than a decked-out compact (changable lenses being the most obvious aspect).

Which leads me to Sony's A200 ( found here for $399: http://www.blackphoto.com/blacks/product.jsp?prdId=3370 ). Easily still the best value around on the market right now. Large screen, built-in image stabilizer, good image quality, but no live-view (I don't think it's important, personally - use the viewfinder). You can get away with using the automatic settings, alternatively there's a flash-off setting which may come in handy for you.

Others here may recommend Nikon's D40... but you're paying more and getting less (it is $439 right now) :D

[Keelie]

So I'm going to this wedding over in south-east asia
I dont want to use a Point and Shoot camera,
having no background whatso-ever im a fast learner
confused as to which camera suits my needs the most
it'll be an indoor event, trying to avoid the whole changing settings thing.

will a g10 suffice my needs? or should i get a better camera and read the dummies guide book on the 24hour flight

My vote goes for the G10, a very good beginner camera.

[PlayerOne]

...

Which leads me to Sony's A200 ( found here for $399: http://www.blackphoto.com/blacks/product.jsp?prdId=3370 ). Easily still the best value around on the market right now. Large screen, built-in image stabilizer, good image quality, but no live-view (I don't think it's important, personally - use the viewfinder). You can get away with using the automatic settings, alternatively there's a flash-off setting which may come in handy for you.

Others here may recommend Nikon's D40... but you're paying more and getting less (it is $439 right now) :D

Haha, you just had to throw in your Sony A200 didn't you. I like how you set up that D40 comment on Kasakato's behalf haha. It's funny to see you two eventually just gave up trying to change each other's mind. For what it's worth, I was going to go with your A200, because it was cheaper, so you "won" haha. Ended up with the Canon XS with 2 lenses for 399 from the Dell Days of Deals though.

So I'm going to this wedding over in south-east asia
I dont want to use a Point and Shoot camera,
having no background whatso-ever im a fast learner
confused as to which camera suits my needs the most
it'll be an indoor event, trying to avoid the whole changing settings thing.

will a g10 suffice my needs? or should i get a better camera and read the dummies guide book on the 24hour flight

If you want to avoid "changing settings" as you said, you'll likely just set it on auto, which will get you much better quality than a compact P&S camera anyways. On auto, you wouldn't have to be a fast learner to use it, it'd basically become a P&S.

The question comes down to: Do you think you'll be interested to pick up photography as a hobby?
If so, go for a basic DSLR (A200, D40).
If not, go for the Canon G10, or Panasonic LX-3

[Kasakato]

Others here may recommend Nikon's D40... but you're paying more and getting less (it is $439 right now) :D

If you are indeed going the DSLR route, the Nikon D40 makes an excellent beginner camera...its just about equal to the Sony A200...if not better. ;) Nikon has an excellent line of AF-S lenses that will AF with the D40. There are also a few flashguns that work 99% of the time, locking in the perfect exposure. The grip on the camera is very conformable, and balances nicely with large lenses such as the 70-300. Get out in a store and try them!

[flatsoled604]

hey sry guys ive been busy packing and running errands

i'll look foward to the sony camera.
as for photography asa hobby, ya im going to take it more seriously after this trip.

loved it ever since my first P&S and thought of upgrading. but thats great to hear a regular dslr whatnot in auto is better than a PS in auto.

definately appreciate the narrowing down of choices.

[flatsoled604]

as for size - i dont mind the bulkiness, + it looks cooler carrying a huge camera :)

[SENSEI]

So I'm going to this wedding over in south-east asia
I dont want to use a Point and Shoot camera,
having no background whatso-ever im a fast learner
confused as to which camera suits my needs the most
it'll be an indoor event, trying to avoid the whole changing settings thing.

will a g10 suffice my needs? or should i get a better camera and read the dummies guide book on the 24hour flight

First time wedding, no background and it's going to be INDOORS?!?

I hate to break it to you, but there isn't a one setting does it all for indoor weddings.

Even worse, there isn't any P&S that I would recommend for an indoor wedding.

To top it off there is NO dummies book for learning how to shoot a wedding in 24 hours.

That's asking for alot.

If you really, really, really, really want to go through with it...(can you hear my hesitation? :lol:)...you're looking at at least $1000 to get yourself rolling. First off, I would never do a wedding without a backup camera. BUT, you're not the typical nOOB.

You're going to need a few things or else you can forget the idea:

1) Body. (dosen't matter which one, which brand, new or used)
2) Lens. (You may be able to get away with the kit if you have a flash. But I would still opt for any 2.8 zoom)
3) Flash. (As your whole even is indoors, you'll need it. Even with a 50 1.8/1.4/1.2, you're going to need the lighting and need to freeze the action. External flash is the only way to go)
4) Memory. (You're overseas, you may have access to a laptop, but you're still learning. The more pics you take the better. Shoot in RAW)

I will re-iterate again, BRAND does not matter. Beg, borrow, steal...but get your a DSLR and flash please.

We may all be over analyzing if you what you really meant was you're a guest as somebody's wedding, and you just want to snap some photos. But if you're the sole primary, and you've accepted a paying job without experience, overseas...wow...you're a brave soul ;)

[Talamasca]

Please don't tell us you're the primary photographer ;)

Does it have to be a compact? Entry-level digital SLRs are often found cheaper than the G10 nowadays and will provide much better image quality (better sharpness, depth of field, lower noise, better flash exposure, etc.) in pretty much all scenarios. The only real obvious downside would be size. Besides, you can grow into it much more than a decked-out compact (changable lenses being the most obvious aspect).

Which leads me to Sony's A200 ( found here for $399: http://www.blackphoto.com/blacks/product.jsp?prdId=3370 ). Easily still the best value around on the market right now. Large screen, built-in image stabilizer, good image quality, but no live-view (I don't think it's important, personally - use the viewfinder). You can get away with using the automatic settings, alternatively there's a flash-off setting which may come in handy for you.

Others here may recommend Nikon's D40... but you're paying more and getting less (it is $439 right now) :D

Thank you. :) Photography is a big hobby of mine, especially travel photography. I've had a Canon A710IS P&S for awhile now and while I like it quite a bit and have gotten great photos, I feel myself "outgrowing" it and would like to enter the DSLR world. Best Buy has the Sony A200 for $379 for Boxing Week and with the $150 I got in gift cards, I think it'll be my purchase.

[KorruptioN]

Best Buy has the Sony A200 for $379 for Boxing Week and with the $150 I got in gift cards, I think it'll be my purchase.

That's a dirty deal!