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Question

Canon T3 or a Lumix SLR-Like (compact system)

May 30, 2012 9:12AM PDT

I am always very frustrated with the quality and zoom of the pictures from my Lumix P&S. I want to be able to take pictures of the family and our adventures. I also would like to start taking more nature photography. I know that I want a Compact System (SLR-like) or a DSLR. I cant spend over $600 so I cant spend a lot on the body without it including a lense. Sams Club has the T3 with 2 lenses and a case for $599. I like the idea of the SLR- like ones because they are smaller and lighter and simpler to use. This needs to be simple for me or I wont end up using the camera. I want to be able to have a very good zoom, take videos, and take action shot of the kids playing sports. Even if I go with a compact system one I have no idea which one. I do want one with a view finder which the Lumix have and they are rated well on consumer reports.

Discussion is locked

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Clarification Request
re: Canon T3 or a Lumix SLR-Like (compact system)
May 30, 2012 11:52AM PDT

Almost every camera has an auto-mode which should be easy to use. The catch is that they don't always take the best pictures. So it would help if you could tell us which Lumix P&S you currently have, how you're using it (more specifically than "family adventures"--which could be anything from posing with Mickey at Disneyland at noon to zip-lining down Fremont Street in Vegas at night--and "kids playing sports"--which could be a 6-year-old playing T-ball to a 16-year-old playing indoor club volleyball), and what you find frustrating about it. (Some example pics with EXIF data--e.g. posted on Flickr--would be extremely helpful.)

Mark

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Lumix DMC-FS15
May 30, 2012 12:58PM PDT

It doesnt zoom enough and blurs very easily!

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Answer
Clarification
May 30, 2012 12:19PM PDT

When you say SLR-like and compact system, do you mean a superzoom camera like the FZ150, or do you mean a compact interchangeable lens camera like the G3?

The FZ150 would give you a lot of optical reach, more than even than the T3 with the two lens kit. But at its core, it is no better than a P&S, because the sensor inside is identical. What that means in practical terms is that it will work fine outdoors, but indoors it will be only fair if not poor, especially if you need indoor action photos.

The G3 will be closer in performance to the T3, but it is $550 with the kit lens. Adding a second telephoto lens would cost about $300.

NO camera will give you better performance automatically; you can't rely on the camera to always give you the photo you want by just pressing the shutter button. Whatever you end up with will require you to learn the basics of exposure.

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FZ150 and G3
May 30, 2012 1:11PM PDT

I was actually looking into both of them. I am just not sure what is best for me. If I got the G3 would I need to buy a second lense? Does the Canon T3 that comes with 2 lenses at Sams club for $599 seem to be the better way to go. Can you take video with it?

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DMC-G3
May 30, 2012 1:28PM PDT

The G3 only comes with a 14-42mm lens. That translates to an equivalent 28-84mm, or wide angle to a short telephoto. That is less range than you FS15, which has an equivalent 29-145mm range. Adding the 45-200mm lens would give you an equivalent 90-400mm.

The T3 is certainly cheaper. Image quality is about the same. The T3 has more potential performance because of a deeper available system, and the optical viewfinder and phase detection autofocus is better for sports/action. The G3 will have the advantage shooting video, with full HD, the articulated LCD, and touch focus.

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Narrowed it down now
May 30, 2012 1:42PM PDT

It is between the Nikon Coolpix P510 or the Panasonic Lumix FZ150

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FZ150
May 30, 2012 2:14PM PDT

The Panasonic wins if you want to more control, the P510 wins if you want more gadgets. If you want to shoot in auto mostly, you may want to look at the Sony HX200V.