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General discussion

Help! I need a new digital camera. What are these new hybrid-looking ones?

Jul 27, 2012 9:05AM PDT
Question:
Help! I need a new digital camera. What are these new hybrid-looking ones?


I hope you can help me out. My well-served Sony compact digital camera
of over six years just crapped out on me and I found out that it's not
worth fixing (the cost of fixing was more than I paid when I bought it
new!) I figure after all these years of use, it's time to look for a
new one. I recently window-shopped at my local Target department store
and I was surprised to see a lot more variety of cameras these days,
whereas six years ago I remember having two choices -- it was either a
compact camera or one those big fancy ones with big lenses that were
interchangeable.

Now it seems they have a new category of cameras -- smaller cameras like
compact ones but with larger lenses and even ones with interchangeable
lenses like the big fancy one. The prices aren't cheap either, costing
upwards of $400 and more. Did I miss something these past six years?
Are these new cameras some sort of hybrid between the two that I'm used
to? I primarily use my digital camera to take pictures of my kids and
family. Sometimes I would like to think I'm being creative with my
camera and take better and artsy subjects, but who am I kidding when I'm
using a compact camera. Maybe one of these hybrid cameras will be
a better choice for me when I'm in the mood to take creative pictures.
However, I have no idea what these are and what I'm buying into. They
do seem to be a bit more complicated to use, but I'm willing to learn.
Can you help me understand what this new breed of camera is? Are
there any advantages or disadvantages to them beside being a bit
bulkier? When would I want a interchangeable lens camera? Or do you
think I should just stick with a compact camera like the one I had
before and stay with what I know? Any help with this is welcome and
appreciated.

-- Submitted by: Samantha O.

Discussion is locked

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Explanation on "Hybrid" cameras from CNET editor Lori Grunin
Aug 2, 2012 5:57AM PDT

CNET senior editor Lori Grunin, our resident Digital Camera guru was gracious enough to send me her explanation of these so called "hybrid" digital cameras (see below). Thank you Lori for pitching in.

-Lee


Samantha,

The best way to think about interchangeable-lens cameras (ILCs) --
what you refer to as "hybrid" cameras -- is as advanced
point-and-shoot cameras that support the ability to change lenses.
They use the same type of autofocus technology as a point-and-shoot,
the main benefit of which is that it works when shooting video, which
the traditional autofocus used by dSLRs doesn't support.

ILCs have a couple advantages over compacts for shooting kids and
family: they're generally faster and produce better photos in
low-light. They're smaller and lighter than dSLRs, but because they
lack a reflex mirror -- the "R" in "dSLR" -- they don't allow for an
optical viewfinder. At best they provide an electronic viewfinder
(EVF), at worst, none at all. And while they're smaller than dSLRs,
they're still not as small as most point-and-shoots.

They tend to be more expensive than compacts because they use larger
sensors; that's what helps deliver the better photo quality. (There
are some compacts with larger sensors, like the Sony RX100, but
they're just as expensive.)

Hope this helps.

Good luck,
Lori

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People still use CAMERAS?
Aug 3, 2012 8:28AM PDT

I'm being a bit facetious there, but seriously, given the high pixel rates on the latest generation of cell phones, does the average consumer really NEED a dedicated camera anymore?

I can understand that for professionals or photography buffs (or people who just like taking LOTS of pictures or still print hard copies) there is still a market for these devices.

But I haven't used a dedicated camera in two years and don't miss it a bit. I take everything on the highest quality setting of my cell phone, and my shots look just as good as the shots I used to take on my dedicated digital camera from a few years ago. Since most photo viewing is done online through a video device (TV/monitor/tablet/phone), the resolution just doesn't need to be that high anymore.

I think cameras will become a niche market in a few years in favor of multi-use devices.

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Not at pixels are the same
Aug 3, 2012 10:45AM PDT

Not all pixels are the same. For analogy purposes, a 1/4 square inch sensor in a cell phone with 6 megapixels will exhibit a far worse picture quality than a decent point and shoot camera with (let's say) a 1/2 square inch sensor and only 4 megapixels. Contrary to popular belief, the best cell phone camera will not take as good a picture as new low end point and shoot with lower mega pixels today. The cameras in cell phones are good at waht they do and that is taking pictures to view on your phone to instantly send as a picture message. Rarely would one take a picture on the best camera phone and enlarge it to an 8 X10 inch photo to hang in your living room and expect it to be of good quality. However you can do that with very acceptable results with most point and shoot cameras with less pixels.

Each sensor has a optimim size pixel and optimum number of pixels for optimim quality picture quality. Each pixel has to have a minimum border area surronding it that will not get exposed, otherwise you wood have one big pixel.The more pixels you squeze into the same size sensor (after reaching that optimmum number means you must make the pixels smaller. When doing this you also create more area of the sensor that will not get exposed because you also created much more unexposed border area. Less exposed area relates to a poor picture quality. Now when you enlarge the photo on your computer or when you print it, it will be worse than a sensor that had less pixels in it. More pixels is not neccessarily better unles you have a bigger sensor with the same size pixels.

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Nikon S8200 Not A Hybrid, But A Great Digital Camera
Aug 3, 2012 8:45AM PDT

I bought a Nikon S8200 just before going on vacation in June. <span id="INSERTION_MARKER">The COOLPIX S8200 features a precision 14x optical zoom NIKKOR ED glass lens, which covers a 25 mm wide-angle to 350 mm super-telephoto* focal range. It takes excellent low-light pictures without a flash, takes HD movies and has a feature that enables everything in the picture to be in focus.

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Those pictures off cel phones
Aug 3, 2012 9:38AM PDT

are truly disgusting. Poor resolution, blurred edges, and usually not even halfway pointed at the subject. Even the best cel phone camera or one mounted in a device takes worse pictures than a disposable film camera from years ago. People need to stop using these things THINKING they're taking pictures.
About all I've seen that they're good for is taking pictures of a check to send to the bank, or a document so you have a copy. Anything beyond a few feet away just comes out awful, and people tend to want to take pictures of things like mountains, or a bridge, or a group of 100 people.. THAT is why you need a camera.

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Just pitching in
Aug 5, 2012 12:33PM PDT

I have owned quite a few cameras (and cellphones) through the years, including some SLR's, last gen P&S and high-end camera phones. Currently I own a Nikon D5000 for serious photography stuff and a Canon SX40HS (its a P&S with a very large sensor and compact body) for normal everyday photography and now a Nokia 808 PureView which was purchased a couple of months ago. I love the picture control I get from my Nikon D5000. And the superzoom on the Canon SX40 is just superb. but as cellphone and camera technology become more and more advance. the difference between a normal P&S camera and a cellphone camera is blurring to say the least. And I can honestly say that the Nokia 808 PureView can give normal P&S cameras a run for their money. And some DSLR a stiff competition. I no longer lug along my Canon everyday because of the Nokia 808. Yes, the 808 may well be the exemption to the rule of "cameraphones-have-poor-resolution-and takes-crappy-pictures" but then again it just might be the precursor of better cameraphones to come.

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Capital nonsense
Aug 5, 2012 11:31PM PDT

It is not about the equipment but the stuff between the ears. Most people do not know how to shoot a picture - I give you that. The rest of what you say, however, does not follow.

I have mentioned Ken Rockwell earlier on; his opinions are perfectly sound. For further illumination, try this:

http://www.kenrockwell.com/tech/notcamera.htm

Not so long ago, I received a greeting card of David Hockney's painting, produced on his mobile. It was not half bad.

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What is really new is not observed - a big cheat !
Aug 4, 2012 9:15PM PDT

With respect to Nikon cameras - I own a coolpix S9100 which has an even wider range of zoom than the S8200 and a fine resolution of 12.1 MPixels. It belongs to the P&S advanced types and usually yields reasonably good pictures as well as full HD movies also. The motion compenastion also is acceptable. When I use the word big cheat nevertheless for it, the reason is as follows:

In the classical sense of photography there are 3 basic factors important to get a technically optimum picture, namely shutter speed, aperture and sensitivity of the sensor (or film).

The most recent category of cameras such as the types mentioned no longer have an iris to set the aperature. Instead they take ALL pictures at maximum aperture. This leads to the following restrictions:

- In common, a lens yields the best resolution at 1 .. 2 stops below maximum aperture. This is true especially for the extreme ends of a zoom lens. Contrast also is better in this case.
- In many cases such as landscapes, you want to have an extented field of focus, which only can be reached using a low aperture. With the types indicated you may only focus in the close range or at infinity.

The cheat is that none of the manufacturers ever indicates the lack of an iris. At best there is a ND filter to compensate for very bright light. However that does not have any good influence on resolution or the width of field.

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Newest of the Hybrids
Aug 3, 2012 8:52AM PDT

The newest is the Canon M series coming out in October it has two native interchange able lens on 22mm f/2 the other an 18-55 mm. Thw crop factor is 1.6 so you mutiply lens length by 1.6 to get 35mm equivalent i.e. 22mm = 35.2mm or 35mm. there is also and adapter available to use all eos compatable lenses from 10mm to 500mm and beyound.
The weight is 262 g. or about 9.25 oz it is 18 mp stereo mike. Hot shoe for flash. They say it leans towards moies but functions as either a point and shot camera or totally manual or anywhere in between. You can never go wrong with a canon product. If you want a regular dslr they have them also and many also will do a movie now also. Personally I want a camera to be a camera I have standard Canon dslrs a 40D and 20D. I have neer owned any other brand of dslr once you choose your lens investment keeps you loyal. Nut check out the M series two places I know are Adorama and BHPhoto on the web.

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Canon Power Shot A1200
Aug 3, 2012 10:45AM PDT

I was lucky when I was at Costco one day and found the subject Canon Power Shot Camera on sale for about $70. I was just buying it for a second camera to put in my car but after taking a few pictures with it, I am so pleased, that now it is my #1 camera. I looked at camera for several months without buying one, but finally decided to move on this one mainly because of the price. After having it for several months, I am surprised at the capabilities of it. I paid about $250 for a Casio several years ago and was pretty happy with it, but was happy to get such a powerful camera for such a low price. It has a 200 page .pdf manual that you get off a CD that comes with the camera. I don't think that I would be any happier with a camera costing 5 or 6 times as much. Just do a lot of looking before buying, and if you have a Costco card, check out their cameras. The camera also came up with strap and carry case. The case also has a loop that can be attached to a belt so it can be carried at waist level. Since I want to be able to take a picture quickly, I keep it on the Simple Mode that takes quality portrait photos. It also has other modes that you can use that will probably give you a better picture if you want to spend the time and effort to get it. Digital cameras have become very sophisticated, but this means that you might have to spend a great deal of time reading the user manual.

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Buying a camera
Aug 3, 2012 11:28AM PDT

I'm a photographer and know other photographers. We're of the persuasion that 'the best camera is the one you've got on you at time.' The quality of cameras these days is such that you could walk blindfold into a camera store and come out with a perfectly usable camera.

What non technical people need to be aware of first and foremost is the loquacious 'fanboy' who endlessly lectures you that such and such a model is 'no good' and that 'nobody in their right mind would buy it' and then who relentlessly drones on and on about the superiority of a certain model.

Ignore them. Survey the various reviews on the net and get one that fits your budget and doesn't look too hard to work. Try to get one that you can use with manual control, and use it as much as possible until you're comfortable with it. Although it's might be tricky at first it will yield far better results in the long run than just shooting away on 'auto' which is fine sometimes anyway.

I've found online photo forums are usually filled with fine helpful folks who are always ready to share their knowledge and give comments.

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I could not agree with you more!
Aug 3, 2012 9:39PM PDT

In a few paragraphs you have hit the nail on the head.
Unless one is a specialist photographer taking shots of the stars or milky way etc. etc. the camera for myself would be a minimum10 X 10 i.e. 10 megapixels with a 10 times optical zoom, and a compact point and shoot
which I can slip into my pocket.
Photography to me is SHARING and CAPTURING THE MOMENT.
With 10 megapixels or greater I have sufficient information to not lose detail after cropping or a small amount of photoshopping (excuse the term).
I don't much care for a lot higher optical zoom because camera shake for high optical zoom becomes a problem.
I am there to snap a grand opportunity and I do not want to be weighed down by tripods or innumerable lenses whether I am on holiday or whatever. I do not want to miss a fleeting cheeky smile on my grandson's face for anything in the world, or say a very momentary incident when I am out and about.

Changing from normal to wide angle or telephoto lenses will for sure make me miss that moment.

Yes I have had my fare share for the last 40 years of multiple lenses, flash syncro speeds, granularity of high speed films, depth of fields, appropriate focal length and film size format for portraiture etc.etc.

I am so glad that the clever backroom technologists have sorted all that out and let us get on with capturing the moment. Of course my photography training stands me in good stead and whenever the special need arises I can switch on to manual mode to blur background by low depth of field or vice versa for scenic shots. Technology has allowed us to not miss the moment, whether it be the camera's ability or the final trimmings helped by an image editor.

Guys please go ahead and enjoy the sights (and also the sounds) of your surroundings. Do not let bulky paraphernalia bog you down and make people around you lose patience with your exacting needs.

Portability is so important that even my 5 megapixel smartphone allows me to take hilarious shots of people, incidents or mis-spelt signs when I am there. After that a bit of cropping and editing has won me plenty of awards and admiration. Please don't miss the moment at any cost.

As Lord Snowdon, one of the legendary photographer of yester years said (something like this) : " You can teach a person how to shoot, but you cannot teach people how to see".

As a 60+ person who has now come to the twilight years of my life, I wish you all to take advantage of the brilliant advances in photography to concentrate on the subject and not the camera.

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Yay!
Aug 4, 2012 7:04PM PDT

YAY!

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Save your money and see what you can get for a Coolpix L810

I bought a Coolpix L810, spent about $200 and I'm happy. It has 16.1 Megapixels and a Wide 26X Zoom. It does HDMI movies and accepts SDHC and SDXC cards. It doesn't have a viewfinder but it has a 3 inch LCD instead.

The cool thing about this camera is that I can keep my finger on the button and it will take many many shots. You also might want to invest in a tri-pod for any camera.

We weren't going to spend $600 to $800 for an DSLR but I think the Coolpix L810 is a step under a DSLR.

Keep in mind that when you upgrade from your old camera to a new one with a lot of megapixels, you want to have an idea of how many pictures you usually take in a year. I'm probably looking to get a 1 Terrabyte Hard Drive to hold my pictures for the next five to six years because the files get larger and this camera can probably take a 65 Gigabyte card which could do eight hours of video if your SD cards aren't fragmented and this camera can probably do all eight hours if you buy a DC adapter because batteries won't necessarily last for eight hours. This camera takes four double A batteries.

So unless these mirrorless cameras promise you will never have a blurry picture, get this camera and invest in a tripod.

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Your Own Research will be Priceless
Aug 3, 2012 11:50AM PDT

While it is good to get the opinions of others, there is no substitute for doing your own research into what camera will fit your needs.

As you've already noted there is a new kid on the block that bridges the gap between mere point and shoot cameras and full-fledged dSLRs.

There are also phones that have some pretty spectacular cameras, too, so don't forget to check out your own phone in that regard and look at some phones you might upgrade to.

Some folks really don't need a better camera than their phone affords them.

You said that you like to get creative and in my opinion when you get to the point of trying to take more than snapshots, you will be well served by a camera with a viewfinder and not just an LCD on the back of the camera. You might also benefit from some manual controls that give you more flexibility in your creativity.

There are some excellent P&S cameras out there that offer those kinds of features as well as mega-zoom lenses to really give you some flexibility, but those don't come cheap, but they can be quite affordable, too, when you consider what they offer.

Access your skills and your willingness to learn new things. Figure out a budget that you can live with and "go to town." You have the entire internet at your disposal.

Good luck!

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Keep it simple
Aug 3, 2012 6:32PM PDT

You are perfectly correct in that things have moved on in the last 6 years and are continuing to move on. Question is are you a serious photographer who takes a camera with him/her wherever he/she goes or are you an occasional photographer who likes to take a decent photo as and when the situation occasionally arises e.g. holidays or a special event? The latter being the case you ideally want a camera that you can fit in your pocket (or handbag), has a completely retractable lens with a reasonably wide angle to get as much of the subject in as possible, a reasonable zoom, an anti-shake facility and low noise (i.e. not grainy) when taking photos indoors where flash is not permitted. Then comes the question of cost because as you have observed the latest all singing and dancing cameras are not cheap and if you are considering SLRs or DSLRs which are considerably more bulky or so-called mirrorless cameras with interchangeable lenses, I submit that you are really starting to venture into the realms of serious photography. For your guidance I own a Panasonic TZ 8 which I have used on and off for a number of years in a variety of conditions and find perfectly acceptable for occasional use. And as later versions of this camera offer higher zoom capabilities the one that I own should now be reasonably priced - that is, if you can still get one. It has a 25mm wide angle Leica retractable lens, a 12X optical zoom, 12MP, a reasonable number of settings and with the anti-shake, not bad in low light conditions. OK like many p&s cameras it has a small sensor and as an occasional photographer, if I were to replace it, which at some point I probably will, I would look at cameras like the latest Sony RX100 which has a considerably larger sensor but at the present time is a bit pricy. I'm also waiting to see how Panasonic, Nikon, Olympus, Canon (NB Canon G12 is a bit bulky), etc will respond to the arrival of this camera. One last point, if you want to be creative, why not manipulate your images with something like Adobe Elements?

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So Called Hybrid
Aug 3, 2012 10:25PM PDT

Dear User

These cameras have been around for years. Suddenly they call them hybirds. This is a selling language.
While they are smaller do allow a user to change lenses which will give you the choice of company or quality lenses avalable, this would not be the reason to purchase these cameras. There are other valid reasons to consider these cameras,

First ..The main reason to consider these cameras are as follows:

They are smaller than they DSLR and produce similar quality ....NO MIRROR and Excellent Sensors.
They allow you to use lenses from other cameras with an adapter (very avaiable) like Nikon ..Canon..Leica and even Hasselbald cameras. The photos are stunning. but keep in mind these lenses on these cameras require you to manually focus. Pro's don't mind and as I am a pro I prefer the manual focus beause all too often the autofocus on most cameras is not dead on, good by not perfect. Also, they allow a full range of shooting modes and use oled view finders. The most popular of these dameras are made by Sony (NEX) and Panosonic and now other coming My personal choice for best of breed is the Sony Nex 7. Keep in mind that these cameras are expenses and with the sony lenses available for this camera, the autofocus is very good. You can also focus manully if desired for even better sharper photos. Why expensive.All of the above reasons.

These cameras are targeted for the Pros. Price, quality and versatiity. Currently a Nex camera is over one thousand and I suspect most picture takers wil not spend this much for a birthdaly or vacation photos.
However, if you are into photograpy and want better quaity then thle these cameras are the call. Kepp in mind that these cameras can shoot like a point and shoot as well in addition to the other methods for more accurate results.

Hope this helps

To see more professional reviews. go to www. dpreview.com they go into depth about cameras and lenses

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Need new cam
Aug 4, 2012 4:25AM PDT

First - Ask yourself what you need cam for?
Just casual photo shots?
Casual photo shots and video?
Am I for professional like photo?
Am I for film making ( I am not talking about wedding videos)?

So - as I am film maker I would go for Australian made (just come on market) BlackMagic
if you are for real digital film like cam.

Pro photographer .... depends of budget, I would start from the expensive Leica DSLR, than down money wise to Nikon, than lower Canon ...

Hybrid cameras - Leica, but you can buy Panasonic branded Leicas - (Panasonic makes cams for Leica) but quite a bit cheaper.
In my opinion anything else is not worth to look at.

Note - do you really need the exchangeable lens body ? I have number of fancy (expensive) lens, so BlackMagic for me is the way to go, beats the hell out of any Sony,Canon and ??? expensive digital film cams.
By the way - photo/video casual filming look at at the latest NOKIA and LG smart phones - you will get heaps of
good things on the go for much lower cost.

People already said that number of pixels is not the glory, but glass (lens) makes big difference.

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What you pay is what you get.
Aug 4, 2012 2:56PM PDT

Cameras with large sensor do give you very good images. Images that look smooth and not pixelated. These are in D-SLR cameras and the new mini interchangeable lens cameras. You have graduated from point and shoot, so I'll ignore that. I have put in a list and my recommendations..

- DSLR Full frame sensor (equals 35mm film size) (Pro cameras) Eg. The Nikon FX Format cameras and the Canon #D cameras. Very expensive Professional Cameras - 1500$ & Up for just the body.
- D-SLR DX frame sensor (slightly smaller sensor) There is Pro-sumer (for advanced non-pro shooters) and entry-level D-SLRS. Entry level is Nikon 3100 or the Canon Rebel series. If you are really interested in photography and have a food blog and stuff you like to post online and would like to experiment with light and shade, the entry level cameras are more than adequate. With a standard zoom lens (or a replacement lens like Tamron 18-200) will be ideal. Prices start at around 500 including lens. My favourite is the Sony SLT series 3x or 5x. Low weight and nice feel for small hands. They all have video built-in for short movies of 15-20m length.
- Pro-sumer cameras (non-interchangeable lens cameras, big zoom cameras). These look like D-SLR, but they have a smaller sensor and a wide variety of options and lots of automated features. Fuji is the leader in this. Eg: Fujifilm FinePix HS30EXR - This is the kind of camera that looks like a natural upgrade for you. These cameras also take wonderful low light photos with the minimum of fuss. Prices start at around 350/-
- Mini large sensor cameras - These are the Nikon 1 and Sony NEX series. These are actually not made for amateurs, because they have high flexibility and features that serve primarily as pocket-able cameras for professionals. They are expensive - prices start at around 700/-

Whatever you do, for the perfect way to go about this. Have a look at www.dpreview.com, read the reviews. Then go to Amazon and see what the users say about that camera model. Within 3-4 days you can make an educated decision on what to do.

Good Luck!

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Good options
Aug 4, 2012 11:42PM PDT

If you are concerned about cost and $400 seems pricey to you, then I would recommend a compact travel zoom. Top products are Sony HX 20V, Panasonic ZS20, Canon Powershot SX 230, Samsung WB10 or Nikon Coolpix S9100. Check for newer versions of these models. Best feature is pocketability. These are tiny but feature big 20X zoom ability, image stabilization, auto focus with assist, scene shooting modes, HD 1080 movie recording, GPS tagging. The downside with these camera is that they normally perform poorly in low light conditions as mentioned in many other posts. Only a few models shoot in RAW.
Go over $400 and you can get a compact camera with a bigger sensor that will perform well in low light and will shoot in camera raw. But these compacts can run up to a grand. I recommend that only for professional photographers.
For most of us, I recommend compact mirrorless DSLRs like the Panasonic G series, the Olympus Pen series, Nikon J and V series, Sony NEX series. Some of these can be really small and Panasonic has a very small zoom lens that can be used on the Olympus Pen or Panasonic GF series that make the camera about the size of a typical compact camera. Prices start under $500. You can spend up to $1500 or more getting cameras with more features and more lens options. The Sony NEX system used a sensor the same size as regular DSLRs. Prices on Sony models are in the same price range but the lens choices are not as good.

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Don't get caught up
Aug 5, 2012 9:39AM PDT

Hi Samantha.

I love photography, (I'm not a pro) and have been through more cameras than I can remember. Even though I'm not a pro,one thing I am sure of, please don't get caught up in the 'better camera/better picture' syndrome. A professional photographer has very advanced SLR (single lens reflex) cameras, whether digital or film, because it offers the lattitude and diversity that only those cameras offer. In other words, he knows how to use them, in any situation. If you have knowledge of using a camera in manual mode, program mode, etc, then an advanced point and shoot would most definately fit the bill, and not require you to carry any extra gear, such as lenses. If you are going to carry any type of extra stuff, then I'd recommend carrying a supplimental flash.
I have had SLR cameras before the digital revolution, and hen film was king, there was no such thing as an advanced point and shoot. Plusd it can be a bit of a pain carrying lenses let alone the expense. A pro photorapher can take any number of point and shoot cameras, and still take photos that will knock your socks off. Not the extremely cheap P&S of course. And if a point and shoot is all he uses, it certainly would hurt his revenue stream, narrowing his versatility. My latest purchase was a Canon SX-40. A mega zoom, that also offers quite a bit of creative latitude. Again, that's because I know how to use them. They're easy to learn and fun in the process. A biiiig advantage of digital. No more processing of film.
I assure you, with all the learned knowledge the a pro has, when he goes on a job, he will also take advanced point and shoot cameras as back-up.
Again, I'm not saying not to buy a ILC, but do you really want to be carrying around a camera bag with 3 different size lenses, and possibly the addition of different size UV filters and polarizing filters?
Just a though to consider.

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Powerline IP camera Business Opportunity
Aug 5, 2012 12:07PM PDT

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A good P&S can be a good choice for a hobbyist
Aug 5, 2012 4:26PM PDT

I consider myself a hobbyist wanna-be photographer. From the wording of your question it sounds like your experience and interest might not be too far from mine.

I owned a Ricoh SLR with a few lenses back in the film days. But, I don't find many excuses to lug around a bulky camera with additional bulky lenses, these days. So, when I was looking for a new camera last year, I wanted a camera that I was likely to carry with me pretty much all the time. Yet, I still wanted the option for manual modes, for when I didn't think the camera would choose what I wanted for the situation.

It was kind of expensive, but I settled on the Canon S100. Among the compact P&S cameras, it had a reasonably wide aperture and a reasonable zoom. For all but the lowest light or highest zoom situations, I find this camera to be a great choice. And, I always have it with me.

If you have some particular shooting situations that you know you're going to put yourself in to that will take advantage of the larger glass, then it sounds like a hybrid might be a good fit.

But I think only a professional or a really hard core hobbyist has the needs that will take advantage of a full blown dSLR setup.

Drake

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Some missimg concerms
Aug 8, 2012 2:14PM PDT

There are still two big issues for users of digital cameras Firstly, a lot of historical photos would have been missed if the shutter response time had been as slow as in most electronic cameras, and with digital now a generation old, manufacturere have still not learned from traditional SLRs that the place for the firing button is on the front, not the top. Lack of cable relearse port and optical finder in many models is an irritation, and failure to quote shutter response time in specifications is inexcusable.

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Shutter lag is reported
Aug 12, 2012 8:50AM PDT

The vast majority of product descriptions and every review I've seen will list shutter lag/response time. Pretty much everyone is aware of it, now, and so it is a selling point that marketing types use.

In automatic mode, my S100 has a shutter lag of about 0.4 seconds, which can be annoying, but is about average.

But, in full manual mode, which is what I use when shooting sports, the shutter lag is 0.01 secs. You can't get much better than that.

Most reviews will also list startup time, usually written as "Time to first shot." My first digital camera ten years ago took a very long time to fire up, probably 5 or 7 seconds. My S100 is listed as 2.3 seconds. It feels very prompt. Certainly Good Enough.

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Point and shoot.
Aug 10, 2012 11:24AM PDT

I have had 3 Sonys, going up each time new model came out. last time I went in, I came away with a Fuji F550EXR, and I love it. went to school reunion last week, took 471 pictures, only a couple were unacceptable. took really nice panoramic. driving down the road just point in general direction and shoot. when u get home use picassa to crop it. Picture quality is great, and price was right. could buy 3 for the price of a digital SLR which will not fit in your pocket.
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Good experience with Sony "micro four thirds" camera
Aug 13, 2012 4:48AM PDT

My wife bought a Sony NEX-3 compact camera about 3 years ago for Christmas with family across the country. At the time, Sony also sold a NEX-5 of similar design with slightly better features. With either lens on, the camera fits inside a small camera case my wife can carry it all day without feeling its weight on her shoulder. The camera works like a full size single lens reflex (SLR) camera (those big cameras that typically hangs from your neck with a zoom lens pointing down because of its weight) but is small and lightly to fit in a ladies handbag or coat pocket. When hung around the neck with a wide strap (wide strap for comfort), the camera hangs with the lens pointing forward even when fitted with a 18-55mm zoom lens. We bought the camera as a kit from Costco. It came with the wide angle lens and the 18-55mm zoom. For 99% of the shots, my wife gets by with the zoom lens. Our kit came with a tiny flash that you plug into a slot on top of the camera. The amazing thing is that my wife has taken very good pictures in natural light (no flash) outdoors, indoor and many excellent at a Christmas Festival in Altanta last Christmas. The camera compensates for the dim light and produces a picture that brighter than the real situation. She has had many friends and family surprised with how good the picture when they thought she forgot the flash. Because the flash flattens the picture, she has used the flash about 10% of the time I would have used the flash with my old Nikon full-size single lens reflex. A very cool feature is that the camera will take multiple(5+) shots as you hold down the shutter button and sweep the camera(pan). It then stitches the picture to give you a panoramic photo. Great for scenery shots on vacation.

My wife had always use point-and-shoot cameras and hardly switched between the preset settings (like landscape, spots, portrait, etc). With the Sony, she continued with her simple point-and-shoot habit and gets pictures rivaling what you can get only with those full-size SLRs that tend to stay home because they are so big and heavy. Sony has discontinued the NEX-3 and added a high end NEX-7 to the NEX-5. Sony is probably known more for expertise in electronics rather than in cameras and optics (like Canon and Nikon), but for pictures of friends, family and children, it's great.

The lowest price Micro 4/3 from Sony (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sony_NEX-5) currently sells for $650 to $700 at Amazon. I see Amazon sells a low-end Micro 4/3 from Panasonic (Panasonic Lumix DMC-GF3) for $366. Amazon also carry an Olympus micro Four Thirds camera. But from the research I did before we bought the Sony, I'd prefer the Panasonic over the Olympus. You need to check current professional and customer comments online to decide for yourself, but their prices are close to you high-end point-&-shoot budget while giving you the option to add a long telephoto lens if you feel the need.

Amazon also sells the Nikon Coolpix P510 Digital Camera equipped with 24-1000mm zoom lens for $400. I don't think the lens is interchangeable, but the lens is more than enough for large-group pictures indoors and sports events. Many other brands make a similar camera, but Nikon is known for its lens.

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One small correction is in order
Aug 13, 2012 6:28PM PDT

Pretty good personal experience input here, but before anyone gets misled, let me point out one item that may end up being important:

The Sony cameras are not using the Micro 4/3 mount that we know from Panasonic and Olympus, even though mavbe they should, as should others. Instead, Sony developed their own mount called the "Sony E-mount," which to my knowledge is not compatible with anything else.

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Another Correction
Aug 14, 2012 1:52AM PDT

Perhaps pedantic, but Sony's system is called NEX, not E-mount. E-mount refers specifically to the lens mount itself.

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Help with digital cameras: why not try renting a couple?
Aug 21, 2012 11:36AM PDT

Depending upon where you live, you may have a company near you where you can go into the store and talk to the staff, ask questions, get answers, and then try out a few different models and types of digital cameras.
Each brand has strongpoints over its competition, and different price-point levels will also offer different levels of ease-of-use, advanced features, and quality more than just a higher number of mega-pixels (keep in mind also that some brands have better quality digital photos with fewer mega-pixels than brands with more mega-pixels)

I live in the SF Bay Area, and there are camera rentals available in both San Francisco and San Jose. I know of a couple places in New York City and Boston as well.
So, wouldn't it be better to "try them before you buy them?"