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Question

need help buying camera

Dec 31, 2014 7:47AM PST

I would like to be able to photograph close up daylilies and Iris as I hybridize both, I would like to photograph mountains as I like to climb. would like fast shooting bps, good screen and viewfinder? under $500.00 would like Gps and Wi-Fi and easy to send to phone, computer. not to expert as a novice, great image quality, great battery life and image stabilization please, thank you,
Hamblda

Discussion is locked

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Answer
Canon G16
Jan 1, 2015 11:34AM PST

Go to a camera store (not a department store) and get them to show you the Canon G16.

It has every thing you want except the GPS.

GPS is a battery hog.
Are you sure you want it?

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need help buying camera
Jan 2, 2015 7:40AM PST

would like to tag where pictures are taken at, would like ease of transfer, great battery, macro, stabilization, picture quality, ease of use,. G-16 cons page at some review sites scared me from thinking of G-16?
hamblda

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Canon G16
Feb 5, 2015 8:38PM PST

Try any online classifieds site or any good review sites. However for electronic gadgets i suggest you visit any local store personally.

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need help buying camera
Jan 2, 2015 7:45AM PST

here are the cons I saw on review sites
Price is a little high
Optical zoom is limited to 5x
Camera body is a little chunky
No touch screen LCD
No articulated LCD
Wi-Fi is tricky to set up and use
Menu design could be better
Camera's burst mode performance slows noticeably in RAW mode
Very few movie control options
Optical viewfinder is very basic with no shooting information displayed
Can't match image quality of mid-level DSLR cameras

So not sure,hamblda

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Price below $500
Jan 2, 2015 8:20AM PST

"Can't match image quality of mid-level DSLR cameras"

A DSLR camera with macro lens will cost over $1,000

..

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need help buying camera
Feb 5, 2015 11:16PM PST

I was only showing what review sites had, I understand dsllr is expensive, has Canon come out with new cameras that are what Iam looking for? Really, quality, macro, ease of transfer, controls, stabilization, battery life, size, ( I do not have big hands), ease of holding, shooting, are important!
thanks,
hamblda

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Answer
Let me tackle 2 items.
Feb 5, 2015 11:35PM PST

1. Optical zoom is limited to 5x
I have a pretty nice DSLR and most of my shots are with the 40mm and the stock 18-55mm lens. Now for reference at 55mm what I see through the viewfinder is the same size as what I see in my other eye so that's 1x zoom. Zoom is therefore not what we use most of the time.

2. WiFi setup.
While it's a nice thing to have it will always be that until someone implements a Tap and Link like NFC but that adds to the cost so for now, ignore it and work it the old ways of pulling out the card or using a cable.
Bob

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need help buying camera
Feb 17, 2015 12:03AM PST

G-16 seems old and I am still looking anything new out with NFC or any of new cameras with more of what I am looking for or do I consider more expensive options, need to buy before spring planting blooming and trips out west, thank you,
hamblda

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Why NFC?
Feb 17, 2015 12:14AM PST

NFC was nifty for pairing and payment systems so I don't get why I'd want that in a camera. Mind you I write apps that use such things.
Bob

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need help buying camera
Feb 19, 2015 11:04PM PST

just got recommended Panasonic DMC-ZS40, have not researched it yet but will ,know anything about this camera, thanks,
Dale

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Sample photos at link.
Feb 19, 2015 11:07PM PST
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need help buying camera
Mar 1, 2015 2:17AM PST

Are there any mirror less cameras that fit what I want?
thank you,
hamblda

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I like those.
Mar 1, 2015 2:23AM PST
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need help buying camera
Mar 1, 2015 5:02AM PST

Dear Bob:
Are you saying any of the 1-20 cameras would fit the bill for what I was looking for? I was researching cameras and came across reviews for Sony A-6000 so looked also at other so called mirror less cameras, and other NEX cameras, the Sony except for price seemed close to what I wanted? If 1-20 would be good maybe I should pick one and use it and then upgrade to better one. I was only looking at Canon, Sony, Nikon, Panasonic, Fuji, really. My first trip is myrtle Beach golfing March 13, thanks for help,
hamblda

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Then no.
Mar 1, 2015 5:05AM PST

Your top post has a list and not one model I've found has all that for the price. However there are many great cameras if we dump some items (WiFi, GPS, NFC, etc.)
Bob

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need help buying camera
May 10, 2015 1:26AM PDT

Dear all:
Been busy with plants now they are blooming and still have not bought camera, anything new on the scene, work has Canon G-16 for $405.00 but believe it is older ? Maybe should look for quality and smaller size and battery life? what do you think. Will be going to Iris convention the 19th will see a ot of plants there, thank you,
Hamblda

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CNET didn't think much of the WiFi on it.
May 10, 2015 1:39AM PDT
http://www.cnet.com/products/canon-powershot-g16/

Why the fascination with the WiFi?

But I do like the idea of 12 megapixels over more pixels (well discussed that more pixels versus less on same size sensor.)

For me I'd go for picture quality before WiFi unless it's for a niche application like nest watching.
Bob