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Question

Which digital cameras are best for wide angle shots

Sep 21, 2011 7:36AM PDT

The application would be for real estate photos in tight spaces such as bathrooms. Is there a camera that takes really wide angle shots that will allow me to more than just a narrow part of the bathroom or a wide angle shot of the exterior of a house for example. I would prefer something that is lightweight (not an SLR).

Discussion is locked

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Answer
Wide Angle
Sep 21, 2011 9:22AM PDT

The specification that you are looking for is minimum focal length.
The smaller the focal length - the wider the angle.
The smallest focal length (non DSLR) camera is 24 mm.
There are over 25 different cameras available with 24 mm focal length lenses.

In my opinion the best all around camera with 24mm focal length is not in stores yet.
It was just announced earlier this month.

The Canon S100.

It is the update to the very popular Canon S95.
In addition to having a wide angle lens, it is one of the top choices available for low light situations.

Here is a Preview:

http://www.dpreview.com/previews/canons100/

The street price will probably be around $425.
Look for it to be in stores around the end of October.

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Same need but interested in entry level SLR
Oct 2, 2011 10:31PM PDT

I need a camera for real estate and interested in an entry level SLR. Which camera and which lense do I need? Under $1000?

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DSLR
Oct 3, 2011 12:12AM PDT

There is no inexpensive choice if you want a lens that would be wider than the standard 18-55mm lens that comes stock with most DSLR cameras. All entry level and even most enthusiast DSLR cameras use an APS-C sensor, meaning that the 18mm ends up being approximately 28mm. All DSLR lenses wider than 18mm cost more than $1000. The only inexpensive way to get a wide angle shot with a budget DSLR would be to stitch photos together in a panorama using software.

Wider than 18mm aside, if the stock lens is adequate for your needs, Canon, Nikon, Pentax, and Sony all make good entry level DSLR's. It's rather like choosing between Honda, Mazda, Nissa, and Toyota....they're all pretty decent. It just depends on which on you prefer.

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Answer
Sweep Panorama
Sep 21, 2011 2:32PM PDT

There are a few cameras that have a panorama mode that automatically stitches together a series of captures to make one wide image; this would allow you to capture a much wider angle than a wide angle lens...I believe up to 270 degrees. Sweeping in a small bathroom would be impossible, though!

The Panasonic LX5 has an equivalent 24mm wide angle, but a conversion lens is offered that would give you an equivalent 18mm wide. That would not come cheap; the LX5 is a $400+ camera, and the conversion lens plus the required adapter would add another $200.

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Wide angle digital camera
Sep 23, 2011 8:09AM PDT

Thank you for the information. Will check out the camera you're recommending. Any idea who might offer the best prices?

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LX5
Sep 23, 2011 10:39AM PDT

There are a couple of online e-tailers that have the LX5 for about $375 after a instant $50 rebate. I don't know if you can get the conversion lens for much less than the suggested retail. There are non-Panasonic conversion lenses for less, but from what I understand the optical quality is low compared to the factory conversion lens.

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Sale
Sep 24, 2011 8:11AM PDT

Abe's of Maine has the LX5 for $337.95 with coupon code DEALNEWS12

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Answer
Wide angle camera
Sep 23, 2011 8:11AM PDT

Thank you for the information. Will look for the Canon S100. Any idea who has the best prices on digital cameras?

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Regarding Canon S100
Sep 23, 2011 8:51AM PDT

Since this is a new camera, you will not find any bargains for at least 8 months from now.
Here is one site that has it advertised for about $430.
If someone advertises it for much less - be careful.
There are some bait and switch on-line locations that may quote a "low-ball" price.

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/home?O=&N=0&A=endecaSearch&InitialSearch=yes&Q=&Ntt=Canon+S100

I notice that they say it will not be available until November.

....

I just discovered that there is a very old Canon camera with the same model number (S100).
So read any advertisements closely.
The old model S100 is only 2 megapixels.
The new model S100 is 12 megapixels.

..

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Wide Angle Digital Camera
Sep 23, 2011 9:08AM PDT

Thanks for your quick response.

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Answer
Panasonic
Oct 14, 2011 11:32AM PDT

A very versatile pocket camera is the Panasonic Lumix TZ-10!
A must! Because it is a All in One camera with a 24mm lens. A so-called Long Zoom pocket with GPS onboard!
Also the macro option is incredible good!
Anyhow, good luck with your choice.
Boled