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October, 2024

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Any idea for a decent camera under 500$ and not slr?

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I_Am_Mod
Posts: 13214 - Karma: 3,753
So my camera got stolen last month and i need a new one so i can do reports at local ski events and trips.

I used to be really set on a DSLR but i know myself and i'm never going to use it to it's full potential so i want something that shoots decent pictures and video which are good enough for semi-professional use.

Another thing is that i want something semi-compact because i want to take it around everywhere.

and my budget is anywhere from 100$-500$ all incl.

for example the Sony Nex and canon eos M series have some things in my price range and after having worked with the Nex a few times i'm really convinced this is a whole lot of camera in a very small package ...
Sep 26 2013 6:37AM
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Belzebub
Posts: 451 - Karma: 812
Sony rx100
Sep 26 2013 6:52AM
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No.Quarter
Posts: 5257 - Karma: 16,962
NOT the eos M, just don't, it sucks in comparison to other mirrorless.

I have a NEX 3 and i really like it
Sep 26 2013 9:21AM
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zahava
Posts: 7791 - Karma: 12,039
Sony RX100
Canon g15 (I have)
Fuji x20
Panasonic LX7
etc.

Really any larger sensor and fast lens P&S will produce good images, shooting RAW and taking an EVF are both advantages in my opinion..

OR go film and get a Contax t2, lol.
Sep 26 2013 12:20PM
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Laurent.
Posts: 10056 - Karma: 25,313
Compact: Canon S120.
Slighly larger: Sony RX100.
Slightly larger then that: Fuji X10.
And the big ass Panasonic FZ-200, why include this one? That 25-600mm equivalent Leica branded lens with F2.8 across the zoom range.
Sep 26 2013 1:21PM
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TaranItUp
Posts: 1313 - Karma: 802
What's wrong with the Canon EOS M? Seems like a solid camera for the price, I need a smaller mirror less camera to put on my heli.
Sep 26 2013 4:39PM
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captainEMERICA
Posts: 1386 - Karma: 122
Ive got a Canon Vixia HFS 100 with a fisheye I'm selling in that price range.
Sep 26 2013 4:46PM
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PacificRimJob
Posts: 24725 - Karma: 29,944
You can get a lot for 500$.

A good friend of mine just picked up an Olympus EPL2 with a 20 f1.7 and a 14-42 kit lens for 400. There's a lot of great options out there.

Hell, you might even be able to pick up a used x100 for around 500 if you look hard enough.
Sep 26 2013 5:49PM
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division.bell
Posts: 2762 - Karma: 1,905
I bought an RX100 earlier this year to have a decent compact camera on hand when I am out and about and have been really enjoying it for the most part. It takes better pictures than I was originally expecting, but I am just not a fan of Sony's menus (primary camera is Canon 50D).
Sep 26 2013 7:22PM
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DrZoidberg
Posts: 5675 - Karma: 4,268
I have an s110, which is similar, and I love it. I've shot with lots of different cameras, 35mm, 120, large format, dlsrs. This is one of my favorites. It's small, actually fits in a pocket, and I have no issues with image quality. Full manual controls, RAW, all the good stuff. There's tons of images from it on my flickr. It's a great camera.

Also, they're already on s120 now? Wow.
Sep 29 2013 12:56PM
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plorr
Posts: 3131 - Karma: 528
Thats an insanely good deal. I was going to suggest a similar setup.

Look around for a cheaper used Micro 4/3 body like a Panasonic GX-1 or Olympus EPL2. Theres lots of great lenses for Micro 4/3, so you'll be able to expand your lens setup and/or upgrade bodies later on if you decide you want to get a little more serious. Specifically, the Panasonic 20mm f1.7 is great, and very compact. A GX-1 or EPL2 with a 20 1.7 would take great pictures in any light and be very pocketable.
Sep 29 2013 5:11PM
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