My wife and I are looking to get a good quality camera, without spending a ton of money (recently married). Neither of us have ever had any nice cameras before, but with more traveling in the near future. We would like to get something that works well with travel, hunting, fishing (cold weather) etc. The budget is around $600. I have been reading past and present discussions also. Any help is appreciated. Thank you.

Hi beaver,

The Panasonic FZ200 is a lot of camera for the money. Leica has the same camera, but costs more. Good luck.

Thanks, I will take a look at that. I have been doing a lot of reading on the Canon G16. Anybody have one that can verify?

Are you looking for a pocket camera? Or would a larger camera, a little more dedicated to serious photography, be something you are interested in? There are some interesting bridge cameras, like the Nikon P900, that would be good wildlife cameras as well as some of the mirrorless small sensor interchangeable lens cameras.

I do not think that I need the larger, more serious camera, for my needs. Less bulky the better (to an extent)..Just something of a quality build that can take quality pictures out to a decent distance, with a decent price. I understand that the above statement is a give and take, but I guess i'm looking for something in the middle of the road. Thanks

All the cameras in this link can give good results.

http://www.pocket-lint.com/new...ailable-to-buy-today

I happen to own a Canon Powershot S95, a couple of versions back from the current S120, and I don't feel the need to trade up. Mine has been and continues to be a great little camera.

quote:

Originally posted by impala#03:
Hi beaver,

The Panasonic FZ200 is a lot of camera for the money. Leica has the same camera, but costs more. Good luck.

i agree. i got the idea of buying one from Saeed after seeing all the beautiful pictures he takes and posts here with this camera. well pleased. the lens are made by Leica but the camera is slightly different and a LOT cheaper!

Ordered the Panasonic FZ200 over the weekend. Pretty excited, should have it by tomorrow. Now just to learn how to use it..looks a bit more complicated than my smart phone camera or OLD digital one! Thanks for the replies.

I bet it will be easier than you think. Good choice. good luck.

I would have suggested you just upgrade to an Iphone 6+, or a 10" tablet. I used Hasselblads for more than twenty years. These take better pictures unless you need a telephoto or macro lens.

Received the camera yesterday, started playing around with it and learning for a little bit last night. WOW, talk about detail and sharpness. Without knowing much of anything about photography, some of the pictures that were taken are amazing..very impressed! Alot easier to use than I thought..being in my 20's, everyone tells me that we are the "technology generation",hell i just switched from a flip phone not long ago! Thanks for the suggestions and replys.

quote:

Originally posted by Idaho Sharpshooter:
I would have suggested you just upgrade to an Iphone 6+, or a 10" tablet. I used Hasselblads for more than twenty years. These take better pictures unless you need a telephoto or macro lens.

The iPhone and some of the Samsung phones have real nice cameras built in.

I was floored by the pics from the Samsung 5 until i tried an iPhone 6. pics are not any better but i could take 4-5 pics a second with the iPhone.

The problem with all cameras built today is that they do not have bellows systems in them with independent front and rear attachments for lenses and film.

Because of this you will not be able to get proper perspectives when you photograph because your camera does not see the way your eyes see.

quote:

Originally posted by lindy2:
The problem with all cameras built today is that they do not have bellows systems in them with independent front and rear attachments for lenses and film.

Because of this you will not be able to get proper perspectives when you photograph because your camera does not see the way your eyes see.

Wrong, for a variety of reasons. But first thing wrong, there are view cameras still being made and available today, not counting the countless used cameras:

http://www.canhamcameras.com/


http://www.deardorffcameras.com/


http://rodklukas.com/arca-swiss/

http://www.ebay.com/sch/Large-...5230/bn_81664/i.html


If your comment is about perspective control, many modern camera companies offer lenses with perspective control which work on modern digital and film cameras:

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/...pective_control_lens

http://www.nikonians.org/revie...ol-tilt-shift-lenses

But bellows attachments, if you really need one, are available, if only for macro photography:

https://www.novoflex.com/en/pr...tachment-castbal-ts/


https://support.nikonusa.com/a...n-digital-slr-camera


But today you can do better with software and correct the lens' distortion and other aberrations, all the while choosing the perspective control you want:

http://www.dxo.com/us/photogra...photos-dxo-viewpoint

And lastly, when was a view camera considered a beginner's or first time camera? I only ask since it was the OP's question.

I can choose among a multitude of film tonality and color renderings with software such as DxO, with far greater options than film ever presented, with greater dynamic range and more control than film cameras ever offered. I think you haven't been keeping up with current events. And DxO isn't the only one:

http://captureonestyles.com/?g...bDlMcCFSfHtAodwaABLw

At the risk of seeming pedantic rather than helpful, no camera sees the way your eyes see.

Well stated Wink.