What camera would you recommend?

[bad luck]

My old camera just bit the dust, or maybe the dust bit it. It was a Panasonic Lumix, that was just a little over a year old. I know there must be people here on the forum that know a lot more about these things than I do. So can anyone suggest a good replacement? I think I will get a Gopro later on, but for now I just want to get a simple camera that will last longer, yet still take decent pics. I might get a dslr later on too, but for now just a simple point and shoot will do.

[Mudderoy]

Here's some video I took with a low end Contour camera. I've never been a fan of the GoPro so I went with the Contour.

http://youtu.be/W84mhe3tMAQ

[Mudderoy]

I don't know if YouTube is still processing this but the quality isn't nearly as good as it is playing on my computer.

[Brasscatz]

I use a Nikon L830 at work. It's a bridge camera and I love it. Only about $280 too.
16 megapixel
34x optical zoom
Wide angle lens
Full HD video capability

Sent from my Samsung Galaxy S4 because my microwave couldn't do it

[XJ Wheeler]

I've been using a Panasonic Lumix DMC-FH24 16mp for a few years now and i really like it for day to day stuff. I do wish for more zoom (only 8x) so i may look into that Nikon you use Jim. I would like to have a nicer camera for car shows and other events. But so far with all the abuse i give it the Lumix has held up and i love all the settings it has.

Sent via messenger pigeon - i talk, he types.

[denverd1]

point and shoot? take your pick
DSLR? I've been eyeing the canon rebel t3.

[nickyg]

I use the Kodak one step Polaroid. It's easy to use and I can work on my dance moves while shaking the picture to dry.

[bad luck]

That's cool Nicky. But I don't think we have an antique store here in town, that might have one of those in stock. But those were great back in the day.

[bad luck]

I've been using a Panasonic Lumix DMC-FH24 16mp for a few years now and i really like it for day to day stuff. I do wish for more zoom (only 8x) so i may look into that Nikon you is Jim. I would like to have a nicer camera for car shows and other events. But so far with all the abuse i give it the Lumix has held up and i love all the settings it has.

Sent via messenger pigeon - i talk, he types.

Hi Jake, I checked out the Nikon that Jim suggested at Amazon. But I don't know how durable it would be. I'm glad your Lumix has held up for you, but I think mine got dust or dirt in it. It won't zoom at all, and when I turn it on it gives a message to turn it off and back on again. I take it through the canyons, where it gets a beating, and dust, dirt, and water, sometimes. I have been looking at the Olympus tough tg2 camera. It is good to 50 feet underwater, drop proof to 7 feet, and crush proof, and freeze proof to -10 degrees. I just wish I could cook omelets on it. But really I think I might give it a try. Thank you for the advice.

[bad luck]

I don't know if YouTube is still processing this but the quality isn't nearly as good as it is playing on my computer.

I will check out the Contour cam when I get ready to buy one. I also want to check on Sony's new action cam. Thanks for the advice Tony, Oh yeah I like that video you linked. I guess you stopped and cleaned the mud off the lens every once in a while.

[bad luck]

I use a Nikon L830 at work. It's a bridge camera and I love it. Only about $280 too.
16 megapixel
34x optical zoom
Wide angle lens
Full HD video capability

Sent from my Samsung Galaxy S4 because my microwave couldn't do it

That looks like a really nice camera Jim, but I doubt if it would take the abuse that I would give it. My body can hardly take the abuse sometimes. I might get that later on though instead of a dslr. Thank you for the advice, I really appreciate it.

[bad luck]

point and shoot? take your pick
DSLR? I've been eyeing the canon rebel t3.

I'm not ready to get a dslr yet, but if you get one I would love to know how well it works out for you. Thanks for the help Denver.

[Brasscatz]

That looks like a really nice camera Jim, but I doubt if it would take the abuse that I would give it. My body can hardly take the abuse sometimes. I might get that later on though instead of a dslr. Thank you for the advice, I really appreciate it.

Well, it depends on what kind of abuse you're going to put it through lol. My guys abuse the crap out of these and they hold up fairly well. Probably only have to replace them once a year for some people and others never need replacement. You gotta think we shoot probably 200,000 or so photos a year with these and we're getting in and out of cars with it swinging on our necks. We have the very seldom flash bulb that burns out, then people drop them. If you drop them just right, they will break, but half the time they are just fine.

I will also say that the L830 is the newest model and it has the LCD screen that you can move around. Durability on that is yet to be seen. The model before was the L820 and was a very durable camera. I even took it to Scotland last year on my vacation (shhh, don't tell my company lol)

Again, this will all depend on what abuse you'll put it through.

[Brasscatz]

A few examples of what this camera can do



http://i356.photobucket.com/albums/oo7/thestalliontruck/061_zpsc64fcb38.jpg (http://s356.photobucket.com/user/thestalliontruck/media/061_zpsc64fcb38.jpg.html)


http://i356.photobucket.com/albums/oo7/thestalliontruck/031_zps92454bbe.jpg (http://s356.photobucket.com/user/thestalliontruck/media/031_zps92454bbe.jpg.html)


This one was shot from at least 500 yards away


http://i356.photobucket.com/albums/oo7/thestalliontruck/LochLevencastle_zpsc6735c7c.jpg (http://s356.photobucket.com/user/thestalliontruck/media/LochLevencastle_zpsc6735c7c.jpg.html)


http://i356.photobucket.com/albums/oo7/thestalliontruck/Monument_zps0aafdb65.jpg (http://s356.photobucket.com/user/thestalliontruck/media/Monument_zps0aafdb65.jpg.html)

http://i356.photobucket.com/albums/oo7/thestalliontruck/Edinburoughcastle_zpsaa39e233.jpg (http://s356.photobucket.com/user/thestalliontruck/media/Edinburoughcastle_zpsaa39e233.jpg.html)

http://i356.photobucket.com/albums/oo7/thestalliontruck/abbey_zps5ae33268.jpg (http://s356.photobucket.com/user/thestalliontruck/media/abbey_zps5ae33268.jpg.html)


Yes, this is the castle that was used in every castle scene in Monty Python and the Holy Grail. It will also be used in the upcoming Stars Network series "Outlander"


http://i356.photobucket.com/albums/oo7/thestalliontruck/Dunecastle_zpsa8dd8c1e.jpg (http://s356.photobucket.com/user/thestalliontruck/media/Dunecastle_zpsa8dd8c1e.jpg.html)

http://i356.photobucket.com/albums/oo7/thestalliontruck/Ballachulish_zps50ca4708.jpg (http://s356.photobucket.com/user/thestalliontruck/media/Ballachulish_zps50ca4708.jpg.html)


http://i356.photobucket.com/albums/oo7/thestalliontruck/ScottishBroom_zps44aebf74.jpg (http://s356.photobucket.com/user/thestalliontruck/media/ScottishBroom_zps44aebf74.jpg.html)

[XJ Wheeler]

Hi Jake, I checked out the Nikon that Jim suggested at Amazon. But I don't know how durable it would be. I'm glad your Lumix has held up for you, but I think mine got dust or dirt in it. It won't zoom at all, and when I turn it on it gives a message to turn it off and back on again. I take it through the canyons, where it gets a beating, and dust, dirt, and water, sometimes. I have been looking at the Olympus tough tg2 camera. It is good to 50 feet underwater, drop proof to 7 feet, and crush proof, and freeze proof to -10 degrees. I just wish I could cook omelets on it. But really I think I might give it a try. Thank you for the advice.

I agree then, the type of camera i use wouldn't be a good idea for all that dust. I know mine has a few specks behind the lense already and i generally try to keep this one out of the dirt. I have dropped it several times. My last cam ended up having what sounds like the same problem as yours be i hit to corner or twist the lense a little and it will work some. I mainly use that one now for projects on the jeep so i don't get the newer one dirty.

Two things i will always do when purchasing a new digital camera... Make sure it uses a SD card (xd is more expensive and harder to come by) and make sure the battery is replaceable and not too expensive. A quick search on amazon or ebay can verify how much a replacement battery is. I've bought a spare battery for both my cameras and they are usually about $10. And only by a replacement from the cameras manufacturer (unless one isn't available). For the most part knock off batteries seem to have bad reviews.

Sent via messenger pigeon - i talk, he types.

[Brasscatz]

Jake just brought up another awesome point. The L830 uses 4 AA batteries. Can be Lithium, Alkaline, or rechargeable. I absolutely LOVE this feature because camera batteries are expensive! Also takes an SD card ;)

Sent from my Samsung Galaxy S4 because my microwave couldn't do it

[bad luck]

A few examples of what this camera can do



http://i356.photobucket.com/albums/oo7/thestalliontruck/061_zpsc64fcb38.jpg (http://s356.photobucket.com/user/thestalliontruck/media/061_zpsc64fcb38.jpg.html)


http://i356.photobucket.com/albums/oo7/thestalliontruck/031_zps92454bbe.jpg (http://s356.photobucket.com/user/thestalliontruck/media/031_zps92454bbe.jpg.html)


This one was shot from at least 500 yards away


http://i356.photobucket.com/albums/oo7/thestalliontruck/LochLevencastle_zpsc6735c7c.jpg (http://s356.photobucket.com/user/thestalliontruck/media/LochLevencastle_zpsc6735c7c.jpg.html)


http://i356.photobucket.com/albums/oo7/thestalliontruck/Monument_zps0aafdb65.jpg (http://s356.photobucket.com/user/thestalliontruck/media/Monument_zps0aafdb65.jpg.html)

http://i356.photobucket.com/albums/oo7/thestalliontruck/Edinburoughcastle_zpsaa39e233.jpg (http://s356.photobucket.com/user/thestalliontruck/media/Edinburoughcastle_zpsaa39e233.jpg.html)

http://i356.photobucket.com/albums/oo7/thestalliontruck/abbey_zps5ae33268.jpg (http://s356.photobucket.com/user/thestalliontruck/media/abbey_zps5ae33268.jpg.html)


Yes, this is the castle that was used in every castle scene in Monty Python and the Holy Grail. It will also be used in the upcoming Stars Network series "Outlander"


http://i356.photobucket.com/albums/oo7/thestalliontruck/Dunecastle_zpsa8dd8c1e.jpg (http://s356.photobucket.com/user/thestalliontruck/media/Dunecastle_zpsa8dd8c1e.jpg.html)

http://i356.photobucket.com/albums/oo7/thestalliontruck/Ballachulish_zps50ca4708.jpg (http://s356.photobucket.com/user/thestalliontruck/media/Ballachulish_zps50ca4708.jpg.html)


http://i356.photobucket.com/albums/oo7/thestalliontruck/ScottishBroom_zps44aebf74.jpg (http://s356.photobucket.com/user/thestalliontruck/media/ScottishBroom_zps44aebf74.jpg.html)

Wow! that camera really does take nice pictures. Do you work at the BMW dealer? That would be awesome if you get to drive some of those cars. And I really liked the pictures of your trip to Scotland, did you do a trip report about it? If you did I want to go back and read it. I may get one of those later on instead of a dslr. Thanks again.

[XJ Wheeler]

Wow! that camera really does take nice pictures. Do you work at the BMW dealer? That would be awesome if you get to drive some of those cars. And I really liked the pictures of your trip to Scotland, did you do a trip report about it? If you did I want to go back and read it. I may get one of those later on instead of a dslr. Thanks again.

He's lucky. Gets to drive some really cool stuff!

Sent via messenger pigeon - i talk, he types.

[Brasscatz]

Wow! that camera really does take nice pictures. Do you work at the BMW dealer? That would be awesome if you get to drive some of those cars. And I really liked the pictures of your trip to Scotland, did you do a trip report about it? If you did I want to go back and read it. I may get one of those later on instead of a dslr. Thanks again.

Thanks man. I actually work for AutoNation. I visit all the AutoNation stores in South Texas not just the BMW stores. Yep! I get to drive all the cars :D oh the pictures I could share lol.

I didn't do a trip report, but maybe I should do that sometime. My wife kept a trip diary while we were over there, I'll see if she'd be interested in sharing it. We'll be going to Ireland this July, so I'll try to keep track.

[07Negative]

Send the camera in for a cleaning. I have the same point & shoot. They're really good cameras.

And it's the person taking the picture that results in good images. I use plastic Holga's with good result. It's not the camera that takes good pix.

[XJ Wheeler]

Thanks man. I actually work for AutoNation. I visit all the AutoNation stores in South Texas not just the BMW stores. Yep! I get to drive all the cars :D oh the pictures I could share lol.

I didn't do a trip report, but maybe I should do that sometime. My wife kept a trip diary while we were over there, I'll see if she'd be interested in sharing it. We'll be going to Ireland this July, so I'll try to keep track.

Didn't know that! She must have decided it was time it was her turn to pick? :p

Sent via messenger pigeon - i talk, he types.

[Brasscatz]

Didn't know that! She must have decided it was time it was her turn to pick? :p

Sent via messenger pigeon - i talk, he types.

Lol, she picked both trips ;) I use them as leverage to buy jeep stuff... Lol

Sent from my Samsung Galaxy S4 because my microwave couldn't do it

[XJ Wheeler]

Lol, she picked both trips ;) I use them as leverage to buy jeep stuff... Lol

Sent from my Samsung Galaxy S4 because my microwave couldn't do it

Good thinking! I thought you got to pick Scot because your heritage.

Sent via messenger pigeon - i talk, he types.

[bad luck]

I agree then, the type of camera i use wouldn't be a good idea for all that dust. I know mine has a few specks behind the lense already and i generally try to keep this one out of the dirt. I have dropped it several times. My last cam ended up having what sounds like the same problem as yours be i hit to corner or twist the lense a little and it will work some. I mainly use that one now for projects on the jeep so i don't get the newer one dirty.

Two things i will always do when purchasing a new digital camera... Make sure it uses a SD card (xd is more expensive and harder to come by) and make sure the battery is replaceable and not too expensive. A quick search on amazon or ebay can verify how much a replacement battery is. I've bought a spare battery for both my cameras and they are usually about $10. And only by a replacement from the cameras manufacturer (unless one isn't available). For the most part knock off batteries seem to have bad reviews.

Sent via messenger pigeon - i talk, he types.
I think that's a great idea about the batteries it would be so nice to have at least one extra, maybe even two. I will be sure to get original batteries when I do get them. And I do want a camera that takes sd cards, I have two or three left over from that Lumix camera that I had. Well I just want to thank you again for the valuable advice. And I'll let you know what I end up buying.

[XJ Wheeler]

I think that's a great idea about the batteries it would be so nice to have at least one extra, maybe even two. I will be sure to get original batteries when I do get them. And I do want a camera that takes sd cards, I have two or three left over from that Lumix camera that I had. Well I just want to thank you again for the valuable advice. And I'll let you know what I end up buying.

Anytime Bob! Just passing along what has taken me too long to learn. :rolleyes:

Sent via messenger pigeon - i talk, he types.

[bad luck]

Send the camera in for a cleaning. I have the same point & shoot. They're really good cameras.

And it's the person taking the picture that results in good images. I use plastic Holga's with good result. It's not the camera that takes good pix.

I know your right about the photographer being more important than the camera. I'm going to try to get better pictures from now on, but I don't think I have the patience to wait for hours for the light to be just right, like the really good photographers do. I don't know what plastic Holga's are. Is that a disposable camera? I want something that can take a lot of abuse, yet still take good pictures. As I mentioned earlier I think I will get an Olympus tough camera. I don't know if it is worth sending my old Lumix camera in to be cleaned, because it wasn't that expensive to begin with, and it still won't stand up to being in sand, dust, mud and water that I go through sometimes.

[denverd1]

I'm not ready to get a dslr yet, but if you get one I would love to know how well it works out for you. Thanks for the help Denver.

I got an older one. A Canon, IIRC its like 6MP or something, my cell phone has better res at this point. It depends on what you're doing with it. Shooting low light with no flash, portraits and landscapes or some sort of published shit you can't go wrong with a DSLR. especially if you have good command and understanding of what a few basic functions do and how to use them.

If you're documenting stuff, snapping a pic when you get to the top of the mountain, snapping pics out of the jeep window, selfies or whatever else, the size and weight of a DSLR is HUGE pain in the ass. a good point and shoot wins out every time. If you're shooting lightening, want any sort of stop motion, low light and hi res stuff, then a DSLR is the only thing for the job. They're getting smaller and more portable, but still huge compared to newer point and shoots.

Two completely different tools for completely different jobs.

I will say that I've been through 2 samsung point and shoots. Best buy has been great (i.e. really stupid) about replacing them. THe first took a salt-water (Haha!! I was wondering why that got bleeped!!) bath and died a corrosive painful death. Replaced. Current one has some issue that requires a battery pull about every other time to get it to power on. I typically like samsung stuff. have had phones, tvs, etc. Cameras: AVOID.

I think Nikon has a new offering that has various lenses you can change. That was really cool. may be worth checking out

[Mudderoy]

I will check out the Contour cam when I get ready to buy one. I also want to check on Sony's new action cam. Thanks for the advice Tony, Oh yeah I like that video you linked. I guess you stopped and cleaned the mud off the lens every once in a while.

That was Matt and Matt's Jeep, msmoorenburg.

[bad luck]

I got an older one. A Canon, IIRC its like 6MP or something, my cell phone has better res at this point. It depends on what you're doing with it. Shooting low light with no flash, portraits and landscapes or some sort of published shit you can't go wrong with a DSLR. especially if you have good command and understanding of what a few basic functions do and how to use them.

If you're documenting stuff, snapping a pic when you get to the top of the mountain, snapping pics out of the jeep window, selfies or whatever else, the size and weight of a DSLR is HUGE pain in the ass. a good point and shoot wins out every time. If you're shooting lightening, want any sort of stop motion, low light and hi res stuff, then a DSLR is the only thing for the job. They're getting smaller and more portable, but still huge compared to newer point and shoots.

Two completely different tools for completely different jobs.

I will say that I've been through 2 samsung point and shoots. Best buy has been great (i.e. really stupid) about replacing them. THe first took a salt-water (Haha!! I was wondering why that got bleeped!!) bath and died a corrosive painful death. Replaced. Current one has some issue that requires a battery pull about every other time to get it to power on. I typically like samsung stuff. have had phones, tvs, etc. Cameras: AVOID.

I think Nikon has a new offering that has various lenses you can change. That was really cool. may be worth checking out

The ideal would be to have a DSLR, and a Gopro or equivalent, and a nice point and shoot camera. So I just ordered the point and shoot, that I want, and I need to do some research on the action movie cameras some more. My wife might get me one. And the DSLR will have to wait for a while. I buy almost everything I need from the internet, because the closest Best Buy or even Wal-Mart is 120 miles away. But that's awesome that Best Buy would honor the warranty. Thanks for the advice, if I was home enough I would try to do like you do and brew my own beer too.LOL