Recommend a good compact for ~$200

[ozreth]

Hi there,

I recently got into taking pictures and have been using an Olympus Stylus Epic that I came across. I'm really enjoying both photography and the small size of this camera, but would like to try my hand at digital as well, while retaining the small size of the camera. So, what are some go to digital compacts for beginners that might satisfy me for some time to come?

Thanks!

 

[f16sunshine]

Fuji X10 if you're lucky maybe even a Fuji x20.

Both have viewfinders, small sensor but larger aperture lenses. Save RAW files.
Some of the Canon G-series cameras are becoming inexpensive and are still quite good.

 

[ozreth]

Fuji X10 if you're lucky maybe even a Fuji x20.

Both have viewfinders, small sensor but larger aperture lenses. Save RAW files.
Some of the Canon G-series cameras are becoming inexpensive and are still quite good.

This is a good start! Thanks. Looks like the Fuji x10 is near my price range, and I like the way it looks, although I have to admit I don't know much about this as Im very new to photography.

 

[ozreth]

This one seems too cheap, is it somehow a different model?
http://m.bonanza.com/listings/excel...k3xQ5NaoN4u_8038JkJSySZ6DjW4qHJrLnxoC6nPw_wcB

 

[rhl-oregon]

Same camera. X10 is a very good choice. The phrase "gateway drug" springs to mind, though, considering the other fabulous Fuji X choices that exist between $200 and $1000. You really can't go wrong with Fuji X cameras

Use google to search Fuji X 10 images, or other small digitals you're considering. Search for the manual, and user reviews, too, if you want to really be a prepared shopper.

 

[xenohip]

You might look at an Olympus XZ-10.

If you want to get serious fast, how about a used Sigma DP2 (the original, not the later Merrill or Quattro)?

Disclaimer: haven't used either one, though I did own a Sigma DP1 for a while.

 

[Addy101]

A Canon S100 (or, if affordable, S110 or S120) - small and before the onslaught of the (Sony) 1" compacts, about the best compact camera you could get. It is (much) smaller then the X10 (X20) others mentioned. If size is important, I would choose the Canon.

 

[shawn]

Coolpix A refurb from Nikon. They go on sale for 270. DSLR camera quality with a very good 28mm (fov) lens.

Shawn

 

[B-9]

+1 for the Canon S100,

Got my mom one, she loves it. Takes great photo's quick and easy.

 

[Vics]

I bought, as a first digital, a Sony a200 and an 18-50mm zoom for $189 from KEH.com. 6- or 7-yr-old 10mp cameras are cheap and quite capable. Here are some examples of body-only cameras. The lenses for these will be around $60.
https://www.keh.com/search/list?n=129&mp[]=10.0&category[]=Bodies

 

[TXForester]

I have Canon G15 that I really like. It has nice features.

Here is a sample from an overnight camp on a job I'm doing.

 

[FrankS]

I bought my Fuji XQ1 used for around $200Cdn.

 

[sevres_babylone]

The Panasonic LX7 is sometimes (as recently as Boxing Day) on sale at B&H for $277 or lower). If you can wait, you could keep checking. (It's $380 today, which is too much for it--if only because you'll probably see it for a lot less as soon as you buy it). A lot of manual controls, if that is important for you, as a pretty wide aperture at it's long end.)

 

[uhoh7]

Used Nex 5?

 

[AlexBG]

MK1 RX100

Love mine, wouldn't use any of the extra functions of the mark 2/3/4 so if my mk1 dies or gets lost then I would still get another mk1.

 

[sevres_babylone]

Just a heads up. The LX7 is just under $250 at B&H today. Excellent value.

 

[Penceler]

+ another 1 on the X10, X20 if you look hard.

John

 

[kuzano]

Check your local pawn shop....

Check your local pawn shop....

I stopped in at "Cash Connection" and they had a Panasonic GF3 with Lumix 14-42 Mega OIS lens with an $89 price tag on it. I asked for $15 off. They said $10. Came with manual, battery charger, battery, and 5 day to check it out.

Worked perfect. This was a Panasonic similar to the Oly E-PL1 w/12.1 Mp.

Charged the battery, put in a memory card and it does exactly what YOU want to do.

$79

Pawn shop... Get the Picture... HA HA!! (Pun in there somewhere?)

I just sold the body for what I paid for the kit. I like the lens, but I want to get a 16mp 4:3, something like the E-PL5 for about $200. Probably from a pawn shop.

I'm seeing all these great suggestions... too much camera and too much money for what you asked to be able to do.

Perhaps you don't have pawn shops in your area, but.... they are legal businesses where they occur.

 

[Ruhayat]

So many compacts to choose from, but my personal favourites have been the following:

1. Panasonic LX7 -- fast lens, will also give you great video

2. Nikon V1 -- superb high speed shooter, analogue-looking JPEGs, and the video features are really good, too

3. Canon EOS-M -- the 22mm lens is top rate, you basically get a real DSLR engine in a mirrorless package (except for the autofocus), and yes, the videos are really, really good

4. Fuji X10 -- I liked it better than the X100 in terms of ergonomics and the viewfinder

5. Panasonic GF1 -- just point, and shoot; I had the G1 before it and I didn't like it, too small and fiddly and the viewfinder induces motion sickness

So far I have not been impressed with the Sony cameras I have used -- too complex for my analogue brain. Same goes for the Olympus compacts -- why do you even need so many hidden options?

 

[BillBingham2]

The Ricoh GRD III will spoil you for life. You can buy a large fast SD card for what's left of your $200.

The entire GR line film to digital has epitomized the best in user handling and great glass. Not always the bleeding edge in technology, but images are wonderful.

B2 (;->