Need advise on camera purchase.

Matt_Jr · Dec 27, 2020

To be able to answer the main question a few other things need to answered. What is the intended purpose? Are you trying to take close ups of bugs/flowers, or close ups of people? Are you interested in wildlife, astro, landscaping, or street photography? Are you intending on using the auto settings built within the camera, or are you going to set your own shutter speed, aperture, and ISO (manual mode)? What kind of money are you looking to spend on this camera? Yes, newer cell phones can take fantastic photographs. Especially when you start looking at the sensors on the galaxy s20s, and the zoom capabilities as well. A lot of professional photographers are switching to Sony. The Associated Press has made a huge shift towards Sony. The NFL is making the move too. There's nothing wrong with Nikon, Canon, Fuji, etc.. your preferences may differ. There's nothing wrong with that. But to be able to really answer your question, it helps to know what you're really looking to photograph.

Check this out if you're interested in a little of each type of photography:

Compact Cameras | Small Digital Pocket Cameras | Sony US

They're not cheap, but if you're not trying to be a "pro" it may be the last camera you ever need. I'd find something with a wide range of zoom capabilities if you're undecided. They have one that will reach out to 600mm too.

deserteagle71 · Dec 27, 2020

Matt_Jr said:
To be able to answer the main question a few other things need to answered. What is the intended purpose? Are you trying to take close ups of bugs/flowers, or close ups of people? Are you interested in wildlife, astro, landscaping, or street photography? Are you intending on using the auto settings built within the camera, or are you going to set your own shutter speed, aperture, and ISO (manual mode)? What kind of money are you looking to spend on this camera? Yes, newer cell phones can take fantastic photographs. Especially when you start looking at the sensors on the galaxy s20s, and the zoom capabilities as well. A lot of professional photographers are switching to Sony. The Associated Press has made a huge shift towards Sony. The NFL is making the move too. There's nothing wrong with Nikon, Canon, Fuji, etc.. your preferences may differ. There's nothing wrong with that. But to be able to really answer your question, it helps to know what you're really looking to photograph.

Check this out if you're interested in a little of each type of photography:

Compact Cameras | Small Digital Pocket Cameras | Sony US

They're not cheap, but if you're not trying to be a "pro" it may be the last camera you ever need. I'd find something with a wide range of zoom capabilities if you're undecided. They have one that will reach out to 600mm too.

I love my Sony RX100VI pocket camera. It takes superb photos; it is a true pocket camera and I keep it in my shirt or jacket pocket when out hiking/dirt biking or on the ATV. There is a newer model out now - the RX100VII. Yes, they are expensive but to me, who goes nowhere without a camera, worth every penny. Here's a shot I took south of Mesquite Nevada recently:

TractorGuy · Dec 27, 2020

Oaktree said:
I have a Canon SX 160 I bought 5-6 years ago and am pleased with it. The zoom was a big factor, as well as the fact that it used AA batteries and not some proprietary rechargable. I have not had good luck with rechargeable batteries in cameras, best luck is with lithiums which last a long time. Alkalines, not so much.

There's probably a way to do it, but I haven't figured out how to take night photos (moon, etc.). It does quite well in low light though.

I had a Canon 720is before that used AA batteries. It chewed them up and spit them out. I have been super pleased with the Canon propitiatory battery in my SX530HS. AA batteries can get expensive.