need advice: buying my first camera

[memphis]

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Leica lens matters..


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[macdrive007]

In terms of sensor size here is the ranking: (from biggest to smallest)

1. DSLR Full Frame (FX) - Nikon D3s, D700, Canon 5D
2/3. DSLR DX - Nikon D300s, D7000, D90, Canon 50D, 7D
2/3. NEX - Sony
4. Micro 4/3 - Panasonic GF1, GF2, Olympus...
5. LX5/S95/LX3/S90

Think of sensor size as the size of a condo apartment. It doesn't matter how many appliances you can buy if you don't have enough space. Likewise, it doesn't matter how many megapixels you have if your sensor is small. Hence, bigger sensor size is better.

All of the above cameras except the lowest ranking (5) need separate lenses, which adds to cost. Hence the LX5 & S95 (& the older LX3 & S90) are recommended for the budget user - they provide a bigger sensor compared to regular point & shoot cameras but their built-in lenses have wide-angle & lowlight capability (both are expensive lenses for the upper 4).

The micro 4/3 were a hit just a while ago for providing bigger sensors, but are now eclipsed by the bigger sensor of the NEX. However, those who love the LX5 & LX3 feel comfortable with the GF1 & GF2. The revolution in these competing formats is they are trying to push a future replacement for DSLRs: pro cams that are smaller but have the same or better quality, with no more moving parts inside. Maybe in a few more years they will get there, but they are still currently below DSLRs*. (*You may ask about NEX cameras from master danielg, see his photos at the NEX thread).

But DSLRs are still the professional choice, for now. Full Frames are very expensive so for those starting out, DX are the more affordable choice.

Go for number 5 if you want a 20k budget small good performing cam for lowlight & wide angle. Go for micro 4/3 or NEX if you want to join the revolution (& if you have a bigger budget). Go for DSLRs if you want the traditional choice of professionals and if you have enough funds to buy lenses (expensive hobby).

@leninmac: 19k is the lowest grey market price I've seen for an LX5. Prices go up or down every now and then. Your concern here is the assurance of warranty (at least store warranty) plus the freebies. If it's 21k but with better warranty & freebies, it's worth it. For freebies, canvass them too so you'll know if you want to buy them separately instead: GGS screen protector, camera case, SDHC card, wrist strap, JJC lens cover.

[johnnydu]

It really boils down to your use - for use in photography classes just to fill in requirements, maybe you don't have to spend too much unless you really want to get into photography after taking up those classes so pretty much my advice is to get something that you'll use when the course is done.

Unless you have friends/family into photography where you can borrow cameras from, its really good to experience it before you invest in it. Most great cameras to shoot with are not so cheap these days so you really have to be sure before you invest in one.

BTW, since I am using an S95, I do recommend it - it is a bit on the expensive side though, but it is like having a DSLR in your pocket. It takes really great DSLR quality photos without the bulkiness. I think it can shoot RAW also, but I haven't tried it so in case you'll need Photoshop retouching, it'll be friendly enough for those.

[rflores]

give us your budget and this will be a lot easier..

[darkgreen]

thank you guys!

i'm not really gonna be a professional photographer or something, but i think it can be my hobby/past time. i might consider a dslr based on what macdrive007 said.

what's a GOOD and cheap entry level dslr now a days?
and what's the difference between DSLR DX and DSLR FX? aside from the FX having a bigger sensor size.

give us your budget and this will be a lot easier..

originally was only planning to save around 20-25k only for the LX5 or S95 but I can go as high as 30-40k if the price difference is worth it.

[macdrive007]

^give yourself about 46k and you might be able to search for a brand new Nikon D90 with 18-105mm kit lens (you might find cheaper used units from upgrading users in the buy&sell market). You must be an eager learner and wouldn't mind the size & weight to maximize your investment. Otherwise, "the camera you have with you is the best camera" - which means if you won't bring the DSLR and use it, it's better if you bought something you would rather bring and use...

the Nikon D5000 is cheaper at about 30k (with a movable screen monitor feature), but I personally wouldn't go below a D90.

you wouldn't want to buy a DSLR FX camera for your use. reason: price starts at about 100k body only without lenses.

further reading: http://www.nikond700.com/nikon-d700-...the-fx-sensor/

[danielg]

BTW Fr. Allen, The Sony NEX system uses the same sensor size as the Nikon DX cameras. In fact, Sony manufactures Nikon DSLR's sensors (both FX and DX)

[macdrive007]

BTW Fr. Allen, The Sony NEX system uses the same sensor size as the Nikon DX cameras. In fact, Sony manufactures Nikon DSLR's sensors (both FX and DX)

The master has spoken. I stand corrected...

[shaven]

so NEX is basically better than LX5 and S95? sorry not into photography...

how much are the NEX?

[carlodude]

This is a good review if you're planning a serious compact.

LX5 vs. S95 vs. P300