Need new camera?

[Wilbur]

I am possibly in the market for a better camera than I currently use which is Nikon S6000, since batter life sucks and night time isn't so hot but I'm happy with daytime pictures. Mainly the only thing I take pictures of will be Motorsports. I've researched but reviews sometimes scare me away even from good camera.

Things I'd like are viewfinder if possible, 10x + zoom, and low light performance. I can over come slower shutter speed I think.

One camera I've looked at was Fujifilm Finepix S4300 since it seems good and price is at $180 right now. I'm trying to keep it at $200 or less (I know that's cheap but I'm not a heavy photographer and want something nicer than what I have without going to DSLR which is way over my head).

Any advice would be awesome and input to other models. I will say I'm not a huge fan of the menu of my Nikon as I get lost.

 

[Carlos]

DSLR is never over your head. Read your inself into it and try to score a second hand DSLR. A 'crappy' DSLR is (almost/always) better than the general digital camera.

My dad owns 2 old Nikons, a D70 and D100. Both better than what you want because everything is possible with DSLR. Only obstacle you have are lenses, but those don't have to be expensive and if you search you'll probably find one with a zoom lens for sale. (70-300 or something like that)..

 

[Wilbur]

Well reason I say it's over my head is because I don't ever use a camera outside auto mode because it's confusing for me to understand but I am slowly learning things but no real world experience to know what works better.

Any DSLR to look out for that normally would be good starter that is within my budget? I don't mind only have one or two lens right now.

Edit: I do have a film Pentax that has few lens, but I don't know if they are good or can be used. I got it as a gift but film part scared me not knowing what was best.

 

[wfooshee]

Film is expensive. 8 or 10 bucks for a roll of film, plus another 8 to 15 bucks for processing. For all of 24 shots! Film is fun to use, and when "digital" meant 10,000 dollars for a single megapixel it was the only way to go, but it's not for everyday stuff any more.

Film will teach you how to use a camera, though!!!! No do-overs, no instant feedback on the screen. Set the camera, compose the shot, take notes, shoot, and wait to see what comes back.

As for dSLR, I won't start the brand war, as they all have models comparable to each other. You'll be set with the brand once you start, though, because you'll be able to upgrade the body as money allows, but the lenses you'll have to keep.

You should easily find a 6-MP dSLR with at least one lens for under 300 bucks, maybe down around 200, but if it were 200, I'd suspect something not being right somewhere.

First thing you'll find with a dSLR compared to compacts is that they're FAST. You push the button and it takes the picture. Focus, metering, and shutter, all in a fraction of a second. The picture you wanted doesn't drive past while the camera thinks any more!

 

[Wilbur]

Thanks, I wasn't really worried about brand as everyone has their favorites for their own reasons but I was doing some quick research on Pentax since I already have couple lens for one.

It looks like possibly the 10D would be a good choice, I'm sure I will be over my head at first but the camera I have now I have to plan more for one shot than just taking them which annoys me and battery life is limited to about 250-300 depending on how many times I actually use it. Granted I don't take many more than that but I just would like some nicer pictures overall.

 

[Jiggins]

I think you go for a DSLR, they have become so cheap lately. You can pick up an 1100D so cheap now, and it will be better than almost every point and shoot available.

 

[Wilbur]

I think you go for a DSLR, they have become so cheap lately. You can pick up an 1100D so cheap now, and it will be better than almost every point and shoot available.

Do you mean the 110D? I've actually been looking at Pentax 10D, 100D, 20D and all seem easy to use and actually really nice even though not exactly new at all. It seems like a good starting point and learning tool that might not be mind blowing but will be as good as I need while not throwing away money.

 

[Vmax911]

The 1100D is actually a Canon (T3 I think).
I've been using Pentax DSLR's for several years. They have some really nice features over other brands at a comparable price point.

All the models you mentioned will definitely work with older k-mount lenses, and even screw mount with an adapter.

What older lenses do you have? If they are old manual lenses they will still be manual on a new body.

 

[Wilbur]

The 1100D is actually a Canon (T3 I think).
I've been using Pentax DSLR's for several years. They have some really nice features over other brands at a comparable price point.

All the models you mentioned will definitely work with older k-mount lenses, and even screw mount with an adapter.

What older lenses do you have? If they are old manual lenses they will still be manual on a new body.

I will list the lens or what I do have.

RYKA 2x Auto Tele-Converter For P/KA
SMC Pentax-A 1:2 50MM lens
TAKUMAR-A 200M 1:4 70MM-200MM lens
Vivitar Auto/Bounce 40D Flash
Tons of different filters I am assuming.

 

[Vmax911]

A- lenses will allow the camera to meter automatically (using the A setting on the aperture ring) but would require manual focusing, just like they did on your film camera.

 

[Wilbur]

A- lenses will allow the camera to meter automatically (using the A setting on the aperture ring) but would require manual focusing, just like they did on your film camera.

I guess that makes sense, I never used the film camera as it seemed too much to invest to learn how to use it. I'd rather use it when I knew what I was doing but I do think a good camera is the Pentax 100D from what all I have read and fairly simple to get to know. Now to the hunt!

 

[Vmax911]

The k100d was my first dslr. They've come a long way, but it is a good camera.
If you can find a k100d super or later it will support SDM (in lens focus motor) lenses.
You may be able to find something at Pentax forums in their for sale section.