re: I need a decent camera for around $500

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amateur photos

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So your wife agreed to it huh? well done!

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I just offered a guy on eBay $250 for the Sony.

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RX100? Which one, the II or III?

I've got the first one and it's great. Doesn't have some of the same features as the newer ones, but the giant sensor inside of it is great. Takes great shots.

It's a good camera. I have 2 DSLRs I rarely use because of it.

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I use Pentax as well, I've got the older K-x and the new K-3. The new K-3 is fantasti

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I love my Pentax, but it puts us in the minority. I use the old style SMCP-FA 50mm f/1.4 for most of my shots, with a DA 70mm f/2.4 Limited and a 31mm F/1.8 FA Limited (which is a great lens) but still use the K-5. I've though about picking up the new K-3. I still have my old *ist too.

A $50 point and shoot takes photos as good as a $500 DSLR if you don't know how to use it.

This is the biggest mistake people make with the DSLR's these days. They think a higher end camera will help them.

With zero experience, you will only use the DSLR as a point and shoot.

Yeah, I guess that's what I'm learning here.
I don't know how to use the cannon or Nikon
Not trying to make a hobby out of it, just need a good camera that will produce quality photos.

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Not trying to make a hobby out of it, just need a good camera that will produce quality photos.

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I would think about what'll be easier for you.

Easier=more likely to be in a position to take good photos. DSLRs are excellent, and the amount of quality cameras out there for good prices is insane. But, I got to a point where I just wasn't interested in lugging around a DSLR for trips to games or hiking or whatever, and I went to get the best P&S I could get at the time.

I use it much more, and there is minimal decline in quality. I'm not knocking DSLRs if you want to do that. I was a film and dark room guy for several years when I was younger, but I'm less interested in seeking out photo opportunities these days. I just want to have something that'll work if I find myself in a good moment.

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www.kenrockwell.com

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Ken gets some earned criticism but he's correct on the basics.

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Maybe fullframe


Those start at $1500 for the body

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yea i know...you think im just going in blind?

One of the biggest misconceptions that people new to photography have is that a big high $ DSLR will allow you to take professional pictures in any situation. Take low light situations in a gymnasium with a child playing basketball. A "kit" lens that comes with a package DSLR will not allow enough light in to take a picture of a moving player. A good lens to take indoor pictures in low light will cost you more than the camera (generally speaking). A good high end point and shoot like the RX100 series (I,II, or III) others have recommended will serve you well. I have over 2k in equipment and use a mid level Panasonic TZ series a ton. In good light (outdoors) and indoors using flash it's hard to tell the difference - and it's way easier to carry around. That said, it's way more fun to use the DSLR.
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