What Camera do you guys use?

I use a Panasonic Lumix ZS8 point and shoot with Leica DC Lens, 16x optical zoom, 20x intelligent zoom, 24mm wide angle, 14.1 megapixels.

It is pretty big for a point and shoot to house the hugh zoom. It is my first digital camera and I did a TON of research before I made the purchase. I am VERY happy with it!
 
As a professional photographer let me suggest spending the lion share of your budget on the len(s) and less on the body should you go the DSLR route. Stick with either Canon or Nikon in the DSLR category as they are the big boys in that market share. Quality glass is where the image quality comes from and you'll own it for a long time. DSLR bodies get updated and replaced so do with a little less there and more on the glass - trust me on this one.

Another alternative is the micro 4/3 system. Olympus and Panasonic are big in that market. I personally have the Oly OMD-5 with the 12mm & 45mm prime lens. Great combination with excellent image quality up to 20x30". Note I took the kit zoom off and haven't used it after the first day. Mediocre at best. Also great low light performance which is important for those night time garage shots. Another big player in this market is Fuji and I would serious consider the XE-1 with a couple of their prime lenses. Great kit!!

As of today if you wanted a high end p&s I would recommend the Sony R-100 which is capable of shooting RAW files. Great little camera but a bit pricey. Hope this help and check out Digital Photography Review for great comparisons & tests.
 
zmcgovern45 said:
The biggest advantage will be with the ability to change lenses with the D5100. If you do not see yourself purchasing a lens other than the kit lens, then you may not get much benefit from a DSLR.
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Yea i dont have in mind changing lenses. Not to mention I would probably use it on auto program. I did notice the 520 has the same selector dial on top as the 5100 so I could change options if I wanted to.

I think the P520 would be better suited for me and that I can use it almost one handedly with the zoom and shoot done with my right finger. Thanks for the follow up.
 
I am no pro. I just use my IPhone 5 camera. I use it because its very convenient (always have it) and pictures are uploaded through TAPATALK right after you take them.

While I realize this doesn't provide the best or professional photos, I am able to capture slight defects. I find using different light, distances, and angles makes all the difference.

I was able to catch this post wash marring on my BMW with an IPhone and a bright flashlight. This was very light marring in person. But, playing around with angles and light, I was able to enhance it so it is visible.

agyqyne6.jpg


After:

eza7e7uq.jpg
 
addysdaddy said:
As a professional photographer let me suggest spending the lion share of your budget on the len(s) and less on the body should you go the DSLR route.
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+1

The wide angle lens on my camcorder cost almost $300 but when you're recording in HD having a wide angle lens that doesn't vingette when zoomed all the way out is essential.

I'd also recommend a good polarized filter for whatever camera you decide upon because not only will it filter out the shine from excessive light but it will also be a $30-50 piece of insurance to protect the camera's main lens from scratches beside if you scratch that it's time for a new camera.

Lucky Joe,
Wannabe Detailer

Sent from my HTC DNA
 
RaskyR1 said:
I do so far! :)

How long you had yours and what lenses are you using? I really wanted the Nikon 24-70mm f2.8.....but that will have to wait a while. :(
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I purchased mine last year when they had the initial sale. I got the kit lens but already had a 50 f1.8 and 70-300.

I had (still have it) a D90. The larger and better sensor makes a big difference. I can do 2x and still see nice pics (pixel peeper) and ready to go ISO 1600 without worries. The D90 image would degrade at ISO 800.

I was waiting for the D7100 but think I am glad I made the switch. The raw file sizes are quite large though so I do cull my rejects once I go through them.
 
A couple of issues with camera phones in general come to mind. First off is should you want to print an images (guess that's quickly becoming a thing of the past) the results are less then satisfactory. People give me images from their phones all the time and I'm telling you the quality sux. Images are ok for web viewing but not much else. The other issue is holding the phone steady while's depressing the shutter button is next to impossible. All cameras are prone to "shake" and camera phones are the worst offenders in this area and to make matters worse, people typically hold the phone away from their bodies compounding the issue. (where would you carry a load of firewood - arms completely outstretched or close to your body?) Virtually any p&s camera would be better then your camera phone. What a camera phone is ... it's convenient and you always have it with you. Sorry, I hear this everyday and don't mean to come off with attitude but...It's like trying to remove swirls from black paint by hand or with a DA. Two completely different worlds.
 
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