R
RMR2416
Guest
PhotoJunkies,
I'm Roland, and I'm a noob. I have done research for the past 4 weeks for a X-mas gift for my wife; her only hobby for the past 4 years has been our young daughter, adn it's time for her to renew with photography (she really needs to get out of the house). About her; she is a school teacher and loves photography (Loves Adams and studied photograpgy in College for her own pleasure). We have a Nikon Coolpix 4300 (we use it often for events but miss 50% of the shots (it's that slow)) and she has a Pentax K100 35mm, all manual, with a couple of lenses. However, this camera has not left it's bag for the past 4 years (too big and bulky when you have a young kid to tote as well).
She likes to take pictures of landscapes, portraits, birds, some light macro work with flowers and bugs (butterflies...) and of course shot of our daughter (I'm far too ugly). I believe composition is more important to her than actual output quality.
Here's where I need your help; I have looked at a couple of affordable DSLR, namely the Nikon D40 (no liveview) and the Sony Alpha300 (liveview, good deals on it). Porblem is, she already has a nice 35mm with lenses, and it never leaves the house. Why repeat the equipment, especially if it's use is limited.
If I was shopping for me, I would get the G10 (I've seen the LL and Hogan work with this camera, and it can make magical shots). I have dismissed the DP1 (too expensive and limited in use, or so I think) and the LX3 (I like it, but I haven't seen any shots made with the LX3 that have the "magic" and color richness of the G10). I have also dismissed the P6000 (reviews are pretty bad). I like the GX200, however was unable to locate one locally to look at it, and same thing applies as with the LX3 (no "magic", but I might be totally wrong). I have found a great deal on Adorama for a GX100 with the EVF(viewfinder is a must for composition I guess?) for $350. Now, I have seen some "magic" shots coming out of this camera, especially at somewhat high ISO in B&W.
So here's the deal; DSLR (it's pricey and I think you get caught in buying more lenses and equipment), or a one time purchase with a quality compact? And if compact, which one is more suited for her needs? The ideal camera for her would be the new Lumix G1 I think, but it's totally out of our price range (no more than $550). I would be inclined to get the GX100 or the G10. Is the GX100 totally obsolete?
Tnak you for welcoming me to the forum, and I'm getting the photo bug just looking at your work.
I'm Roland, and I'm a noob. I have done research for the past 4 weeks for a X-mas gift for my wife; her only hobby for the past 4 years has been our young daughter, adn it's time for her to renew with photography (she really needs to get out of the house). About her; she is a school teacher and loves photography (Loves Adams and studied photograpgy in College for her own pleasure). We have a Nikon Coolpix 4300 (we use it often for events but miss 50% of the shots (it's that slow)) and she has a Pentax K100 35mm, all manual, with a couple of lenses. However, this camera has not left it's bag for the past 4 years (too big and bulky when you have a young kid to tote as well).
She likes to take pictures of landscapes, portraits, birds, some light macro work with flowers and bugs (butterflies...) and of course shot of our daughter (I'm far too ugly). I believe composition is more important to her than actual output quality.
Here's where I need your help; I have looked at a couple of affordable DSLR, namely the Nikon D40 (no liveview) and the Sony Alpha300 (liveview, good deals on it). Porblem is, she already has a nice 35mm with lenses, and it never leaves the house. Why repeat the equipment, especially if it's use is limited.
If I was shopping for me, I would get the G10 (I've seen the LL and Hogan work with this camera, and it can make magical shots). I have dismissed the DP1 (too expensive and limited in use, or so I think) and the LX3 (I like it, but I haven't seen any shots made with the LX3 that have the "magic" and color richness of the G10). I have also dismissed the P6000 (reviews are pretty bad). I like the GX200, however was unable to locate one locally to look at it, and same thing applies as with the LX3 (no "magic", but I might be totally wrong). I have found a great deal on Adorama for a GX100 with the EVF(viewfinder is a must for composition I guess?) for $350. Now, I have seen some "magic" shots coming out of this camera, especially at somewhat high ISO in B&W.
So here's the deal; DSLR (it's pricey and I think you get caught in buying more lenses and equipment), or a one time purchase with a quality compact? And if compact, which one is more suited for her needs? The ideal camera for her would be the new Lumix G1 I think, but it's totally out of our price range (no more than $550). I would be inclined to get the GX100 or the G10. Is the GX100 totally obsolete?
Tnak you for welcoming me to the forum, and I'm getting the photo bug just looking at your work.