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Grandma comparing mirrorless cameras
Feb 28, 2016 09:43:14 #
Charlotte62 wrote:
Greetings from E TX! I am a 71 yr old Grandma taking a beginning photography class at a community college! An older lady. Wanting to move from p&s to better pix to share with my grandchildren! Searching for a camera that is lightweight and easy to carry, but higher quality and affordable for a retired teacher. Appreciate constructive suggestions and good humor. Looking forward to absorbing some of the wisdom and experience found on this forum. :)
I should learn to be a better reader. The SX50 is not a mirrorless. :oops: :oops:
Welcome.
Marion
Feb 28, 2016 10:30:59 #
Welcome to the forum. If you have a local camera store I would suggest going there and handeling some of their cameras. Find one that feels good in your hands and is comfortable to shoot. There are very many cameras out there that will fit your need very well.
Jack
Jack
Feb 28, 2016 11:48:23 #
Charlotte62 wrote:
Greetings from E TX! I am a 71 yr old Grandma taking a beginning photography class at a community college! An older lady. Wanting to move from p&s to better pix to share with my grandchildren! Searching for a camera that is lightweight and easy to carry, but higher quality and affordable for a retired teacher. Appreciate constructive suggestions and good humor. Looking forward to absorbing some of the wisdom and experience found on this forum. :)
Welcome, Charlotte. This is a good place to be. Lots of experience and knowledge here, and folks are happy to share their knowledge and expertise.
You might consider the Sony A6000. Yes, it is an APSC sensor format camera, but it is very light, lighter than the Olympus cameras. It's easy to use, and uncluttered. It's a good camera to learn on, and later on you may want to move up to something different and keep the A6000 as a backup camera. I had one and sold it (big mistake) and just bought another one yesterday.
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Feb 28, 2016 12:25:09 #
Charlotte62 wrote:
Greetings from E TX! I am a 71 yr old Grandma taking a beginning photography class at a community college! An older lady. Wanting to move from p&s to better pix to share with my grandchildren! Searching for a camera that is lightweight and easy to carry, but higher quality and affordable for a retired teacher. Appreciate constructive suggestions and good humor. Looking forward to absorbing some of the wisdom and experience found on this forum. :)
Hi Charlotte
I grew up in Corpus Christi. But now in San Francisco via a whole lot of other cities and several countries.
I've had the Sony a6000 (Still do) and because I have such excellent results, have chosen the Sony a6300 which is about to be available in a couple weeks, for my second camera body.
Meanwhile, however, the Sony a6000 is already a great camera for your needs. Because of the a6300 coming, the price of the a6000 has been dropping and will drop even more when the a6300 comes out. Take a look at Gary Fong Youtube videos.
The a6000 is an excellent camera. I took one on a cruise in the Caribbean last summer and came back with many excellent photos. Because I have replacement knees and can't walk far, I wanted a good camera that was much lighter than my Nikons. The a6000 filled the bill.
A 71 yo young woman like yourself, would enjoy this camera as much as this 80 yo grandfather.
Feb 28, 2016 14:15:15 #
mas24
Loc: Southern CA
Charlotte62 wrote:
Greetings from E TX! I am a 71 yr old Grandma taking a beginning photography class at a community college! An older lady. Wanting to move from p&s to better pix to share with my grandchildren! Searching for a camera that is lightweight and easy to carry, but higher quality and affordable for a retired teacher. Appreciate constructive suggestions and good humor. Looking forward to absorbing some of the wisdom and experience found on this forum. :)
Please be advised that the Canon SX50 is no longer in production. You can only buy it as a refurbished or used. About $200 if found. You said you wanted to move on from point and shoot, so I won't recommend one. The next step is a DSLR. Any fixed lens camera is not considered a DSLR IMO. A good inexpensive Nikon Camera is a D3300 with a 18-55mm lens. Buy refurbished at Nikon USA now for $330.00. Good luck shopping
Feb 28, 2016 14:53:27 #
If you don't feel the pressure from your photo class buddies or instructors and not looking for a "status", you have a choice:
Light, fast, practical high end compact or so called "BRIDGE" cameras with electronic view finder,
OR
mirror less cameras and single lens reflex cameras
AND NUMBER OF HEAVY LENSES TO BUY!
Sony and Panasonic look like they have the largest selection of a very useful range fixed zooms (like 24mm - 1200mm), always ready for work on your camera.
You can easily make prints sizes 20"x24"!
Light, fast, practical high end compact or so called "BRIDGE" cameras with electronic view finder,
OR
mirror less cameras and single lens reflex cameras
AND NUMBER OF HEAVY LENSES TO BUY!
Sony and Panasonic look like they have the largest selection of a very useful range fixed zooms (like 24mm - 1200mm), always ready for work on your camera.
You can easily make prints sizes 20"x24"!
Feb 28, 2016 16:44:18 #
Aloha Charlotte62 and welcome to UHH. You have received some very good advice in the previous comments. All the cameras are very good choices. The next thing is to go to a camera shot or big box location and try the cameras. You need to put the camera in your hand and see how it fits and feels. Are you able to reach all of the buttons, especially those that you need to adjust the camera settings. Does the camera's weight feel comfortable or is it too heavy? Only you can make this decision. Good luck in choosing your camera and have fun shooting those pictures of your grandchildren.
Feb 28, 2016 17:40:47 #
sirlensalot
Loc: Arizona
Welcome Charlotte. In my opinion, everything you mention is there in a Sony a6000. Still the best deal out there for sheer value, even though it is a 2+ yr. old model.
Feb 28, 2016 18:40:52 #
Welcome to UHH Charlotte, glad you joined us. I have no experience with mirrorless cameras so I will not comment. I see that you have gotten several suggestions from other members.
Have fun, learn and enjoy the forum.
Don
Have fun, learn and enjoy the forum.
Don
Feb 28, 2016 22:03:59 #
davyboy
Loc: Anoka Mn.
Hi grandma! in my humble opinion you have spent most of your life helping others now it's time to take care of your self. consider coming over to the dark side and buy a real camera think Panasonic!! Many options!
Feb 29, 2016 00:09:41 #
Welcome, Charlotte! I'm also a grandma looking to take better pics. As soon as I can afford it, I want to get a Canon SX50! From what I've seen on this site, it takes wonderful pictures yet isn't big, cumbersome, and complicated! Good luck!
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Mar 1, 2016 11:22:16 #
Mar 1, 2016 15:57:42 #
Charlotte62 wrote:
Searching for a camera that is lightweight and easy to carry, but higher quality and affordable for a retired teacher.
Welcome to our forum!
Unfortunately, there are too many good choices! :D
Mar 3, 2016 15:07:33 #
Welcome to the site.
My best advice would be to go to a camera store. You know your budget. Now find what FEELS nice in your hands. Go back home and research where to buy and more saving is to buy refurbished.
My best advice would be to go to a camera store. You know your budget. Now find what FEELS nice in your hands. Go back home and research where to buy and more saving is to buy refurbished.
Mar 4, 2016 09:55:18 #
tommatlock
Loc: Columbus OH
I would recommend you check the Fuji X series. Unparalled lens quality. I own the XT-1 and could not be happier.
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