New Camera Suggestions

[Argonaut]

My wife is very interested in photography, as am I. Most of our picture taking would be of children sports activities and family photos(her), nature/scenery photos(me). I'm thinking a max budget of around $800 for a camera that can do it all. I like the reviews of the Sony Alpha NEX-F3, which can be had with a kit including a 55-210mm zoom lens for under $800. What is the general consensus of our esteemed members here, worth it or over the top?
http://www.buydig.com/shop/product.aspx?sku=SNNEXF3KB&ref=pricegrabber&omid=122

 

[Legion]

What price is the Olympus om-d twin lens kit where you are? VERY nice little camera.

 

[BRuhling]

I picked up a Nikon D5100 recently, which can be had for less than $600 with an 18-55 lens. I think it's a great camera!

 

[Talltexan]

Checkout Canon

 

[Uncle Jackie]

Canon XSi. Check out the other thread. You should be able to get the camera, 15-55 and 55-250 lenses for about that price.

 

[HoustonianYankee]

I am using a Sony NEX 7 which is over the budget you mention. I also have a Sony NEX 5N with a kit lens (18-55) as well as the optical viewfinder and a half leather case. I'm going to put it on EBAY. I bought it in the spring and haven't used it much as I went for the NEX 7, which is more what I was looking for but it wasn't available when I wanted to make a purchase. You should take a look at this setup. The video is HD and it takes GREAT photos. You can also buy adapters and use other lenses on it.

 

[hotreds]

Canon or Nikon.

http://www.amazon.com/Canon-Digital...F8&qid=1346190282&sr=8-1&keywords=canon+sx-40

 

[Lamb Root]

or Nikon

 

[Blooze]

Two votes for the Nikon 5100. Nice little camera that will work great at higher ISO and low light.

 

[Go Forth]

For children and sports, you should have a single lens reflex (SLR) camera for speed and accuracy in framing.

Nikon's newest and smallest SLR is the D3200, with a 24 MP sensor - more resolution than you need, but you can choose 13.5MP and 6MP modes. It weighs marginally less than the D5100 (17.8 oz for the D3200, and 19.7 oz for the D5100). I am tempted to get a D3200 as an alternative to my heavier Nikon bodies, when I want to carry something smaller. B&H Photo is a great place to order from - they ship very quickly, and their customer service is superb.

Nikon D3200:

B&H Photo: http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/856049-REG/Nikon_25492_D3200_DSLR_Camera_With.html
Full review on dpreview.com: http://www.dpreview.com/reviews/nikon-d3200/
Ken Rockwell's review: http://kenrockwell.com/nikon/d3200.htm

Nikon D5100:

B&H Photo: http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/764100-REG/Nikon_D_5100_Digital_SLR_Camera.html
Full review on dpreview.com: http://www.dpreview.com/reviews/nikond5100/
Ken Rockwell's review: http://www.kenrockwell.com/nikon/d5100.htm

 

[hotreds]

http://www.fredmiranda.com/ is another really good place for reviews.

 

[Kenno]

Do you want a pockatable camera that does it all or you don't mind carrying around some weight n lenses?

Panasonic lx5 is on clearout prices now and you could buy one for you and your wife. Fantastic camera btw.

 

[Legion]

Do you want a pockatable camera that does it all or you don't mind carrying around some weight n lenses?

Panasonic lx5 is on clearout prices now and you could buy one for you and your wife. Fantastic camera btw.

It is, but the specs on the Lx7 look mighty impressive if you can hold out.

 

[Kenno]

It is, but the specs on the Lx7 look mighty impressive if you can hold out.

I hope it's as good or better as the predecessors Leeg, the smaller sensor and bigger body is a concern. Still that lense is awesome.

 

[Legion]

Yeah. F1.4 at the wide end, if I recall? Nice. As long as it is as sharp as the predecessors. I have a Lx3, and I have been very happy with it. But I am thinking of saving for a Fuji x10.

 

[BigBull]

I love my Nikon D3100 - does HD video as well. Great all around camera that doesn't break the bank and can produce photog quality pictures by someone as talentless as me.

 

[Go Forth]

Panasonic lx5 is on clearout prices now and you could buy one for you and your wife. Fantastic camera btw.

I have an LX-5, along with the electronic viewfinder, and use it when I can't take my Nikon SLR. The LX-5 is an excellent camera when shooting RAW, but its JPEG compression removes too much detail, and doesn't look natural. This is a known issue with the camera. I always shoot RAW with the LX-5, and convert to DNG later. Other cameras will take better JPEGs.

 

[Kenno]

For what the guy wants to use it for I think it will be a fine camera and have seen great shots taken with it in jpeg that has plenty detail.

I have the lx3 and it can take some great shots.