[Andrew Pielet]

I just got back from a trip to Isle Royale, which by the way is now my favorite NP in the world. I had a POS point and shoot and I need a new camera. When we eventually came upon a moose, I looked through the viewfinder and couldn't even see it 50 yards in front of me. Here are the requirements:

Under $450
Lightweight (if possible)
No digital
Zoom


I would like it to be good for an amateur (beginner) and it needs to be built well. I would like it be versatile, like night sky shots, sunrise/set, and close-ups for wildflowers. I tend to take trips that are on the adventurous side (Costa Rica, Middle east, Dry to humid to wet) so that needs to be taken in account. Most of you here usually know what your talking about, so I will use your input and suggestions in my search.

 

[Leo]

Yashica use to make a great P/S camera called the T4 Super. It's been discontinued now, but has a replacement called the T4 Zoom for $199. You can find it at BH Photo

Quote:

Key Features • Carl Zeiss lens 4 elements/3 Groups world renowned Carl Zeiss lens incorporates the exclusive T* multi-layer coating to suppress multiple internal reflections. It has been used for many years only in the finest amateur and professional cameras and lenses. • Two Focusing modes In combination with the multi-beam focusing capability the end result will be in-focus photos each and every time. You can also select Spot Focus to concentrate on a small area of the composition. • Aluminium Front Cover The Yashica T4 Zoom features a tough Aluminum front cover, which both protects and beautifies the camera.

 

[Andrew Pielet]

Thanks Leo, but I am trying to avoid the point and shoot cameras.

 

[daimio]

Try a Olympus LT Zoom. All weather, zoom 38-105, can take panoramics, auto or manual. Not too big not too small.

 

[aeberbach]

Don't discount the point & shoot - it sounds like you had a really bad one but some are worth using. Here are three pictures I took no care over. You can see the 1600x1200 versions at http://www.users.on.net/aeberbach - we have some good photographers here and I'm not one of them but I want to show you what a Canon S400 can do. Would you have expected a P&S digital to cpature hairs on a caterpillar or every detail in the feathers of a parrot? One of the best macro photographers exhibiting on Photo.net uses a Canon G4. If you don't like digital how about a Ricoh GR-1 or similar? If you must carry a SLR then you're committed to much more weight and the Nikon 24-120mm zoom is heavy but a good sharp versatile lens paired with just about any Nikon body. Look for a used F3 HP body for a real pro rig at low cost.

Beach in Sydney Harbor (forgotten the exact name of it):

Caterpillar on a potplant:

King Parrots (male with orange head, female in front of him) and Eastern Rosella (foreground) at Lorne, Victoria:

(and if you go 35mm don't buy a macro lens until you've tried a 50mm reversed, with or without extender rings for extra magnification.)

 

[Outdoor Man]

Take a look at the 35 mm from Minox.

http://www.minox-web.de/

very beautiful.

Peter.

 

[RYCeT]

aeberbach, what point & shoot camera are you using for that picture?

 

[aeberbach]

Those three pictures are with a Canon S400, 1600x1200 "super fine" compression. I reduced them to 320x200 for including in that post but you can get the full-sized ones, follow the link above. There is one setting of higher resolution but I usually don't use it.