Camera Suggestions

[FortTom]

A while back I bought my ex a shitload worth of money's in camera gear. Anyway, she had to be escorted to the door, luckily without my foot in her ass, and I was smart enough to keep all that camera gear. Didn't have a clue what to do with it anyway, and didn't want to invest years and a crap load worth of $$ learning and studying photography. Sold most of it here.

What I would like to know, is this. I used to have a little Casio point and shoot. Took "o.k" pictures. I would like to have a bit more sophisticated camera, that doesn't require the learning curve of quantum mechanics, but maybe be able to use different lenses, or at the very least, be able to use a polarized filter, for fishing trips. If someone can recommend an idiot proof camera, or has one for sell, I'd appreciate it. Again, I don't want to learn all of the stuff you need with a SLR, or "serious" camera, but just a simple one that I could use, with a short learning curve, or "idiot" proof camera.

Thank you ahead of time,

FT

[Joelski]

Galaxy Note 9.

Yes, its a phone, but it has the best camera in that format you can put your hands on.

(Admires all the swooning and cringeing)

Canon's EOS Rebel has an auto mode and the controls are there if you decide to tweak settings.

[ChattanoogaPhil]

A phone works real well for someone like me who doesn't know jack about photography. I've been asked a few times on different Net forums what camera and lens I use. Usually get a groan of disapproval when I say an iPhone5.

Hey, I once got a "stunning" from Stickman. Felt like a kid getting an A in math. My wife asked why is that taped to the refrigerator?

[UWone77]

I agree. Camera phones probably the way to go, since you likely already have a phone.

Just upgraded to the iPhone XS Max. Amazing camera.

By the way, your old Nikon was given to my sister in law over my slight objections.

[alamo5000]

+1 on a good phone with a nice camera. Even with that though I would invest in or take some time to learn the basics of lighting.

Good lighting is one of the major elements that make the difference between a Meh photo and a wow photo.

You don't have to be a camera geek but learning lighting and eventually a little bit about composition will help you a ton.

Whether you use a phone or not the basic knowledge makes a difference.

We are here to help if you want it.

[Pyzik]

When I was looking to upgrade I got some serious responses of "look at the Iphone X". I didn't take them very serious but I recently played with one and it's pretty darn impressive.

If you don't need telephoto, or swapping lenses, I too will say, get the latest samsung or iphone.
The other thing everyone says is "it's all about lighting". They say it because it's true.

ETA: I'm sure someone out there makes a polarized filter for phones.

[FortTom]

I appreciate all the help, and supposedly (according to my nephew) mine (phone) has a pretty good camera. Only problem is when I'm fishing and the glare on the water screws up the pictures of some truly awesome, brag quality, fish. I thought the only way I might overcome that is with a camera that uses a polarized lens filter. I may be way off here, like I said, I don't really know crap about the subject.

Thanks,

FT

[alamo5000]

Do you have any examples of photos that you feel that you screwed up that you can show us? Strategic use of flash on bright sunny days is not always a bad thing.

[ChattanoogaPhil]

Maybe carrying this in your pocket would work for ya.

https://www.sandmarc.com/pages/sandm...e-nd-pl-filter

[Joelski]

Maybe carrying this in your pocket would work for ya.

https://www.sandmarc.com/pages/sandm...e-nd-pl-filter

Based on gimmick factor alone, I'd have to put those in the bin with all of the folding suppressor height pistol sites ever made.

[voodoo_man]

My new Pixel 3 camera is straight fire, it's legit better than most point and shoots.

With that said, IF you absolutely want a devoted camera option, the new EOS M50 - https://shop.usa.canon.com/shop/en/c...m50-body-black - is pretty affordable and you have a lot of options to expand as it takes nearly all lenses in Canon's arsenal. It's also mirrorless, has a touch screen and bunch of other cool features. You could easily take it on the go with you whenever you are out and about then wifi photos to your phone to post (if that's what you want to do).

[FortTom]

I was surfing the 'net, and one major retailer had a survey of about 20 questions, that inquires everything from your skill level to how many bells and whistles you want. Out of all the camera's the sell, it recommended the Sony 6000 a mirrorless camera with a 15 - 50mm lens. It is an APS-C camera, and partly recommended because of it's speed, ease of use point and shoot type setting so you can use it out of the box, and learn as you progress, or as much or little as you want to.

I didn't go with the camera phone recommendation, as I just paid for a new camera to replace mine that got wet. Also, no polarizing filters for fishing, a major decision maker for not using a phone, I can get them for the camera, though. It's also stupid fast as FPS it can shoot, another plus for me, as I also like a lot of different types of racing sports.

Does anyone have any thoughts they would like to share about my decision to (probably) buy this in the next week or so?

Thanks again,

FT

[Joelski]

If you want to move up in the camera world, avoid Sony. You want a standard body that utilizes standard lens mounting. Sony and many like it are proprietary in that the camera is all of their design; possibly good, but what happens when you decide you want an even better camera down the road? You might not be looking at DSLR now, but that's where you'll end up soon enough if you don't start there. Beware of sillyass statements like "This will be the last camera I ever purchase".

[FortTom]

If you want to move up in the camera world, avoid Sony. You want a standard body that utilizes standard lens mounting. Sony and many like it are proprietary in that the camera is all of their design; possibly good, but what happens when you decide you want an even better camera down the road? You might not be looking at DSLR now, but that's where you'll end up soon enough if you don't start there. Beware of sillyass statements like "This will be the last camera I ever purchase".

Your opinion and advice is welcome and respected. However, I don't really want to get into photography, just need a decent camera for racing sports, family and friends, and fishing. So while I might purchase a bigger zoom down the road, I don't plan on buying a bunch of lens's. I also like the idea of a "mirrorless" camera. Not sure how serious photographers feel about them, though as of now I have no experience to draw conclusions from. Also like the Wi-Fi feature.

Voodoo Man also recommended a Canon M50 mirroless that can use most Canon lenses with WI-FI, but starting costs are a lot more.

Thanks,

FT

[BoilerUp]

If you are looking at mirrorless, I suggest you also take a look at the Fuji X line. After looking at the results a friend was getting, with his Fujifilm X-ER, I purchased one. With a 27mm pancake lense, it's quite small and portable, yet you have the excellent full line of Fujinon lenses available (my X-E3 came with the very capable and versatile 18-55mm lens with Image Stabilization). I not an expert by any means, have only had the Fuji a few weeks, and have no experience with Sony, so I'm not recommending one over the other, just saying it's worth checking out. While the Sony line seems to have an excellent reputation, the Fuji line seems to have it's own little cult following, too.