silent but violent

hey, im currently looking for a nice camera to start with. Im not actually looking for a slr but more of a point and shoot where i can fiddle with the exposure, aperture and shutter speeds. personally, what i know bout photography right now, u can fit in a nutshell so i dont want to dish out that much money for a slr. when i get the hang of how exposures and apertures work then il upgrade to a much better camera.

i did some research and this is what i found.

1. nikon coolpix p50 - http://www.dpreview.com/reviews/nikonp50/
*manual controls but very limited, 28mm wide angle lens*

2. canon powershot a720 is - http://www.dpreview.com/reviews/canona720is/
*manual controls as well but no 28m wide angle lens*


or i could go with this

3. canon s3 is -http://www.dpreview.com/reviews/canons3is/
*everythin i actually need plus a lil bit more..


personally, i like the canon s3 of all the 3 that's there..but i need opinions from you guys who knows more about cameras than me. pls put in your feedback and suggestions on what better camera to buy and what else to look for..

budget is somewere south of $300..

thanks!

szuberi

i have a canon a710 (one model before the one you posted) and have also used the S3. Both can be decent starter cameras depending upon what you are trying to shoot. If you want small and ease of carriage, a720 is a very nice option...its small enough to fit in a pocket, lots of zoom, IS really works, manual controls plus a digital mode manual focusing option too.

The S3 is bigger and some call it a sub-dslr camera....and rightfully so cuz it acts like one. while it still suffers from shutter lag, its quick. if you are more into outdoor and sports shooting, s3/s5's 12x zoom will come very handy plus it has IS too. Just keep in mind that its a bit bigger and heavier to carry so you will be lugging a bag and may look like a photographer....haha

silent but violent

yes i believe the s3 will be a tad too big..haha..i would be doing outside shooting mostly. and pretty much sure some sports shooting (ie track days and stuff) during the summer..

i looked into the a710 it is actually like the a720 except i think that the 720 has 8 mega pixel vs. 7 mega pixel for the 710. and the 710 has Aperture and shutter speed priority..

im scratching the 720 off the list now because IMO the 710 is much "beefier" in terms of features and controls (because of the aperture and shutter priority)

so again for a starter like me it will be between the a710 is and the s3 is right? (size of the camera doesn't matter)

thanks for the input sir..really apreciate it!!

silent but violent

quick update..

i found a good deal for a canon s3 is..im going to check it out tomorrow..anybody can tell me what points to look at on how to check the camera? thanks!!

szuberi

^ new or used? i believe its used since stores are selling the S5 now. Just see if it turns on quick, physical condition...put in a card and shoot some pictures, switch modes on the dial to see if they are working etc.

btw...the 720is does have those av and tv functions...just look for it on the jog dial on top.

silent but violent

oh yes it does..i overlooked that one..lol..

and yes the s3 is used. i will look into the points you posted and keep u guys updated
on the buy..hopefully it works out fine so i can start shooting like crazy..hahaha

_T_

I have a Panasonic FZ20 I'm going to put up for sale as I recently upgraded. I'll send you a PM, it has served me well and is a great camera.

silent but violent

hey everyone..,i was able to pick up the canon s3 is today..comes with everything except memory card and batteries..the seller even threw in his old tripod which is really good. i can now start my long journey into photography..lol..

any of u guys recommend any sites where i can learn things?!

szuberi

congrats on the purchase finally....another canon user :-)

keep an eye on the photography resources sticky in this section....im just gathering alot of links and information and will post them all up as soon as i get some time. work is just too busy this month for me.

silent but violent

thanks sal! and yes il watch out for the resources section..thanks for the help everyone who posted here..greatly apreciated!!

_T_

Good camera you picked up, congrats on the purchase!

silent but violent

thanks man! i started using the camera today..frustrates me as hell coz i still dont know how to adjust exposures and such..

xray

You'll learn in no time. Just read up on the manual.