recommendation for semi-pro cameras

[twinklingstars]

hello all.

i have been using my canon s90 for about 3 years. i usually just shoot in auto mode, but once in a while i will play around with manual modes. it can take decent pictures but im getting kinda sick of canon interface and would like to try other brands of cameras that can take better photos than my s90, and im thinking of getting a better camera for my convocation and overseas trip in august. also, my s90 lens is dirty, i wonder should i just get it cleaned or should i just go get a new one?

my requirements are as follows:
- compact, but dont mind it to be bigger than my s90.
- dont need to have the ability of swapping lens
- must be able to take good macro shots and close up of details (very impt) and night shots
- budget wise: not more than $800
- swivel lens for me to take self-shots when im travelling alone overseas (but i believe only canon G series have this function but the latest version left this function out. )

i have short listed a couple of cameras, e.g. lx7, olumpus pen etc.

would appreciate suggestions from you guys!

 

[sagiluck]

Sony RX100 =) or NEX 3N

 

[weap0nx]

hello all.

i have been using my canon s90 for about 3 years. i usually just shoot in auto mode, but once in a while i will play around with manual modes. it can take decent pictures but im getting kinda sick of canon interface and would like to try other brands of cameras that can take better photos than my s90, and im thinking of getting a better camera for my convocation and overseas trip in august. also, my s90 lens is dirty, i wonder should i just get it cleaned or should i just go get a new one?

my requirements are as follows:
- compact, but dont mind it to be bigger than my s90.
- dont need to have the ability of swapping lens
- must be able to take good macro shots and close up of details (very impt) and night shots
- budget wise: not more than $800
- swivel lens for me to take self-shots when im travelling alone overseas (but i believe only canon G series have this function but the latest version left this function out. )

i have short listed a couple of cameras, e.g. lx7, olumpus pen etc.

would appreciate suggestions from you guys!

Get those prime lens compacts. But all out of your budget, RX-1, X100s. Besides, you can't do macro shots well without a dedicated lens, both these cameras focus down to 0.2m away but the Sony has a 35mm focal length.

or else i'd say keep the s90 and get more out of it by using more manual controls. You cannot expect too much in terms of interface performance from digital compacts because of their lack of buttons and their positioning towards beginners. The other brands in this category are going to give you a similar experience.

 

[twinklingstars]

Get those prime lens compacts. But all out of your budget, RX-1, X100s. Besides, you can't do macro shots well without a dedicated lens, both these cameras focus down to 0.2m away but the Sony has a 35mm focal length.

or else i'd say keep the s90 and get more out of it by using more manual controls. You cannot expect too much in terms of interface performance from digital compacts because of their lack of buttons and their positioning towards beginners. The other brands in this category are going to give you a similar experience.

oic thanks!! my s90 lens is quite dirty.. is there any way i can clean it? send my camera to the care centre?

how about the lumix 7? how is it comparable to my s90? if it is just slightly better than my s90, i think i will either upgrade to a better one or just stick back to my s90.

 

[twinklingstars]

Sony RX100 =) or NEX 3N

thanks for your advice! im quite like NEX 3N cos of the swivel lens, i read reviews and read that the shutter is actually quite loud. hmm..

 

[shadey]

thanks for your advice! im quite like NEX 3N cos of the swivel lens, i read reviews and read that the shutter is actually quite loud. hmm..

That's because the NEX uses a dslr sensor with a classic shutter mechanism. In terms of image quality, your old s90 cannot compare.

 

[weap0nx]

I'd say the smaller camera bodies from interchangeable lens systems, NEX 3n, EOS M, Pen Mini, are quite a good idea. You can always slap on a pancake lens if the size is an issue and lose out on the zoom, some image quality or use in certain situation. But have the option to prepare the right lens for a specific type of shooting where the size will not be problem.

Remember there is a quality and feel to photos produced by different cameras that isn't easily described. Even if the one camera's images were always sharper with less measured noise, it doesn't mean you will like the photos more.

 

[twinklingstars]

thanks everyone for the input..

i have shortlisted the following: lumix 7, olympus pen and sony nex 3n.

for the above mentioned cameras, is it necessary to get a dry cabinet for storage?