During the summer, I run a week-long Photography Camp for high school age kids. I don't require them to have DSLRs, but I encourage them to have something that allows them to manually adjust the shutter speed, aperture and ISO, since we'll spend a good deal of time learning about how those things work together.
Seems like most every new P&S camera has cheesy modes like "Museum," "Fireworks," "Portrait," etc., but doesn't really let you specify a shutter speed or aperture directly.
Anyone have a good suggestion for a reasonably priced (in the $200-ish range) P&S I can suggest to parents who ask?
For even less, a quick search turned up the S6800. Haven't read the specs, but I see "S," "A" and "M" on the dial, which, unless it belongs to a Sam, indicates it might be a cheap option.
Here is a list of cameras that purportedly offer a full-manual mode. They are listed newest-first. It looks like it may take some poking, but the first couple pages seem to offer some good options right around the $200 range.
Yep... I had looked at that one as a viable option, too. There's one parent I have been communicating with, and he was looking for something in the $200 - $250 range, and the S8600 was right in there. I'll have to dig deeper to see what the S6800 might lack compared to the S8600.
Originally posted by bohemka:
For even less, a quick search turned up the S6800. Haven't read the specs, but I see "S," "A" and "M" on the dial, which, unless it belongs to a Sam, indicates it might be a cheap option.
Here is a list of cameras that purportedly offer a full-manual mode. They are listed newest-first. It looks like it may take some poking, but the first couple pages seem to offer some good options right around the $200 range.
Looks like Canon took away the Av/Tv/M modes from the powershot line and even the SX line! But they still have them in the S110/S120. Amazon (and maybe others) are selling S110 for $249 these days and its a good camera for that price that offers full PASM modes as well as RAW output:
Another, slightly more expensive, option is to buy a brand new Canon EOS M with 22mm/f2 prime lens. You'll get a DSLR's sensor with DSLR quality images in a P&S size camera with full manual control - this thing is a serious camera, not a toy. It used to be $300 on eBay but now i can't find it for that price; for $350 though:
Hi,
I have used a Canon SX260 which has 20 x zoom and I think will do everything you need.
These are in the $200 range and are not much bigger than a phone in a bulky case.
I loved mine, but wanted a brighter lens.
Worth a look.
Michael
B&H Photo has the Fuji S4800 for $129.95 new with free shipping. It looks like a mini-DSLR, but has a 30X optical zoom lens, shutter speed 8 sec to 1/2000, program, aperture priority, shutter priority, and manual modes, 16 Mpx, spot multi ttl focusing, uses AA batteries (4) & SD cards, and adjustable ISO (64 - 6400 or Auto). For another $30 you can get the version that shoots 1080 dpi video instead of 720.
The Fuji S superzoom prosumer cameras have been around since 2004 (at least that is when I bought my S5000, which is 5 MPx with a 15X optical zoom), so if you shop you could probably find one of the various models for less.
For the money, it is a great camera for a beginner to learn on.
//www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/919913-REG/fujifilm_16301535_finepix_s4800_digital_camera.html
My Panasonic TZ10 allows for aperture and shutter priority modes, but it has a very limited range of aperture settings, so given what you're trying to teach I'd advise checking that feature.
Actually i was wrong when i stated Canon removed the PASM modes from the compact SX line; its only the SX600HS that i don't see those modes on. Models upto SX280HS and the latest SX700HS all offers aperture/shutter/full Manual controls. I have SX260HS and its a fine camera. The super-zoom is a big plus in pocket size.
I own a point and shoot Sony Cybershot hx200v.. it is the best point and shoot I have ever owned and it has HDR on it as well..
it was under $200, I actually paid $150 for mine and it came with an SD card of 8mg.. Owned it now over a few years and I am very rough when I carry it.. been in all conditions and still shoots awesome.. just not waterproof LOL
This camera is also my first programmable camera.. IT has manual mode, program, aperture and shutter speed settings along with other auto settings..I love it and I don't regret ever buying it..
It does go out to 300mm but it gets really, really grainy due to the zoom and it being jgg.. but I have taken awesome pictures at 200mm and also have taken a lot of moon shots with it as well..
https://plus.google.com/photos/101254283767804839237/albums/5958513230340765265 The second link is pictures that I took with eagles.. only the last for lines (after the bridge and eagle are my DLSR)
However I do have an owl picture and a hawk pictures (the last 5 were from this camera from that link).. those were taken at 300mm at night with this camera as well..feel free to look through my other pictures on those links as well..gives you a great idea of what it can do and the results..
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everything before that has been with this camera the other google shots before Dec 14 in my portfolio has been with this camera as well
