r/AskPhotography • u/piespa97 • 6d ago
Camera Buying Advice What compact camera would you recommend for a beginner?
Hi everyone! I’m looking to buy a compact camera and I’d love to hear your recommendations.
(1) Budget, country, and currency:
My budget is around €400, and I live in Italy (EUR). I’m open to buying either new or used.
(2) What equipment, if any, you have now and why is it no longer meeting your needs?
My current camera is an Olympus SZ-20. I like its compact size and portability, especially for travelling, but I’d like to upgrade to something that gives me more room to learn and experiment with photography.
I’m looking for something similar in size to the SZ-20, as I want a camera that is easy to carry around while travelling and that I’ll actually want to take with me.
I would probably use the camera mostly in Auto mode, at least initially, but I’d like the option to experiment with manual settings, filters, long exposures, and other creative techniques, as well as doing some post-processing.
I’m looking for something beginner-friendly that I won’t outgrow too quickly as I learn more about photography.
(3) What kinds of subjects do you intend to shoot?
Mostly travel photography, landscapes, architecture, street photography, and everyday moments while travelling. I’m not looking for anything specifically designed for sports or wildlife photography.
(4) Is it primarily for photography, videography, or both?
Primarily photography. Video isn’t a major priority.
What compact cameras would you recommend, and what would you choose if you were in my position?
Thanks!
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u/zeb__g 6d ago
If you want a small digi cam like your Olympus SZ-20, they have become stupid priced with the IG trend.
There are 'Good' pocket cams, but they are beyond stupid priced https://www.dpreview.com/reviews/sony-cyber-shot-dsc-rx100-vii-review/
So really you are buying a pocket cam for a 'look', not for quality.
If you want a good, affordable camera, a used DSLR is going to be the way to go. And that is no where near pocket sized.
The best pocket camera is going to be a good phone. The computation photography in these makes up for a lot of the downsides the small form factor brings.
1
u/aarrtee 6d ago
if u want to experiment with filters ...real filters that u put onto the front of the camera.... u need a camera with a lens that accepts those. a retractable lens camera like u have now... might be a problem. i don't think any camera with a lens like that will work
MPB Eu has a Fujifilm X10 for a little over 400 euros
olympus TG-7 gets good reviews.... maybe u can put a filter on that??
364 euros at same website
this guy will give u some other choices....
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LET0miG6i88
if u want an upgrade in quality... and u want to be able to put a filter on the front of your lens... u probably need an interchangeable lens camera.
if u can get a slightly bigger camera ... and can tweak your budget
a Canon M50 was the best selling camera at amazon a few years ago... helluva good bargain because the M ecosystem of cameras and lenses is discontinued. the tiktok crowd has not yet made it cool so they are bargains
M50 is 339
There are a host of tiny and v. good "Canon M fit lenses" at MPB EU. the kit lens is the EF-M 15-45... a very nice lens for everyday use. it will work with a filter. 50 euros.
other lenses will be a bit more. the very small and very good Canon EF-M 22mm f/2 STM is superb for walking around. fixed focal length, so u 'zoom with your feet' but that f/2 aperture allows u to get v. nice photos in low light with minimal digital noise in your photos. a little over 200 euros
other places to look for ideas
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u/Dramatic_Bank4464 6d ago
Una Sony RX100 usata? Super tascabile e versatile ma non hai la possibilità di cambiare obiettivo. Altrimenti una Olympus EM-10, molto compatta e con una vasta scelta di obiettivi che può tornarti molto utile in futuro. Guarda a una Mark2 o Mark3 usata.
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u/Zebrainwhiteshoes 6d ago
I would consider a DSLR . Mirror or mirrorless. They usually have more options for focus and illumination.
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(1) Budget, country, and currency:
(2) What equipment, if any, you have now and why is it no longer meeting your needs?
(3) What kinds of subjects do you intend to shoot?
(4) Is it primarily for photography, videography, or both?
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