[Peter J]

I need a new camera, mostly for taking photos of my work. Don't laugh but I'm currently using an ancient (by digicam standards) Olympus Camedia 2040 2.1 megapixel. It was my first and only digital. It really does everything I need save for one thing. I really need to be able to shoot wide angle shots of completed remodel work in ho-hum lighting, specifically bathrooms, which in many cases are small rooms.

Years ago I had several SLR cameras and when my pseudo son-in-law is around with all his Canon DSLR stuff, I get jazzed about it, but in all honestly, I think it's just gear lust and far beyond what I need or want to spend for immediate needs.

A couple of things I should mention. A super small package is not all that important to me. Some that I've used just feel too small in my hand, odd as that may sound. I wouldn't nix a camera because it was small, but it's just not a necessity . I also don't need huge resolution. These photos may go into emails or iPad for conveying ideas, but high detail is rarely needed. Used might make sense if I can get a higher level user's castoffs and meet my specific requirements.

Dizzying array of gear out there, I thought I'd drop a line in this pond and see what those with more knowledge than me might suggest. Thanks for any guidance you can offer.

[thunderbrick]

Budget?  In your shoes I'd pick up a used Nikon D200 and a 12-24mm lens, maybe $800 the pair.

Don't forget a good tripod and a shoe-mounted bubble level to make sure your camera is perfectly level.

Disclaimer:  I don't follow the latest technology so others may well have better suggestions.

[Peter J]

Ahh yes, I should have mentioned budget, Thunder. I was hoping to do something for about half what you mention...so $400 ballpark. It would be easy for me to talk myself into nicer gear, but I'm hoping that I don't have too. I have an old tripod which I think would work OK.

[viggen]

is 28mm wide enough?

http://www.amazon.com/Canon-PowerShot-G16-Digital-Optical/dp/B00EFILHB4/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1392928037&sr=8-1&keywords=canon+g16
http://www.amazon.com/Canon-PowerShot-Digital-Camera-3-Inch/dp/B009B0MY6S/ref=sr_1_4?ie=UTF8&qid=1392928037&sr=8-4&keywords=canon+g16
http://www.amazon.com/Canon-PowerShot-S120-Digital-Optical/dp/B00EFILNV8/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1392928148&sr=8-1&keywords=canon+s120

[Peter J]

I'm thinking 28mm would do it, but my memory serves me poorly about distortion. Is there not a rule of thumb where a short len's distortion becomes kind of obviously fisheyed?

Imagine this, a 5' x 9' bathroom and wanting to get a shot of tiled shower that occupies the last 40" of the 8' length. Could I take a shot with 28mm lens that would give a sense of a whole thing rather than a portion?  I realize that's pretty abstract, but perhaps you get the idea.

Appreciate your thoughts.

[thunderbrick]

Ahh yes, I should have mentioned budget, Thunder. I was hoping to do something for about half what you mention...so $400 ballpark. It would be easy for me to talk myself into nicer gear, but I'm hoping that I don't have too. I have an old tripod which I think would work OK.

Maybe an older Tamron or Sigma WA zoom.   Could you maybe give us some examples of what you have done and what you would like to do?  Maybe by PM if you prefer?

[thunderbrick]

A 28 on a DX camera wouldn't do much at all as it's barely a WA lens.  The problem is you'd be down the hall and unable to show the depth and detail of the room.

Maybe the 4/3 cameras might have something to offer but I know nothing about them.

[Wind Chaser]

Given your needs and budget, the Panasonic LX-7 is worth consideration. It has a 24mm (FF equivalent) lens that is f1.4 at the wide end and f2.3 at the long end. AFAIK, there isn't another P&S anywhere near that price that can match the optics. I don't own one but for $300, I doubt you'll do better.

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/880960-REG/Panasonic_dmc_lx7k_Lumix_LX7_Digital_Camera.html/c/product/#inpage:IN+STOCK

[thunderbrick]

I'm thinking 28mm would do it, but my memory serves me poorly about distortion. Is there not a rule of thumb where a short len's distortion becomes kind of obviously fisheyed?

There's no rule that I know of because it depends entirely on how the gear is used.  An extreme WA lens (not a fisheye) can make the room look larger and more open, and that is a positive thing.  By fisheye I assume you mean curved vertical or horizontal lines? 

I think you are over thinking this.  Without knowing more about your precise application, i.e., intended audience, it's hard to say.  Here are some simple WA shots I did for a real estate agent.  Do they exaggerate things?  Of course.   But I'd hardly call it distortion.   

[Wind Chaser]

I'm thinking 28mm would do it, but my memory serves me poorly about distortion. Is there not a rule of thumb where a short len's distortion becomes kind of obviously fisheyed?

Wide angle lenses are synonymous with barrel distortion, but it can easily be fixed in post processing. With your budget you should have enough left over to buy DXO Optics Pro 9 which can take care of the lens distortion.

[SET Man]

Hey!

     Here's my $0.02. For $400 I would look in to Olympus 4/3 or Sony NEX (well, Sony dropped the NEX and now all their mirrorless cams will be call Alpha as their DSLR/SLT line)

    With that kind of budget it will be hard to get good wider lens with good distortion control. But you can live with the kit lens, just shoot the picture a bit wider with more room and use lens correction on your photo editing program.

   B&H and Amazon now have Sony NEX 3N for $298 right now...

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/924677-REG/sony_nex_3nl_b_alpha_nex_3n_compact_interchangeable.html

   With this instead of P&S cam you have option of getting an extra lens later to suit your need. I think they are lowering the price now because maybe a new one is coming out to replace it.

    BTW... I am a Sony A-mount DSLR user.

Take care,
Buddy

[Peter J]

All very helpful info, my only photo processing software is the rudimentary stuff that comes with ACDsee, which is something I got mostly for organizing, so that's a good suggestion. The Lumix looks really interesting because of the low light capability.

My audience are potential clients. I've found that many that have a hard time making choices about surfaces and details respond with "that's what I want" when shown photos of past work. In time photos may find their way onto website.

I've got a better feel for what I need/want now...thanks all.

[JohnR]

I was going to suggest maybe looking at Fuji X but that NEX that Buddy posted looks impossible to beat.

[gnuyork]

I was going to suggest maybe looking at Fuji X but that NEX that Buddy posted looks impossible to beat.

 I completely agree. I just had a look at the link, holy cow. That's a lot of camera for $300. APS-C and shoots RAW...

[oldmp3]

Ken Rockwell has some good recommendations in your range: http://www.kenrockwell.com/tech/recommended-cameras.htm.

The Nikon D3100 with 18-55mm zoom might fit your needs and budget.

[Peter J]

Sh!t, I kinda knew this would happen. I start at the basic function P&S level and now am considering a DSLR or even 2 different cameras. The Nikon D3100 is real intriguing. I still like the lens of the Lumix LX7, but the overall draw to DSLR is hard to resist at the price level.  I've been browsing used stuff on B&H and am curious if any have had experience with purchasing used in general?

Why is it that audio gear and cameras seem to push the same lust button? I'm bettin' it's not just me, eh?

[Wind Chaser]

When choosing a camera, there are many considerations beyond the size and performance of the sensor. As former owner of a few NEX cameras, I would not be so quick to recommend them. The user interface is very awkward. If you can wrap your head around it, that is one thing. Getting use to it is quite another thing. NEX wrote the book on menu diving.

OTOH, they can produce exceptional high quality images (with the right lenses) and they are much smaller and lighter than DSLR. This is why people are drawn to them in the first place. But the convoluted labyrinth menu system makes day to day operation and handling a serious PITA, and that is what drives many people away from them.

[gnuyork]

B&H and Amazon now have Sony NEX 3N for $298 right now...
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/924677-REG/sony_nex_3nl_b_alpha_nex_3n_compact_interchangeable.html

Crazy - in three days this camera has jumped up $40 in price. I am trying to make a case for my brother, who has a budget of around $100 for a camera, to get this and the $40 price jump did not help...

[JimJ]

Over last summer, I finally got into the DSLR crew. I used to be a Contax 35mm user with Zeiss lenses, but once I got out of 35mm I waited a long time - was hoping FF digital would come down in price.

I've been very happy with the Canon 60D and prime lenses. Yes, I'd like an EOS 5D, but there are only so many hobbies you can go overboard with at one point in time

[JimJ]

double