Looking for a decent camera

[c_marriott]

I don't really know where to start,

I've never really thought about getting one but I like the idea of being able to take proper photos.

 

I'm leaning towards a Sony one but I don't want to spend a huge amount so whatever is best really.

 

I like to take close up shots of things like flowers etc.

 

What would you all suggest?

 

Sorry I probably sound like a massive noob I just have no idea what I am talking about

[TheGeeker]

Are you leaning toward a DSLR or mirrorless or point n shoot? 

[TheGeeker]

I don't really know where to start,

I've never really thought about getting one but I like the idea of being able to take proper photos.

 

I'm leaning towards a Sony one but I don't want to spend a huge amount so whatever is best really.

 

I like to take close up shots of things like flowers etc.

 

What would you all suggest?

 

Sorry I probably sound like a massive noob I just have no idea what I am talking about

[c_marriott]

Are you leaning toward a DSLR or mirrorless or point n shoot? 

 

No idea what the difference is, do you mind explaining? Would be greatly appreciated

[halomonster]

No idea what the difference is, do you mind explaining? Would be greatly appreciated

mirrorless system and dslr allow you to change lenses, giving you greater flexibility

point and shoot(csc) cameras do not allow this however tend to be cheaper and are smaller

Read this:

http://www.digitalcameraworld.com/2014/12/29/dslr-vs-mirrorless-differences-explained/

[Captain_Slow]

DSLR and Mirrorless cameras tend to have much much bigger sensors than point-and-shoots.

 

Bigger sensor = more light captured = cleaner images and better low light performance

 

If you want to take high quality photos I recommend getting the biggest sensor you can afford. 

 

you should be able to pick up a Sony NEX-3n for less than 300 usd on ebay, which is really good combination of small size, good battery life, and features an APSC sensor. 

[Dw136]

This might sound dumb but get a high end smart phone (Iphone 6 or Lg G4 are my recommendations) and one of those lens kits. If you're shooting casually the benefit of not having to bring a separate thing is incredible. Smart phones have great image quality and pretty dam good macro capabilities. + instant upload to social media is a huge plus. I haven't seen a single camera with "wifi" that isn't a pain in the ass to use. I have had a lot of friends say "I'll get a dedicated camera to make awesome pictures" but then relegate that camera to the closet or desk drawer within a few weeks because they simply can't be bothered to bring an extra thing or it's just not as easy to share to social media as a phone. Even myself I have access to great camera gear and I've been finding myself leaving more and more at home and just going out with my phone, it's just easier.  

 

Oh and side note: There is no gear requirement for proper photos. If you take a photo and it looks interesting you've taken a proper photo. 

[Captain_Slow]

This might sound dumb but get a high end smart phone (Iphone 6 or Lg G4 are my recommendations) and one of those lens kits. If you're shooting casually the benefit of not having to bring a separate thing is incredible. Smart phones have great image quality and pretty dam good macro capabilities. + instant upload to social media is a huge plus. I haven't seen a single camera with "wifi" that isn't a pain in the ass to use. I have had a lot of friends say "I'll get a dedicated camera to make awesome pictures" but then relegate that camera to the closet or desk drawer within a few weeks because they simply can't be bothered to bring an extra thing or it's just not as easy to share to social media as a phone. Even myself I have access to great camera gear and I've been finding myself leaving more and more at home and just going out with my phone, it's just easier.  

 

Oh and side note: There is no gear requirement for proper photos. If you take a photo and it looks interesting you've taken a proper photo. 

 

LG G4 has a 24mm^2 sensor with a 6x crop factor, APSC is 370mm^2 with a 1.5x crop factor. 

 

there is definitely gear requirements depending on what you want to use your photo for. 

 

also Phones don't shoot RAW