Help me pic a camera

Aaronhome27 · Jun 6, 2019

I'm a very long windy kind of post guy. I'm going to try to make this really short so someone gets through the whole post and might help point me in the right direction!

I have a dslr. It's a cheap Cannon rebel t5i. I hate computers so I don't use it due to having to download and fiddle with it. I like to shoot in send while in a conversation. I had a Samsung galaxy s9+ and it took excellent pics for what it was. Just slide it to manual and put it in 10k and snap. Great pics. Now I have a oneplus because I had some issues with the s9+ that Samsung has refused to fix on thier phones. It had to do with compatibility with thier own equipment. So now I've decided to just get another camera. But the biggest thing I'd like to get is one with android compatible apps. I'd like to still point and shoot and send it too my phone. I don't need anything fancy and prefer budget friendly as well. I know that's asking a lot but if the s9+ could do such a great job there has to be a decent camera out there. Just looking for simplicity and 10k pro mode. Not really even looking to buy a ton of lenses if I can do without. Any input would be greatly appreciated

Ron Reefman · Jun 7, 2019

Well,, you aren't big into all the computerized modes on a new camera that makes it tough as the manufacturers love to stuff them full of modes and features whether they are useful to anybody or not!

My only suggestion would be to look at a bridge camera. These are cameras that bridge the gap between point & shoot cameras and DSLR cameras that need lenses. They are typically easy to use in auto mode but have lots of features if you chose to try and use them. But unlike a DSLR, there are no lenses to change as they have bigger zoom lenes than point & shoot cameras. I started with an Olympus that has a 30x zoom because I like to shoot sports (mostly race cars) and nature and the 22mm to 600mm lens was nice. Then they came out with a 40x zoom and I upgraded. Finally I dipped into my wallet and got a used Nikon P900 for $400 that has an 80x zoom that goes from 24mm to 2000mm. It's a good camera for just taking photos. If all you do is send them out by phone or on the computer that are perfect. If you hope to blow them up to be posters, bridge cameras aren't what you want.

These 2 photos were taken standing at the same spot. In the first pic, notice the stop sign at the end of the street. I know, it's kind of hard to see.

So this is what a 2000mm lens can do:

d2mini · Jun 7, 2019

Fuji's app lets you transfer images to your phone with bluetooth.
I have the Xt3 and XE3. Love them. Sold all my nikon gear in favor of the Fujis.
Their 80mm macro is insanely good.

hockeyhead019 · Jun 7, 2019

I believe most dslr's allow you to shoot in JPEG mode and you can bluetooth it straight to your phone to post/keep. Is the concern with the actual use of the camera? Or are you ok with using the controls of the camera itself? It's not as straight forward as point and shoot but once you get the settings down to match your tank and lighting conditions I think you can get some good JPEG results that you could push right to your phone.

Aaronhome27 · Jun 7, 2019

I'm good with manual controls. I've done a bit of photography in the past. Honestly for everyday pics I still just use my phone. Biggest issue is my new phone only shoots up to 7k white balance. It also doesn't shoot through glass very well. The camera is pretty cheap and it well known. I should really just get the Samsung s10 phone. I've had great luck with Samsung cameras. But I decided it was time to get back into a stand alone camera. I do like the idea of a crossover camera now. I had a lumix years ago and it was actually really good at taking pics. I'm always a fan of progress though and for my needs I can't justify yet another dslr. My Cannon t5i takes decent pics. I'm just not a fan of turning in the pc anymore. I bet I only turn it on one a month, if that. I think I'm getting old these days.... Lol. But seemless and atleast decent reef tank pics is all I think I need. Good built in lense with some zoom and focal stop to get those coral in the back is about all I need. 10k or higher WB will eliminate nearly all color issues for the not so professional guy like myself.

familiar1985 · Jun 7, 2019

If budget allows, I would go with a low end mirrorless option or see if there is a wireless module to connect your rebel to the phone. Pretty much every manufacturer has decent connectivity to transfer pics to phones. I use a Cannon Eos m50 with good results.