Which camera is right for me?

Time and time I really am tempted to buy a new camera to replace my damaged one the Sony DSC-W150 but thanks to my lack of funds I can’t afford to buy one.

Considering the passing time of yearning for a good camera, I have thought over buying a DSLR already or just buying a new lens for the film based SLR (Nikon FM-10) I have at home. But, something kept me from really focusing away on SLR or DSLR cameras in the mean time and that is being handy and and affordable.

I have made my research at DPReview.com and loads of other sites that review cameras has been a big help for me and an eye opener. I learned what makes a camera really produce a good quality image by features and of course the techniques of composition and capturing the image. Simply put: a camera is a tool and it is only as smart as its user no matter how great its features are.

So I equiped myself with loads of information on the different models of DSLRs and techniques by observing photographers and looking at end result pictures. I was amazed at the results of a DSLR but as I watched DSLR owners some were capturing dark or out of focus images, some were walking cautiously along Aurora Blvd., Cubao, some were having a hard time to fit in tight areas or carry their cameras using one hand.

As I continue to load myself with such information, a certain pro photographer (pardon me for I forgot his name) mentioned to me that I do not need a bulky SLR or DSLR to really capture good images. He showed me his first photography adventures with a digital camera using the old Canon Powershot S40 that has a 4mp resolution and to my surprise the image was at par with a DSLR!

He revealed to me the techniques, the Canon Powershot S40 has a manual setting where you can change the camera’s ISO, shutter speed, and aperture size manually. You might be wondering what those are for I too had that puzzled look that time. Please read this article of mine to learn a bit more: (Photography Composition Basics)

The images he showed me were really great but somehow the camera has bad noise reduction when shooting at environments with darker spots or even black or close to black objects such as black hair! Furthermore, noise is also evident in higher ISO sensitivity.

Going to the end of 2009, a number of cameras has already been released since Canon’s Powershot S40. DSLRs are always ahead in providing huge images with minimal noise but a number of new small digital camera models now can compete at a more affordable price though the manual setting is limited to only a few models.

Satisfying my yearning, I have continued to search and found the Sony DSC-W300 to have the features I needed for an entry level photography with high resolution at 13.6mp, good image processor offering vibrant and crisp images, manual settings, very handy, and the price, well, forget about the price (you can read why here: Next Camera Dilemma).

So, as of this moment, I am waiting for Sony’s DSC-W300 to drop in price or there might be a better model when 2010 comes probably not from Sony. I am already saving!