Need help picking a digital camera $30-50 budget

4 years 9 months ago #647157 by morgothaod
I'm looking to buy a camera from ebay to take photos on a nature trail (Gopher tortoises, birds, alligators).  I tried using my phone but in the sun, I can't see my screen.  Another issue I had on the phone is when zooming in on the animal, the image quality looked bad.  Not sure if it is user error or my phone Moto E5 Play.  When not zooming in the pictures look pretty good.  Here are some examples:








A camera I was considering (Based on price, zoom, and having a view finder) was a Fujifilm FinePix S Series S2100HD 10.0MP Digital Camera.  Do you think I'll be able to zoom in on something with it and have a clear picture?  Do you see any other cameras within my price range that would be good for me?  Thanks!


,
4 years 9 months ago #647291 by KCook
If the camera is in working order the images will be good. But with a cheap camera that old there is always a risk that it will develop some problem.

Kelly

Canon 50D, Olympus PL2
kellycook.zenfolio.com/

,
4 years 9 months ago #649386 by dpoehlman
The reason your cellphone photos don't look good zoomed in is because it utilizes digital zoom.. which is no different than snapping the picture and zooming in on your screen.  You're essentially viewing a portion of the sensor and therefore are looking at fewer pixels.   A camera with an optical zoom (where the lens actually moves and magnifies the image across the entire sensor) will take far superior pictures because there is no loss in megapixels. 

I used a Fuji FinePix S5700 for many years and loved it.  The colors were great and it took a whopping 7 megapixels with a 10x optical zoom.  It did have issues with some chromatic aberration (purple fringing) at full zoom in bright light... but it'd beat a cell phone any day.   The menu system was clunky but you could actually put it in different priority modes and experiment with exposures. 

I'd say go to Flickr.com and search for S2100HD and see what sort of pictures people are taking.  I think you'll be impressed. 


,

817.3K

241K

  • Facebook

    817,251 / Likes

  • Twitter

    241,000 / Followers

  • Google+

    1,620,816 / Followers

Latest Reviews

The Leica SL2-S is an attractive, premium mirrorless camera with photo and video specs that are sure to impress. And with the legendary Leica name, you know this camera exudes quality!

Mar 26, 2024

The Sigma fp L is a compact full-frame camera with a 61-megapixel sensor, 4K video capabilities, in-body image stabilization, and weather-sealed construction. What’s not to like?!

Mar 19, 2024

The Canon 1DX Mark III is a big, burly professional camera packed with top-end features. Is it worth the investment in 2024? Find out in this detailed review!

Mar 04, 2024

In the OM-1 vs OM-5 debate, which camera comes out on top? Though they’re different cameras for different purposes, comparing them head to head clarifies which is best for your needs.

Mar 01, 2024

Forum Top Posters

Latest Articles

The Leica SL2-S is an attractive, premium mirrorless camera with photo and video specs that are sure to impress. And with the legendary Leica name, you know this camera exudes quality!

Mar 26, 2024

Opening a photography business means undertaking various photography marketing strategies to promote your work. But you don’t want to do the same old thing - try these unique ideas!

Mar 22, 2024

The Canon EOS 80D might be a few years old, but it’s nevertheless a quality camera to invest in as a beginner or enthusiast looking for a mid-range DSLR with tons of lens options.

Mar 22, 2024

Wedding consultations are a critical part of a wedding photography gig. It’s when you learn about the couple and their wants, and present them with how you will meet those desires.

Mar 22, 2024

If you're looking for the best metal print of 2023, you'll find it from Artbeat Studios. After months of testing, Artbeat Studios beat out the competition!

Mar 21, 2024

Getting the best video shots on your camera or smartphone requires you to understand the fundamentals of composition and video editing. It helps to have the appropriate gear, too!

Mar 20, 2024

It’s easy to lose your inspiration behind the lens, especially as a beginner. These creative photography projects can help inspire you to try new techniques and improve your photos.

Mar 20, 2024

The Sigma fp L is a compact full-frame camera with a 61-megapixel sensor, 4K video capabilities, in-body image stabilization, and weather-sealed construction. What’s not to like?!

Mar 19, 2024