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Need some help deciding on a photo camera....

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50Kal
Posts: 2826 - Karma: 5,367
So Im trying to decide on a new camera for this summer. Seeing how I have very minimal camera knowledge other than the basics, Im asking for help. 

The main use of the camera will be in Alaska taking photos of wildlife, Land, helicopters (thats my Job) and maybe some photos on the mountains next ski season sending it. Little video here and there. I'm trying to keep total cost (with cards and extras) under $800.

Im down to two types that were recommend:

A more advanced P&S. The Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ200 Super-Zoom recommended by a worker from National Camera Exchange.

The second, an advanced compact camera. Olympus E-PM2 Interchangeable Lens Digital Camera was recommended from a Fellow NS user if I wanted to go to a better more compact camera.

Concerns:

On the P&S: It's $200 more. Im not against paying more for better but is this camera better?
One thing the worker was saying the Pan was much better at gathering light and the obvious zoom advantage. Is this guy know what he's talking about? Any reason other than the size (I do hike) I shouldn't consider the pan as an Option?

On the Advanced CC: It is a more advanced camera. Reading the specs it seems I should have more training because it says that its a manual zoom. Will I be able to bring out the capabilities of this camera or would it be waste with out the proper knowledge or training?

Other things wondering: Thinking about to use the camera I pick for some film shots in next winter. Would either of these cameras have enough capabilities to take decent video or is that a whole another world of cameras?

Or if you have something completely different as far a recommendation for a camera, tell me. I am by no means gonna go with one these two if something better us out there.

Thanks for any feed back and as always ++K for useful info.
Apr 28 2013 9:24PM
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50Kal
Posts: 2826 - Karma: 5,367
Forgot to add this. A comparison sheet between the cameras recommended.
http://www.natcam.com/comparison.html?catalog[product_guids][]=afa9ff30-e632-012f-87d7-20cf30bab63e&catalog[product_guids][]=cadb3b00-c501-012f-87c1-20cf30bab63e&#
Apr 28 2013 9:26PM
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50Kal
Posts: 2826 - Karma: 5,367
bump
Apr 29 2013 9:35AM
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mlp
Posts: 360 - Karma: 45
if i were you i would look for a Canon 40D, maybe 300, then a couple lens, 70-200, 50 at least.

300
500
100
= 900
puts you over your budget a little but it is a very solid set up
Apr 29 2013 9:39AM
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PacificRimJob
Posts: 24703 - Karma: 29,680
How compact do you need it to be?
Apr 29 2013 2:39PM
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50Kal
Posts: 2826 - Karma: 5,367
It doesn't have to be a compact but not large size. I guess the Panasonic I have at the top would be as big as I go.
Apr 29 2013 4:27PM
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PacificRimJob
Posts: 24703 - Karma: 29,680
A smaller DSLR should definitely be something to look at.

Look at the Pentax DSLR lineup, you can get a used one in extremely good shape, and it will likely have full weather sealing - which could definitely be important where you're going, and in the future.

If not that, than go with something like a used Canon 40D (or even a 30D), and a few sweet lenses for it (like a 28 f2.8, a 50mm f1.8, and maybe something super telephoto for wildlife stuff)

Or go with something like a Nikon D80, or D200, a 35 f1.8 and a long tele lens.

Lots of good options.
Apr 30 2013 12:05AM
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