The best camera is the one you have with you. I love my DSLR, but sometimes its just not convenient to carry a big camera. And my iPhone just doesn't do it for me, although I do use it on occasion.
I've been wanting a good compact camera for a while. Seems like every time I tried one though, it wasn't exactly what I was looking for. To be honest, I was starting to feel like what I want doesn't exist and that maybe my expectations were just too high. What I really want is a compact camera that takes good action shots. Our family does a lot of skiing and I often ask my husband carry the DSLR (with the big lens) out with us onto the slopes so I can get some good action shots. But its heavy, and he hates carrying it. I'd carry it, but I'm too afraid I'll crash (my skiing skills are not quite up to par with the rest of my family, but thats another story altogether).
So right before we left for a ski vacation in Whistler over the holidays (which by the way is amazing and well worth a trip if you like to ski!), I saw one of Ashton Kutcher's Nikon commercials and decided that I needed to try out the new Nikon 1 (V1). The commercial and Ashton were quite convincing, but I did read some reviews too before taking the plunge.
I wasn't disappointed this time...this one is a keeper! Granted the skiing pics weren't quite the quality of my Canon DSLR, but I actually got some decent action shots. The closeups were great, and scenery shots were pretty good too. I'm still learning how to use the different functions, but in the high speed electronic shutter mode, the camera can take pictures at about 10 frames per second. No lag time there!
There's also a movie mode and a smart photo selector that selects the best shot along with four other potential best shots. But I think the thing I love the most about it is that it has interchangeable lenses. It feels more like my DSLR, but I can carry it in my purse or my coat pocket. And there's lots of bells and whistles to play with on this camera!
What's your favorite camera? What do you like about it? We'd love to hear what you have to say!
I saw the ad for the new Nikon and wondered about them. I'm still getting used to my DSLR and iPhone. 2012 will be the year for me to get beyond the basics with those. Then I might think about another camera.
ReplyDeleteI've been trying to use my movie camera lately. I find I want to capture the sounds and movements of family and friends. I had saved some voicemails my dad left for me because I thought it was so funny the way he would always start out, "This is your FA-tha...", I lost the messages when I changed phones, I had no control over the loss so I said I'm not going to lose his voice and I started making movies. Thanks for the heads up on the Nikon!
ReplyDeleteGreat article... I have been wondering about the Nikon.... I may have to buy one!!
ReplyDeleteGreat article, but how much? How much is the camera?
ReplyDelete@minnesotatransplant - This camera is a bit more pricey than your average compact camera...and there are two versions, the J1 and the V1. The J1 with one lens (there are 3 different lenses available) is priced around $599. The V1 with the same lens is about $799. You can look up various reviews - the two main sources I used for reviews in this case were Amazon and B & H...I ordered from B & H. All in all, I feel like this camera is worth what I paid for it, because I'm happy with the quality of photos I got!
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