After reading the review on photographyblog.com, i decided to go for the Sony DSC-HX100V. I've never owned a camera before and thought this would be a good start. Was supposed to buy it online, and while surfing, I happened to notice the Canon SX30IS, which is on sale for the same price as the Sony. And that kind of put me in a fix. Now I personally favor Canon cause the image quality is superb. But the Sony is new and offers better features. So now I don't know what to go for. Somebody even suggested me to spend a bit more and get the Canon 1100D.

Now since this is my first camera, I dont want it to be an SLR (I dunno about it but if you guys think it's okay to own an SLR as the first camera then I'll consider that as well).

If somebody could help me choose, it'd be great.

I just want to own a camera, and since I am buying one, I might go for a good one. Not like I'm a nature lover who will go out with a the sole purpose of taking pictures. This'll be more of a "Need to keep memories" camera. But want it to take decent photographs.

Thanks.

The three cameras you're considering all would match your needs. The Canon dslr has the capacity to use different lens. While the other two have fixed lenses with long telephoto capability. These two are known as bridge cameras because they bridge between compact cameras and dslr cameras. All are fine cameras as your first camera. Your first camera to one day do serious photography. And, that, it seems to me, is the problem. If your intent is to only take photos for the memories, and not as a serious hobby or profession, these cameras are overkill. It seems to me you'd be better off finding a camera that is easy to carry. These cameras you mentioned are comparatively large and heavy. Many lighter and smaller cameras can capture fine photographs. These smaller cameras can conveniently fit in a shirt pocket or handbag. There, you will more likely use them for family memory photos and to carry with you on walks or strolls to tourist attractions, restaurants, picnics, etc. And, you are less likely to forget to pick them up when you leave. Loosing an expensive camera is definitely no fun. (Carrying a large camera can also make you a target in some places.) Even though the large cameras may seem light, carrying them on straps mean they are going to swing about and get in the way. And, they are another worry that you must watch out for in terms of safety while you are also watching the kids. Carrying a camera in a shirt pocket or handbag is much simpler and less complicated. And, it is always there. Seems to me a good suggestion would be the Canon A3300 is. At 5 times optical it has enough telephoto to capture good distance shots. At 2.8 aperture it has fine sharp imaging characteristics. And, at $179.99 you can save a lot of bucks to enjoy with the family doing something to use you camera with. If I were you, I would be looking in the range of a camera like this: Nikon, Samsung, Sony, etc. Yes, I know the other bigger stuff grabs the eye and interest. And, they have a certain cache or status about them. But, you might also think, here. How are you going to use it and what do you really need and don't need. If you are worrying about what others may think of you and your small camera remember this - nothing looks funnier than a guy with a camera bumbling around, not knowing how to use it. So, if I were you I would be thinking more about what is practical and easy to use. And, cameras like the Canon A3300 seems to fit that bill. Best regards, BobWed

Since I am buying one, I want to buy one that has a lot of features. I dont want to buy a compact camera and then wish it had more zoom and more options and better lens and so on. Hence those two. Which of the two would be a better one to go for?

Also, since I will be using it, once bought, I will learn to use it to take advantage of it's features, wont be using it in the auto mode.

Hey Anagh

I read all, and BOBWED gave you the best possible answer a newcomer can receive, I'll try to explain why. I also believe that you just don't really know what the A3300 IS is capable of, it's not just a simple pocket camera but rather an advanced piece of jewelery, I will post a sample pic later, now let's start at the beginning

You said it will be your first camera and that you will learn.

That's good but keep in mind that the camera will degrade in time and also new technologies and features will be released in future, that's why you will upgrade or change your camera much sooner then you think.

Believe me I know because I made the same steps you wish to make.
It was 10 years ago and I bought my first camera, it was a Nikon 2Mpix for $1.200, yeah I bought the best because I wanted features, just like you.

What happen then is that the learning curve took some time and when I really knew how to take great photos my camera was outdated, and photos were not as sharp anymore because the lens movements degraded over time and I got photos out of focus. So the upgrade was not an option but I had to buy new camera and boy how angry I was I spent so much money for my first camera and then when I really needed a good camera I had no more money.
That was a huge fail.

That's why I'm 100% sure that the first camera should not be a top one, but the second one must be.

And look it this way, the two cameras you choose are big and you can't keep such camera in a pocket.
So if you first buy the Canon A3300 IS and later when you explore all the features and really learn how to make superb photos then you buy a top noch camera, it will be new and capable to make splendid pics, and you will still have a pocket camera to keep in the pocket or in your car to capture some good memories.
If you buy now the A3300 IS you will not throw away your money believe me, you will be glad to have such great pocket camera as a second camera, every photographer have a small second camera.

Don't forget that A3300 IS have a lot of features and is a great camera to learn, also it's capable to make high quality photos, here is one example just to know what we are talking about:

Click here for the Canon A3300 IS Sample Photo

The conclusion of the Steve's Digicams review: The PowerShot A3300 IS performed well during our tests, with good shooting performance, pleasing image quality, and loads of easy to use exposure options. At just $179.99 US or less, it offers a great value for the size, features, and quality you receive.


That's about your first camera.
To answer which one I'd choose from HX100V and SX30IS, the answer is simple: large panoramic photos yes or no.

This means that if you like to make very large panoramic photos (check Sony's site) than you should go for HX100V, but if you don't do this kind of photos then go for SX30IS which is a better camera and just lack that large panorama function.

What photos you will like to shot it's on you, you must explore a lot and you will see.
This is another point in favor of having a first (cheaper) camera, to understand photography better and to choose the right second (top notch) camera.
Also at the time of your second camera there will be new camera models, as I said before, new better models and with new features.

Good luck man and have a nice time, with whatever camera you will decide to buy I wish you have a lot of fun

I recently purchased the SONY HX-100V, I love it. The stores around my house (I live in Maryland), could not keep them on the shelves.

I lucked out one day, I decided to go to Best Buy, on sale for $399. I had bought the Sony NEX-5, but quickly exchanged it. That is great camera as well, but at $649, the HX-100V will fit my needs just fine.

It feels good in hand, has tons of features and bottom line takes great pictures. The battery life is exceptional too. It is a good looking camera too.


I have been shooting with Sony's for 10+ years. I really do not want nor need to jump to the DSLR game. My pocket book is fine with a one time $399 fee to play. (no extra lenses to buy- though I think you can add, past point and shoots Ive owned I could)

Macro to 30x power zoom, at the tip of your finger.

It really boils down to your personal preferences, your needs and your budget.

Get the Sony DSC HX100V. Its a great camera. Takes great shots, smart zoom, image stabilizer, levitra online outstanding video quality with great sound. I'm sure you wont regret buying this one.