I considered upgrading to an IPhone 13 Pro for the camera but I like my SE and can’t bring myself to spend $1,000 on a phone.

I’d like a versatile point in shoot. Not interested in changing lens.

The choice is overwhelming so any help would be appreciated.

My budget is up to $500.

Thanks all.

I keep a Panasonic ZS-100 in my car and use it more than my Nikon D7500. ZS-200 is the newer one but lens isn't quite as good. $400.

I'll just add that the best camera is the one you actually have on you when the need arises. I just use my iPhone. My SLR gear sits collecting dust.

I just bought the 13 pro max, upgraded for an "X".
Yes it hurts $$$, but I generally keep my phones for about 4 years so pro-rating the cost over time makes it seem a bit less painful.

I have an 11Pro which I got because of the 3 lens camera. Didn't see any need to upgrade to 12 or 13 so far.

May I suggest that you go to B&H photography and from there enter a search for “bridge camera” you will find several choices of good quality cameras at the price point of $500 or less.

Silent

I had a friend (now dead) who loved his Nikon Coolpix P100.

flashguy

quote:

Originally posted by cparktd:
I'll just add that the best camera is the one you actually have on you when the need arises. I just use my iPhone. My SLR gear sits collecting dust.
<snip>

Re: “I just use my iPhone. My SLR gear sits collecting dust.”

Same with me. My iPhone 12 Pro makes such good photos. I suspect that Apple does some neat tricks to get such good resolution and dynamic range with its tiny sensors.

As you say; it’s the camera you have with you. A very important point.

Not too mention that it’s so convenient to upload iPhone photos to ImageShack, my photo hosting site.

Buy the iPhone.

I am an enthusiast photographer. I spend good money on lenses and camera bodies.

No point and shoot will get anywhere near the quality of an iPhone 13 without itself also costing a thousand dollars and being about a thousand times less convenient.

Computational photography is a game changer. 5 years ago, sure, you could make an argument that maybe a high end point and shoot with a 1" sensor might go toe to toe with an iPhone 7 or whatever...but not anymore. The onboard computing power of modern phones allow for all manner of witchcraft--things like automatic focus stacking, exposure stacking, stabilization, etc.

Unless you are willing to throw money (well more than $1000) into at least an APS-C interchangeable lense camera with some good glass, just buy the iPhone. You'll also get a ton of utility out of a new phone too.

I haven't picked up my D90 in over a year. I don't have top end glass for it, just the kit lens it came with and a prime lens 35mm f/1.8G. Takes pretty good pictures, but my 2 year old iPhone 11 matches it in most situations, and as they say, I always have it with me. The iPhone 13 should be even better. My suggestion is to go for the phone.

Look at the Pentax / Ricoh point and shoots.

Can be had in your price range.
Don't be afraid to buy used from a reputable vendor.

Here is a new one from BH Photo
https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c...al_camera_black.html

quote:

Originally posted by Aeteocles:
Buy the iPhone.

I am an enthusiast photographer. I spend good money on lenses and camera bodies.

No point and shoot will get anywhere near the quality of an iPhone 13 without itself also costing a thousand dollars and being about a thousand times less convenient.

Computational photography is a game changer. 5 years ago, sure, you could make an argument that maybe a high end point and shoot with a 1" sensor might go toe to toe with an iPhone 7 or whatever...but not anymore. The onboard computing power of modern phones allow for all manner of witchcraft--things like automatic focus stacking, exposure stacking, stabilization, etc.

Unless you are willing to throw money (well more than $1000) into at least an APS-C interchangeable lense camera with some good glass, just buy the iPhone. You'll also get a ton of utility out of a new phone too.

I just wanted to repost this so it gets read again.

The only advantage of a $500 DSLR is that the camera won’t track your location … as much.

Thanks guys. I ordered an iPhone 13 Pro.

Does this 13 pro work well for long lens pictures?

quote:

Originally posted by Jeff Yarchin:
Thanks guys. I ordered an iPhone 13 Pro.

I hope you post back with your impression of it. I'm looking to replace my beat up, unwieldy, iPhone 8 Plus with a 13 Pro soon. In fact I went to Best Buy to do so a week ago but they don't sell them for use with my provider (US Cellular). I wonder if I order one direct from Apple if will?

Never mind I just googled this and yes and there are some other advantages as well. https://www.makeuseof.com/tag/...hone-straight-apple/

Jeff, please give us a review of the camera on your new phone after you've had it awhile.

I’ll ditto what Aeteocles and mark123 posted.

iPhone 13 pro is going to do 90%+ of any picture most folks take as good or better than any point and shoot. Of course, devil is always in the details…

Are you planning to do “specialty” photography (birds in flight, fast action sports, etc.) ? You’ll be disappointed, BUT a point and shoot isn’t going to be much help in these setting either.

Are you planning on making prints, especially large prints? Could be a problem for a camera phone

Do you need mega zoom capability? Likely a problem as the fixed lenses and digital zoom can only do so much.

Frequent low light shots where you need high quality? Again could be a problem depending on subject and intended use.


That all said I am lucky enough to have actually made significant money from my camera gear as a side gig that has allowed me to buy high-end Canon pro level gear. Even with that gear, unless it is a special event, a dedicated photo walk, job, etc. it stays at home most of the time.


The only time my iPhone 11 Pro Max has let me down is when I have tried to do something it just wasn’t capable of. I have been extremely impressed with the shots I have gotten straight out of the phone when a similar shot with my “real” camera would require some photoshop work to make equal.

The 13’s camera is supposed to be even more better than the 11, I’ll find out soon as my 13 Pro Max should be in my hands later today.