Hello, ideally this question is for those who have/had owned various devices like an iphone (or other smartphones), point/shoot, and, mirrorless cameras from recent years (within last 2-3 years). I need to get a camera for upcoming oversea trips and look for some insights on choosing one.
budget: under $800 (the cheaper the better, meaning I'd rather spend $300 if possible)
what for: mainly for taking random photos while traveling. Nothing crazy/fancy, but something good enough (for casual amateur level) to capture scenes. FYI, I do own film cameras that I don't really use anymore like Rollei 35, so I'm not a complete newbie.
Obviously iphone 6 has the small-form factor w/ other benefits like GPS, translators (huge+ for countries like non-EU, non-English countries), etc. and all in all probably the best for traveling if looking for just one device. But I don't need a smartphone (won't use it as a phone unless I travel under specific situations), cost (probably looking at $700 or $800 unlocked), 6s coming in about 4 months (probably can't wait until then though), and most importantly its relatively short life span compare to cameras compel me to look elsewhere.
For smartphones, I don't think I'd get the older iphones (not even iphone 5s) as cost saving isn't that great ($50-100) and due to the aforementioned short life span issue. Ideally ipod touch would be great (significant saving), but I don't want to get 4-year old model and probably can't wait for the (questionable) rumored next ipod touch model even if it comes out towards the year-end this year. I'd even consider other unlocked android smartphones, but seem to cost about the same. And I think I might be able to get away from 16GB instead of 64GB by using it strictly for internet/GPS/app/camera and by frequently moving photos to my MBA, but I am not sure.
So what I'd like to know is whether I would be better off getting point/shoot or mirrorless instead of iphone 6. I don't want to make this post much longer, so briefly,
DSLR: probably out of my price range and an overkill for my purpose, not to mention having to carry it around. I'd like to have zoom features that are usable for a change and the better photo quality, but not at the expected cost.
P/S: I had a $200 5mp point/shoot from 2002 that I used for years before losing a few years ago in Rome and it wasn't that bad (for my purpose), but not sure if it is worth getting another p/s nowadays.
mirrorless: the lower tier ones with the basic lens seem to cost similarly to iphone 6 and I liked cameras like Sony nex 5N when it came out, but I didn't buy one. It's not exactly cheap and cost can add up real fast with mirrorless for case, flash, etc.
Anyway there are many pros/cons in each, so it'd be really helpful if you can share your experiences and/or give me your opinions after using them. Thanks!
budget: under $800 (the cheaper the better, meaning I'd rather spend $300 if possible)
what for: mainly for taking random photos while traveling. Nothing crazy/fancy, but something good enough (for casual amateur level) to capture scenes. FYI, I do own film cameras that I don't really use anymore like Rollei 35, so I'm not a complete newbie.
Obviously iphone 6 has the small-form factor w/ other benefits like GPS, translators (huge+ for countries like non-EU, non-English countries), etc. and all in all probably the best for traveling if looking for just one device. But I don't need a smartphone (won't use it as a phone unless I travel under specific situations), cost (probably looking at $700 or $800 unlocked), 6s coming in about 4 months (probably can't wait until then though), and most importantly its relatively short life span compare to cameras compel me to look elsewhere.
For smartphones, I don't think I'd get the older iphones (not even iphone 5s) as cost saving isn't that great ($50-100) and due to the aforementioned short life span issue. Ideally ipod touch would be great (significant saving), but I don't want to get 4-year old model and probably can't wait for the (questionable) rumored next ipod touch model even if it comes out towards the year-end this year. I'd even consider other unlocked android smartphones, but seem to cost about the same. And I think I might be able to get away from 16GB instead of 64GB by using it strictly for internet/GPS/app/camera and by frequently moving photos to my MBA, but I am not sure.
So what I'd like to know is whether I would be better off getting point/shoot or mirrorless instead of iphone 6. I don't want to make this post much longer, so briefly,
DSLR: probably out of my price range and an overkill for my purpose, not to mention having to carry it around. I'd like to have zoom features that are usable for a change and the better photo quality, but not at the expected cost.
P/S: I had a $200 5mp point/shoot from 2002 that I used for years before losing a few years ago in Rome and it wasn't that bad (for my purpose), but not sure if it is worth getting another p/s nowadays.
mirrorless: the lower tier ones with the basic lens seem to cost similarly to iphone 6 and I liked cameras like Sony nex 5N when it came out, but I didn't buy one. It's not exactly cheap and cost can add up real fast with mirrorless for case, flash, etc.
Anyway there are many pros/cons in each, so it'd be really helpful if you can share your experiences and/or give me your opinions after using them. Thanks!
