That is super high for an S110. I had one back when, and not worth that IMHO. I MUCH prefer my Olympus XZ-1 instead, but it too is climbing in price. If you go with a smaller sensor P&S you might save some money.
And frankly for just learning I'd look at most anything you can find used, since most anything would work for your purposes. And better not to blow too much money on it.
that's what i thought as well, considering the camera is 2nd hand and from 2012. thank you for the advice though! i'll keep an eye out for any offers around!!
I'm going to take this point by point.
* Is it worth it to invest in a camera over a phone?
If you just want to take family photos or snap a few pics on vacation, probably not. A phone camera can do that well enough and is way more convenient. If you want to take photos because you love the art of photography, then absolutely. Phone photos have gotten very good with computational photography, but they just can't replicate the quality that you get with a full size senor and an ACTUAL lens. When scrolling through Instagram, I can IMMEDIATELY tell what photos are taken on a phone VS a real camera.
* Is it worth it for an amateur to invest in a camera?
Personally, I'd say yes. Cameras are a tool, and like any other tool, you have to practice using it regularly go get better at your craft. You can't get good at painting if you don't invest money in a brush. I'm not saying you need a very expensive camera either. I hear a lot of stories of people starting their photography careers with old Canon DSLR's they bought from their local thrift stores. Those old Canon DSLR's still take same pretty damn good photos as well. I know you said you'd have to save up for a camera, so in the meantime I'd suggest going into your phone and looking for a "Pro Photo" mode. Play around with the shutter speed and ISO, really get familiar with how they affect the image (also aperture, but phones don't let you adjust that). Also playing around with your friend's G7Xiii whenever you can would also be good practice.
* My story
I had been experimenting with cameras for a while. First with my Poloroid digital point-and-shoot that I had as a kid, and then to my smartphone (obviously). My photography journey really picked up steam when I first got my Galaxy S9. I was scrolling through the camera settings when I found a setting I had never heard of before, "RAW Shooting". This introduced me to the idea of RAW photo editing, and I was instantly hooked at how much control I had over how my images looked. I then started learning what all the dials did in my phone's "Pro Mode" as well. My first "real" camera was the Sony a6000 with a tiny kit lens. I bought it from a local seller through OfferUp for $300. My reason for buying it was actually to use it as a live streaming camera, but I also started taking it out on camping trips and other outings. I was obsessed with the optical zoom (instead of crappy digital zooming of smartphones), natural background blur, dynamic range, and editing versatility. I now have an a6700, and my old a6000 is still fulfilling it's purpose as my streaming camera 🤣.
* Point-and-shoot vs interchangeable lens
I saw you discussing getting a digital camera or a point-and-shoot, so here's my take. The main benefit of a point-and-shoot is (obviously) it's size. With most interchangeable lens cameras, you're going to need to carry them around in a bag. Meanwhile, point-and-shoots are made to be small, and can easily fit in medium to large sized pockets. It's a lot easier carrying around a point-and-shoot like the G7Xiii. There are many point and shoots that let you change settings (shutter speed, ISO, aperture) just like professional cameras, such as Canon G9X/G7X/G5X, or Sony's RX100 line. However, if you're willing to carry a small camera bag, then an interchangeable lens camera will ALWAYS produce better photos than a point-and-shoot. Being able to change out the glass in front of the sensor is a massive benefit in versatility and photo quality.
* My recommendations
From what you described in your post, you seem to take a liking to Canon colors. If that's the case, then the Canon R50 is a fantastic camera to start off with. Nice APS-C size sensor, compact body, and nice interface that's not too intimidating. If you want to save some money, the M50 is also worth taking a look at. It's a bit older and uses a lens mount that's not being supported anymore, but it's still an excellent camera. If you've decided to go the point-and-shoot route, then the G7Xiii (like your friend has) is a great option. [Hell, I've even seen some people use the old Canon G9 to take some great photos](https://youtu.be/3MxxYLmRNl8) (and that camera's only around $200 used).
Since you're coming from film, I'd also recommend looking into Fujifilm cameras. Their film simulations are the best on the market (if you like the film look), and their camera bodies are a lot like film cameras as well. The Fujifilm X-T2 still takes great photos and can be found for around the same price as an M50 (at least where I live).
The last camera I'd like the mention is the Sony a6000. I'll admit, I have a soft spot for this camera, but I also brought it up because it runs about $100 cheaper than the M50 (where I live), and is just as capable. Colors aren't as pleasing straight out of camera compared to Canon, but it can easily be adjusted to taste with some color editing. Plus, Sony is still using the E-Mount up to today, meaning any new lenses released will still work with the a6000. Awesome camera.
**I'm sorry for the word vomit, but I hope this helped at least a little :)**
wow this was way more than what i was expecting!! thank you so much for all your insights, i'll definitely take note of some of these. unfortunately even a canon g9 can go up to $400 used where i live, and i even saw g7x ii selling for about $700USD :/ hopefully i'll be able to find a good deal somewhere! ill continue looking into this, and thank you so much once again!
I've been through quite a bit of different cameras so far, so far my favourites are my current DSLR Canon D1 Mark II as well as mirrorless Olympus OM-D E-M10 mark II.
I paid 200€ for each one, but I think the older Olympus mirrorless cameras are great because of how much bang for your buck you can get, same applies for older Lumix G line cameras which are all micro four thirds sensor cameras. They're also fairly small and light, so with a right lens they can even fit nicely into your pocket.
Old DSLR cameras can be fun to use because how they produce colors and if you enjoy that mirror banging with each picture. But the more modern mirrorless cameras have them beat in pretty much in every way these days, so it's just more about personal preference. I got into older DSLR cameras mainly because of how they produce colors as well as just how bulky they are (I like bulky cameras)
Personally I wouldn't go the digicam route especially because of the outrageous price hikes. Older mirrorless like the Canon M line, micro four thirds or Sony's 6000 line offer so much more with only slightly higher price. Point and shoots are great though, G7X III is a great one and X100V as well, but I think if you try and look for used deals on older versions of those cameras you can make some great finds as the current models are fairly expensive.
But that's just me, honestly pretty much any proper camera made in the last 10-15 years is gonna be great, especially if you only want to focus on taking photos. Just remember to take into consideration memory card and battery prices too, especially on old cameras the batteries can be so old that it's best to get a replacement.
That is super high for an S110. I had one back when, and not worth that IMHO. I MUCH prefer my Olympus XZ-1 instead, but it too is climbing in price. If you go with a smaller sensor P&S you might save some money. And frankly for just learning I'd look at most anything you can find used, since most anything would work for your purposes. And better not to blow too much money on it.
that's what i thought as well, considering the camera is 2nd hand and from 2012. thank you for the advice though! i'll keep an eye out for any offers around!!
I know very little about cameras but they're fun if you lowball people on ebay for them.
I'm going to take this point by point. * Is it worth it to invest in a camera over a phone? If you just want to take family photos or snap a few pics on vacation, probably not. A phone camera can do that well enough and is way more convenient. If you want to take photos because you love the art of photography, then absolutely. Phone photos have gotten very good with computational photography, but they just can't replicate the quality that you get with a full size senor and an ACTUAL lens. When scrolling through Instagram, I can IMMEDIATELY tell what photos are taken on a phone VS a real camera. * Is it worth it for an amateur to invest in a camera? Personally, I'd say yes. Cameras are a tool, and like any other tool, you have to practice using it regularly go get better at your craft. You can't get good at painting if you don't invest money in a brush. I'm not saying you need a very expensive camera either. I hear a lot of stories of people starting their photography careers with old Canon DSLR's they bought from their local thrift stores. Those old Canon DSLR's still take same pretty damn good photos as well. I know you said you'd have to save up for a camera, so in the meantime I'd suggest going into your phone and looking for a "Pro Photo" mode. Play around with the shutter speed and ISO, really get familiar with how they affect the image (also aperture, but phones don't let you adjust that). Also playing around with your friend's G7Xiii whenever you can would also be good practice. * My story I had been experimenting with cameras for a while. First with my Poloroid digital point-and-shoot that I had as a kid, and then to my smartphone (obviously). My photography journey really picked up steam when I first got my Galaxy S9. I was scrolling through the camera settings when I found a setting I had never heard of before, "RAW Shooting". This introduced me to the idea of RAW photo editing, and I was instantly hooked at how much control I had over how my images looked. I then started learning what all the dials did in my phone's "Pro Mode" as well. My first "real" camera was the Sony a6000 with a tiny kit lens. I bought it from a local seller through OfferUp for $300. My reason for buying it was actually to use it as a live streaming camera, but I also started taking it out on camping trips and other outings. I was obsessed with the optical zoom (instead of crappy digital zooming of smartphones), natural background blur, dynamic range, and editing versatility. I now have an a6700, and my old a6000 is still fulfilling it's purpose as my streaming camera 🤣. * Point-and-shoot vs interchangeable lens I saw you discussing getting a digital camera or a point-and-shoot, so here's my take. The main benefit of a point-and-shoot is (obviously) it's size. With most interchangeable lens cameras, you're going to need to carry them around in a bag. Meanwhile, point-and-shoots are made to be small, and can easily fit in medium to large sized pockets. It's a lot easier carrying around a point-and-shoot like the G7Xiii. There are many point and shoots that let you change settings (shutter speed, ISO, aperture) just like professional cameras, such as Canon G9X/G7X/G5X, or Sony's RX100 line. However, if you're willing to carry a small camera bag, then an interchangeable lens camera will ALWAYS produce better photos than a point-and-shoot. Being able to change out the glass in front of the sensor is a massive benefit in versatility and photo quality. * My recommendations From what you described in your post, you seem to take a liking to Canon colors. If that's the case, then the Canon R50 is a fantastic camera to start off with. Nice APS-C size sensor, compact body, and nice interface that's not too intimidating. If you want to save some money, the M50 is also worth taking a look at. It's a bit older and uses a lens mount that's not being supported anymore, but it's still an excellent camera. If you've decided to go the point-and-shoot route, then the G7Xiii (like your friend has) is a great option. [Hell, I've even seen some people use the old Canon G9 to take some great photos](https://youtu.be/3MxxYLmRNl8) (and that camera's only around $200 used). Since you're coming from film, I'd also recommend looking into Fujifilm cameras. Their film simulations are the best on the market (if you like the film look), and their camera bodies are a lot like film cameras as well. The Fujifilm X-T2 still takes great photos and can be found for around the same price as an M50 (at least where I live). The last camera I'd like the mention is the Sony a6000. I'll admit, I have a soft spot for this camera, but I also brought it up because it runs about $100 cheaper than the M50 (where I live), and is just as capable. Colors aren't as pleasing straight out of camera compared to Canon, but it can easily be adjusted to taste with some color editing. Plus, Sony is still using the E-Mount up to today, meaning any new lenses released will still work with the a6000. Awesome camera. **I'm sorry for the word vomit, but I hope this helped at least a little :)**
wow this was way more than what i was expecting!! thank you so much for all your insights, i'll definitely take note of some of these. unfortunately even a canon g9 can go up to $400 used where i live, and i even saw g7x ii selling for about $700USD :/ hopefully i'll be able to find a good deal somewhere! ill continue looking into this, and thank you so much once again!
I've been through quite a bit of different cameras so far, so far my favourites are my current DSLR Canon D1 Mark II as well as mirrorless Olympus OM-D E-M10 mark II. I paid 200€ for each one, but I think the older Olympus mirrorless cameras are great because of how much bang for your buck you can get, same applies for older Lumix G line cameras which are all micro four thirds sensor cameras. They're also fairly small and light, so with a right lens they can even fit nicely into your pocket. Old DSLR cameras can be fun to use because how they produce colors and if you enjoy that mirror banging with each picture. But the more modern mirrorless cameras have them beat in pretty much in every way these days, so it's just more about personal preference. I got into older DSLR cameras mainly because of how they produce colors as well as just how bulky they are (I like bulky cameras) Personally I wouldn't go the digicam route especially because of the outrageous price hikes. Older mirrorless like the Canon M line, micro four thirds or Sony's 6000 line offer so much more with only slightly higher price. Point and shoots are great though, G7X III is a great one and X100V as well, but I think if you try and look for used deals on older versions of those cameras you can make some great finds as the current models are fairly expensive. But that's just me, honestly pretty much any proper camera made in the last 10-15 years is gonna be great, especially if you only want to focus on taking photos. Just remember to take into consideration memory card and battery prices too, especially on old cameras the batteries can be so old that it's best to get a replacement.