Digital cameras 101

[Zorst]

My FZ50 (much loved introduction to 'proper' digital photography) has developed a fault, so I've been looking at DSLRs.

My budget (up to £500 or so) places me in a bewildering and perplexing situation; there's so much to choose from...

I've identified the Samsung GX10 (with a decent telephoto zoom thrown in) as a strong contender, but I'm slightly concerned that several reviews say it needs considerable attention to settings etc to achieve good results.

Now here's the rub:  I want to take landscapes for my own pleasure, and have no difficulty fiddling with things to achieve my goals there, but  also need to use the camera for work (which involves shooting accident sites - both wide views and detail down to macro).  This needs to be pretty much 'point and shoot' (and must be in RAW for evidential purposes).

So, will I be able to 'point and shoot' with the GX10 and achieve reasonable results, or will I be forever cursing my choice?

Your assistance greatly appreciated!

[bdery]

Hi and welcome!

I believe I can help you here, since I own a Pentax DSLR. For the moment, Samsung and Pentax DSLRs are similar in almost every respect, and Pentax lenses work with Samsung DSLRs. The Samsung GX10 is basically the same camera as the Pentax K10D (I own the newer version, the K20D).

There should be no problem using the camera as a point and shoot, by simply using the green mode you can let the camera take control of your shooting parameters. Of course, in order to "make" photograph (artfully, if you will) it's better to take control, but for the purposes you decribe the Samsung (or any other DSLR for that matter) wil perform adequately.

When a reviewer says a camera needs tweaking to achieve the best results possible, it's true but also kind of obvious... no camera processor can know exactly what the user has in mind, so taking control yourself is always the best way to achieve optimal results. But I've never seen a camera which does not deliver decent results in auto modes.

In short, if the GX10 fits your neds and requirements, do not worry about the point and shoot aspect of it. I might add that this camera will let you grow as a photographer, since it offers multiple features and settings that you can explore at your own pace.

Good luck with your new purchase!