Need camera to paint from

[dunk]

HI there,

I want to upgrade from my little Sony Cybershot to something that will capture more tones so that I can paint from photos. My local camera shop wants to sell me a $600 Nikon with all the bells and whistles. I don't need to be able to vary ISO and exposure settings - I just want something that better captures what I see than a low end digital camera. Is there some middle ground between what I've got and a real photographer's camera? Something maybe in the $200-$300 range? Thanks for any help.

[AcadieLibre]

For your price range I would suggest something like this camera. LINK (http://www.amazon.com/Panasonic-DMC-FZ47K-Digital-Camera-24xOptical/dp/B005F25IL4/ref=sr_1_48?s=photo&ie=UTF8&qid=1334493695&sr=1-48)

[belliveau]

They make nice gear. What about a s90,95 or 100 I love my little s90. You can do all the same stuff as the bigger dslr cameras do in a point and shoot. Oh and there at the higher end of your budget to over by $100.

[Gremlich]

How about a compact digital that can shoot RAW, like the Nikon P7100, the Canon G11/G12, give you manual/A/S priorities, a hotshoe, etc. They all give you great control and cost under $500.

[AcadieLibre]

If you can get the G11 or G12 and afford it is what I would go with, you could just as well go with the nikon. They are all about the same it would be a good idea to see them in person and find out how they feel in your hand, how comfortable are the controls, etc. I would pick the Canon G12, I like Canon so I am biased.

[Marendithas57]

I have a Canon PowerShot SX40 HS and I absolutely love it! I am obviously not a professional, but do like a good quality picture and do enjoy it for having a great product for editing, so I assume it would be great for painting from as well.

Compact Digital, uses DIGIC 5 Image Processor and a high-sensitivity 12.1 Megapixel CMOS sensor and does not take years to figure out. i'd say it's a great happy medium, especially from the cybershot.

It's a bit of an investment but not too pricey and there is a package for it at BUY right now online for $379, no tax, free shipping and they have some online coupon codes that might work as well.

Good luck!