Looking for camera recommendations for sibling -- $500, easy to use, good for filming video and easy photography

[-persimmon-tree-]

My sister wants to get a camera, and I told her I would help. I have never had a digital and know little about them. I thought the Olympus Pen models would be good -- she wants something small for casual shooting so a DSLR isn't gonna cut it. However, wants something that can get you quality photos, so not a vintage digicam. She has a budget of around $500, which I think can get you a fairly decent older camera. However, the main thing is ease of use and a good auto mode, and I think that file transfer on older cameras is probably a bit clunkier. Something with simple USB transfer seems ideal.

She has also expressed wanting something that can take decent, fairly long videos (her and her fiance make music and may want to shoot simple music videos). The Olympus Pen models seem to lack in that regard. I'm way out of my element and know there are a ton of options here. I know this is a very open-ended question, so just looking for something to guide my search. Thank you!

Main things:
- small, easy to put in a purse or bag
-durable
-has good manual options and preferably a viewfinder, but also a good auto-everything mode
-can take good quality, fairly long videos
-doesn't need to be too "polished" or output ultra hi-def photos, micro 4/3 should be more than enough
-relatively modern interface and file transfer
-good battery
-prefer interchangeable lens system but not absolutely necessary

 

[jeffreyg]

Check out the Panasonic LUMIX ZS100. Leica lens fits in a pocket more features than you can imagine I have one from several years ago. I have made enlargements up to 16x20. I think they run $500-600

 

[MFstooges]

If she doesn't mind used, how about Panasonic Lumix GF series. They don't have viewfinder but tons of 4/3 lenses are available.

 

[Eric Rose]

Or the Panasonic GX7. Awesome camera. I have used one extensively as a B roll camera or second angle camera in interviews. GH4 cameras are pretty cheap these days and are excellent.

Eric

 

[multivoiced]

Except the first reply (which is also Lumix), it's interesting to see just one brand and one lens mount suggested. I didn't know it was that good.

 

[btaylor]

I recently got a Canon R100, it’s less than $500 new with a kit zoom lens. I have been very impressed with its capabilities, especially in manual mode where I have used it primarily. I know it does video but I haven’t used that feature. It has modern communication features like WiFi and a wireless connection to your phone. It does not have an optical viewfinder. A primary reason for selecting this was the mirrorless aspect allowing adaptation of my M42, Olympus OM, LTM and M mount lenses to it. I recently completed a portrait project using an Zuiko OM 50mm lens- the results were markedly more attractive than the kit zoom. It has an APS sensor so the adapted lenses are long, “normal” in that format is about 32mm. I have been pleasantly surprised with the results.

 

[joe bosak]

If she wants small and good for video - have a look at the Sony RX100 series.

 

[jvo]

Except the first reply (which is also Lumix), it's interesting to see just one brand and one lens mount suggested. I didn't know it was that good.

i have 2 lumix cameras- they are great, and not at an inflated price. caveat emptor - i'm a micro 4/3 fan now!

 

[Alan Edward Klein]

If she wants small and good for video - have a look at the Sony RX100 series.

Depending on the version, the auto ND filter is not included. Also, in 4K mode, you only get a limited length of video. I believe it's longer in 1080 mode. I have the RX100M4 and can attest it;s quality otherwise. Call B&H and ask them what's best for your use and price.

 

[multivoiced]

The OP didn't mention whether it's for RAW or JPEG shooting. Assuming she'll be a JPEG shooter, would your recommendations change?