What are the cheapest cameras with RAW format, etc.?

Question

I'm looking for a compact with RAW. Now, there's also a whole bunch of other SLR- like features that I'd like to have in it, although currently there all out of my budget. They would include, manual, maybe a good sensor to go with it, maybe 1" or so, with good lowlight feature. I'm also looking to ditch the AA filter. SLRs are great, although I prefer compact as I'm looking for macro photography. I'm unsure about my MPs. Anyway, I like the Canon for their ND filter, so I'd probably want that feature.
Hmm,,, Oh yeah, and I want a high quality lens. Probably a prime. Unsure what else. Maybe I'll leave an update. Like I say, these kinds of compacts are currently out of my budget, however I'm thinking to maybe wait a while until new models keep coming, so that we can see the prices start going down again. Any that are set to come out some time?

Answer 1

Most compact cameras do not offer raw format images. Absolutely none of them offer prime lenses, let alone interchangeable ones.



If you need a compact, peruse this list: http://snapsort.com/roundups/raw-compact-digital-cameras

You likely won't have much luck with your other demands (no AA filter, good sensor), and "macro mode" simply means the camera shifts focus close.



To get a prime lens, you need a DSLR. Pretty much all of them have raw format, and you can likely find ones that have filters you want or don't want. Wikipedia can be pretty helpful for researching models and series.



The word "photography" means "light writing". You need good lighting, whether flash or daylight, especially when it comes to macro.



"I'm unsure about my MPs."

Good. They are a poor metric. Plenty of compacts have higher resolution than DSLRs, but the quality is inferior. Would you rather have one hundred pennies or ten quarters?



"I'm thinking to maybe wait a while until new models keep coming, so that we can see the prices start going down again."

New models come all the time, and older ones get marked down—it's a continuous process. Waiting for a better price means you're not shooting. Besides, you already missed the Cyber Monday sales.

Answer 2

A very affordable option is the $294 Pentax K50 which shoots 12-bit RAW. Some of the higher-priced models like the Pentax K3, all of the Canon DSLRs, and all Nikon D5xxx, and D7xxx series DSLRs shoot 14-bit RAW.



You can use this tool to show the features of each camera that you like: http://www.dpreview.com/products/compare/cameras?utm_campaign=internal-link&utm_source=mainmenu&utm_medium=text&ref=mainmenu Among the various specs listed, RAW and the color bit depth is usually listed.

Answer 3

Cameras Deals



http://amazon.com/b/?node=761198&tag=281158-20

Answer 4

Check the Panasonic TZ1000 - a lot of camera for not a huge amount of money, and with a reasonably large sensor. Check RAW in that camera.

Answer 5

Why not buy a dSLR? All brands and models are good and they are all basically the same. You can shoot anything with any dSLR. Here's the cheapest one right now.



http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1079155-REG/pentax_06459_k_s1_dslr_camera_with.html

Answer 6

You need to think about buying second hand or refurbs from a reliable store viz:

https://new.keh.com/shop/cameras.html

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/browse/Digital-Imaging/ci/6387/N/4294246666



If you want a compact system camera (for interchangeable lenses) then read this:



http://www.wexphotographic.com/blog/buying-guide-compact-system-cameras

Answer 7

Good deal!