Is the Lytro Illum Worth $370? Edit: Ordered a Canon Rebel T5.

"Jordan and the Slowrunner, Boomer Intensifies" (jordanwphillips)
04/03/2016 at 19:15 • Filed to: None

Watching reviews, they review it as a camera at it’s normal price, but what about at it’s now significantly cheaper price? I’m interested in buying a cheapish decent camera, and this has piqued my interest.

Anything else I should look at for under $400, preferably less?

DISCUSSION (7)

Steve in Manhattan > Jordan and the Slowrunner, Boomer Intensifies
04/03/2016 at 19:24

I have a Sony lens that hangs off the front of my iPhone and communicates by bluetooth. It might be worth a look.

DasWauto > Jordan and the Slowrunner, Boomer Intensifies
04/03/2016 at 19:30

The Lytro is certainly very interesting but for a primary camera I’d stick to something with an interchangeable lens. Whether that’s mirrorless or entry level DSLR is up to you. If you want something smaller mirrorless is likely the way to go. If you want better ergonomics and broader lens selection an entry level DSLR is probably still the way to go.

I got my Sony NEX-5R right at $400 and while I find the proprietary lens options expensive, the ability to use 35 mm lenses is pretty much unmatched outside of the E-mount platform. It’s a great way to get more lens selection without spending a fortune, as long as you don’t mind manual focus/aperture.

That said, the Lytro is definitely something I’d consider as a neat second camera and I wouldn’t begrudge anyone for picking it up as a primary.

Honeybunchesofgoats > Jordan and the Slowrunner, Boomer Intensifies
04/03/2016 at 19:30

The technology behind it is interesting, but it’s still kind of a proof of concept. If it’s going to be your only camera, I wouldn’t recommend it.

I’d recommend going with something like a nice Panasonic. Like this, although it’s a little over $400:

Panasonic DMC-ZS60K Lumix 4k Digital Camera 18 Megapixels, 24-720mm LEICA DC Lens Zoom, Wi-Fi (Black) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00KW5OKU4/…

JGrabowMSt > Jordan and the Slowrunner, Boomer Intensifies
04/03/2016 at 19:40

The Lytro is not a replacement for a camera, it’s an experimental toy at best. I have their original one, and I am interested in purchasing one of these in the future. Again, it’s no replacement for going for either a point and shoot, Sony A7 or similar camera. I would only recommend it for someone who is very familiar with photography already, because the way the Lytro works, the image quality you’re going to get isn’t quite like a regular digital camera.

I would consider something like the Canon G7 instead, as a good quality point and shoot that you don’t have to worry much about and still get fantastic quality out of.

Honeybunchesofgoats > Jordan and the Slowrunner, Boomer Intensifies
04/03/2016 at 19:49

Actually, scratch my last suggestion unless you’re looking for something compact.

I’d bite the extra cost and go with this:

Nikon D3300 24.2 MP CMOS Digital SLR with Auto Focus-S DX NIKKOR 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6G VR II Zoom Lens (Black) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00HQ4W1QE/…

At this point, there’s so little that point and shoots (with the exception of the really high end $700+ ones) can do that a phone can’t.

I have the D3100 and it's a great camera for the price.

Gone > Jordan and the Slowrunner, Boomer Intensifies
04/03/2016 at 20:04

I don’t know.

I do know you can buy any number of Nikon/Canon consumer DSLRs used for that price (body/standard lens combos). T2i and T3i’s, etc. Great platform to start and expand from. I still shoot with a T2i. I totally suck, but good glass helps. Having ability to use common 35mm lenses is a good thing.

Jordan and the Slowrunner, Boomer Intensifies > Gone
04/03/2016 at 20:07

I actually decided on a T5. There are too many cons to the Lytro.