I'm looking at purchasing a new camera as an upgrade to my point and shoots. I'm leaning towards a mirrorless, specifically the Samsung NX300. Everything that I've read about this camera makes me believe that it would be a huge upgrade over my point and shoots, as well as being fairly light and compact +1. What I can't find is any info about taking pictures of stars with this camera, something that is a must for me if I'm going to spend the money on a new camera.

Does anyone have any thoughts or suggestions about this camera, or should I go a different route?

I don't know much about this camera bit looks like a good camera, Star shots are more a function of the lens than the camera body. Ideally you would like at least and f2.8 lens.

Combined with the lens below I am sure this camera would take great star shots but has a pretty price tag as well. :-)

But even with a kit lens it is likely to come with you can still take some night sky shots with right settings and post processing.

16-50mm Premium S Lens

Here is a good tutorial on how to shoot night sky.

Do you think that the Samsung fixed 30mm F2.0 lens would work. I could get that for $300. $1300 is just out of reach for me, though that does look like and incredible lens.
Thanks,

quote hobbydog: "I don't know much about this camera bit looks like a good camera, Star shots are more a function of the lens than the camera body. Ideally you would like at least and f2.8 lens.


Combined with the lens below I am sure this camera would take great star shots but has a pretty price tag as well. :-)


But even with a kit lens it is likely to come with you can still take some night sky shots with right settings and post processing.

16-50mm Premium S Lens


Here is a good tutorial on how to shoot night sky. "

I know knowing nothing about the Samsung line but I would think this lens would be a great lens to start with on this camera. You won't get any closeup wildlife shots but it should be really good for the landscape shots and low light shots. It looks like a nice compact high quality camera/lens for use in the BWCA. I have this lens which is probably comparable. I have to admit I haven't used it much but like any other lens/camera you need to learn how to use it. Read the reviews. Practice with it a lot before you go. Post up some pictures when you get it and let us know how it works.

Something that may interest you, 300 with 45mm F1.8

butthead

i agree with butthead. get a nice fast prime lens. i would avoid zoom lens as they are generally not as fast.

I suggest a Sony mirrorless camera with a Zeiss prime lens (or Zeiss zoom if you like).

I have the NEX-7 and am pleased with it. Definitely shoot RAW files.

Also, consider buying used. Online vendors like KEH are very good. I bought a used Sony NEX-7 from them and it was like new. Just had to update the firmware which was easy.

Thanks for everybody's input. I recently picked up a Samsung NX300 with the 20-50 kit lens & the 30mm pancake. So far I am pleased with it, very easy to use, although I haven't used it too much yet. It looks like I'll be dealing with a full moon on my trip, May 11th through the 16th. Does anyone here know if it's possible to get descent star shots with a full moon, or should I just look forward to taking a lot of moon shots. And with any luck no pictures of frozen lakes.

How did it go? Any pics?