A camera.....

dannodw

I know the title is a bit brief but....

For Christmas my family intend to but my grandfather a new camera.

He is keen amateur photographer and has had the same camera for quite a few years. His current camera, if my memory is correct comprises of a 3 times zoom and 6 or 7 mega pixels. It however only allows a 512mb sd card, nothing larger.

He takes his camera anywhere and everywhere and paints some of these photos.

Money wise we would be looking to spend anything up to £150-170 as a maximum.

I know megapixels aren't the most important thing, a good zoom is key though.

Cameras aren't really my expertise. I have looked at numerous options including any number of brands.

The latest was the s1000fd from fuji.

Any help would be greatly appreciated.

Just narrowing down the options would be great.

Thanks,

Dan.

mattogier

Don't know where you are but there is a proper camera shop in Luton (Guldford St) that sells all sorts of camera kit including some excellent "last years" models at great reductions (50% to 75% off) - may be worth looking for a proper camera shop in your area (rather than a DGS group etc where the assistants dont know jack) and see what they have and can suggest in your price range.

I use the Fuji S9600 (28mm to 300mm zoom equivalent to ) and am very impressed but at the £300 mark may be too much for you. I used to have the S5000 and weas impressed with that (they are sub £100 now) - it has a 37 mm to 370mm equivalent to 35mm zoom but you can also get add on lens converters x2 and x0.5 (ish) giving you a zoom range of 18mm to 740mm so maybe you have his bithday sorted too!!!

mattogier

Just looked at the S1000 you have viewed - looks very similar to the s5000 range - it seems not to have a filter thread (to screw additional lenses and filters to the front).

BTW - I got the S9600 as it has less shutter lag (the time taken between pressing the button and taking the picture) and has a flash hot shoe to allow a big flash gun to be fitted.

madmum33

I second the S9600 - I am also an artist and find the picture quality excellent. I managed to get a refurb from Fujifilm direct for less than £200 and that was two years ago, you might be able to find one even cheaper now.

I'm also taken by this one - looks a good deal, and has 18x optical zoom! https://secure.fujifilm.co.uk/shop/consumer/digital/digital-cameras/d-slr-long-zoom/finepix-s8100fd-119771/View

If you buy a fuji refurb direct, it's worth investing in the superwarranty which covers accidental damage as well as extending the standard 6 month warranty to up to 4 years.

dannodw

I have decided upon a fuji camera, i haven't heard a negative review by people i know yet.

I may also slightly increase my budget, £200 now.

Um, i could get the S9600 off Amazon for £238...

I'm off on a price hunt now...

Thanks to you both,

Dan.

baby_fuzz

I'd recommend looking at dpreview online, as I found it really useful when hunting down a camera. Just bear in mind that it is an american site...

moneysaver

Buy the Fuji S9600, I have it & it is a great camera. This camera is great if you want more than a point and shoot, it has all the settings you will need if you want to do serious photography. buy it you will not be sorry.



Moneysaver