Digital SLR

photodgm

Perhaps it would help if you were clearer about your budget and what types and quality of photographs you are wanting. Reading something like this may help. (I just had a quick look, not a site I've used before)
http://www.illustratedphotography.com/basic-photography
If you really want to get into DSLR photography it can end up being expensive as there is always a better camera body/lens/bag/tripod/accessory to buy.
To get the headlight effect you are talking of you need a camera that allows you to decrease the shutter speed and close down the aperture, so more than a point and shoot compact. Advanced compacts should allow you to do this. Use of flash and the whole topic of lighting is a whole discussion on its own, to keep it simple at some point you are going to need some form of flash to get the shot you want.

victor2

I would seriously consider a "bridge" camera, part way between a pocket and true DSLR, if you just want to get a feel of what you really want to do. They're relatively inexpensive, usually have better optics than pocket cameras and a single non-removable lens, with a good zoom range on it. Most will have an electronic viewfinder, so you get the feel of using a "proper" camera. Once you've got an idea of what aspect of photography really interests you, you can look at investing in more specialised equipment to help achieve what you want.

[Deleted User]

victor2 wrote: »

I would seriously consider a "bridge" camera, part way between a pocket and true DSLR, if you just want to get a feel of what you really want to do. They're relatively inexpensive, usually have better optics than pocket cameras and a single non-removable lens, with a good zoom range on it. Most will have an electronic viewfinder, so you get the feel of using a "proper" camera. Once you've got an idea of what aspect of photography really interests you, you can look at investing in more specialised equipment to help achieve what you want.

oh dear. Those bridge cameras seem to imply that the reason you buy an SLR is for the zoom, not for the bigger sensor and interchangeable lenses.

For prices, check out here - http://www.camerapricebuster.co.uk - a camera price comparison site. The best option is likely to be an entry level Nikon or Canon.

e.g. http://www.johnlewis.com/231212774/Product.aspx?source=46387
http://www.johnlewis.com/231001384/Product.aspx?source=46387

Both under £400 and with a much larger (and affordable) range of lenses to get than the sonys, or other 'micro' interchangeable formats.

victor2

As you can see OP, different people have different opinions. There is no one solution that fits all.
You can spend £5K on a camera and take better pictures with your mobile, or you could take award winning shots with it. It comes down to how keen you are, what direction you see your photography going in and to no small extent, how much you can spend on it.

wizzywig27

some really interesting and helpful posts here, thanks alot

my budget is around the £350 - £400 mark, and really just want to start off going for walks, taking pictures of scenery etc, taking autumn pictures etc

Sambucus_Nigra

wizzywig27 wrote: »

Hey all

I was hoping to get into photography and was looking at a 'budget' DSLR but unsure on where to start, what to look for, anyway I have narrowed it down to the following three, basically on size and price, if anyone can offer any advice that would be really helpful, thanks

Those cameras are four-thirds cameras. They are not DSLRs, but are the next best thing. They do not have viewfinders, and some do have flashes. Not that you need viewfinder, as there is a screen that shows you what you will be shooting.

The main thing is that they are fully manual, and you can change the lenses, so you can adapt and experiment just as you can with full DSLRs.


I sold my DSLR and the full range of lenses a year ago and bought a Olympus Micro 4/3 camera, several lenses and haven't looked back. You get 99% of the full range of functions as on the DSLR without the weight, as the sensor is smaller, the body is smaller and the lenses are smaller.

And now many of the people in my camera club are also getting 4/3 cameras. It's a lovely system to use and I'm more than happy - I've also got images being published since swapping so there is a story in there somewhere.

[Deleted User]

wizzywig27 wrote: »

some really interesting and helpful posts here, thanks alot

my budget is around the £350 - £400 mark, and really just want to start off going for walks, taking pictures of scenery etc, taking autumn pictures etc

ok, some good information there. Scenery = wide angle lenses. The 4/3rd cameras suffer from 'crop factor' which makes their lenses more 'zoom' than other formats. It makes their wide angle lenses more expensive. I've got one, before anyone has a go at me.. and i find it very annoying.

How about looking at a 'top level' compact camera. One with a bigger sensor, great features, nice wide angle lens?

Take a look at the Panasonic LX5 or Olympus XZ-1. Downside is no viewfinder, and the built in flash is tiny (but you can clip on an external viewfinder, or additional flash gun).

I really fancy the LX5 myself. Remember - the 'best' camera is the one you have with you at the time, so there is often a benefit in a small camera

photodgm

Try looking at this (2nd article)
http://www.dpreview.com/articles/category/buying-guides
It does have a little about 4/3rds systems at the bottom.

I've tried to avoid giving my own recommendations because my experience is limited to a small number of cameras. However I personally find using a screen rather than a viewfinder for outside shots very difficult, just too much ambient light, I can't see clearly enough what I'm shooting, especially if my main focus point is not in the middle of the shot. In the end my advice is, read lots, if you have questions try to be specific, and go to a 'good' camera shop and try to handle the equipment.

jackieblack

proactive wrote: »

we bought one of the sony alpha series dslr cameras a few years back and that is fantastic

Me too! and I agree

When I was looking for a DSLR someone recommended I go into a shop and try a few out, you will find that some will fit more comfortably into your hand than others.
This was one of the reasons I went for the Sony in the end... it felt so much more comfortable than the Canon or the Nikon I was considering.

dibuzz

jackieblack wrote: »

Me too! and I agree

When I was looking for a DSLR someone recommended I go into a shop and try a few out, you will find that some will fit more comfortably into your hand than others.
This was one of the reasons I went for the Sony in the end... it felt so much more comfortable than the Canon or the Nikon I was considering.

That's what my son did, he told the man in the shop exactly what he wanted it for and he came up with 3 in different price ranges and gave him impartial advice on each.
He eventually went for a Sony A55 which he is delighted with, sadly the shop has now closed which is a real shame as everyone was so helpful and friendly.