Migrating to a good digital camera

[Deleted User]

ok, so you want a 'top end' compact camera then i guess?

Take a look at the Panasonic LX5 or Olympus XZ-1. They have larger image sensors than regular compact cameras and better lenses. They also have hotshoes so you could add a flash. They also have great wide angle 'fast' lens - great for wide landscape photos.

Myself, i'd be heading to this website http://www.camerapricebuster.co.uk/ to pick out an SLR, flash and 50mm f1.8 lens if someone gave me £500 to buy a camera.

Or.. you could go for a 'compact system' camera.. I just discovered this: http://www.amazon.co.uk/exec/obidos/ASIN/B005AQKWK2
but you could also look at the Sony NEX, Nikon 1 or micro 4/3rds systems.

startingtosave

Hello!

Like you I was fed up with fairly rubbish photos from my basic digital camera and did loads of research last September before deciding to go for an SLR.

I quite liked the idea of learning about photography as I felt it was a great skill to have for life in general and chose a Nikon D3100 (within your budget) as it has a guide feature for beginners which helps you decide what settings to use to get the best results. So far I've been absolutely delighted with the camera and the quality of the pictures and have even set up a blog where I'm aiming to take and post a new photo every day in 2012 without using the auto setting - just using the camera frequently has really helped me learn!

Good luck in deciding what to go for and def don't be put off a basic SLR if you fancy learning a little while you point and click and getting fab results!

Ainsley1

Suggest looking at a bridge camera. Picture quality will compare fairly well with the old SLR you've got especially if you get one with a good lens. There are several that are lightweight with big zoom ranges. Go for one with a wide angle starting point if you wish to capture landscapes. I have ised a more elderly Panasonic and am generally very pleased with it. The newer ones have improved upon it.

Try a Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ48 or FZ150. Apart from the Cannon Powershot G12 which comes out as the Which? best buy for under £500 these two cams come 2nd and 3rd but have a slightly wider lens and much bigger zoom range and shorter shutter delay. Long shutter delay is one of the big downsides when not using a SLR especially if taking any action shots.

The main difference between the two is that the FZ150 has hot shoe for external flash and can be used in RAW mode for better quality pictures (compared to JPEG) but is £100 more expensive at about £370.

There are lots more cameras with similar good performance under £400 and I would suggest the Which? reviews as a good starting point of totally independent reviews to find one that suits you.[I think you can become a member to see the reviews for a limited period for pound see www which.co.uk/about-which/what-we-offer/what-do-i-get-when-i-take-a-trial/]

gonzo127

m5rcc wrote: »

Today's DSLR's are far too complex for what the OP requires compared to a 35mm SLR. A good compact will be more than sufficient, surely?

it is of course a hard call since what would be 'sufficient' for one person might not stand up for another,

so i have only asked the question about the DSLR, because of what the OP is used to in regards quality, and although they are generally more complicated than the older 35mm SLR they can still be simple enough to use by a novice but they also gives the ability to learn and advance if the desire takes them.

i have also suggested a bridge camera which i feel might be the better option, as the FZ150 is a fantastic camera which is quite a bit below the stated budget - although of course still more expensive than some other very good options, this being said i feel it would potentially suite the op's needs very well, as it would give a far larger range of options and better quality pictures than a compact camera can but is still pretty simple.

i know compact cameras can be very good and is what i currently use due to my current needs but i just feel for versatility and quality (thinking wildlife photography) then a bridge or DSLR would be better

[Deleted User]

Exactly how does a 'big zoom' (i.e. bridge) camera fit the requirements of someone who wants to take landscape photos?

I really hate bridge cameras, they're pure marketing. I fell for it once and bought one, only to find out that you rarely need to zoom 12x on anything (and when you do, it's sports, and rarely comes out well)

You want a camera that you can fit filters, has a wide lens, decent sensor size and most importantly, fits in your pocket. I also like to be able to 'auto-bracket' when i take pictures (auto drop and raise the f-stop) so i can take HDR photos (e.g of one I took on my 4 year old dSLR - http://www.flickr.com/photos/kirwilliam/3144370373/in/photostream/lightbox/)

To be honest, i think its more about how you use a camera than the specs. This picture is from a Canon Ixus 400 (http://www.flickr.com/photos/kirwilliam/13901378/in/photostream/lightbox/); an 8 year old 5mp compact digital camera

jeanniefaethecarse

Thank you so much for all your help and advice.
I'm leaning towards a DSLR or the Bridge, having used the Pentax before and by trial and error learned how to use it to get the results I wanted.
I like the idea that I can change lenses depending on what I'm wanting to do. It's a once in 20 year purchase, so it may be that going for the DSLR/Bridge option with it's versatility would suit me better.
Off to do some more research (still got a couple of weeks before I've saved enough out of my stopped smoking money to afford the camera!)

Ainsley1

Agreed Gonzo! DSLR would be my personal choice purely for the higher quality etc. for serious photography but a bridge is a great (but still) compromise between compact and DSLR and generally is much lighter which is a big consideration if taking on holiday etc.

[Deleted User]

Just remember to look into the 'compact camera systems' rather than just SLRs... This is probably the best camera price comparison site:
http://www.camerapricebuster.co.uk/

pww2004

Just a quick thought. All Pentax gear from the 70s onwards is compatible with Pentax/Samsung DSLRs Eg.

http://www.ebay.co.uk/ctg/Pentax-K100D-6-1-MP-Digital-SLR-Camera-Black-Kit-w-18-55mm-Lens-/100187839?_catref=1&_dmpt=UK_CamerasPhoto_DigitalCameras_DigitalCameras_JN&_pcategid=31388&_pcatid=802&_refkw=pentax&_trkparms=65%253A12%257C66%253A4%257C39%253A1%257C72%253A6003&_trksid=p3286.c0.m14

(chosen at random to illustrate point)

Why not have a look at the Pentax DSLRs and then you could continue to use all your Pentax gear.

[Deleted User]

pww2004 wrote: »

Just a quick thought. All Pentax gear from the 70s onwards is compatible with Pentax/Samsung DSLRs Eg.

http://www.ebay.co.uk/ctg/Pentax-K100D-6-1-MP-Digital-SLR-Camera-Black-Kit-w-18-55mm-Lens-/100187839?_catref=1&_dmpt=UK_CamerasPhoto_DigitalCameras_DigitalCameras_JN&_pcategid=31388&_pcatid=802&_refkw=pentax&_trkparms=65%253A12%257C66%253A4%257C39%253A1%257C72%253A6003&_trksid=p3286.c0.m14

(chosen at random to illustrate point)

Why not have a look at the Pentax DSLRs and then you could continue to use all your Pentax gear.

It might be compatible, but it'll also likely be manual focus (i use OM lenses on my 4/3rds dSLR.. but it's also manual focus)