Camera choice?

paddyrg

Not sure what the prices are for the Nikon mirrorless cameras, but they pre-shoot and post-shoot, so it actually is taking photos before you even press the button - may help for planes etc?!

http://www.bjp-online.com/british-journal-of-photography/news/2110726/nikon-goes-drawing-board-releases-nikon-mirrorless-cameras

chippy2u

Look at Jessops don't buy!! I got my S4000 from Amazon for £170 and Jessops wanted £299 and no price match!

C_Mababejive

Ebay Nikon D40

Never buy a camera without a viewfinder.

Yorkie1

chippy2u wrote: »

Look at Jessops don't buy!! I got my S4000 from Amazon for £170 and Jessops wanted £299 and no price match!

Indeed, that's the plan

Yorkie1

I've now handled a few cameras in Jessops and think I will have to accept the compromises in a compact camera - I don't really want a DSLR. I know they give the best pictures but their size and weight makes them impracticable for the ways in which I'll be using the camera. Plus, to get the sort of zoom I want, I need to pay way over my budget.

I think it will end up being one of the panasonic TZ series, which have the best zooms and Leica lenses. The panasonic I previously linked to only has an 8x zoom, whereas you can get double that on TZs.

I'm wondering whether to go for one of the latest edition TZs (probably the TZ18/19, not the 20) or one from last year such as the TZ8 or 10 if I can get it cheaper.

Also, where is the best place to get spare batteries? They are extortionate in Jessops but panasonic say you need to use their own brand ...

C_Mababejive

Yorkie..have you handled a nikon D40? I have one and it is a genuine DSLR but without the bulk. The standard 55mm lens has never failed me and you can crop in camera for closer up shots thus removing the need for a big zoom. I also recently bought a Hoya +4 add on screw lens for £12 new so that i can experiment with macro..again very pleased with results. I think that you might be limiting your future creativity and growth of knowledge buy not going the DSLR route.

A._Badger

Yorkie1 wrote: »

I've now handled a few cameras in Jessops and think I will have to accept the compromises in a compact camera - I don't really want a DSLR. I know they give the best pictures but their size and weight makes them impracticable for the ways in which I'll be using the camera. Plus, to get the sort of zoom I want, I need to pay way over my budget.

I think it will end up being one of the panasonic TZ series, which have the best zooms and Leica lenses. The panasonic I previously linked to only has an 8x zoom, whereas you can get double that on TZs.

I'm wondering whether to go for one of the latest edition TZs (probably the TZ18/19, not the 20) or one from last year such as the TZ8 or 10 if I can get it cheaper.

Also, where is the best place to get spare batteries? They are extortionate in Jessops but panasonic say you need to use their own brand ...

The Panasonics are good - very good by and large - but don't assume they are the only choice (whatever a shop might tell you). If you preferred a Canon, an Olympus or a Pentax you'd get just as good a camera for your money. and don't be fooled by the name 'Leica' on a lens. It's clever marketing but it won't be off a Lecia rangefinder! It'll be a good lens, but so will the equivalent from any of the top brands.

As for batteries, as I said before, buy a brand that will back up its products. Both Energizer and Duracell sell replacements and Amazon sells them at good prices. Don't risk no-name batteries off Fleabay,

Yorkie1

C_Mababejive wrote: »

Yorkie..have you handled a nikon D40? I have one and it is a genuine DSLR but without the bulk. The standard 55mm lens has never failed me and you can crop in camera for closer up shots thus removing the need for a big zoom. I also recently bought a Hoya +4 add on screw lens for £12 new so that i can experiment with macro..again very pleased with results. I think that you might be limiting your future creativity and growth of knowledge buy not going the DSLR route.

Aarrrrrgghhhhhh! Stop confusing me :rotfl:

No, it's not on the market any longer as a new camera. Perhaps I should go back to Jessops and handle one of the more recent models e.g. the D3100.

It does have remarkably good reviews - and I'm slightly tempted, but to be realistic what I want at the moment is a camera which will fit in a pocket when I'm down on the allotment, or in a handbag at a party - and a DSLR just won't do that.

I'm also concerned about the wider cost / weight / bag size through having to buy additional lenses in order to achieve the macro and zoom functions I'd like. I reckon that will take me nearly 2x my original budget.

Out of interest, if I wanted to do B&W photos, does it do that?

Hmmm. I think I possibly need to experiment with the compact camera and, if I do end up wanting to be more creative with a camera, then I'll upgrade to a DSLR at that point - a Nikon D40 looks like a good idea, and then I've got the best of both worlds. Maybe

A._Badger

Yorkie1 wrote: »

Aarrrrrgghhhhhh! Stop confusing me :rotfl:

Hmmm. I think I possibly need to experiment with the compact camera and, if I do end up wanting to be more creative with a camera, then I'll upgrade to a DSLR at that point - a Nikon D40 looks like a good idea, and then I've got the best of both worlds. Maybe

It is confusing, you're right. As Nikon user myself (for SLRs) I would agree that the D40 was a fabulous camera. I own one and often chuck it in a bag in preference to taking a heavier more feature-rich model.

But (and it's a big but) it is still a DSLR. It is still heavier and a lot bulkier. It still has a very limited range on its standard lens and however serious a photographer you are, there are times when you just don't want to be bothered with that hassle.

Modern compacts are very good and perfect for the sort of everyday use you are looking for. I agree about the lack of a viewfinder (why Canon finally dropped them I'll never know!) but for what you say you want, a good compact will do fine - much as I love the D40!

Good luck making a very difficult choice.

mustangu

Have you look at the mirror less system camera. compact camera size with slr size sensors and interchangeable lenses.

Argos are doing a good deal on the Samsung NX100 kit. £189 on ebay store. You get the camera body, flash, 20-50 zoom lens, camera bag and sd card.