Camera choice?

Sambucus_Nigra

Yorkie1 wrote: »

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

You need to really think about one of the Micro 4/3 cameras then - I have an Olympus EP-1, it fits in handbags/pockets and is absolutely fantastic, nearly SLR without the weight and bulk, you can get other lenses, you can get adapters and buy really really old lenses if you want to get into it, and it has lots of different Art filters [including BW/grainy film], it's just a dream to use.

It is double your price range however you would not need to upgrade to SLR as the M4/3 cameras are so nearly SLR, with almost all the benefits - you would only need to change lenses to get different effects.

C_Mababejive

I'm not trying to sway you and there are arguments for both but assuming you want scope for future expansion and creativity, do you really want to reach a point where you have found the limits of your small camera and then have to spend on something else? There is an assumption that if you have a DSLR,you have to buy lots of lenses and associated bits. Not true. I have had my D40 since new when they were available and i still use the standard lens and have just bought a +4 hoya magnifier (£12) and am having great results doing macro shots. When i go out or on hols, my small DSLR fits nicely in a small rucksack along with my other bits,i.e drink,food ,accesories etc. Clearly it wont fit in a ladies handbag !

The D40 has in camera editing/cropping software and you can shoot directly in Black and white or whatever.

A._Badger

mustangu wrote: »

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.

Seriously, what would be the point? What the OP is hoping to do would be more than catered for by a good compact like a Panasonic TZ or a Canon Powershot. She would be spending more money on a mirrorless camera, still end-up carrying a bag of lenses around and be paying a lot more for the theoretical advantage of enlargement sizes she is unlikely ever to require.

Mr_Snowball

SLR cameras are quite cheap if you get them on eBay. Do a bit of research first to see what is a good price. I've traded my way up on eBay over the last year to a Canon 450D - I love it. Fantastic pictures and all accessories are not too expensive if you are just following a hobbie.

C_Mababejive

Another plus for DSLRs...look at your average pocket snappy cam with a motorised pokey out lens. Very easily damaged and probably not worth repairing. If you smack a DSLR lens you can just swap it for another one

Yorkie1

Many thanks all

I've now handled a Nikon DSLR. Despite all the pro's mentioned here, and I was indeed surprised at its light weight, it's not for me at the moment - but Dad is considering a DSLR so will point him in the direction of the Nikon, which looks great.

A.Badger is right, it's a decent compact camera I'm after.

Have handled the Samsung WB750 and the Panasonic TZ18. However, the reviews are quite mixed - I was surprised by how much the Panasonic was panned on digitalcamerainfo.com on its picture quality, for example.

Now also considering the Fujifilm Finepix F600EXR, although not yet handled. Halfway through the reviews, which say its image quality is good.

cajef

Two more worth considering and in your price range

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Nikon-Coolpix-L120-Digital-Camera/dp/B004LRO76Q/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1339246292&sr=8


http://www.amazon.co.uk/Nikon-Coolpix-L810-Digital-Camera/dp/B0071L3JIG/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1339246292&sr=8-3
-1

Waterlily24

I love my Lumix too. It's a FZ45 and replaced an old Lumix which I dropped. I like the Lumix because of the rechargeable batteries and it's easy to use. I've also had Fujis and a Canon but not so keen on them.

My hubby has a Canon SLR which is great but generally too heavy, I prefer my Lumix lol.

Bootsox

Had a similar dilemma myself yesterday (daughter's 16th). We ended up with a Nikon COOLPIX L120 14.1MP Digital Bridge Camera which I was very impressed with (for the price) has a very good zoom lens.

Some people have criticised the lack of manual overrides on this camera but to me this is a blessing.

Anyway, after a bit of internet research and trawling 'round the Trafford Centre found Argos had the best deal at £130:

http://www.argos.co.uk/static/Product/partNumber/5596746.htm

edit: as mentioned by cajef above.

C_Mababejive

Remember..dont buy a camera without a viewfinder !!!