Entry level DSLR camera

ukcarper

ringo_24601 wrote: »

I've never understood the obsession with low light performance. If you want to take photos in the dark then get a tripod and set the shutter to stay open for a while. A larger sensor might reduce the noise you get in low-light shots (or let you use a higher ISO), but it won't suddenly make it significantly better.

If you want to learn photography, you need to be able to control light. This needs the ability to fire a flash, adjust your lens' aperture, adjust your shutter speed. If your bridge camera can do this; great. Otherwise, you need an SLR-style camera

I suppose it's not low performance but the higher ISO if you are trying to take a photo of something moving with a telephoto lens
It can be very usefull.

ukcarper

BOBS wrote: »

Oh wow - what a lot of information and discussion - thank you all. As she is 13 thinking from reading all above that the smaller bridge camera might have enough on it for her for now and that a larger and more complicated DSLR with different lens etc something for quite a few years down the line - it might just have too much on it for her to get the hang of . Would this come under the 'bridge' category ?http://www.amazon.co.uk/Canon-PowerShot-SX220-Digital-Camera/dp/B004M8S152/ref=wl_it_dp_o_pC_S_nC?ie=UTF8&coliid=I1LSRNZNF4B6T8&colid=LKJ4IUD3RV80 .

I don't think that camera has optical viewfinder and trying to compose a picture on the LCD In bright sunlight can be very difficult. Also it is not really a brigde camera.
http://www.amazon.co.uk/Panasonic-DMC-FZ48EB-K-Hybrid-Digital-Optical/dp/tech-data/B005K6WTSU/ref=de_a_smtd this is a bridge camera and I think it has an electronic viewfinder in addition to LCD which would be ok in bright sunlight.

I'm not recommended this camera as I don't know much about it but if sway away from a DSLR this type of camera is probably the next best thing

Enterprise_1701C

If you do end up buying a second-hand DSLR I would highly recommend a Nikon D40. It can be very simple down to really complicated settings, and it is menu-driven making it very easy to use.

[Deleted User]

Ok... Found you this... http://www.argos.co.uk/static/Product/partNumber/5597570.htm?cmpid=COJUN&storeId=10151&_%24ja=tsid%3A11674%7Cprd%3A1546795&referredURL=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.argos.co.uk%2Fstatic%2FProduct%2FpartNumber%2F5597570.htm&referrer=COJUN

You can get an adaptor (about £10 on eBay) to use old manual focus lenses from olympus OM cameras with this. Those lenses start at £30 in second hand shops

Yes.. I know there's no viewfinder...

ukcarper

ringo_24601 wrote: »

Ok... Found you this... http://www.argos.co.uk/static/Product/partNumber/5597570.htm?cmpid=COJUN&storeId=10151&_%24ja=tsid%3A11674%7Cprd%3A1546795&referredURL=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.argos.co.uk%2Fstatic%2FProduct%2FpartNumber%2F5597570.htm&referrer=COJUN

You can get an adaptor (about £10 on eBay) to use old manual focus lenses from olympus OM cameras with this. Those lenses start at £30 in second hand shops

Yes.. I know there's no viewfinder...

No viewfinder I hope the LCD is better than my year old Panasonic other wise it’s more like point and hope on sunny days.

I know I’m starting to sound a bit obsessed about this but it really is a pain.

A._Badger

I'm with the 'optical viewfinder only' contingent I admit I now have a rear-screen only shirt pocket camera, but photography with it is always a hit and miss business - and it's a brand new, top-flight Canon, so not much has changed down the years. LCDs are still a very poor alternative to a proper viewfinder.

It's OK as a fun, walkabout camera, but for anything serious, the larger sensor size and vastly higher quality of an SLR lens wins every time. If you cannot clearly see what you are photographing - which is often the case with LCDs - all you are doing is taking a snapshot and hoping for the best.

If someone is serious about photography, an SLR is still the way to go. Concentrate on lenses, rather than bodies, and pick a brand that is likely to be in business in ten years time (which essentially means Nikon or Canon) so that the investment you make in high quality glass will never be wasted.

Enterprise_1701C

Have to agree with the above. Treated myself to a handbag camera not long ago, certainly not one I would specifically take somewhere to take pictures but useful to have with me. The only advantage is that it has a front LCD screen. I REALLY miss the real viewfinder though, and it is not quick enough to catch a red kite in flight!

wba31

get the girl a DSLR! some of my friends who are amazing photographers have been using SLR's and DSLR's since they were children.

I would recommend starting with a second hand body, that way if she doesnt like it or cant get the hang of it, you havent blown big money on the body.

Nikon or Canon are the big two brands to look at, I think someone mentioned the Nikon D40? I'm a Canon user so think something like the 1000D or 1100D or even a 450D might be a good starting point. A basic kit lens as well as the 50mm fixed focal (about £90 off amazon) are a great starting tool.

I used www.camerapricebuster.co.uk to shop for extra bits now. I started with a Canon 10D with a basic lens, added the 50mm, then this year got a Canon 600D and a Sigma 10-20mm lens.

My wife also bought me these books http://www.amazon.co.uk/Scott-Kelbys-Digital-Photography-Boxed/dp/0321678737/ref=sr_1_5?ie=UTF8&qid=1343204849&sr=8-5 which I have since bought for my dad (who had my 10D off me). It is not written for the pro's out there, it's for beginners, and is a great series.

rbbadger

I agree. I had the same dilemma a couple of years ago. I went round a few different camera shops adn took advice. I bought my son a Canon - 1000d I think. I also got him a lesson in how to use it, which was worth every penny. He has taken some amazing photos. The quality is brilliant.

BOBS

ringo_24601 wrote: »

Ok... Found you this... http://www.argos.co.uk/static/Product/partNumber/5597570.htm?cmpid=COJUN&storeId=10151&_%24ja=tsid%3A11674%7Cprd%3A1546795&referredURL=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.argos.co.uk%2Fstatic%2FProduct%2FpartNumber%2F5597570.htm&referrer=COJUN

You can get an adaptor (about £10 on eBay) to use old manual focus lenses from olympus OM cameras with this. Those lenses start at £30 in second hand shops

Yes.. I know there's no viewfinder...

that looks the part and the price ticks my box! - thanks.