Camera advice

dulku

I have a Nikon Coolpix L120 camera which takes nice photos but i need to be able to take clearer photos especially in low light.
The photos i take are normally when we have charity dinner and dance nights.
Can anyone recommend a camera and flash or whatever set up i need. As these photos are for charity i will be funding this purchase myself so don't want to break the bank.

I have been told that i need a dlsr as these are the best for picture quality but i don't want to be buying extra lenses.

Can anyone help please?

Handsome90

Without knowing your budget, it's hard to suggest a camera kit. In general, bigger sensors take better photos (as these can gather more light) and if you plan on taking night photos, you should look at lenses with big apertures (such as f/1.8 or f/1.4).

I believe the best camera for low light situation is Sony A7S (strictly speaking it's not a DSLR but has the same functions).

London50

Hi

You do not need a dslr camera because {as you say} you do not want any extra lenses. I would suggest that {depending on your budget} you look at what they call a bridge camera, these give a lot of the features of a dslr but all in the one camera and has a fixed lens. They are what many people choose when they want to change {but slowly} from a compact to a dslr.
If {to stat with look at Argos as it will give an idea as to the type of cameras then {if you have one} go to a GOOD camera shop and get the feel of some to see just what feels best for you. Any good camera shop will not pressure you into buying anything and they are there to help.
Do also read reviews online as you know the type of use it will get so between that and talking to people in the good camera shops you will end up with the right one at the right price for you :0)

arathorn

Your Nikon Coolpix L120 has a built in lens with a range of F3.1 to F5.8. The lower the number the better it is in lower light.


Panasonic do a bridge camera the DMZ-FZ200 with a really big zoom lens at F2.8 at all the zoom ranges.


http://www.panasonic.com/uk/consumer/cameras-camcorders/lumix-digital-cameras---point-and-shoot/bridge-cameras/dmc-fz200eb.html


Hope that helps.

cajef

London50 wrote: »

I would suggest that {depending on your budget} you look at what they call a bridge camera, these give a lot of the features of a dslr but all in the one camera and has a fixed lens.

They already have a bridge camera, a Nikon L120 they just need a better one.

tberry6686

Sony A7s is a great camera for low light. It's also around £2000 so not really a budget choice. Probably the best option is a Nikon DSLR (possibly second hand) and a decent lens and flash.

andygb

I would suggest a second hand DSLR (Nikon, Canon etc), for about £500, then buy an M42 lens adaptor (£20). Then buy a couple of old M42 lenses with large apertures (f1.7, 1.8, 2), for about £20 - £30 each and learn how to use them.

daveyjp

With low light the more control the better. Any cheap compact or bridge may struggle with setting aperture, speed, ISO, flash intensity in low light.

A decent second hand dSLR can be had for £200. £100 on a used prime 35mm f1.8 lens and you will be sorted.

Alternatively look at used Fuji X series, Olympus Pen mirrorless cameras. Smaller, but quality dSLR sensors and plenty of control. You will also need a lens and flash.

Norman_Castle

Try different settings before replacing the camera. http://365project.org/discuss/tips-n-tricks/8047/nikon-coolpix-l120-help