New Camera for a friend

[Deleted User]

photodgm wrote: »

The answer depends in part on what type of photography your friend is interested in. Landscape, action, portrait, studio style etc. Does the camera need to be good in low light situations, or is fast auto focus a priority. Wide angle or long focal length (zoom in on distant subjects). If you post back with information on some of these points people may be able to give a more informed opinion. This link may help:
http://www.photographyblog.com/articles_best_digital_camera.php

Thanks, photodgm. The link is helpful. I really know nothing about photography myself but my chum takes lovely views, flowers, close up cake decor and fun holiday snaps out walking. I'm trying to gather information to make a good choice in January, thank you.

Crimson

A._Badger

Deleted_User wrote: »

Thanks, photodgm. The link is helpful. I really know nothing about photography myself but my chum takes lovely views, flowers, close up cake decor and fun holiday snaps out walking. I'm trying to gather information to make a good choice in January, thank you.

Crimson

Do you have any idea of how large a camera your friend wants? Is it something that s/he will slip into a bag or pocket, or are they willing to carry something bulkier?

[Deleted User]

A._Badger wrote: »

Do you have any idea of how large a camera your friend wants? Is it something that s/he will slip into a bag or pocket, or are they willing to carry something bulkier?

Thanks, Badger. She goes walking (rambling) quite a bit so a smaller, easy to use type would be good. The links and information given here have been really helpful and much appreciated. She also sends her photographs by email to family and friends abroad.

If anything else comes to light please let me know, thank you.

Crimson

A._Badger

Deleted_User wrote: »

Thanks, Badger. She goes walking (rambling) quite a bit so a smaller, easy to use type would be good. The links and information given here have been really helpful and much appreciated. She also sends her photographs by email to family and friends abroad.

If anything else comes to light please let me know, thank you.

Crimson

On balance, I would recommend something like the Panasonic TZ60. It is one of the few compacts with a viewfinder, has a good quality, wide-ranging zoom lens and should cost you well under £300.

Here's a review: http://www.dpreview.com/products/panasonic/compacts/panasonic_dmczs40

Good luck.

photodgm

TZ60 is a nice camera according to the reviews I've seen. An alternative could be the Nikon Coolpix P7800. Slightly over budget but there may be deals when you come to buy. It has a different set of compromises.

Buying a camera for someone else is not easy - sometimes how they feel in the hand, can be an important consideration. Perhaps doing the research and then giving your friend the choice, particularly if you can find a shop that stocks the cameras you are interested in would be an option?

gjchester

Deleted_User wrote: »

If anything else comes to light please let me know, thank you.
Crimson

May seem a silly question but are they interested in photography or do they just want to take photos when out.


A SLR will be far more versatile, but its bigger and has more of a learning curve, and a good point and shoot may be more suitable.


It sounds like you want a good point and shoot and to be honest I'd not recommend a Canon Powershot G series. Personally I find they are too complicated for someone who is not interested in photography, they have a lot of options but if its always left on Auto its a bit of a waste of money

[Deleted User]

gjchester wrote: »

May seem a silly question but are they interested in photography or do they just want to take photos when out.


A SLR will be far more versatile, but its bigger and has more of a learning curve, and a good point and shoot may be more suitable.


It sounds like you want a good point and shoot and to be honest I'd not recommend a Canon Powershot G series. Personally I find they are too complicated for someone who is not interested in photography, they have a lot of options but if its always left on Auto its a bit of a waste of money

Thanks gichester - my chum is interested in photography and her present small compact camera broke when it fell. She is still working full time and does not have a lot of time - but she does enjoy taking photographs. She takes lovely views, flowers, close up cake decor and fun holiday snaps out walking. It is something she enjoys for leisure and the pleasure of sharing her photographs with family and friends.

Crimson.

Rodders53

Your friend really needs to do the choosing... the 'feel' of a camera is all important as is placement of buttons, weight etc.,. Another model of the same brand might be the favoured option.

Why wifi?... it's simple enough to remove a SD card to access the photos for further processing or printing on a PC. Professionals use wifi or wifi SD cards to transmit RAW pictures during a shoot for immediate editing by another person on a PC - e.g. for sports photography or in modelling for viewing on large screens by others (as well as the photographer).

However the Pentax x-5 will accept wifi sd cards and they aren't stupidly expensive.

EssexExile

Rodders53 wrote: »

Why wifi?

You can operate the camera with a smartphone, it's better than using the delayed action shutter & you can see what you're taking on the screen.

Unfortunately I don't have a smartphone.:o

[Deleted User]

EssexExile wrote: »

You can operate the camera with a smartphone, it's better than using the delayed action shutter & you can see what you're taking on the screen.

Unfortunately I don't have a smartphone.:o

My chum, like me, is not technically advanced and we have not, so far, progressed to smart 'phones. Laptops and I have a Nexus 7 = progress!

Thank you - the replies are really helpful.

Crimson