DSLR Options

Jackmydad

EssexExile wrote: »

Does that have a 24-720mm zoom?

I'd be wary of "mega zooms" either built in to a compact, or as a lens for a DSLR.
To be fair I haven't looked for a while, but they tend to be "soft" (focus -wise) Worse at the extremes of focal length.
As always it depends what results the individual wants and is happy with.
With lenses though, in general you really do get what you pay for.

boliston

18-55 kit zoom is probably ideal for most beginners as it's wide at one end (equivalent to a 28mm) and short tele at the other end (equivalent to an 85mm) - i started out with one of these 10 years ago and decided eventually i like shooting wide so now only own a single 28mm lens

Gloomendoom

I also don't like carting a DSLR around but find that they are essential for photographing fast moving subjects. In bright sunlight conditions it also a lot easier to compose a scene that you can actually see.

For travel, I've settled on a DSLR plus a waterproof camera (Olympus Tough).

ukcarper

Techno_Mystic wrote: »

It goes back to what OP needs:


Is a zoom necessary for that? Photos in picturesque places, tourism, indoor birthday celebrations, a wide angle would be better for that, like the 24mm I mentioned earlier. Unless they want to take close-ups of the kids faces blowing the candles out etc.

But whatever.

A zoom can be very useful in all those situations for instance you can get some very good candid photos of children using a longer zoom setting and portraits are normally better with a short telephoto.

If the main use is indoors I would go for DSLR both cameras will give very good results and are considerably cheaper that a good compact. Also better flash guns are readily available the only real disadvantage of DSLR is size and weight.

It can be worth looking for previous models as sometimes they can be found with a good discount and generally the improvement between models is small.

photodgm

Lots of good points above. Perhaps looking at reviews here would help.
http://www.photographyblog.com
I find their reviews extensive without being overly complicated.
If you want convenience perhaps something like Canon PowerShot G9 X Mark II @ £374 would work for you?