New Camera Advice

Max · 25 Dec 2007

Right, my old camera has finally bitten the dust (it has taken a bit of a bashing over the years, including being dropped into a sand dune from a moving vehicle

), so I'm in the market for a new one.

I'm basically wondering if there are any cameras you would recommened. I was looking at two possibilities, a low end model, the Sony Cybershot W35 (about £100), or maybe investment in a digital SLR, which for the extra seems to be pretty good value. I was particularly interested in the Nikon D40 (about £270). Does anybody have any experience with these cameras, or are there any other strong recommendations?

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Gizmogle · 25 Dec 2007

I'm sure most will agree when I say, get a Fuji.

I own the Finepix S9500, but hear great things about the S6500, and it seems to be quite a reasonable price too. Amazon have it for £160.

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Fuji-FinePix-Digital-Camera-optical/dp/B000IHYS2Q/ref=pd_bbs_2?ie=UTF8&s=electronics&qid=1198590935&sr=8-2

D306 · 25 Dec 2007

I have to agree with you Giz, but I got my Fuji S5700 this morning, and I like it. Much better than my old camera

W14Fishbourne · 25 Dec 2007

Spend as much as you can and be prepared to learn how to use the camera properly. A fully-functional DSLR will enable you to exercise complete control over the photographs you take. If you are a keen photographer and you go for a cheaper, less functional solution now, you will only regret it in a year or so.

Gizmogle · 25 Dec 2007

Basically, don't get a camera that exceeds your knowledge and talent, but don't get a camera that is below your standard and ability.

It's much better to spend a good amount on a good camera, rather than buying a cheap one and having to buy another a couple of years later.

David · 25 Dec 2007

Gizmogle said:
Basically, don't get a camera that exceeds your knowledge and talent.

I would say do get a camera that is beyond your 'talent'. It encourages you to experiment with different settings and in different conditions, thus making you a better photographer. I would recommend you get the Pentax K100d Super, although I am biased towards Pentax. Other people can argue the case for Nikon and Canon.

33056 · 25 Dec 2007

Gizmogle said:
Basically, don't get a camera that exceeds your knowledge and talent, but don't get a camera that is below your standard and ability.

No, I disagree, go with a DSLR, maybe Canon 400D or the Nikon equivalent if you don't want a full size 40D (Canon) type. With regard to Canon, you can always use it in full auto or, preferably, program (P) mode to start with whilst you get used to the different settings and capabilities. I would expect a Nikon DSLR to have similar "automatic" settings though, being a Canon user myself, I cannot comment fully on this.

class 313 · 25 Dec 2007

Gizmogle said:
Basically, don't get a camera that exceeds your knowledge and talent,

complete twaddle!

Like David said, a camera that exceeds your knowledge would mean you would play with your camera more. Experiment with it. Which suggests you would get better shots with practise instead of keeping at the same level with a camera you know. Which then you will have to replace anyway once you've out grown it.

Max · 25 Dec 2007

Thanks for all your help guys, much obliged! If I don't go for fully blown digital SLR, i may well consider that Fuji Gizzy, it's not a bad price at all!

Gizmogle · 25 Dec 2007

class 313 said:
complete twaddle!

Yes, I just wanted to sound clever

But no, it's true in my case. As my Dad bought an S9500, overflowing with features that I don't understand. Although I've read the manual a bunch of times, I still doubt I'll get the hang of it anytime soon. (Although I don't use it often anymore). I think I would have been better off with a simpler camera to learn with, and then have been faced with more expert features once I'd got the hang of the basic ones from a simple camera.

class 313 · 25 Dec 2007

Gizmogle said:
Yes, I just wanted to sound clever

But no, it's true in my case. As my Dad bought an S9500, overflowing with features that I don't understand. Although I've read the manual a bunch of times, I still doubt I'll get the hang of it anytime soon. (Although I don't use it often anymore). I think I would have been better off with a simpler camera to learn with, and then have been faced with more expert features once I'd got the hang of the basic ones from a simple camera.

I'm up for a swap =]

richa2002 · 25 Dec 2007

class 313 said:
I'm up for a swap =]

Noo, you can't get rid of my old S5100 (S5500)

.

class 313 · 25 Dec 2007

Richard Armstrong said:
Noo, you can't get rid of my old S5100 (S5500).

Awww, Just to think, its only moved one station south :P Then its going alllll the way to Buxton oooop north. Ah that must be why

kestrel · 27 Dec 2007

The pentax K100D super will do you well its an excellent start in SLR's after a couple of years you could upgrade to the k10D which i have(or K20D coming soon) 8-)

16CSVT2700 · 27 Dec 2007

33056 said:
No, I disagree, go with a DSLR, maybe Canon 400D or the Nikon equivalent if you don't want a full size 40D (Canon) type. With regard to Canon, you can always use it in full auto or, preferably, program (P) mode to start with whilst you get used to the different settings and capabilities. I would expect a Nikon DSLR to have similar "automatic" settings though, being a Canon user myself, I cannot comment fully on this.

Never use Auto mode. It uses an average of both shutter and aperture. I use aperture, shutter or manual for night-time photos. Anything P and under do not use.

class 313 · 27 Dec 2007

16CSVT2700 said:
Never use Auto mode. It uses an average of both shutter and aperture. I use aperture, shutter or manual for night-time photos. Anything P and under do not use.

It all depends on your camera and how it handles Auto mode. As I know some are great at Auto, specially in full sun shots. I myself do a mix of Auto and Fully manual. I use Auto to get the settings, then change them for what would work better. But I don't even use Auto at night, just fully manual. Cos I'm that hardcore.

16CSVT2700 · 28 Dec 2007

It doesn't really depend on your camera. All auto modes use an average between aperture and shutter.
Oh and tom for the record I'm far too hardcore cos I take night-time shots without a tripod

In your face fujiboy! :lol:

class 313 · 28 Dec 2007

16CSVT2700 said:
It doesn't really depend on your camera. All auto modes use an average between aperture and shutter.
Oh and tom for the record I'm far too hardcore cos I take night-time shots without a tripod
In your face fujiboy!

But different cameras may see it differently depending on the sensor surely?

Well.. Well... I can take videos with my camera.

Ha. :lol:

33056 · 28 Dec 2007

Regarding Auto mode, I don't use it!
Usually "P" mode for stationary stuff in normal lighting or shutter priority when taking anything moving. I also use full manual occasionally, especially taking night shots.

pedned · 28 Dec 2007

I mainly use the preset shooting modes...
Landscape or portrait when of a stationary train... sport of aslow moving train...

But shutter priority at night or of a high speed train...

kestrel · 29 Dec 2007

Forget using 'auto' or 'green' mode's on moving trains always use Av or Tv or if you've got it (my K10D has it) both.

Craig · 29 Dec 2007

Max said:
I was particularly interested in the Nikon D40 (about £270).

One thing to consider with the D40 is that it doesn't have an internal focus drive motors, so it'll only focus with lenses that have their own motor. I don't have much experience with Nikon cameras though, so don't know how much that will limit you.

Auto mode will be fine for getting used to the camera, but you should move onto aperture/shutter priority modes (you set one value and the camera will calculate the other for you) fairly quickly as you'll end up with better results.

16CSVT2700 · 29 Dec 2007

class 313 said:
But different cameras may see it differently depending on the sensor surely?

Well.. Well... I can take videos with my camera.

Ha.

Well my zoom's bigger than your zooms. 'AVIT

Max · 30 Dec 2007

Craig said:
One thing to consider with the D40 is that it doesn't have an internal focus drive motors, so it'll only focus with lenses that have their own motor. I don't have much experience with Nikon cameras though, so don't know how much that will limit you.

Auto mode will be fine for getting used to the camera, but you should move onto aperture/shutter priority modes (you set one value and the camera will calculate the other for you) fairly quickly as you'll end up with better results.

Ah right, thanks for that Craig. I'll look into it, but I'm not planning on going out and buying loads of lenses straight away so hopefully this won't be a problem.

Craig · 31 Dec 2007

Max said:
Ah right, thanks for that Craig. I'll look into it, but I'm not planning on going out and buying loads of lenses straight away so hopefully this won't be a problem.

I think there are plenty of lenses for Nikon that have AF motors, but it's definitely worth looking into to make sure you don't limit yourself in the future. There's a similar thread on another forum (non-railway) that I post on. Having read it I think if you get the D40 (or D40x) you'll be limiting yourself to AF-S lenses. There seems to be plenty of them though, so you should still have a fair bit of choice.

The Canon 20D is also worth a look, not that I'm bias or anything

Max · 31 Dec 2007

After a great deal of debate, I decided to go for the Nikon D40 as I got it for a great price at Jessops - they pricematched Dixons, meaning I got it for £257 (including £30 cashback). Thanks for everyone's advice, it was very helpful

petethetim · 1 Jan 2008

Personally I'd avoid the Nikon D40 , but the If you can pick up any of the following You would not go wrong.....
http://www.amazon.co.uk/exec/obidos/ASIN/B000INUDMY/30000133-21/?m=A3P5ROKL5A1OLE

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Fuji-FinePix-Digital-Camera-optical/dp/B000IHYS2Q/ref=pd_sbs_ce_img_1

5872 · 1 Jan 2008

I have a Fuji S5700 and It got pushed to the limit in Battery wise, and it preformed very well. Im going to keep it for a while longer as its actully very good value for money!, remember to use IS for some** night photography on it if anyone does buy it as any other setting can come out rough if you don't know how to use M,S,A,P.

16CSVT2700 · 8 Jan 2008

5872 said:
I have a Fuji S5700 and It got pushed to the limit in Battery wise, and it preformed very well. Im going to keep it for a while longer as its actully very good value for money!, remember to use IS for some** night photography on it if anyone does buy it as any other setting can come out rough if you don't know how to use M,S,A,P.

My IS switch on my 17-85mm lens is always set to "on" unless using a tripod for bulb exposure.

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