Camera Advice (2)

[maniacmartin]

Hi,

I'm also seeking camera advice. Cameras are something I know very little about, nor are they something I use often, but when I do use them I can be quite impatient:roll:

I already have a Canon Ixus 750IS Digital Compact camera but it has some limits that often irritate me:

• Copes badly with poor light, especially artificial lighting indoors
• Takes a long time to think between shots, especially when it has to recharge the flash.
• Doesn't zoom in far enough

I'm wondering whether to get a DSLR or "DSLR-style" camera. It wouldn't be to carry around all the time, but for when I specifically plan in advance that I want to take pictures. (Which won't be of rolling stock)

All of my friends who are into photography have recommended cameras that are beyond my price range. I've heard good things about about Canon and Nikon, and a good friend recommends a Pentax as they're cheaper but still good. My work colleague thinks I'll get a better deal if I get a second hand camera from Gumtree or similar, but I find the lack of warranty a bit unnerving. I can travel anywhere in Zones 1-6 to buy it in person if needs be.

Don't mind paying a bit more if I get a noticable increase in picture quality/ease of use but as I'm only an occasional user. I don't want to go overboard. Budget is probably around the £300 - £350 mark tops, all in.

Any advice would be much appreciated.

 

[d429uk]

I would have a look at the following gets very good reviews

http://www.argos.co.uk/static/Product/partNumber/5594827.htm

this gives you some info about it

http://www.kenrockwell.com/nikon/d3100.htm

I personally use a Nikon D90 had it since 2009 and love it but the D90 would be out of your price range the D3100 is a good starting point and will allow you options at later date by been able to get another lens etc.

hope this helps

Mark

 

[gazthomas]

Canon EOS 1100D is a good entry level APS-C SLR. Slightly lower megapixels than the Nikon but the megapixels shouldn't be your biggest priority - speed, image quality and light sensitivity are key.

£280 with 18-55mm lens on Amazon.

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Canon-1100D-Digital-Camera-3-5-5-6/dp/B004MPQXZA

If you don't mind second hand take a look at the prices for Canon EOS 400d through to 600d on ebay.

 

[455driver]

If you don't mind second hand take a look at the prices for Canon EOS 400d through to 600d on ebay.

The 450D upwards use SD cards for storage, the 400D used CF cards.

 

[Nym]

On the 2nd hand market at the moment I'd recomend a Canon 60D or 550D from CEX the former being a prefered option, but it might stretch your budget slightly. But it's worlds better than the 1100D, kinda on a par with the 650D or 700D...

I honestly would NOT recomend the 1100D, you'd be better off buying a Compact System Camera of mid to high end bridge...

 

[Temple Meads]

Bear in mind that entry level DSLR's only usually ship with an 18-55mm lens, thereby not really helping you with the zoom issue without buying a longer lens, I can thoroughly recommend the D3100, but with the above caveat.

With your budget, and bearing in mind that you're more of a casual user, I'd suggest something like this: http://www.argos.co.uk/static/Product/partNumber/5597147.htm, gives you some change for a case, memory card etc too.

 

[Nym]

Bear in mind that entry level DSLR's only usually ship with an 18-55mm lens, thereby not really helping you with the zoom issue without buying a longer lens, I can thoroughly recommend the D3100, but with the above caveat.

With your budget, and bearing in mind that you're more of a casual user, I'd suggest something like this: http://www.argos.co.uk/static/Product/partNumber/5597147.htm, gives you some change for a case, memory card etc too.

+1 on the recomendation of the bridge and purchase of accessories.

If you're desprate for insane zoom, you'll really need to get lucky on the 2nd hand market...

 

[455driver]

Or if you want a proper viewfinder as well as a screen then the fuji finepix range of bridge cameras are worth a look.

 

[wensley]

On the 2nd hand market at the moment I'd recomend a Canon 60D or 550D from CEX the former being a prefered option...

The 60D is a very nice camera, so nice I've hung onto mine when I upgraded to a 5D MkIII, it performs well in most conditions and still produced satisfying results with an 18-55mm kit lens when I first bought it! Not too complicated (it was my first DSLR)...I can't think of any major negatives

 

[Royal Male]

Google london camera exchange. Then do a search for secondhand types of camera

For example you can get an eos 30d and lens for under 250 with 3 month warranty.


Buy into a decent system and they will serve you for a lifetime

 

[Bevan Price]

Don't buy a 2nd hand digital camera without checking the image quality. Even tiny specks of dust on the sensor can register as dark blotches on the image, and some sensors can be difficult to clean without paying some expert to do it for you.

If you buy a DSLR, try to afford something like a wide range zoom lens, say 18-200mm or 18-250mm, as this lessens the need to change lenses. Each time you change a lens, there is a possibility of letting dust get onto the sensor. Although maybe not as optically good as a fixed focal length lens, the image quality is more than adequate for most purposes.