Cameras

[mike(liverpool boys)]

I've asked this question before but a while ago. I'm in the market for a new camera,stepping up from a basic Kodak digital to something a bit better. I've been looking at a few bridge cameras but the technical stuff baffles me. So,knowing there's a few keen photographers around here is there any recommendations for a budget of around £200-£300? I'll mainly be using it for general honeymoon/le mans/everyday snaps but I'm wanting a better quality picture than what the little camera gives but I'd also like to try and get better at the arty stuff too.

Cheers

[Grand_Fromage]

I'd advise staying off the bridge. They have all the disadvantage of being the size of an SLR without the advantage of interchangeable lenses. If you want to go slightly more than basic digital, I'd suggest a four-thirds system camera, or even the Nikon V1, as they have interchangeable lenses but retain a relatively compact footprint. If you want to go 'arty' that means a camera with properly manual controls, and that means a budget digital SLR, but you'll struggle to find one in the £300 range.

[Bob T]

We've just got a bridge camera. I bought it for the mrs for use pretty much as you describe. It won't do what an SLR will but is a simple step up from a pocket camera. It will also be a good basis for her (and me) to learn to play with the manual settings.

The things that were important to us were to have a reasonable zoom lens along with fast burst mode for high speed capture shots of cars and our animals. I asked a photographer friend who recommended the Fujifilm S range. We went for the 16MP S8200 at £220 from Tesco Direct. Apparently, all the Fuji S range have a fast burst mode (as long as you have fast memory too) at up to 12fps in HD. Add to this, the 40X zoom and the S8200 model was just what we were after. So far it's been great and we got some great action shots at LM even just using the autofocus option. Using the manual settings will come in time as we get used to it. It can even use std AA batteries too which is a bonus if the batteries go flat at a bad time.

Just an idea - hope this helps.

[Bonio]

Dunno if this is of any help but i would be seriously tempted if i was after a new camera.

http://www.groupon.co.uk/deals/national-deal/ask-direct/23411658?nlp=&CID=UK_CRM_1_0_0_179&a=1664

[Perdu]

I had a Lumix bridge for Chrimble, lovely camera but at least one major drawback discovered at the Cosford air show

having to photograph off the screen isnt good and isnt clever

Try to get a camera with a proper viewfinder

or waste an enormous amount of data card with these things


(huhuhuh:rolf: any one see what it is yet?:/rolf:huhuhuhuhuhuh)

[Bob T]

Bill, on the plus side, it does do a lovely shade of blue.... lol

[Lee Self]

I strongly recommend the Cannon G15. $500 new


http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/889961-REG/Canon_PowerShot_G15_Digital_Camera.html

-Lee

[Grand_Fromage]

Bargain!!

Dunno if this is of any help but i would be seriously tempted if i was after a new camera.

http://www.groupon.co.uk/deals/national-deal/ask-direct/23411658?nlp=&CID=UK_CRM_1_0_0_179&a=1664

[Grand_Fromage]

My 'baby cam' choice

[Brad Zarse]

I'm with Le Grand Fromage on this, that deal is a steal, and nobody ever regretted buying a DSLR.  You will not find any better bang for your buck than that little Canon Groupon deal 

[Bonio]

Thing is, the deal has only got a day left on it. Best be quick. 

[Perdu]

Bill, on the plus side, it does do a lovely shade of blue.... lol

True

does a pretty good black too

(forgot to mention it Bob, broke Lara outside Lisieux, clutch knack)

[Bob T]

Ouch! Sorry to hear that Bill. How did you get back? Limp or tow?
Should have given me a call if you needed a tow - I was in the town tractor.

[Perdu]

Car's still over there

AA made sure I'm over here, bless 'em. Bringing her home soon.

(wouldn't dream of wrecking your holiday)

[mike(liverpool boys)]

Thanks for your advise folks. I had a scout about online last night and today I've became the proud owner of a Nikon D3100 with an 18-55mm f/3.5-5.5g VR lens. Sounds like I know what I'm talking about don't it  I decided it was best to have a mess around with one before buying and the feel and reviews of the Nikon just slightly edged the canon that was on groupon. Managed to blag a case free and 10% off a 16gb memory card too so I'm happy anyway.

Cheers again.