Discussion
Snappers, my GF is due to start a make-up couse soon & has to take photo's of her work for coursework / marking purposes.
Co-incidentally both my point & click cameras died last year & her's died last week.
We're looking into new cameras & knowing Sod all about photography i'm asking for your advice.
Budget can be as much as £200 as we're going to share it (i know that's not a lot for camera) but it should be more than enough for a point & click.
Would it get us into the used DSLR bracket or am i being overly optimistic there?
Co-incidentally both my point & click cameras died last year & her's died last week.
We're looking into new cameras & knowing Sod all about photography i'm asking for your advice.
Budget can be as much as £200 as we're going to share it (i know that's not a lot for camera) but it should be more than enough for a point & click.
Would it get us into the used DSLR bracket or am i being overly optimistic there?
It would definitely get you into used DSLR territory. In fact, I'd flog you a D40 with kit lens for that! 
Think very carefully about what you want to use it for though. I'm not trying to put you DSLRs (the only reason I'm selling is because I upgraded the body), but they are much bulkier than a point and shoot.
If it's for taking photos of friends at parties, going for a wander where you're not carrying a bag, something easy to take on holiday, then a DSLR isn't ideal.
You'll find that most of the DSLR mob also have a wee point and shoot that they carry about for quick and easy shots.
You can get brilliant photos with modern point and shoots, so don't just dismiss them off the cuff. You'll get more versatility out of something like a Lumix TX6/8/10/18/20 than you will with a standard DSLR, and plenty resolution for printing them at a decent size if you want.
Where a DSLR comes into its own is stuff like macro photography and shallow depth of field, and wide angle lenses.
Have a think about what sort of pix you want to take, and you'll get a wealth of advice from far better informed and talented photographers than me on here!
I do like my DSLR, but it's definitely more of a "commitment".
Think very carefully about what you want to use it for though. I'm not trying to put you DSLRs (the only reason I'm selling is because I upgraded the body), but they are much bulkier than a point and shoot.
If it's for taking photos of friends at parties, going for a wander where you're not carrying a bag, something easy to take on holiday, then a DSLR isn't ideal.
You'll find that most of the DSLR mob also have a wee point and shoot that they carry about for quick and easy shots.
You can get brilliant photos with modern point and shoots, so don't just dismiss them off the cuff. You'll get more versatility out of something like a Lumix TX6/8/10/18/20 than you will with a standard DSLR, and plenty resolution for printing them at a decent size if you want.
Where a DSLR comes into its own is stuff like macro photography and shallow depth of field, and wide angle lenses.
Have a think about what sort of pix you want to take, and you'll get a wealth of advice from far better informed and talented photographers than me on here!
I do like my DSLR, but it's definitely more of a "commitment".
You'd get a newer, better version of the camera that took these for around £170.
http://www.amazon.co.uk/Panasonic-Lumix-TZ8-Digita...
That camera has been the length and breadth of South East Asia and most of South America, and survived drunken nights out intact.
Screen is a wee bit scratched from when it fell out the basket on the front of the bike when cycling in the Mekong Delta, but it's a pretty tough wee chap.
Ideal, cheers 
I spoke to her last night & she said she went to Comet & they recommended her this:
http://www.comet.co.uk/p/Digital-Cameras/buy-FUJIF...
I'd be a bit skeptical as it has so much money off (possibly making it s
te) but she's not too clued up when it comes to anything gadgety & i fear that the salesman has persuaded her it's the best thing since sliced bread, when maybe it's a load of tosh.
My Fuji Finepix i had just died after about 15months, would'nt charge so i bought a new battery, did'nt work, so i boguht a new charger & did'nt work!
I spoke to her last night & she said she went to Comet & they recommended her this:
http://www.comet.co.uk/p/Digital-Cameras/buy-FUJIF...
I'd be a bit skeptical as it has so much money off (possibly making it s
te) but she's not too clued up when it comes to anything gadgety & i fear that the salesman has persuaded her it's the best thing since sliced bread, when maybe it's a load of tosh.My Fuji Finepix i had just died after about 15months, would'nt charge so i bought a new battery, did'nt work, so i boguht a new charger & did'nt work!
I don't know much about Fujis, but that looks like it's a big old beast.
If big zooms are what you're after then have a look at the Panasonic Lumix TZ range and the Canon SX range.
I bought the Panasonic as it was out before the Canon, but I'd have no regrets with an SX220.
GetCarter rates it, and imo he's one of the finest photographers on here so you're probably better listening to him than me!
Just be warned though, having the same kit sadly won't endow you with the same ability.
If big zooms are what you're after then have a look at the Panasonic Lumix TZ range and the Canon SX range.
I bought the Panasonic as it was out before the Canon, but I'd have no regrets with an SX220.
GetCarter rates it, and imo he's one of the finest photographers on here so you're probably better listening to him than me!
Just be warned though, having the same kit sadly won't endow you with the same ability.
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