Compact DSLR or Full size DSLR ?

[djt100]

I've decided I'd like to buy myself a nice camera, I've been reading up and now I'm even more confused.

I've never used anything other than a Digital Compact Camera, was looking at a normal size DSLR but been sidetracked looking at the compact DSLR's (Nikon One, Sony NEX' etc) mainly as I think the smaller size may actually see me using it more.

So any advise? does anyone have experience on using these and the functions offered against a full size DSLR. I'm a complete novice here so any advise appreciated.

Are the lenses for DSLR camera's interchangeable or if i buy a Nikon camera do I have to buy Nikon lenses? What features should I look for in any camera

My budget is about £400.

Thanks

[RobDickinson]

The mirrorless cameras (nex, 43rds, fuji xpro1, nikon v1 etc) are good cameras in terms of IQ.

But only the fuji and sony have SLR sized sensors (and that at the smaller end), which gets them the equivalent IQ.

What you miss out on is a true through the lens optical view and usually the fast focusing of the SLR (tho not in nikons v1 case).

The lenses/package does tend to be smaller and you can usually adapt and mount normal SLR lenses on them ( Nikons v1 is popular with wildlife crowds with big SLR lenses on them).


As for lenses, anything made for the mount will work. Sigma, tamron, tokina, rokinon, carl zeiss all make lenses that will fit nikon, canon etc. Though a lens made for canon wont fit a nikon body ( nikon fit lenses can work on canon with an adapter).

Oh and older nikon lenses without focus motors wont autofocus on new nikon bodies without focus motors ( lower end ones , D3000, D5000 etc).

SLr is still the king of IQ and usability and performance, but the smaller cameras arnt far behind.

[Neilsfirst]

Best advice I can offer is pick one up and handle it. I was set on 1 camera then picked it up, it just didn't weigh enough and the buttons weren't quite in the right place for my hands.

Had to stretch my budget an extra £200 but am so happy I did. Lost a bank holiday weekend working but got exactly what suited me.

[andy-xr]

I'd go with the semi bridge type compact one. I don't know what they're actually called.

dSLR's are easy enough to get into but also ruinous and can be bulky when you're taking a few lenses out. If you don't mind that, then go ahead. You can use third party lenses on Nikons (and Canons and Sony's too) as long as they are they're the right mount. Lens makers such as Sigma will make a lens in Nikon mount, Canon mount, other camera mount etc

[djt100]

andy-xr said:

I'd go with the semi bridge type compact one. I don't know what they're actually called.

dSLR's are easy enough to get into but also ruinous and can be bulky when you're taking a few lenses out. If you don't mind that, then go ahead. You can use third party lenses on Nikons (and Canons and Sony's too) as long as they are they're the right mount. Lens makers such as Sigma will make a lens in Nikon mount, Canon mount, other camera mount etc

I've been advised by a few people that these are no better image wise than a compact , just have a better zoom on them.

[RobDickinson]

djt100 said:

I've been advised by a few people that these are no better image wise than a compact , just have a better zoom on them.

Cameras like the G12 and S100, LX3 etc have large sensors for P&S but still minute vs SLR's.

Theres a few P&S (fixe lens) cameras with true large sensors, canons g1x, fuji's x100 (an older sony R1 etc).

Depends where you want to compromise, because everything ultimately is one.