Recommend me a... Camera

[Johnny 89]

I've taken a notion and would like to delve in to the world of amature photography.

With my previous experience being limited to a camera phone and the disposable variety, I really am an amature!!

So, my question to the pistonhead massive is.. what should I be looking for. What features do I need to produce some decent photos. I would ideally like to keep an on-line collection/gallery/website and also do some print outs from time to time.

I don't really have a budget as such (perhaps circa. £500?). Also, is second hand an option?

Thanks in advance.

[probedb]

You might get a better response in the Photography and Video section?

http://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/forum.asp?h=0&a...

[Mr Will]

First things first, what do you want to take pictures of? Landscapes, People, Wildlife, Motorsports or something else entirely?

Secondly, how much does portability matter? Are you happy with a full-size DSLR or do you want something that will fit in a pocket (or something in between)?

[Johnny 89]

Apologies, I posted in the wrong sub-forum first but now corrected by mods

Mr Will said:

First things first, what do you want to take pictures of? Landscapes, People, Wildlife, Motorsports or something else entirely?

Secondly, how much does portability matter? Are you happy with a full-size DSLR or do you want something that will fit in a pocket (or something in between)?

Ideally, I guess landscapes are what I am most interested in. This would more often than not capture stationary cars. Saying that, I would like to be able, when needed, capture an image of a very precise moment (person jumping in the air, race car at an exact moment etc.) or a shot of people.

Size is less of an issue for me. I wouldn't mind carrying a larger camera.

[The_Jackal]

Any of the basic DSLRs with a kit lens will suit your purpose, especially as you are learning how to use the camera.
All DSLRs these days produce great images, when you know what the settings do.
Other than that, try to get as much camera for your money and shop around. Dont be afraid of Grey imports either.
As mentioned hundreds of times before, go into a shop and try holding the cameras and changing settings to see which one is easy for you to use.

[K12beano]

Basic Landscape Kit

[Simpo Two]

Lordy, your D2X looks even bigger than I remember it.

[rasg]

You can buy low mileage camera bodies on Ebay for 250 quid that are excellent. I generally use Canon 40Ds. A few years old but work very, very well. I would never buy kit lenses. They are crap, generally. A secondhand 35 mm F2, or 50 mm F1.8 (£80 new) would be good starter lenses. A decent zoom will be far more expensive.

Richard

[GetCarter]

Simpo Two said:

Lordy, your D2X looks even bigger than I remember it.

That's it with the short lens on.

O/P Just buy a Sony RX100 if you want it in your pocket, or a Canon or Nikon DSLR if you want to build up a collection of lenses. Sorted.

[K12beano]

Wot 'e says ^^^

GetCarter said:

Simpo Two said:

Lordy, your D2X looks even bigger than I remember it.

That's it with the short lens on.

Stop sniggering Simpo, but I still love my 45mm pancake .....

[Mr Will]

Johnny 89 said:

Apologies, I posted in the wrong sub-forum first but now corrected by mods

Mr Will said:

First things first, what do you want to take pictures of? Landscapes, People, Wildlife, Motorsports or something else entirely?

Secondly, how much does portability matter? Are you happy with a full-size DSLR or do you want something that will fit in a pocket (or something in between)?

Ideally, I guess landscapes are what I am most interested in. This would more often than not capture stationary cars. Saying that, I would like to be able, when needed, capture an image of a very precise moment (person jumping in the air, race car at an exact moment etc.) or a shot of people.

Size is less of an issue for me. I wouldn't mind carrying a larger camera.

In that case, a second hand DSLR + Kit Lens to get you going and put the rest of the cash to one side for a second lens once you know what you need. Most likely options for the second lens will either be something wider (i.e. 10-22mm) or a faster fixed lens for indoor/lowlight use. You'll know which you want once you start shooting more

[PJ S]

GetCarter said:

Simpo Two said:

Lordy, your D2X looks even bigger than I remember it.

That's it with the short lens on.

At full zoom too!

[PJ S]

As Mr Will suggests, you will get more for your budget at this stage with a fairly recent model that's pre-owned.
Plenty of value for money in a D7000 Nikon with its typically sold kit lens, the 18-105mm VR.
If you want to step out of the main circle of two, then don't be shy about considering the Pentax K5 (or even the newer K5 II) and 18-55mm lens.
Going over the budget a bit, you may also find the Fujifilm X-E1 worth considering.

[sevn]

Check something like here; http://thedigitalcamera.net/fujifilm-x-e2-vs-olymp...

[ecsrobin]

sevn said:

Check something like here; http://thedigitalcamera.net/fujifilm-x-e2-vs-olymp...

For a compact camera I would choose anything in the Sony range if its a DSLR i would go for a canon, I often regret getting a sony DSLR/DSLT as all my photography mates share lenses and kit and I just sit there going can I afford another lens. However I'm still after a Sony A99 and that is a superb camera.

[squicky]

For not a huge amount of money, you could get a 2nd hand panasonic Lumix G3 with a kit lens off ebay (quick search shows one at £150 quid). This gives you a pretty good camera which you can start with the automatic options on it and move to more and more manual settings as an when you feel confident.

By watching what the IA mode does to the various settings in conditions, you'll learn what works/what doesn't work and what to override.

[fido]

As above, you can get a decent second-hand Canon xxD for £2-300. (Plug - i'm ditching a hardly used 18-55 IS II kit lens if anyone is nearby ..)