After a camera..

[UncleDave]

I'm after a new camera, as the C-960 ZOOM i've got now that is about 3years old isn't quite up to scratch

With me being a poor student (Boo Hoo) I've not got a large budget, but after seeing the photos taken on a Minolta Z10 on this month's competition thread I may not need one!

I've been looking and the Z3 looks like a good first buy..

eBay Link

What do you think?
It would mostly be used for optical automotive capture, more commonly known as "Takin me camera to the odd Tivver meet", but would like to try and improve my photography skills and get something half decent.

Dave.

[Platinum]

I have the model before that, and I quite like it.

The some of the plastics have a cheap feel to them, but apart from that it does everything I need it to do.

The menus are easy to use, almost all the functions can be reached with the hand that is holdng the camera. (In the event that the other is pre-occupied...such as loading an SD card. )

[_dobbo_]

What do you find wrong with your existing camera that makes you want an upgrade?

[UncleDave]

Partly the fact it's held together with masking tape
And the shots are nowhere near the quality or clarity i've seen for a few of the more modern alternatives.. just wondered if the Z3 sounds about right, or if there are others in the price range I should be looking for instead..

[GetCarter]

This page might help

www.dpreview.com/reviews/

[te51cle]

If you want a slightly older prosumer machine then have a look at the Fuji S5000. I have a Fuji E550 compact which produces excellent images. Don't know about any of the sellers so usual caveats on ebay, however at least Fuji is still in business whereas KonicaMinolta has been absorbed into Sony.

[CarMac]

I have the Fuji S5000 and I would highly recommend it. The quality of pics is brilliant. I got mine cheap from ebay but think I fell lucky although there are still some bargains to be had. You can get additional lenses for the S5000 too so if you wanted to take things a bit further, there is some option for doing that.

[UncleDave]

Yeah that was another on my list.. although I think I may stick with the Z3 now..
A few lenses on eBay for that, too.. Which I will probably buy once I familiarise myself with the camera

Is a refurbished camera anything to worry about? It's been done by Minolta though, and does have a 6 month Minolta warranty with it...?

[CarMac]

6 month warranty from the manufacturer has got to be better than no warranty buying from an individual !