Decent inexpensive camera?

[crofty1984]

OK, thoughts anyone? Inspired by the Urbex threads I'd like to do a bit more than "holiday snap" shots. I have a canon powershot A530 that I bought a couple of years ago, though to be honest I mostly just use my phone (Nokia N97 - good resolution, but washes out colours a bit)
My budget's realistically about £150-£200. Second hand is fine.

I don't mind worrying about size too much, as I'm not going to be taking it on nights out, that's what the phone's for.
I'd also quite like a proper viewfinder if possible, and something that takes the shot the instant you hit the button.
I'm starting as a keen amateur, what do you recommend? Or am I better off sticking with the Canon at this price point.
Also, can anyone point me where to go to learn a bit more about photograpy (aside from here)?

Thanks,
Dan

Edited by crofty1984 on Tuesday 8th December 11:11

[beano500]

Why does no one ever seem to want an indecent, expensive camera? That'd be my preference - but then I am a camera snob, I've decided.


Anyway - BUMP - somebody say something useful for the OP!!!

[crofty1984]

Well if it makes you feel any better, I may use it to take indecent pictures. Hmm, possibly not.
OK, how about:
Here is my budget, please tell me the best camera I can get with it.

[y2blade]

Canon SX120IS

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

Edited by y2blade on Tuesday 8th December 13:17

[Lord Pikey]

Panasonic Lumix FZ28.



I love it for a "bridge" Camera. I couldnt recommend it enough to people who ask about it.

I think i got mine for a shade over 200 notes and for that i think its a bargain

[Dogsey]

As you don't mind second hand:

Nikon D50 + Nikon 50mm f1.8

Canon 350D + Canon 50mm f1.8

Both good quality cameras from a couple of years ago and will out do even the latest P&S cameras. Then you can add more lenses as and when you know what you need.

[jhfozzy]

Most of my experiences of Urbex seem to be in the rain (security doesn't like rain) or crawling through small gaps in damp tunnels so my recommendation would be the one I use.

The Pentax W60.

It's waterproof, so rain doesn't hurt it, if it gets dirty, you just wash it off. It's 10Mp, it takes more than decent photos and strangely in a flat compact, it has a nifty all-internal optical zoom.

Everytime I've been on an explore, the DSLR guys spend ages on their shots, having to get it out of the waterproof case, set it up and adjust all the settings. Whereas, I just take it out of my pocket, give it a wipe and take the shot. The only thing it misses is a long exposure setting, but I've got a nite-sun for those shots. (not that I'm knocking DSLRs, they get excellent shots, but are they that much better for the stuff I do and the shots that I take??).

The other one I'd recommend in the waterproof category is the Olympus tough, both great cameras.

Waterproof cameras.... dare I saw it..... FTW.