Digital compact cameras
Discussion
A few weeks back I asked about buying a DSLR camera and the advice I received was great - thanks again to those who contributed.
I've since decided I don't think an SLR is for me nor do I think I'll get the most out of it - it all seemed a good idea at the time as it were. Now, because of this I've decided to get a new digital compact and want to spend c.£150. This new Panasonic appeals - The new DMC-FS45 - it doesn't appear to have a manual mode which, if I want to learn the real basics is something I think I'd like/need to have.
Anyone know anything about it? It's new on the market so no reviews about on it yet. Any other suggestions welcome. I have and am looking around on Google and have searched for previous threads on here too.
As always, thanks in advance.
I've since decided I don't think an SLR is for me nor do I think I'll get the most out of it - it all seemed a good idea at the time as it were. Now, because of this I've decided to get a new digital compact and want to spend c.£150. This new Panasonic appeals - The new DMC-FS45 - it doesn't appear to have a manual mode which, if I want to learn the real basics is something I think I'd like/need to have.
Anyone know anything about it? It's new on the market so no reviews about on it yet. Any other suggestions welcome. I have and am looking around on Google and have searched for previous threads on here too.
As always, thanks in advance.
Edited by FunBusMk2 on Tuesday 6th March 03:32
I think you are going the wrong way.
You want to get from A to B but plan to do it with this:
- when in fact this would be much better:
Something like a D40 (or any entry-level DSLR), 35mm lens and set everything to manual will give you the digital equivalent of a basic box to learn on and practice with. Start with JPG and learn exposure, composition, focus etc. That will put you on a road which stretches to the horizon, and not going round in circles on the living room floor
You want to get from A to B but plan to do it with this:
- when in fact this would be much better:
Something like a D40 (or any entry-level DSLR), 35mm lens and set everything to manual will give you the digital equivalent of a basic box to learn on and practice with. Start with JPG and learn exposure, composition, focus etc. That will put you on a road which stretches to the horizon, and not going round in circles on the living room floor
I dont think you'll learn very much even if you bought a high end compact rather than 150 quid one. You will end up buying a DSLR pretty quickly if you're actually interested in learning about photography.
Like GetCarter I've got an S95, and while it's very good I view it as something to compliment a better camera, for when carrying the bigger one isn't an option, not a replacement for someone who is serious about it.
It's more fiddly to use, more difficult to get good pictures, you have to know what settings you need and it's more difficult to tell what effect they have when you make the changes. While some of the pictures you get with it are brilliant and it's a fantastic wee thing, it's not something I'd have liked to first start learning with personally.
Like GetCarter I've got an S95, and while it's very good I view it as something to compliment a better camera, for when carrying the bigger one isn't an option, not a replacement for someone who is serious about it.
It's more fiddly to use, more difficult to get good pictures, you have to know what settings you need and it's more difficult to tell what effect they have when you make the changes. While some of the pictures you get with it are brilliant and it's a fantastic wee thing, it's not something I'd have liked to first start learning with personally.
Thanks chaps. I think to be honest the whole manual thing is me just thinking "Oh, maybe I'll have a play" - being honest with myself I don't think I'll take it seriously enough yet. I reckon a point and shoot now and if I start to feel as though I do want more from photography I'll upgrade to a basic SLR.
FunBusMk2 said:
Thanks chaps. I think to be honest the whole manual thing is me just thinking "Oh, maybe I'll have a play" - being honest with myself I don't think I'll take it seriously enough yet. I reckon a point and shoot now and if I start to feel as though I do want more from photography I'll upgrade to a basic SLR.
I was the same as you, I ended up buying one of these:-http://shop.fujifilm.co.uk/refurbished-digital-cam...
So far I have only scratched the surface of what it can do, I am really impressed with the quality of photo on auto and I have started trying to use the manual settings. I also took my first photo's in RAW today and used the software included to process the images, I am very impressed with the quality of RAW images and the software was really easy to use.
In the next couple of months FY12 models will be being released to shops, as such you should be able to get decent discounts on rrp on compacts if not now, then very shortly.
A friend just picked up the award winning Sony HX9V at a much reduced price & for a compact/ point & shoot it's incredible.
A friend just picked up the award winning Sony HX9V at a much reduced price & for a compact/ point & shoot it's incredible.
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