Recommend a good all purpose £300 camera for a novice

[mattman]

Hope you guys can help with your expertise.

I'm looking to upgrade my current Olympus bridge camera as its getting a little past it. Ideally I want something around £300 that is relatively simple to use but does take a good quality image. I'll mainly be using it for family shots, an upcoming holiday to Disney (so need to be able to take good firework photos which the Olympus never could) and some high speed action shots of my so when he's racing his kart. I'm probably best described as a keen novice.

I'd rather not get second hand, and like the idea of a decent lens range for different shots, that doesn't need a science degree to operate.

I've been recommended a nikon J2 but these are still out of budget and I understand that the J1 doesn't have the sme easy to use functionality of the J2.

So what would you recommend? Another bridge camera or a DSLR? And if so which ones? (Or am I asking too much for this budget?)

Thanks in advance

[RizzoTheRat]

Second hand is well worth considering. If you buy through a shop it'll have a warranty and you'll get a lot more for your money. The girlfriends Sony A330 was about £300 with 2 lenses from London Camera Exchange

[GetCarter]

I have lots of DSLR kit, but with £300 I'd buy a Canon S100. I use my S95 as much as my posh kit, and nobody seems to be able to tell which has been taken with the DSLR and which was from the point and shoot. (Unless blown up to A3 or bigger)

ETA ...unless you need low light capability, when DSLRs can't be beaten.

Edited by GetCarter on Wednesday 26th December 18:44

[LongQ]

GetCarter said:

ETA ...unless you need low light capability, when DSLRs can't be beaten.

Edited by GetCarter on Wednesday 26th December 18:44

Or high speed action (as mentioned at the end of the OP post) in which case there are a few other questions to ponder.

??? Lens if outdoor.

??? Flash if indoor.

.... for starters.

[GetCarter]

Of course, you are right, but with only £300 and a self confessed novice I'd still recommend a really good compact rather than older/cheap DSLR. I use mine much more than my 'Big Brick' for everyday snapping.

But high speed will be a problem!!

[LongQ]

GetCarter said:

Of course, you are right, but with only £300 and a self confessed novice I'd still recommend a really good compact rather than older/cheap DSLR. I use mine much more than my 'Big Brick' for everyday snapping.

But high speed will be a problem!!

I agree Steve.

So far as I can tell there is probably nothing on the market that gets all of the bases covered without some compromise. Almost certainly nothing currently at the price point.

However if a compromise can be accepted there are a number of cameras that can do very well with a modicum of technique in place to make the best of what they offer. Not difficult stuff - just an approach that plays to the abilities and minimises the shortfalls.