Cameras, an eternal bag of worms!!

[dave0010]

So after an earlier enquiry about a small portable camera I slowly ventured into the depths of this sections and all the subsequent topics and discussions.

I now am more confused with options and choices then I ever thought possible.

I never realised the endless range and choices available. I've also noticed that no matter what I set my budget for it just slowly creeps up finding other models! how is it possible to go from looking at simple cameras to then considering buying a new DSLR!!!

My problem is I just want the best camera I can get for my money. I'm also looking for something that can help me learn and improve any skills. Will only be used for landscapes and macro shots no fast moving objects.

My budget is £250, but you can guess I'm sure with pre owned bundles on Ebay this slowly rises. Does anyone have any suggestions? it just may save my sanity.

Just a note, I am happy if the right deal is mentioned to increase my budget slightly but I'm just trying not to get carried away.

[Mr Snap]

dave0010 said:

So after an earlier enquiry about a small portable camera I slowly ventured into the depths of this sections and all the subsequent topics and discussions.

I now am more confused with options and choices then I ever thought possible.

I never realised the endless range and choices available. I've also noticed that no matter what I set my budget for it just slowly creeps up finding other models! how is it possible to go from looking at simple cameras to then considering buying a new DSLR!!!

My problem is I just want the best camera I can get for my money. I'm also looking for something that can help me learn and improve any skills. Will only be used for landscapes and macro shots no fast moving objects.

My budget is £250, but you can guess I'm sure with pre owned bundles on Ebay this slowly rises. Does anyone have any suggestions? it just may save my sanity.

Just a note, I am happy if the right deal is mentioned to increase my budget slightly but I'm just trying not to get carried away.

You need either a 'bridge' camera or a DSLR in order to really learn about photography. It is theoretically possible with a compact but they're really only designed for happy snaps and your phone is just about as good. Some people take to photography like a duck to water, some really struggle to understand the technical stuff. The things you want to do with a camera demand fairly high technical skills and there is no camera that will simply do the job for you, you'll have to learn how to use it properly - this will take time and effort.

Your budget is pretty low but you might look for a second hand DSLR body. To shoot cars in action and you'll need a telephoto zoom lens - say 70-200mm - with the widest max aperture you can afford.

[Simpo Two]

For god's sake don't buy a bridge. £250 is enough to get you a perfectly good s/h DSLR and a kit lens and maybe more as well. Nikon D80 maybe, or equivalent Canon.

dave0010 said:

Will only be used for landscapes and macro shots no fast moving objects.

Mr Snap said:

To shoot cars in action and you'll need a telephoto zoom lens - say 70-200mm

Forums are great aren't they?

[Turn7]

go and have a look at Used DSLR's on MBP Photographic site, will give you a much better idea of whats out there.

A good used DSLR will be way better than a bridge, if only for things like non EVF viewfinders and shutter lag.

[rottie102]

...and it's a CAN of worms

[dave0010]

Turn7 said:

go and have a look at Used DSLR's on MBP Photographic site, will give you a much better idea of whats out there.

A good used DSLR will be way better than a bridge, if only for things like non EVF viewfinders and shutter lag.

MBP site? I have been looking on ebay but there is almost too much choice and like I said I just don't want to waste my money.

I'm happy to learn how to use it properly, thats what also appeals to me about buying a DSLR.

[Turn7]

dave0010 said:

Turn7 said:

go and have a look at Used DSLR's on MBP Photographic site, will give you a much better idea of whats out there.

A good used DSLR will be way better than a bridge, if only for things like non EVF viewfinders and shutter lag.

MBP site? I have been looking on ebay but there is almost too much choice and like I said I just don't want to waste my money.

I'm happy to learn how to use it properly, thats what also appeals to me about buying a DSLR.

http://www.mpbphotographic.co.uk/used-equipment/

[vladcjelli]

Bought my 2nd hand canon 400d about a year ago. About a hundred and sixty quid all in with a 18-55 kit lens.

Had a fun first summer playing with it.

https://www.flickr.com/photos/32255488@N06/9558505...

https://www.flickr.com/photos/32255488@N06/9558472...

https://www.flickr.com/photos/32255488@N06/9555671...

https://www.flickr.com/photos/32255488@N06/9777999...

https://www.flickr.com/photos/32255488@N06/9777998...

Last pics are with an aged FD lens and an adaptor.

Point being, I'm more than happy with my early results, and have learnt loads.

Just bought a bargain basement 55-200mm lens for a bit of zoomage. Will see what I can catch this year.

[Mr Snap]

Simpo Two said:

For god's sake don't buy a bridge. £250 is enough to get you a perfectly good s/h DSLR and a kit lens and maybe more as well. Nikon D80 maybe, or equivalent Canon.

dave0010 said:

Will only be used for landscapes and macro shots no fast moving objects.

Mr Snap said:

To shoot cars in action and you'll need a telephoto zoom lens - say 70-200mm

Forums are great aren't they?

Fairy nuff. But he did ask about cars previously and that's where it gets complicated.

I'm not a fan of bridge cameras but some people do like them, they don't want the faf of changing lenses etc.

[Mr Snap]

Simpo Two said:

For god's sake don't buy a bridge. £250 is enough to get you a perfectly good s/h DSLR and a kit lens and maybe more as well. Nikon D80 maybe, or equivalent Canon.

dave0010 said:

Will only be used for landscapes and macro shots no fast moving objects.

Mr Snap said:

To shoot cars in action and you'll need a telephoto zoom lens - say 70-200mm

Forums are great aren't they?

Fairy nuff. But he did ask about cars previously and that's where it gets complicated.

I'm not a fan of bridge cameras but some people do like them, they don't want the faf of changing lenses etc.

[RobDickinson]

rottie102 said:

...and it's a CAN of worms

More like a 40ft container of expensive worms

[dave0010]

RobDickinson said:

More like a 40ft container of expensive worms

Yep!!!

Currently just scouring thought ebay and the above linked site. I've decided a simple second hand DSLR with a kit lens will do me perfectly.

Now I'm sinking into the world of nikon and cannon cameras whist cross referencing them with youtube reviews.

[PugwasHDJ80]

Wjhat if you genuinely don't want an SLR?

We have 2 dSLRs but they aren't the choice camera when you are just out with the kids- sometimes you just want something you can stick in your pocket.

We are just looking at updating from a compact (an IXUS 80), and seriously considering a bridge camera.....

[dave0010]

PugwasHDJ80 said:

Wjhat if you genuinely don't want an SLR?

We have 2 dSLRs but they aren't the choice camera when you are just out with the kids- sometimes you just want something you can stick in your pocket.

We are just looking at updating from a compact (an IXUS 80), and seriously considering a bridge camera.....

After everything I have read I have personally discounted a bridge camera. The reasons being I just can't see the advantage apart from maybe cost. Its the same size and shape as a DSLR but has less functions and less possible choices for upgrades.

I will still have my phone which for all simple point and click choices will do me fine.

I'm personally choosing a DSLR for the quality of pictures and the ability to learn a new skill. I've also decided to buy second hand as this falls nicely within my budget.

This is only my limited opinion and based purely on the information that I have collaborated in my searches. If anyone things I may be miss guided please do "put me right" I'm just at the start and always appreciate advice from others who have been in my situation.

[MysteryLemon]

My only advice is to not be put off buying an older second hand camera. They took great pictures then, and they will still take the same great pictures now.

You really don't have to or need to have the latest and most expensive kit to take great pictures.

[Simpo Two]

PugwasHDJ80 said:

We have 2 dSLRs but they aren't the choice camera when you are just out with the kids- sometimes you just want something you can stick in your pocket.

That's a very fair point, but the decision is whether you want quality/capability, or convenience. I have DSLR and shirtpocket, and choose the tool for the job. But the OP wants to learn about photography and a compact isn't the right tool for that, at least not for an adult.

MysteryLemon said:

My only advice is to not be put off buying an older second hand camera. They took great pictures then, and they will still take the same great pictures now. You really don't have to or need to have the latest and most expensive kit to take great pictures.

Spot on. Even a Nikon D70, which came out 10 years ago and is therefore a dinosaur, really only falls short on ISO and monitor size. You can probably get a D70 body for <£100 now, and still be able to learn everything you need to know.

[ean21]

I recently eased back into photography after a long layoff. After initially getting fairly confused at all the changes in 15 years (it's only light, right?) I settled on a used Nikon D3100 and a kit lens. This will be inside your budget, even from a shop with a warranty.

I've been very pleased with it, and now my daughter is learning with it. I would recommend it to anyone looking for their first SLR.

[robpearson]

I wish you'd not posted that mpbphotographic link. I can see this costing me a fortune now. already seen two lenses I "NEED"

[Gemm]

Simpo Two said:

But the OP wants to learn about photography ....

I think this is the key. I know many people who just went ahead and bought a DSLR believing that DSLR = quality image, but have ended up using their iPhone or compacts as they forgot about the the 'learning' bit.

[dave0010]

decided on the camera I'm going to get. After reading various reviews and holding one in a shop I'm now In the market for a Nikon 3100. I think with a budget of £200 I should be able to pick up a good condition second hand one with a kit lens no?