Buying a good camera help
Discussion
Hi everyone, hope it's ok to post this? So iv been looking at buying a camera as me and other half use our iPhone 6 plus's but think it be best to get a camera (cheaper than replacing iPhone if dropped) and we are going away to Devon soon. a mate of mine recommended This one....http://m.johnlewis.com/mt/www.johnlewis.com/sony-cyber-shot-dsc-h300-bridge-camera-hd-720p-20-1mp-35x-optical-zoom-3-lcd-screen/p979456#page_loaded Now iv looked a lot into it and reviews are good and have looked at other ones like this in this price range and this one comes up best, apart from the quality with zoom. Is there any other ones at this price range I should look at? Don't really want the small cameras as I kind of like bigger ones. Thanks for any help, please be nice as I really don't know much about cameras 
That's not big. It's going to look like a toy next to even the smallest DSLR. It's big enough not to fit in a pocket though which means you'll have to carry it around. It'll have a long zoom but if you want a clear picture of that thing that's far away then you'll still have to get close to it.
At that price I'd go for a compact (because size isn't important but image quality is) or a used DSLR like a D3100 or similar.
At that price I'd go for a compact (because size isn't important but image quality is) or a used DSLR like a D3100 or similar.
As others have said, an entry lever DSLR would be a far better choice. I started with the D3200 and got some superb pics with it, now upgraded to the D7100 and it's better again.
If you're interested my D3200 is going on eBay soon, just not had the chance yet but if interested I'm sure we could work something out.
Pm me if you want to know more.
If you're interested my D3200 is going on eBay soon, just not had the chance yet but if interested I'm sure we could work something out.
Pm me if you want to know more.
dazz1871part2 said:
What I mean by big is not the really small ones. I like the size to be bigger and the one I put link up is a ok size for me. If not that can anyone recommend me a good camera for £100-£150 max?
Do you want to hear our advice, or just validate the decision that you've already made? With the exception of the zoom, that's going to be no better than the iphone you are currently using. If that's worth £100 to you then by all means crack on.Mr Will said:
dazz1871part2 said:
What I mean by big is not the really small ones. I like the size to be bigger and the one I put link up is a ok size for me. If not that can anyone recommend me a good camera for £100-£150 max?
Do you want to hear our advice, or just validate the decision that you've already made? With the exception of the zoom, that's going to be no better than the iphone you are currently using. If that's worth £100 to you then by all means crack on.Edited by dazz1871part2 on Monday 15th June 11:34
Either get a DSLR for ultimate quality or get a pocket-sized compact (I just bought a Sony RX100, or if you need more zoom then something like the Panasonic TZ70) which you can take everywhere with you.
A bridge camera is not much (if any) better quality than a good compact (If my budget was better I'd have bought the Sony A6000) and is not as good or flexible as a DSLR and is just as awkward to carry.
A bridge camera is not much (if any) better quality than a good compact (If my budget was better I'd have bought the Sony A6000) and is not as good or flexible as a DSLR and is just as awkward to carry.
dazz1871part2 said:
As I said I don't want a really small camera, I like the size that I linked, I did ask if not this one can someone recommend me one for that price range but if it's going to be same or close to quality as my iPhone 6 without zoom I won't bother as I know the more zoom u use the more rubbish the Picture quality gets. Thanks for help anyways
You can get something better if you're prepared to go second hand - is that an option?Fuji XF-1
I got one for £120 from Currys about 5 months ago. Really good quality images. Option to shoot Raw.
Or used DSLR
The Fuji works well in low light due to the Max 1.8 aperture (at 25mm)
What do you want to take pictures of?
Some examples from my XF-1
Adam's party-1760 by northernladgonesouth, on Flickr
Adam's party-1757 by northernladgonesouth, on Flickr
edited in lightroom
I got one for £120 from Currys about 5 months ago. Really good quality images. Option to shoot Raw.
Or used DSLR
The Fuji works well in low light due to the Max 1.8 aperture (at 25mm)
What do you want to take pictures of?
Some examples from my XF-1
Adam's party-1760 by northernladgonesouth, on FlickrAdam's party-1757 by northernladgonesouth, on Flickredited in lightroom
dazz1871part2 said:
Mr Will said:
You can get something better if you're prepared to go second hand - is that an option?
Could beSomething like this Panasonic G10: http://www.mpbphotographic.co.uk/used-equipment/us... plus a basic lens http://www.mpbphotographic.co.uk/used-equipment/pa... would do the trick. The quality will be a noticeable step up from a bridge or compact and it will give you room to upgrade to better lenses or bodies in future if you want to.
If you can stretch the budget then this G5 would be worth the extra: http://www.mpbphotographic.co.uk/used-equipment/us...
If they don't take your fancy then the XF1 (as already mentioned) is a great little compact. don't underestimate the value of being able to stick it in a pocket! Alternatively there are plenty of good DSLR options, all of which will take very good images if you don't mind the extra bulk.
dojo said:
I personally think unless you're going full heartedheartedly into and want to learn about photography then you might as well get a point and shoot...
We always carry a Sony ccybershot HX50, it is great little camera with a massive optical zoom and gives some great shots.
The problem with that logic is that if you follow it to it's conclusion you'll end up just using your phone. It's 90% as good as most compacts and you carry it every day anyway.We always carry a Sony ccybershot HX50, it is great little camera with a massive optical zoom and gives some great shots.
We buy cameras because we want something better than a smart-phone, so the question really revolves around how often you are going to carry it. If you are going to take it everywhere then a good compact makes sense but if it's just for high days, holidays and birthdays then you might as well go for something slightly larger - particularly if you are going to do much shooting indoors where the difference becomes more apparent. Carry your phone for every day and bring the good camera out for special occasions. There is very little advantage to a compact in that scenario.
Edited by Mr Will on Wednesday 17th June 08:26
Simpo Two said:
Mr Will said:
We buy cameras because we want something better than a smart-phone
Ergonomics wins it for me. Taking a photo by pressing a random non-moving part of a chocolate bar held the wrong way is just wrong.Mr Will said:
The problem with that logic is that if you follow it to it's conclusion you'll end up just using your phone. It's 90% as good as most compacts and you carry it every day anyway.
We buy cameras because we want something better than a smart-phone, so the question really revolves around how often you are going to carry it. If you are going to take it everywhere then a good compact makes sense but if it's just for high days, holidays and birthdays then you might as well go for something slightly larger - particularly if you are going to do much shooting indoors where the difference becomes more apparent. Carry your phone for every day and bring the good camera out for special occasions. There is very little advantage to a compact in that scenario.
Not sure I really buy this to be honest. We buy cameras because we want something better than a smart-phone, so the question really revolves around how often you are going to carry it. If you are going to take it everywhere then a good compact makes sense but if it's just for high days, holidays and birthdays then you might as well go for something slightly larger - particularly if you are going to do much shooting indoors where the difference becomes more apparent. Carry your phone for every day and bring the good camera out for special occasions. There is very little advantage to a compact in that scenario.
Edited by Mr Will on Wednesday 17th June 08:26
With regards to the p&s vs smartphone; the sensors are normally 2 or 3 times the size plus you have decent zoom so no need to crop. Whilst a smart phone is handy you can't really catch anything that is moving and using manual settings is far more awkward.
I think that entry level dslr's with the kit (18-55) lense are so often style over substance. Its cheap glass with a limited range and all too often people end up shooting on auto with a flash in doors and then have to deal with embarrassment that they have this perceived 'professional' camera which takes decidedly average pictures.
dojo said:
Not sure I really buy this to be honest.
With regards to the p&s vs smartphone; the sensors are normally 2 or 3 times the size plus you have decent zoom so no need to crop. Whilst a smart phone is handy you can't really catch anything that is moving and using manual settings is far more awkward.
Both your camera and my phone (Sony Z1 compact) have almost identical sensors. They are both 1/2.3 sized 20mp Exmoor R sensors made by Sony. The difference there will be minimal. With regards to the p&s vs smartphone; the sensors are normally 2 or 3 times the size plus you have decent zoom so no need to crop. Whilst a smart phone is handy you can't really catch anything that is moving and using manual settings is far more awkward.
So what about the lenses? I have an 27mm-e f/2 prime vs your 24-720mm-e f/3.5-6.3. You win on zoom range (obviously) but mine lets in nearly four times as much light - it will capture motion better and focus faster in low light. I'd also wager mine is sharper since it's a prime.
Manual settings? Yes, it's easier to change them on the compact but how often do you need to? With the small sensor and slow lens you've got no real control over depth of field, so the only thing that's ever worth changing is the shutter speed. In the phone's favour, it's got a responsive touch screen with touch focus and spot metering. I can set the focus and exposure how I want them without having to mess with individual settings. Compact wins if you're going to set one exposure and then use if for several shots, phone wins if you are going to use a different exposure for each shot.
What about after the shot? With my phone I can edit and process the images on the go, share them instantly via email or any social network of my choice and they are all automatically backed up to a secure location moments after I take them. I never have to download them to my PC, they are there before I get home. Can your camera do any of that?
Each has it's strengths and weaknesses, but it's no longer true to say one is better than the other. The gap between high end phones and a typical point and shoot no longer exists.
Mr Will said:
Both your camera and my phone (Sony Z1 compact) have almost identical sensors. They are both 1/2.3 sized 20mp Exmoor R sensors made by Sony. The difference there will be minimal.
So what about the lenses? I have an 27mm-e f/2 prime vs your 24-720mm-e f/3.5-6.3. You win on zoom range (obviously) but mine lets in nearly four times as much light - it will capture motion better and focus faster in low light. I'd also wager mine is sharper since it's a prime.
Manual settings? Yes, it's easier to change them on the compact but how often do you need to? With the small sensor and slow lens you've got no real control over depth of field, so the only thing that's ever worth changing is the shutter speed. In the phone's favour, it's got a responsive touch screen with touch focus and spot metering. I can set the focus and exposure how I want them without having to mess with individual settings. Compact wins if you're going to set one exposure and then use if for several shots, phone wins if you are going to use a different exposure for each shot.
What about after the shot? With my phone I can edit and process the images on the go, share them instantly via email or any social network of my choice and they are all automatically backed up to a secure location moments after I take them. I never have to download them to my PC, they are there before I get home. Can your camera do any of that?
Each has it's strengths and weaknesses, but it's no longer true to say one is better than the other. The gap between high end phones and a typical point and shoot no longer exists.
Fair enough (although you are using the phone which prides itself on its camera for your example) So what about the lenses? I have an 27mm-e f/2 prime vs your 24-720mm-e f/3.5-6.3. You win on zoom range (obviously) but mine lets in nearly four times as much light - it will capture motion better and focus faster in low light. I'd also wager mine is sharper since it's a prime.
Manual settings? Yes, it's easier to change them on the compact but how often do you need to? With the small sensor and slow lens you've got no real control over depth of field, so the only thing that's ever worth changing is the shutter speed. In the phone's favour, it's got a responsive touch screen with touch focus and spot metering. I can set the focus and exposure how I want them without having to mess with individual settings. Compact wins if you're going to set one exposure and then use if for several shots, phone wins if you are going to use a different exposure for each shot.
What about after the shot? With my phone I can edit and process the images on the go, share them instantly via email or any social network of my choice and they are all automatically backed up to a secure location moments after I take them. I never have to download them to my PC, they are there before I get home. Can your camera do any of that?
Each has it's strengths and weaknesses, but it's no longer true to say one is better than the other. The gap between high end phones and a typical point and shoot no longer exists.
when the shot is there in front of you (i.e prime) then no doubt the phone is great but as soon as you want to zoom in then you've got nothing.
With regards to afterwards I prefer to do all editing in lightroom but yes valid point.
Personally (and this was my initial point) I don't think the difference is really there between a entry level DSLR and a compact unless you invest in glass or time into your skill set and understanding of photography, therefore one might as well get a compact with a decent zoom, saying that if you're not fussed about the zoom then use your phone.
Normally when me and Mrs are travelling we'll carry a DSLR and a rangefinder style camera, one with a prime and the other with a zoom but we'll also have a P&S in the bag too.
Gassing Station | Photography & Video | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff