Cheap full manual camera

robj20

robj20

Suspended / Banned
Messages
3,216
Edit My Images
No
My niece is starting to get into photography loves using my cameras, are there any good full manual cameras around, i was thinking about another RX100 which is what i have that she likes but even second hand its a bit expensive.
 
robj20 said:
My niece is starting to get into photography loves using my cameras, are there any good full manual cameras around, i was thinking about another RX100 which is what i have that she likes but even second hand its a bit expensive.
Click to expand...

What's the budget?

Fuji X10 might be worth a look for readily accessible manual controls.

Most compacts allow manual control but some do it more ergonomically than others. The Canon S90 I used to have was good for this and I therefore assume the S95, S100, S110 etc are the same in that regard.
 
Around £100 or lower would be a starting point. Lower the better.
 
Panasonic LX3 is pretty good with full manual control - wish I never sold mine.
 
One of the old Canon G series, G9 onwards?

Or maybe Canon S90 onwards which has full manual but the controls are a little different to most so might be a bit trickier to demonstrate using your Sony..
 
Last edited:
Nawty said:
But lacks the controls to do full manual easily, much to the annoyance of almost everyone.
Click to expand...

I had an IR converted J1 for a time, had no problems in putting it into full manual, yes the controls are a little annoying as the functions change on each control as you change from Aperture Priority - Shutter priority - Full Manual - but it worked. Its small and tough though!

Another alternative would be to buy an older entry level DSLR eg Canon 1000D/350D or Nikon equivalent. If the OP is using a DSLR (and his niece from time to time), then selecting ab rand for which you already have compatible lenses could be a good move
 
Mr Perceptive said:
Another alternative would be to buy an older entry level DSLR eg Canon 1000D/350D or Nikon equivalent. If the OP is using a DSLR (and his niece from time to time), then selecting ab rand for which you already have compatible lenses could be a good move
Click to expand...

I agree.

If you're lucky you'll pick up a 10 year old, mint, entry level DSLR with lens, charger, card etc. I see this kind of thing priced at £200 but I bet lots never get sold. [check out gumtree].

The niece sound like a natural.
 
I've got a cherished Nikon D40 + kit lens, been in the back of the cupboard for years, I'd give it to any niece or nephew of mine if any showed an interest.
 
robj20 said:
My niece is starting to get into photography loves using my cameras, are there any good full manual cameras around, i was thinking about another RX100 which is what i have that she likes but even second hand its a bit expensive.
Click to expand...
Rob has anyone ever told you you look like that bloke on the telly that does the idiot abroad series?
 
robj20 said:
My niece is starting to get into photography loves using my cameras, are there any good full manual cameras around, i was thinking about another RX100 which is what i have that she likes but even second hand its a bit expensive.
Click to expand...
Does she want a fixed lens or interchangeable lens camera?

I'm sure there are at or below £100 either way. Julian mentions the LX3, I've had a couple of LX's and they do work well in manual mode and arguably better than in auto modes as you can set them up and hyperfocal or zone focus just like in the old days :D I'd take a Panasonic G1 and a cheap lens over an LX every time though unless size is an issue.
 
Mr Perceptive said:
I had an IR converted J1 for a time, had no problems in putting it into full manual, yes the controls are a little annoying as the functions change on each control as you change from Aperture Priority - Shutter priority - Full Manual - but it worked. Its small and tough though!

Another alternative would be to buy an older entry level DSLR eg Canon 1000D/350D or Nikon equivalent. If the OP is using a DSLR (and his niece from time to time), then selecting ab rand for which you already have compatible lenses could be a good move
Click to expand...

DSLR is a no go too big. Preferably a compact or bridge camera would be ideal, at the minute she uses my A7R or the RX100. Maybe an old E-Mount would be ideal.
 
Hi,

If you niece is started and you want something good but cheap I'm sure those 3 could be interesting for you
https://www.cahootsy.com/category-t...p-201mp-5x-optical-zoom-27-lcd-screen-1181813 (the cheapest but still have cool feature to practice her skills ;) )
https://www.cahootsy.com/category-t...16gb-microsd-adaptor-lowepro-all-weather-case (I like this one because it comes with the protection and everything which make it safer and It allowed you to take great shot without spending hundreds £ on it)

https://www.cahootsy.com/category-t...27-lcd-waterproof-digital-compact-camera-blue (Finally that one which is probable the most famous, it's a bit more expensive but Nikon is great and you'll never be disappointed with a Coolpix)

Hope it will help
Good luck anyway and let us know your final choice :)
 
woof woof said:
Does she want a fixed lens or interchangeable lens camera?

I'm sure there are at or below £100 either way. Julian mentions the LX3, I've had a couple of LX's and they do work well in manual mode and arguably better than in auto modes as you can set them up and hyperfocal or zone focus just like in the old days :D I'd take a Panasonic G1 and a cheap lens over an LX every time though unless size is an issue.
Click to expand...
Yeah the Panny G1 is a good one - I have a full spectrum one. It's small enough but also enough of a DSLR feel if you want to progress things further without completely re-learning everything. Can be had quite cheap with 14-45 lens too.
 
The original Panny 14-42mm can usually be found for cheaper. I've no doubt that the 14-45mm is the better lens but the 14-42mm is perfectly competent for less money.
 
woof woof said:
The original Panny 14-42mm can usually be found for cheaper. I've no doubt that the 14-45mm is the better lens but the 14-42mm is perfectly competent for less money.
Click to expand...
I've got both, 14-45 on the G1 and 14-42 on the GX5 and I prefer the 14-42 for its compact size. Not sure which version it is though - it doesn't extend much at all and has HD written in red on it.
The 14-45 takes more readily available 52mm filters though which is fine for my full spectrum G1 so I can fit any infrared filter on it easily.
 
Heres an idea... what about film. Nikon F80 is basically the same as a Nikon DSLR but takes film, or for a more retro feel you could get an FE or FM.

I found that wile i shoot film, and manual on my D750 and X100, I struggle to shoot manual on compacts.
 
cambsno said:
Heres an idea... what about film. Nikon F80 is basically the same as a Nikon DSLR but takes film, or for a more retro feel you could get an FE or FM.

I found that wile i shoot film, and manual on my D750 and X100, I struggle to shoot manual on compacts.
Click to expand...
its a pity that modern cameras dont have the same ergonomic design and simple controls as film cameras - i have a nikon fm2 and pentax mx which are superbly designed for usability but i just dont like the hassle and expense of shooting film
 
boliston said:
its a pity that modern cameras dont have the same ergonomic design and simple controls as film cameras - i have a nikon fm2 and pentax mx which are superbly designed for usability but i just dont like the hassle and expense of shooting film
Click to expand...

They do, but they are called Leica. Actually, and its more than OP was saying, an X100 is probably a great bet but £200-250?
 
Panasonic G1 with adapter and old 50mm lens, plus any of the 14-42 AF zooms from Panasonic or Olympus.
The handling/ergonomics are excellent,
the EVF is very good for manual focus,
the exposure histogram is just right.
It is now dirt cheap, and tough.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top