Entry level DSLR or Hybrid - Help please

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iPAC

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Name
Peter
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Background
I've been out of photography for a while now but know I enjoy the freedom digital gives me. I don't have a great deal of knowledge or experience with manual setting but I would like to explore this in the future.

Type of pictures in the past
I tend to favour landscape and cityscape shots the grungier the better. Candid shots, family portraits and still life.

Wish list
Would like to use ND filter plates to stop skies blowing out or an automatic bracketing function.
Maybe some macro and studio style work although I am aware that this would require additional investment in flash units and other bits of equipment.

The question
Which cameras should be at the top of my wish list and if required which lenses.
As I'm sure is the case with many people cost is an issue but I'd rather budget for some kit that will keep me going for a while in preference to replacing it 6 months down the line in frustration.

Thanks in advance, Peter (iPAC)

PS I do have some posts with images which should give you a flavour of the type of images I have taken in the past

PPS Now that I'm a member here it may be that I will be keen to expand my range lol

So how long is a piece of string again :bonk:
 
Hybrid, Cheap Panasonic will do nicely, and for macro you can get yourself a chapy old manual focus lens, an adapter and some extension tubes and with the 2x crop factor your 1:! macro shots will appear to be a lot closer up than they actually are.

You could also maybe think about an Olympus DSLR or PEN, which have the dramtic tone or grainy B&W art filters, might suit you.
 
Hi Guys thanks for the feedback. I'll take a look at the Olympus Pen then. I'm guessing the lenses for this will be bespoke and unsuitable for future upgrades?
 
I went bridge purely out of cost and experience and haven't been disapointed.
The Fuji HS10 was my chosen tool because of its amazing features for a non DSLR.30x zoom,manual focus and zoom,features far too many to list just now :)
Down side has to be the non dedicated flash as TTL flash wasn't available but.......manual flash is jus another learning curve I'm sure you'd learn from and enjoy.
I've had some amazing results and all this is now available for just over £200 brand new......If I was to have the same equipment DSLR wise I'd have to sell the car and borrow some.......lol.
Deffinetely worth giving it some thought :)
 
Circa £350 might be able to push it a little more for the right piece of kit.

How realistic I am being of getting decent bang for my bucks there I have no idea.
 
iPAC said:
Circa £350 might be able to push it a little more for the right piece of kit.

How realistic I am being of getting decent bang for my bucks there I have no idea.
Click to expand...

Not a good figure if you're serious about the DSLR path.......sorry.
 
Fujiman said:
Not a good figure if you're serious about the DSLR path.......sorry.
Click to expand...

Nope I didn't think so lol. Never mind there are some affordable options mentioned here worth considering.
 
Second had Panasonic G series....almost squeeze a NEX kit for that (new)..
 
Hi There,

new here, but just wanted to put the Samsung NX10 into the ring, I got a twin lens deal at John Lewis (instore only now not available online) for £399 18mm-55mm and 50mm-200mm.

I am loving the quality of the pics and flexibility - seems a well thought out bit of kit for the price, although reccomend the firmwear upgrades as soon as you get.

all the best

Joe
 
earleybird said:
for that budget i'd take a look at the Fuji HS10 or HS20 .You've got it all in one camera. 720mm tele 28mm wide angle, macro , supermacro, HD video, panarama . No other camera in the world can give you all that brand new for £200 .;)


http://www.flickr.com/photos/57957957@N08/
Click to expand...

I concur.
HS20 now has dedicated flashgun but squeezed an extra 6mp into the same sensor as the HS10 ?
Go for the cheaper HS10 that will give better results and learn from the manual external flash.
 
That budget will easily see you with a good m4/3 suystem - Lumix G or Oly PEN. Lenses will fit either manufacturer, and any other who brings out an m4/3 camera.
 
Great feedback everyone, I guess the next step is to call at the nearest Jessops or similar and look at these cameras first hand.

Thanks to all.

Regards, Peter
 
I'd agree with going for a m4/3 system Panasonic Lumix G or Oly Pen. Panasonic now have a wide range of lenses as does Oly so scope to grow although some are expensive.

Some of the range is quite compact and will fit in pocket with a small lens ideal for candid or even portraits and you should be able to get one easily in your budget new or 2nd hand depending on which out of the range you like

There is a thread for the G series so you can see the discussion

http://www.talkphotography.co.uk/forums/showthread.php?t=262800
 
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