First compact camera (and lens) for £500

warb0

warb0

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Tobie
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Hey talkphotography, I'd really love some advice, from some people more experienced than myself.

I am looking to buy my first "proper" camera. I'm going to be doing quite a bit of travel this year, so something dedicated for taking photos would be nice, I also attend quite a few car shows etc, so the camera would get use there. I'll list some points I have made below.
  • Ideally I'd like something relatively compact, that my girlfriend could store in her handbag, or I could store in a coat pocket.
  • I'd like to be able to change the lens (gives me scope for the future).
  • I (actually my girlfriend) would like to have a flip up "selfie" screen (Olympus PEN/Sony A5100 style).
  • Good video capture is a plus.
  • I'd really like to not have to spend more than £500.
So far, the Sony A5100 kit (16-50 lens) appears to be coming out as one of the better choices, though I am worried I am buying something "outdated" per say.

Now I have looked through a tonne of thread, and honestly I can't seem to make a decision, so I joined the forum and would really appreciate some help from you lot, I hope I can pick up the camera over the next few days, ready for a trip I have next week. I do plan on contributing some more here soon (hopefully!!!).

All suggestions welcome,
Thanks,
Tobie.
 
Personally I would look at Fuji - something like an XPro1 or XT10 with lens would come in under budget I think. Great image quality, lovely jpgs out the camera but lots of manual controls. Wont have the selfie screen but I would rather have a better sensor than that!
 
One possible suggestion:

Olympus E-M10II approx £300 s/h
Panasonic 14-45mm f/3.5-5.6 OIS approx £100 s/h
Panasonic 45-150mm F/4.0-5.6 OIS approx £100 s/h

This is compact and will fit in a coat pocket / handbag but not in your shirt pocket. The E-M10II has a tilt screen but I don't think you can tilt it all the way to take a selfie (sorry I don't have mine with me to check). If that is a must then one of the Panasonic m4/3 bodies may be a better option. I've had the Panasonic GH2 in the past (approx £200 s/h) which has a fully articulating screen and is great for video with a dedicated microphone input.

As a general rule try to spend more of your budget on lenses. Don't be afraid to buy the previous generation camera bodies because they will still give excellent results and you can usually buy them at a significant discount to the newest models.
 
Hey both - thanks for the responses.

I noticed the bargain Fuji A2 deals on the refurbished store. Fuji is definitely something I'd go for, if I can find something in my price range that I'll be able to get in the next week.

The Olympus is just a touch too big for me. I will keep it as an option to consider though.

All other suggestions welcome.

Thanks,
Tobie.
 
In the last week I've bought a used Panasonic GX7 and a couple of pocketable fixed focal length lenses for under £500. I did go for a scruffy body with no extras to save a few quid though.

I would caution that with any of these smaller cameras, in my experience, it's worth getting a couple of extra batteries.
 
Pete B said:
I would always go for a camera with a viewfinder.
Click to expand...
I absolutely agree. For those days when you can't see the rear screen (maybe not too much of a problem in the UK but definitely abroad).
Does it need to have interchangeable lenses?
 
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