Getting back into photography

[MarkLP]

Hi there,

About a year ago I sold all my equipment, Canon 40d, lens, flashes etc.. It's got to the point I want a camera of some kind just so I can go out on a weekend and take some photos or spur of the moment.

I don't want to spend as much as I did before but I want something half decent. Around £400 max, under that would be ideal. I had Canon before but this time I wouldn't mind moving over to Nikon ( I've had a go with a friends Nikon and quite liked it compared to Canon, The menus and the quick edit function)

I'm not sure if there is anything new coming out but I can imagine I'd be looking for second hand realistically.

Any thoughts on models, lens etc would be much appreciated, Ideally a good camera and lens which will cover most types of photography.

Many Thanks

/Mods please move if this is in the wrong place

 

[Nod]

Some of the new breed of compacts with fixed zoom lenses produce images that rival DSLR shots. If you want more at the long end, there are plenty of superzoom bridge cameras about which pack plenty into a package smaller than a small DSLR with an 18-200 (or similar) fitted. If you don't mind the extra bulk that an interchangeable lens kit brings, there are plenty of CSCs around too. It really is a matter of comparing specs (What Digital Camera is a handy resource in magazine form), drawing up a shortlist then having a fondle to see which you like.

Makes and models are all down to personal choice - in my case, Nikon DSLRs (and indeed, older FSLRs) fit me better than any of the competition but I've ended up with 2 Fuji compacts (X-10 and XF-1) and a Fuji bridge (HS30) to run alongside the D700 kit. The trio of Fujis takes up far less room than the SLR kit and (more importantly) weighs around 1/4 as much!

 

[Photodiva]

Before you decide, its probably worth thinking more about the sort of use you want it for. You say you want "to go out on a weekend and take some photos or spur of the moment.". Are you talking about social photography, your mates, sticking stuff on facebook etc or are you talking about going walking and taking landscapes etc? Its difficult to find "a good camera and lens which will cover most types of photography" as one size rarely fits all. A compact camera is (relatively) cheap, light, pretty competent these days, especially if you don't want to lug heavy camera/lens around.

 

[MarkLP]

Hi,

Thank you for the replies. Ideally I would like a DSLR for the size, weight and feel compared to a P+S. I want to be able to have some fun with the camera, some night shots experimenting, going for walks landscapes and some car shots. I guess starting with a body + lens kit and possibly a couple of added bits, lens in the future.

 

[Nod]

Pretty sure that none of the current crop of DSLRs is a lemon! Not sure where in Devon you are but if Exeter's your local town, I can thoroughly recommend the Devon Camera Centre in the Guildhall shopping centre. Reasonable prices (and will usually do their best to pricematch local prices but can't usually beat internet [grey] prices) and good advice. Before Jessops's demise they didn't stock Canon since the special relationship J&C had was a barrier - but things may have changed recently!

Bridges offer a similar feel to SLRs without all the bulk and weight. If you want, we could meet in Exeter and you can compare the feel of a DSLR and a bridge (and the weight!!!)

 

[MarkLP]

Hi there,

Many thanks for your offer, I definitely want the weight and feel of a DSLR currently looking at the D5100 or D5200.

Thanks