Newb wanting a new camera + advice before purchase

Jamie-O

Jamie-O

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Jay
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Right, I'm after a new camera, i am into photography but not upto the "hardcore" level just yet....... so I'm not looking for something thats going to cost a bomb, £200 to play with roughly

Few features that are a must apart from the basics such as good quality etc are;

Able to take snaps one after another without any pauses
Good flash for night time photos
Maybe a LCD screen?
Good looking

Now as my budget is around £200, after seeing how much these SLR camera's go for, I wouldn't mind a 350/400d but as thats unlikely it will most likely be a compact?

Which ones to go for? where from and what prices?

Cheers.
 
For £200 you can find used Nikon D50 or D40 cameras with kit lens.
 
Where am i looking for these cameras? Cheers for the post btw as im sure there is plenty of these sort of threads already.
 
Jamie-O said:
Where am i looking for these cameras? Cheers for the post btw as im sure there is plenty of these sort of threads already.
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Sometimes they crop up here in the classified sections. I think there were (might still be) two recently. Or you could browse eBay.

You might want to read up on the cameras though and mabye walk into a Jessops/Curry's and grab a D3000 (updated model, barely different) to ensure it suits your hands. I'd also advise you to study some light imaging literature. It always helps to understand how aperature, exposure time and ISO interplay.
 
You'll not get anything new for £200, but a 350D with kit lens should be easy enough to find and wee bit more should get you a 400D. Nikon-wise a D40/40x/50/60/70 or 70s with the 18-55 kit lens should all be around that price secondhand.
 
Cistron said:
Sometimes they crop up here in the classified sections. I think there were (might still be) two recently. Or you could browse eBay.

You might want to read up on the cameras though and mabye walk into a Jessops/Curry's and grab a D3000 (updated model, barely different) to ensure it suits your hands. I'd also advise you to study some light imaging literature. It always helps to understand how aperature, exposure time and ISO interplay.
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I am going friday to browse and have a feel of some, along with that and taking a mate who is pretty clued up i may come home with one
Flash In The Pan said:
You'll not get anything new for £200, but a 350D with kit lens should be easy enough to find and wee bit more should get you a 400D. Nikon-wise a D40/40x/50/60/70 or 70s with the 18-55 kit lens should all be around that price secondhand.
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Used will be fine with me
 
Jamie-O said:
Whats the word on compacts? I've been looking at a few similar to these which seem decent?

http://www.jessops.com/online.store/products/77772/show.html

http://www.jessops.com/online.store/products/77381/show.html

http://www.jessops.com/online.store/products/77345/show.html
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Vastly different beasts. I don't think any of those will fulfill either of the requirements you put in the first post either. There isn't a digital camera in the land that doesn't have an LCD screen any more - although being able to use it to take photos is a relatively new addition to DSLRs.

But compacts are obviously neater. If that is all you need, just get one of those.
 
Jamie, not being rude, but with your budget probably the SLR game is out of your reach - just being realistic.

You'd be better off looking at one of the higher end compacts that has proper controls (ie shutter priority, aperture priority, manual mode) etc and learning some camera skills there before making a jump in the future.

You'll get more satisfying images that way, the technical performance will be better and you'll enjoy it more - which is important if you want to progress your skill.

Have a look at a Canon S90....
 
desantnik said:
Jamie, not being rude, but with your budget probably the SLR game is out of your reach - just being realistic.

You'd be better off looking at one of the higher end compacts that has proper controls (ie shutter priority, aperture priority, manual mode) etc and learning some camera skills there before making a jump in the future.

You'll get more satisfying images that way, the technical performance will be better and you'll enjoy it more - which is important if you want to progress your skill.

Have a look at a Canon S90....
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Thats why i said it would be most unlikely that i got one, i do think the idea of settling for a compact is making more sense though.
RevOnline said:
Vastly different beasts. I don't think any of those will fulfill either of the requirements you put in the first post either. There isn't a digital camera in the land that doesn't have an LCD screen any more - although being able to use it to take photos is a relatively new addition to DSLRs.

But compacts are obviously neater. If that is all you need, just get one of those.
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So none of them above have the functions i need?
 
Compact flashes vary from "sort of acceptable-ish" to "completely rubbish" - my Canon compact has the worst flash ever (which is annoying, as its really good apart from that). And very few lower-end compacts can take photos in a burst. I think there is a cheap Casio one that does, but that probably doesn't take as good photos.
 
RevOnline said:
Compact flashes vary from "sort of acceptable-ish" to "completely rubbish" - my Canon compact has the worst flash ever (which is annoying, as its really good apart from that). And very few lower-end compacts can take photos in a burst. I think there is a cheap Casio one that does, but that probably doesn't take as good photos.
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:\ swings and roundabouts then, i take it jessops let you try the camera's out before hand? is that the best to buy from though? that bundle one seems pretty good for what it is.
 
Jamie-O said:
:\ swings and roundabouts then, i take it jessops let you try the camera's out before hand? is that the best to buy from though? that bundle one seems pretty good for what it is.
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Yeah, you can try them there - although some Jessops (the ones that have been refitted recently) are better for that than others though. They'll be more expensive, but quite convenient if there are any problems.
 
RevOnline said:
Yeah, you can try them there - although some Jessops (the ones that have been refitted recently) are better for that than others though. They'll be more expensive, but quite convenient if there are any problems.
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Awesome, cheers for the info.
 
Jamie-O said:
Able to take snaps one after another without any pauses
Good flash for night time photos
Maybe a LCD screen?
Good looking
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Is the look of the camera really one of your highest priorities for buying a camera? How do you define a good looking camera?

Personally I think you're criteria should be:
High quality images
Good colour and contrast
Decent low light capability
Ability to use the camera in manual mode

Can I ask why you want a good burst rate on your camera? Are you looking for something that shoots several shots per second or are you just trying to avoid what some compacts do and take several seconds to reset before allowing you to take another shot.
 
-Rob- said:
Is the look of the camera really one of your highest priorities for buying a camera? How do you define a good looking camera?

Personally I think you're criteria should be:
High quality images
Good colour and contrast
Decent low light capability
Ability to use the camera in manual mode

Can I ask why you want a good burst rate on your camera? Are you looking for something that shoots several shots per second or are you just trying to avoid what some compacts do and take several seconds to reset before allowing you to take another shot.
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By good looking i mean, slimish, not really too bulky

I would cover them features you have listed as the basics? As for the quick burst, the main reason i want a camera now is so i can take decent snaps at the track days so i would need quick reset and several shots per second, is this possible with my budget and a compact?
 
I have to admit I'm not up to date on what's available in the way of compacts but if you are after something that takes decent shots at around 200mm for several shots per second then I think you are going to really struggle to get a compact that you'll be happy with.

The danger you have is spending your £200 budget on a camera you're not totally happy with then you'll end up spending even more money upgrading so something more suitable.

I don't know if it's an option but if you really want a camera that will do everything you want it to then you may be best waiting and saving up a little more so you have the budget for a DSLR and the right lens.

Have a look at the specs on DPreview at the lower end Nikon and Canon camera and see if you can find one that meets the spec you think you need then have a search on eBay to see if you can get one in your budget.
 
Oh I missed the thing about being able to shoot a burst... even the Canon G11 is rubbish at that.
 
-Rob- said:
I have to admit I'm not up to date on what's available in the way of compacts but if you are after something that takes decent shots at around 200mm for several shots per second then I think you are going to really struggle to get a compact that you'll be happy with.

The danger you have is spending your £200 budget on a camera you're not totally happy with then you'll end up spending even more money upgrading so something more suitable.

I don't know if it's an option but if you really want a camera that will do everything you want it to then you may be best waiting and saving up a little more so you have the budget for a DSLR and the right lens.

Have a look at the specs on DPreview at the lower end Nikon and Canon camera and see if you can find one that meets the spec you think you need then have a search on eBay to see if you can get one in your budget.
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Really looking to buy one now to get used to and use during the day/night when i fancy a drive and take a few snaps, abit random really.

I guess i could take the sensible option and wait though as these track days wont be happening until another month or so.
desantnik said:
Oh I missed the thing about being able to shoot a burst... even the Canon G11 is rubbish at that.
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Thats a no go then? lol
 
Jamie-O said:
Really looking to buy one now to get used to and use during the day/night when i fancy a drive and take a few snaps, abit random really.
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If you are after something to just carry round with you and just take a few snaps then pretty much any half decent compact will do the job for you. Have a look around for some good deals and you'll pick up soemthing decent for well under £100 which will keep you going for now then when you are ready to upgrade to an SLR and you've saved up some more then you may have picked up enough knowledge from using the compact to know more about what you want from a camera.
 
Jamie-O said:
Thats a no go then? lol
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Two things set aside DSLR's from compacts and to some degree bridge cameras:

1) Frames per second - several usually on a DSLR
2) Shutter lag - hardly noticeable even on the slowest DSLR

You'll find taking photos of moving cars tricky at best without something like at least an entry level DSLR and a half decent lens - trust me, I'm a motorsport tog - I pretty much only shoot racing things!
 
-Rob- said:
If you are after something to just carry round with you and just take a few snaps then pretty much any half decent compact will do the job for you. Have a look around for some good deals and you'll pick up soemthing decent for well under £100 which will keep you going for now then when you are ready to upgrade to an SLR and you've saved up some more then you may have picked up enough knowledge from using the compact to know more about what you want from a camera.
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Any idea's on what ones?
desantnik said:
Two things set aside DSLR's from compacts and to some degree bridge cameras:

1) Frames per second - several usually on a DSLR
2) Shutter lag - hardly noticeable even on the slowest DSLR

You'll find taking photos of moving cars tricky at best without something like at least an entry level DSLR and a half decent lens - trust me, I'm a motorsport tog - I pretty much only shoot racing things!
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We went Oulton park just recent to watch the BTCC, the snaps my mate took and video's on his phone came out pretty well tbh. Obviously a camera is a massive step up but his phone compared to mine was rubbish.
 
Jamie-O said:
We went Oulton park just recent to watch the BTCC, the snaps my mate took and video's on his phone came out pretty well tbh. Obviously a camera is a massive step up but his phone compared to mine was rubbish.
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Maybe your idea of "came out pretty well" and mine are slightly different :)

I'm not being rude with that comment, but everyone is always impressed at what they can do until they see what others can do.... take a look in the motorsport section on here.... :thumbs:
 
desantnik said:
Maybe your idea of "came out pretty well" and mine are slightly different :)

I'm not being rude with that comment, but everyone is always impressed at what they can do until they see what others can do.... take a look in the motorsport section on here.... :thumbs:
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No im sure they are the same mate, I've seen the difference between a decent camera phone and professional shots before, if only i could justify the amount the equipment costs though.... maybe in the near future.
 
Low end DSLR stuff now is very, very good. I'm sure you can find a few professional standard shots that were made with a DSLR almost within your budget if you were to buy it second-hand.
 
Jamie-O said:
I've seen the difference between a decent camera phone and professional shots before
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In that case you will appreciate that they are massively different. no camera phone can come close to the quality you get with professional equipment or even the lower end DSLR equipment.

With perfect lighting conditions and a non-moving subject then you can get some very nice shots with a camera phone but even then it's not the quality of a DSLR. With a moving subject and non-perfect light then a DSLR is the only way to go for decent results.
 
-Rob- said:
In that case you will appreciate that they are [/B]massively different. no camera phone can come close to the quality you get with professional equipment or even the lower end DSLR equipment.

With perfect lighting conditions and a non-moving subject then you can get some very nice shots with a camera phone but even then it's not the quality of a DSLR. With a moving subject and non-perfect light then a DSLR is the only way to go for decent results.
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Without a doubt, with the phones these days they picture quality is good but at the end of the day it's still a phone and i use mine for calling and txts, which is why i want a proper camera. If i didn't have anything else to pay for this month, i could see myself splashing a few fair hundred on a Canon 400/450D but thats not the case this month and i'll make do with a compact until then i think, but the plan is too get my paws on the SLR and go crazy.
 
I'd save your money if you are buying a DSLR eventually. Sure, you'll miss out this time but it'd be worth it in the long run.
 
The canon 350d can be bought at a reasonable price of e bay which is a good camera to start with. excellent reviews and maby just what your looking for.

regards,icky
 
I think i may of found one! whats the different between the 300D and 350D apart from the age? is the difference worth £25?
 
look on dpreview they tell you the difference between the two.

regards, icky
 
Somewhere on the suppliers I think section there's a big list of used equipment suppliers, most from there will come with a 3 month warantee/guarantee.

This is one I've had recommended: http://www.mpbphotographic.co.uk/

From them they currently have a Canon EOS 300D for £129 or a 350D for £154, or a Nikon D40X for £199.

Then they have a couple of canon 18-55mm lenses for £50 (though may need the EF-S at £80 with older cameras, not sure), or a Nikon AF-S 18-70mm for £94 (99% sure you'll need the AF-S with that Nikon).

That's just 1 shop, but hopefully that will give you some idea. an 18-55 or 18-70 won't do wildlife or anything but should be fine for "general" pictures, pictures of family etc, at least for a start.

If you look around a bit and don't mind things not being cosmetically perfect you may well get something for your budget :)


Edit: use camera gear suppliers list is here: http://www.talkphotography.co.uk/forums/showthread.php?t=30638
 
ickabod said:
http://www.dpreview.com

try this , let me know if it works.
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It does mate, cheers.
littlemonster said:
Somewhere on the suppliers I think section there's a big list of used equipment suppliers, most from there will come with a 3 month warantee/guarantee.

This is one I've had recommended: http://www.mpbphotographic.co.uk/

From them they currently have a Canon EOS 300D for £129 or a 350D for £154, or a Nikon D40X for £199.

Then they have a couple of canon 18-55mm lenses for £50 (though may need the EF-S at £80 with older cameras, not sure), or a Nikon AF-S 18-70mm for £94 (99% sure you'll need the AF-S with that Nikon).

That's just 1 shop, but hopefully that will give you some idea. an 18-55 or 18-70 won't do wildlife or anything but should be fine for "general" pictures, pictures of family etc, at least for a start.

If you look around a bit and don't mind things not being cosmetically perfect you may well get something for your budget :)


Edit: use camera gear suppliers list is here: http://www.talkphotography.co.uk/forums/showthread.php?t=30638
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Thats where i have just seen them! pretty dam cheap that :\ Im tempted to snap the 350D up now :\
 
Jamie-O said:
It does mate, cheers.


Thats where i have just seen them! pretty dam cheap that :\ Im tempted to snap the 350D up now :\
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I'd agree it looks decent :)

http://www.mpbphotographic.co.uk/us...fit-lenses/canon-ef-s-18-55mm-f/3.5-5.6-ii-8/ is the lens I was looking at, doesn't have IS but I'm not sure you'd make use of it on a lens that length most of the time anyway! I'd make 100% sure they're compatible 1st but I'm 99% sure they are, that only puts you £9 over budget too! :D

It all depends really if you're bothered about holding 1 1st!

Edit: Just to add, I think from Nikon site that lens is compatible - and if you wanted more length, it may not win awards but something like http://www.mpbphotographic.co.uk/us...-lenses/canon-ef-70-300mm-f/4-5.6-is-usm-s/r/ is cheap for a bit more distance too!
 
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