Which camera?

[fergie]

Just looking for a bit of advice and pointers as to what model camera to get. Currently I am using a Kodak V1003 but want to upgrade to a model with attachment options. I live by the Irish Sea and want to be able to zoom in on the sea birds and get good quality shots.

I generally take all sorts of pics from random motion pics, macro, landscapes, seascapes, my reptile collection, the dog and family pics. Any suggestions on what camera would be best suited to what I'm after.

I am willing to spend a reasonable amount on a decent set-up!

Thanks in advance
Fergie

 

[fergie]

Apologies :bonk: Just noticed the Talk Equipment section below! Maybe a Mod could move the thread to there, seeing as it may be more appropriate

 

[alexkidd]

you should really decide on a definitive budget and if you're willing to spend more in the future then we can advise better

also are you looking for an slr (changeable lenses) or bridge (like an slr but simpler) or compact (like a normal camera)

 

[fergie]

As if by magic! Cheers

 

[fergie]

you should really decide on a definitive budget and if you're willing to spend more in the future then we can advise better

also are you looking for an slr (changeable lenses) or bridge (like an slr but simpler) or compact (like a normal camera)

I'd be willing to spend between three and four hundred.

Looking for an SLR. I like the idea of the changeable lenses!

 

[alexkidd]

a d50/60/70/80 or some nikon in your budget and an 18-200mm lens would be my initial suggestion

there'll be a canon alternative but i don't know what it is

 

[happy haggis]

Your best bet would be to go to a camera shop and handle a few. Canon and Nikon are the market leaders and equally good, but they handle differently and only you can tell which is best suited to your needs. Any SLR will suit your interests because of the huge range of lenses available. Don't rule out the likes of Sony either, they may not be as popular as the two aforementioned, but there are many people who love them.

 

[fergie]

a d50/60/70/80 or some nikon in your budget and an 18-200mm lens would be my initial suggestion

there'll be a canon alternative but i don't know what it is

Your best bet would be to go to a camera shop and handle a few. Canon and Nikon are the market leaders and equally good, but they handle differently and only you can tell which is best suited to your needs. Any SLR will suit your interests because of the huge range of lenses available. Don't rule out the likes of Sony either, they may not be as popular as the two aforementioned, but there are many people who love them.

Cheers for the input folks I'll have a wee look through the internet, check out reviews and such. Also get myself up to a camera shop and have a look at a few models,

Thanks again
Fergie

 

[happy haggis]

You'll probably be advised to window shop to get the feel for the different cameras available, but will most likely find them a lot cheaper on the internet, when it comes to parting with your hard earned cash.
Good hunting and keep us posted on your decision.

 

[fergie]

You'll probably be advised to window shop to get the feel for the different cameras available, but will most likely find them a lot cheaper on the internet, when it comes to parting with your hard earned cash.
Good hunting and keep us posted on your decision.

Aye, I'm going to go round the shops first, see what one takes my fancy and then see what price I can get it at on the net.

Hopefully be going camera hunting within the next month or so

 

[Quaker]

I bought a Nikon D60 as my entry level DSLR and I am absolutely thrilled with it. I am now getting some favourable results from it.

Its far from being classed as a top camera but for me, I think its excellent value for money.

The advice above is good, go to a shop and try a few different models out.

 

[fergie]

I bought a Nikon D60 as my entry level DSLR and I am absolutely thrilled with it. I am now getting some favourable results from it.

Its far from being classed as a top camera but for me, I think its excellent value for money.

The advice above is good, go to a shop and try a few different models out.

Thanks for the input Quaker

 

[PaulBoy]

Hi fergie (I'm from Antrim town originally btw great county to be a photographer in ) - DSLR wise you are looking at entry level like the Canon EOS 1000D with 18-55mm IS kit lens for around £330 - for longer reach I'd suggest a you need at least a 300mm zoom like the Sigma 70-300mm f4-5.6 DG APO for around £110 - Apart from looking at used it's hard to see how you can keep to your budget although the equivalent Nikon (D40) and lenses might work out cheaper? - As advised already having a 'fondle' is very important as some prefer the feel of one brand or another - Check out the menus & settings too as when I bought recently I found the Canon menus easier to read / use than the equivalent Nikon
HTH ... Paul

 

[fergie]

Hi fergie (I'm from Antrim town originally btw great county to be a photographer in ) - DSLR wise you are looking at entry level like the Canon EOS 1000D with 18-55mm IS kit lens for around £330 - for longer reach I'd suggest a you need at least a 300mm zoom like the Sigma 70-300mm f4-5.6 DG APO for around £110 - Apart from looking at used it's hard to see how you can keep to your budget although the equivalent Nikon (D40) and lenses might work out cheaper? - As advised already having a 'fondle' is very important as some prefer the feel of one brand or another - Check out the menus & settings too as when I bought recently I found the Canon menus easier to read / use than the equivalent Nikon
HTH ... Paul

Cheers for the info Paul! Indeed it is a great County to be a photographer in

I should be able to extend my budget, if needs be, to get the camera I really want. Going to have a look around the shops and do some hardcore browsing through the site and see what people are using and what sort of results they are getting. Should help me make an informed decision.