Cameras

[Funlester]

So what camera does everyone have then?

In a month or so after putting the car through its MOT and getting Tax I have decided its time to get a decent camera. So just seeing what people have and what is a good camera for a newbie really.
Budget will be around the £300 mark little more little less not to fussed.

Was chatting to one of my mates over the weekend and he was telling me about his Nikon D3 and the kit he got with it and then told me the price.
After finding out the price the D3 went out the window.

He did say have a look at the Nikon D80 or D90 tho.

Dont really know that much about cameras but would like to start to get it to it.
So what do people have and what would you go for??

[Aaron]

I have a panasonic Lumix FZ18. I didnt have enough money to go for a full DSLR, and definitely not to get all the lenses etc that I'd want. The FZ18 seemed to tick all the boxes for what I wanted.

8.1MP
28mm-504mm lens (or 18x optical zoom)
Many filters/extra lenses/lens attachements available (see here - not an exhaustive list though http://www.digitaltoyshop.co.uk/prod...Lumix_DMC-FZ18)
Relatively quick burst mode
Shoots in jpg, raw or jpg&raw

etc etc

I find it very easy to use, and you can take some great photos with it, with not very much effort!

[wonderlust]

I have an old Minolta Dimage 5 old prosumer camera takes good pics but complicated and heavy on batteries

A Canon Powershot A300 old, Simple point and shoot

and a Samsung ES55 cheap well featured and easy to use, very happy with it for under £70

[Gibbo]

Hi there

I've got a Canon Powershot G7 I think is the model, awsome camera.

[coiler]

Sony A200 £280-£300 with image stabilsation built into the body (corrected LOL). Decent kit lens in the price!

Battery life good for 700-1000 pics.

Love mine, highly reccomended.

[Aaron]

To be honest, I reckon if you go for any of the ones mentioned in this thread that are around your price range, you will be pleased.

Also - what are you looking for from the camera on top of good photos? Portability/size, battery life, accessories etc?

[Funlester]

Not really fussed about battery life as can also get a back up battery.
Just looking for something to get me started really, good photos, half decent accessories and not to big.
For the sixe the Sony A200 likes about that right size.

[Aaron]

I think you'd like mine then....

[coiler]

What you planning on using it for?

I take my A200 on walks with the missus etc (Niftyyyyyyyyyyyy!) in a camera bag slung over the shoulder and find it not cumbersome at all.

[Funlester]

Does the Panasonic Lumix FZ18 have interchangeable lens tho?
Not sure if I sould go for one that you can change the lens on.

[Funlester]

What you planning on using it for?

I take my A200 on walks with the missus etc (Niftyyyyyyyyyyyy!) in a camera bag slung over the shoulder and find it not cumbersome at all.

Just stuff like days out and when my mates doing a gig really.

Like when it was snowing I went a walk and saw things that would make a good photo. Just stuff like that really.

[Aaron]

The base lens is fitted - although its range is massive, and the afaik, the body is smaller than any others suggested on here. However, you can get other lenses to go with it, if needed, such as these: http://www.digitaltoyshop.co.uk/prod...Lumix_DMC-FZ18

For my use, having the massive range in a single fitted lens is exactly what I wanted for my usage. No faffing around swapping lenses for something close up and then something a distance away, but with the option to add filters/other lenses if needed.

But - my advice would be, if you're not sure about whether you'd be happy with a set up like that, don't get it. Go for one that you'd be more comfortable buying without trying first.

[Funlester]

So would people say spend the extra and get a camera from a normal shop or would one from the bay of e be OK?

[coiler]

you can get the a200 etc pretty decent price from comet/currys etc.

[Funlester]

OK tar will have a looks online when I get home.
Also I have seen the A230 for not much more cash, do you know what the difference is between them?