Looking for my first decent camera

Space Monkey

Space Monkey

Space Monkey

Man of Honour
Joined
8 Nov 2007
Posts
16,260
Location
Outer Space
Hi peeps,

I'm considering getting a digital DSLR for taking pics of PC related items for reviews on the forum, I just need the pics to come out well lit, great detail and clear focus, also macro would help I guess?

Only thing is I don't have a huge budget, maybe up to £400, less if possible? so is there something out there in camera land that's worth considering based on the above?

Thanks :)
 
New or used
Know nothing about cameras
But the auction site is full
Of nice stuff as camera bods
Probably upgrade more often than
US pc geeks do lol
 
I'm not worried about used as long as I can trust the source I'm buying from and I know the model is decent as well, though would like new if possible?
 
My choice would be to see if you can find a Nikon D3400 or even the D3300 and a Nikon 35mm F/1.8 lens. Should be safely under £300 and fantastic results for the price.

If you're wanting new, I think some of the older revisions of the Sony RX100 can still be bought new. Whilst I've never used one, they're apparently excellent cameras and are highly reviewed on here.
 
For used
Try Facebook groups
There are ones for buying and selling
Camera gear
Some like MM here use a reputation
Rating for sellers
And PayPal services /buying goods
For some protection
Though in groups likely you will find
What you want close enough to
Collect and test and pay cash
 
Mcnumpty2323 said:
For used
Try Facebook groups
There are ones for buying and selling
Camera gear
Some like MM here use a reputation
Rating for sellers
And PayPal services /buying goods
For some protection
Though in groups likely you will find
What you want close enough to
Collect and test and pay cash
Click to expand...
Thanks for the suggestion, though I don't use BookFace :D
 
UnworthyBean said:
My choice would be to see if you can find a Nikon D3400 or even the D3300 and a Nikon 35mm F/1.8 lens. Should be safely under £300 and fantastic results for the price.

If you're wanting new, I think some of the older revisions of the Sony RX100 can still be bought new. Whilst I've never used one, they're apparently excellent cameras and are highly reviewed on here.
Click to expand...
Cheers, I'll take a look.

Are Park Cameras decent?
 
Space Monkey said:
Thanks for the suggestion, though I don't use BookFace :D
Click to expand...
Lol
I only use it for the useful parts of it
I don't post my life on there
No one wants to know what I
Had for breakfast and other inane
Stuff people post lol
Groups can be one useful tool
That's on there
Other than that
Don't blame you for avoiding it lol
 
Your budget is low but if you look into the used market you'll be able to pick up a decent camera with a lens or two.

In terms of lightning I'd suggest getting a LED lamp at first. You can save up for better lightning later. I've shot a fair few videos on YouTube using an LED desk lamp I purchased on Amazon for £20.

https://www.mpb.com/en-uk/ - This is a good site for buying and selling used camera gear.
 
Space Monkey said:
Cheers, I'll take a look.

Are Park Cameras decent?
Click to expand...

Yes,but I would go into a shop and actually handle some cameras first to get a feel for what works better for you.

Also sometimes,compacts can also do a good job,as they can stuck a bit closer to the object.

Edit!!

Is this the Park Cameras in London?? If so,there is als CameraWorld which is not too far away from them.
 
CAT-THE-FIFTH said:
Yes,but I would go into a shop and actually handle some cameras first to get a feel for what works better for you.

Also sometimes,compacts can also do a good job,as they can stuck a bit closer to the object.

Edit!!

Is this the Park Cameras in London?? If so,there is als CameraWorld which is not too far away from them.
Click to expand...
Not London, I just saw the model that @UnworthyBean mentioned on Park Cameras website, as I've not bought a digital camera in many a year, I don't know who's trustworthy etc...?
 
EGuitarStar said:
Your budget is low but if you look into the used market you'll be able to pick up a decent camera with a lens or two.

In terms of lightning I'd suggest getting a LED lamp at first. You can save up for better lightning later. I've shot a fair few videos on YouTube using an LED desk lamp I purchased on Amazon for £20.

https://www.mpb.com/en-uk/ - This is a good site for buying and selling used camera gear.
Click to expand...
Thanks, good info, I'll take a look :)
 
Space Monkey said:
Not London, I just saw the model that @UnworthyBean mentioned on Park Cameras website, as I've not bought a digital camera in many a year, I don't know who's trustworthy etc...?
Click to expand...

Park Cameras,WEX,CameraWorld,SRS Microsystems,London Camera Exchange and MPB Photographics are all OK AFAIK. The reason I say to go to a camera store is handle them and see what you prefer - John Lewis can have a reasonable selection of cameras,and so will Currys,so its worth looking in those stores to see how they handle(John Lewis is also not a bad place for cameras).

A compact camera like the RX100 might do the trick,as its capable of doing some nice macros,and I might be deemed a heretic for saying this,cameraphones can be surprisingly OK at close up shots. If you are looking for a camera with a dedicated macro lens,the macro lenses will cost £200 to £300 at least,so its probably better to stick with the included kit lens TBH.
 
CAT-THE-FIFTH said:
Park Cameras,WEX,CameraWorld,SRS Microsystems,London Camera Exchange and MPB Photographics are all OK AFAIK. The reason I say to go to a camera store is handle them and see what you prefer - John Lewis can have a reasonable selection of cameras,and so will Currys,so its worth looking in those stores to see how they handle(John Lewis is also not a bad place for cameras).

A compact camera like the RX100 might do the trick,as its capable of doing some nice macros,and I might be deemed a heretic for saying this,cameraphones can be surprisingly OK at close up shots. If you are looking for a camera with a dedicated macro lens,the macro lenses will cost £200 to £300 at least,so its probably better to stick with the included kit lens TBH.
Click to expand...
Thanks again, that'll be my next step, to actually have a mooch around some stores and see what takes my fancy :)
 
Space Monkey said:
Cheers, I'll take a look.

Are Park Cameras decent?
Click to expand...

Never used them for used stuff, but have always had great service talking about and purchasing new kit from them. If you’re in London, the staff at London Camera Exchange branch on The Strand are extremely helpful and they have a good range of secondhand kit.
 
Just get used gear from either MPB or WEX.

As you will only be taking photos of stationary item there is no need for a pro camera. You could easily get away with a second hand Canon 60D or if you really want to be fancy you can get a second hand 5D Classic.

Paired with a 50mm f1.8 lens should give you all the artiness you need along with sharpness and nice separation between you subject and background.

For macro you can look at either a used Tamron 90mm f2.8 or Sigma 105mm f2.8.

Both are razor sharp and pretty inexpensive..
 
Thanks again for the info chaps, I'll have a look into all you've mentioned.

Just a quick query, what's the general consensus on the Nikon D3500 + AF-P DX 18–55 VR Kit?
 
second hand gen 2 pro camera from Nikon or Canon (5d mk2).No idea what the Nikon alternative is ( D700?), but ebay is your friend. Expect it to be a bit beat up, but as long as it takes photos its all good.

Kai did a good video on this a while back:
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top Bottom