Camera advice £100-200 budget

Macca

Macca

Macca

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I may have posted before but had no replies, but again really i am just looking for some advice on a camera for taking on my round the world trip. The main camera i have been looking at have been Panasonics, now i don't know what make would be the best in the price range.

One being the cheap option at 99.99 :

Panasonic Lumix DMC-FX12EB-K 7.2 Megapixel and then a few other higher models up, one below i seen thats due to be released soon.

Panasonic DMC-FS20EB 10.1 Megapixel

What others models or makes would you recommend in this price range? As you would expect i don't want crap photos for such a big trip but on the other side i can't afford to spend a lot. Video and other extra would be a bonus to have. My last point would be size and weight nothing too big as of course i need to carry around for a year and take up as little as possible of my space in bag.
 
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Raikiri said:
You could probably pick up a Canon G7 for under £200 easily enough.
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I will check some reviews about, any recommendations of some sites that would be good for reviews on the type of camera I'm after, also have you used a g7 and have any feedback about it yourself?
 
Sorry for hijacking the thread but i didnt want to create a new topic for almost an identical question. I will be going on a few trips soon London, Cambridge and then various places in europe.

Im looking for a camera up to 200ish

Ive been looking at the Fuji Finepix S9600 is the Canon G7 better?
 
Any other recommendations? I guess most people who use this part of forum won't have cameras on this budget, but if there are people with some feedback and advice on cameras they have had it would be great. Also what would be the best site for decent reviews of camera on this budget.
 
Hi mate,

I'm in exactly the same situation as you!

Going off on a round the world trip next month and needed a compact but versatile camera to take with me. Ended up with the Panasonic Lumix DMC-TZ3 (7MP). It can be had for around £165 if you shop around. I went for it because it has 10x zoom (I don't think 3x or 4x gives enough versatility for many shots, and you never know what you're going to want to take pictures of) which gives a lot of reach, but also has 28mm at the wide end (good for landscapes).

Here are some of the pics I've had from it, pretty much a beginner and just trying to get a feel for the thing but quite pleasing results. Only problem I've had is not getting to grips with exposure on a lot of landscape shots but pretty sure that's me and not the camera :)

http://forums.overclockers.co.uk/showthread.php?t=17842102&highlight=zoo+safari

http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=30139&l=504f0&id=667016446 (most of the ones with wierd looking sky are just messing about with photoshop and not how they came out of the camera)

Very pleased with it overall, hoping to get some good pics from the trip. Where are you going? :)
 
Ste said:
Hi mate,

I'm in exactly the same situation as you!

Going off on a round the world trip next month and needed a compact but versatile camera to take with me. Ended up with the Panasonic Lumix DMC-TZ3 (7MP). It can be had for around £165 if you shop around. I went for it because it has 10x zoom (I don't think 3x or 4x gives enough versatility for many shots, and you never know what you're going to want to take pictures of) which gives a lot of reach, but also has 28mm at the wide end (good for landscapes).

Here are some of the pics I've had from it, pretty much a beginner and just trying to get a feel for the thing but quite pleasing results. Only problem I've had is not getting to grips with exposure on a lot of landscape shots but pretty sure that's me and not the camera :)

http://forums.overclockers.co.uk/showthread.php?t=17842102&highlight=zoo+safari

http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=30139&l=504f0&id=667016446 (most of the ones with wierd looking sky are just messing about with photoshop and not how they came out of the camera)

Very pleased with it overall, hoping to get some good pics from the trip. Where are you going? :)
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Thanks for that, I've been looking at the Panasonics, don't know why! But i've had a look about and that camera looks quite good, in regards to size what is it like (not too big or heavy?).

I'm looking at some newer Panasonics like one listed above, although optical zoom isn't as high, what key attributes of the camera should i be looking out for, is optical zoom a big importance, how much is too little and how much is enough type thing! I sent you an email as well about the trip :).

There is just so many makes and different cameras and i don't have a clue :D.
 
I think optical zoom is pretty important. Just for versatility really, though I guess it depends where you're heading :) 3x wouldn't cut it for me, far too many missed photos! If you are going anywhere near wildlife for example (jungle treks etc.) you will probably be able to get some nice shots with a lot of zoom at your disposal. Being 28mm at the wide end also gives some nice room to manouver with landscape and group shots.

The camera isn't a lot bigger than the model you listed looking at size. Looks very similar too. It actually fits in my jeans pocket (though not comfortably) to give you an idea of how small it is given the huge zoom.

For my trip I would prioritise in this order:

1) Size/Weight
2) Versatility
3) Durability

and i rekon the TZ3 gets high marks in all 3, although the auto lens cover feels a bit fragile!
 
I'm not sure what it costs in the UK at the moment but I use the Canon IXUS 850 IS when I want a small camera. I chose it because it has a much wider lens then the majority of small cameras which makes it much better for landscape shots. Also a small travel tripod can let you take some great night shots.

Other pointers I would consider; ignore megapixels, I very much doubt there is any significant difference between the pictures from a 7MP sensor and a 10MP sensor on this type of camera. As space will be limited on your trip pick a camera that has a sensible way of charging it! i.e. no fiddly docking station. Also look at the battery life of the camera/budget for a second battery + budget for a few spare memory cards. When I was traveling I made a point of burning memory cards to dvd's at the various shops you find along the way. It's worth burning two copies, one for yourself and another to send home. I would 100% recommend doing this, if you don't you can guarantee that on your final flight home after 1 year someone will steal your bag and you'll lose all those pictures ! :eek:
 
When I was traveling I made a point of burning memory cards to dvd's at the various shops you find along the way. It's worth burning two copies, one for yourself and another to send home.
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Slightly o/t but how much did this tend to cost? Do a lot of internet cafes abroad offer this now?

Thanks
 
I went and looked at the camera today, not too bad actually. Not too big and heavy but certainly bigger than normal compact ones, but it has the 10x zoom and 28mm wide angle. The only gripe i had with it, that may not be an issue is it only supported sd cards and not sdhc ones.

Also to above, I'll check that camera out. I will be uploading images online and will backup on a USB stick and will make sure i have a couple SD cards. I may look into the burning to DVD.
 
Hi,

My mate has an SDHC card (4gb) and it works fine. Mine should be here in the next couple of days so I'll let you know if it works.

[edit] SDHC is supported, google it
 
Ste said:
Hi,

My mate has an SDHC card (4gb) and it works fine. Mine should be here in the next couple of days so I'll let you know if it works.
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Ah cool, i thought i read it didn't support. Check your mail, sent one about my trip! I'm interested to hear about yours.
 
Ste said:
Slightly o/t but how much did this tend to cost? Do a lot of internet cafes abroad offer this now?

Thanks
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The price really changes depending the country you are in and of course they'll start off asking for something outrageous so you have to barter down. It's usually only a couple of pounds at most per cd.
 
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