Help me choose a camera for Cheronbyl tour

EddScott

EddScott

EddScott

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I'm going on a tour of Chernobyl and the surrounding area next month and would like to purchase a camera to take with me.

I have a Panasonic DMC-FZ18 bridge camera which I almost always leave in auto. As much as I'd like to take up photography I'm just not sure I have time for another hobby right now.

I'm thinking that a DSLR camera is probably not the right way to go - I'm open to buying a decent 2nd hand SLR though if it ends up being the right choice.

Following the trip I'll be using for the usual family stuff, outdoor activities at the beaches that sort of thing.

Budget is up to £400 but will go higher or lower a bit.



PS - additionally I'm thinking of getting a camcorder or a gopro to take. Leaning towards camcorder and maybe a 2nd hand gopro. Gopro will be good for action stuff but a camcorder will be more versatile.
 
You can still visit the Chernobyl?!

My friends and I have been discussing this but came to the conclusion it's probably not a great idea just yet...
 
Oh we've looked into it a lot, just didn't think it was advise/genuinely safe to go due to the problems in Ukraine?
 
I'm going due to a thread posted on here looking for folk to make up the numbers.

From what I gather with the troubles, it would be like worrying about going to Cornwall because of a war in Scotland. The plane shooting down thing was a one off mistake (fingers crossed) Some folk went in April and everything was fine.

Its a cheap little trip and I'm sure if you're quick you could join in with ours - I think the big dome thingy is being moved into position next year so not long left to be able to see the reactor itself. Got to say its the first time since my 20s I've gone on abroad on my own and I am a little apprehensive as I won't really know anyone there but you only live once!

Anyway, anyone want to help with camera choice? :D
 
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I would join but I promised my bro's from the Iceland trip I would go with them first! :)
 
I've just realised absoluely none of us has helped the OP :D - Sorry for the epic derail! haha!
 
I thought that too

I want to go on next one personally as I don't have everything I want at this point in time
 
Anyone actually fancy giving an opinion on what camera I should buy :D

Looked at compact systems and I could get a 2nd hand Lumix GX7 in budget.
 
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So has anyone watched the 90min Chernobyl documentary on YouTube? It's fantastic!

OP - camera? :confused: :D

Ok *serious face*

£400 is a good starter budget, there are plenty of second hand options for that sort of money. I would also say if you buy from a reputable place or an enthusiast there should/will be no problem in buying second hand :)

A quick look on MPB shows you can get a 60D for under £400 which is a bloody good camera, a kit lens combined with a nifty fifty and you'll be on your way to the most expensive hobby you can possibly find. :) - now I'm done rambling, back on topic.

So Chernobyl eh?
 
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60D is great if you want to do the canon dslr route

I skipped t he kit lens but for this it seems ideal

I got the 60D as anything better is a fair bit more expensive
Anything cheaper isn't much cheaper and isn't as good
 
I'd be tempted to think about a second hand X100 (around £350) but having a fixed 35mm equivalent lens is likely not to be what you are after?

A Sony RX100 maybe? Again buy second hand, you can sell it for little loss when you get back if needed.

You could actually get a Fuji X-E1 and 18-55 second hand if you do need smaller than DSLR.
 
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I am going on the same trip :D

I bought a 700D a few weeks ago (Business purchase ;)), and oh, it seems it may come in handy here as well :D.
 
Safe from a distance

big-refractor-300x224.jpg
 
PhillyDee said:
I am going on the same trip :D

I bought a 700D a few weeks ago (Business purchase ;)), and oh, it seems it may come in handy here as well :D.
Click to expand...

Alright dude!

Been meaning to contact you about the two way radio.

Going to look at a canon 700d and a Nikon d5300 today.
 
If you want something weather sealed the cheapest cameras to have that are the Pentax K30 and K50 which come with weather resistant standard lenses. They both have pentaprisms too which help especially in lower light since pentamirrors tend to be worse in this regard.

Regarding the others - I would say the D3300 is also worth a look too. The D5300 adds better AF and GPS but unless you are really wanting to take pictures of aircraft the D3300 will do most of the job of the D5300 but is far cheaper. I was pleasantly surprised after trying one out myself.
 
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