Just starting out! Advice needed!

Biz.Kid09

Biz.Kid09

Biz.Kid09

Soldato
Joined
14 Oct 2009
Posts
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Location
UK
Firstly, Happy new year to everyone!

Secondly, I have been thinking about it for a while now but now we are in the new year I want to just go for it and get out their snapping!

Now, I am still researching and learning but I know there are plenty of knowledgeable guys on here so I would like to get your advice also!

So I am looking to spend up to £300, there's a mountain of choices around this price but a few notable ones:
Nikon D3300 DSLR Camera with 18-55 mm f/3.5-5.6 II ED Zoom Lens

Sony a5000

Olympus pl6 with 14-42 mm f/3.5-5.6 II R Standard Zoom Lens & 40-150 mm f/4.0-5.6 R Telephoto Zoom Lens

Sony a58 with 18-55 mm f/3.5-5.6 SAM II Zoom Lens

I know they are not all in the same class of camera as such (One is DSLR and one isn't) but I have just tried to narrow my search to finding the best camera under 300 regardless of what it may be!

So, For my budget what would you recommend and why?
I see myself shooting various things, everything from snapping photos at a friends birthday to some landscape shots of various things on my upcoming holiday! So a solid all rounder is what I need if such a camera exists.
 
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As a fellow beginner can I just throw this out there. Sony DSC RX100 MKII

Fits your budget and is proving to be a camera that you can simply leave in auto and still get fantastic shots with, yet will still give you room to grow and tinker should you wish to later on.

Click my sig for a link to my flickr account with plenty of recent examples of what it can do in amateur hands.
 
My advice would be that if you want to learn then pick up a cheap DSLR with a couple of prime lenses. That way you're going to be learning about composition as well as light.

Another approach is to go mirrorless, changes you make to the camera settings can be seen in real time so it can assist with learning (DSLR you won't see the exposure until you've hit the shutter).

I started out with a Canon 450D with a 50mm prime. As long as you're willing to spend time learning what you need to set to get your desired shot (YouTube is amazing for tutorials on this kind of thing) then you're good to go.
 
I had considered the RX100 ii but looking at prices it is over my budget for a new one. Will have to check more reviews.

At the moment I am leaning towards the Olympus because of the two lenses you get and its £279.
 
Touche ;)

I am going to into town tomorrow and check out a few shops and have a look at any of the cameras if they have them. Will let you know my thoughts!

The Olympus is a great deal, the zoom lens is £100 itself. Reviews rate it as a solid camera.
 
Excellent spot. He has closed the thread. I may well send him a trust.

Wary about a second hand camera though.

I think I am set on either the Nikon D3300/D3200 or Sony AS58. Canon 1200d has popped up in my research also.
The Canon will give me the advantage of having access to my friends large lens selection which is a big plus point.
 
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