Recommend a good starter camera

daz.rathbone · 19 Jul 2013 at 07:03

Hi all,

Not really into photography, but I'm looking to get a reasonably decent quality camera for taking on holiday, and maybe some biking shots, kids photos etc.

Zero experience other than some basic point & shoot cameras and my phone camera, so looking for recommendations of something decent. Probably not DSLR, as I doubt I'd get the use out of it - ideally want something that's not overly bulky, easy to use, good quality pics, with lots of optical zoom. Maybe a bridge camera?

Budget isn't a huge show stopper, so anything from £1-300ish - will that get me something nice?

Thanks in advance for any suggestions.
(Apologies if this has been asked a thousand times, as I only went back a few pages of posts)

daz.rathbone · 19 Jul 2013 at 08:24

And now I find myself looking at the Nikon D3100 or D3200.... my only worry is that, mostly due to size and being complex for a beginner, I wouldn't get enough use out of it.

mollymoo · 19 Jul 2013 at 08:28

They aren't a complex camera if you set them to auto. You would be able to pick up a D3100 with kit lens within your budget. Set it to auto for any holiday snapshots you don't want to miss, have a play with it on semi auto for some of the more adventurous shots. If you read up you will be taking passable photos in no time. It won't fit in your pocket though

daz.rathbone · 19 Jul 2013 at 08:33

Cheers... I am tempted. Even looked at a D3200 deal with 2 lens' 18-55 and 55-200, for about £450. The bulk does worry me - not so much for holiday, as I don't mind lugging it around, more for after the holiday - will it sit in a cupboard unused.

The more I read about DSLRs the less I'm worried about the complexity of them, as you say starting on auto and slowly playing with settings more.

daz.rathbone · 19 Jul 2013 at 14:00

So for a new Nikon D3100 with the VR 18-55 lens - is £290 a good price? Seems to be the best I can find, plus might leave me enough to get a zoom lens, a carry case, and maybe an idiots guide

Main worry now is the bulk, especially with needing different lens'.

daz.rathbone · 22 Jul 2013 at 12:54

I got the D3100 in the end - having fun learning how to use it properly. Really nice bit of kit tho, and even on auto some of the pics are superb.

Pabl0 · 22 Jul 2013 at 13:43

Your right great first camera and you can grab some great pictures with it. I leave mine in 'P' most of the time unless I'm using my 35mm and the the aperture to 1.8.

daz.rathbone · 22 Jul 2013 at 14:47

Cheers - taking all the hints I can get at the moment. Ordered the book that a few have recommended "Understanding Exposure", which will help.