Spec me a camera (please!)

Ewaf said:
What do you mean?
Click to expand...

It is a camera with interchangeable lenses, in layman's terms a bit like a smaller version of an SLR, and not really suited to your needs at all.

I have an SLR and a compact, if I could only have one camera I'd have a compact (and until recently that was the case) as it is always there ready to get a shot. Out of pocket, point, click, done! Exactly what you need to capture those times that you are enjoying with the family.

As for recommending one... The Canon Ixsus range seems to do a good job, I'm also pleased with my Nikon Coolpix S4300 but that was at less than half your budget due as I don't treat my compacts well (Mountain bike, beach, thrown in the bottom of bags etc.) so probably wouldn't be of use as a direct recommendation.

What I would recommend is getting yourself down to your local Jessops or wherever has cameras on display ready to go and actually give them a try. The picture quality of most cameras is very good these days (just stick with a decent brand) and the bigger difference IMO is in the feel and usability of various models. I would personally start with Canon and Nikon then see how you go from there.
 
lordrobs said:
It is a camera with interchangeable lenses, in layman's terms a bit like a smaller version of an SLR, and not really suited to your needs at all.

I have an SLR and a compact, if I could only have one camera I'd have a compact (and until recently that was the case) as it is always there ready to get a shot. Out of pocket, point, click, done! Exactly what you need to capture those times that you are enjoying with the family.

As for recommending one... The Canon Ixsus range seems to do a good job, I'm also pleased with my Nikon Coolpix S4300 but that was at less than half your budget due as I don't treat my compacts well (Mountain bike, beach, thrown in the bottom of bags etc.) so probably wouldn't be of use as a direct recommendation.

What I would recommend is getting yourself down to your local Jessops or wherever has cameras on display ready to go and actually give them a try. The picture quality of most cameras is very good these days (just stick with a decent brand) and the bigger difference IMO is in the feel and usability of various models. I would personally start with Canon and Nikon then see how you go from there.
Click to expand...

I see, thanks for clearing that up, didn't realise that about the NX100. The fact that you need the lens for zoom puts me off slightly.. Will carry on researching!
 
Ewaf said:
What do you mean?
Click to expand...

A 'proper' SLR or DSLR camera uses mirrors so that when you look through the view finder you are physically looking through the lens. Think of it like an upside down periscope inside the body. This means you're looking at exactly what the lens is seeing without anything in between. The bridge you posted has a digital viewfinder, ie mirrorless, and what you see through the viewfinder is a screen, a digital representation of what the lens is seeing with god knows what awful colour presets etc in between. It's like a toy DSLR.

And it uses proprietary lenses (Fujinon) so if you ever wanted to "upgrade" then it'd cost you an arm and a leg for a terrible piece of glass. Basically the fact that it has a changeable lens is redundant. When it comes to interchangeable lenses you need to stick with Canon, Nikon (the big players) and I also believe Sony are ok.

In fact looking at that camera again I'm not even sure if it is interchangeable. Either way, stay clear of any kit that gives its zoom as a #x (ie 30x) but doesn't tell you the equivalent focal length. For example my S95 is 3.8x zoom, but its full specs tell you that it's 6.0 - 22.5 mm (35 mm equivalent: 28 - 105 mm). The 35mm equivalent will provide a base for every camera and will allow you to compare between models.

On that subject (although now way off your original question!), wider is better for a point and shoot. The amount of times you'll need to step back or ask people to squash in will far outweigh the amount of times you'll think "damn I wish I could get a slightly closer shot of that seagull".
 
Ewaf said:
I see, thanks for clearing that up, didn't realise that about the NX100. The fact that you need the lens for zoom puts me off slightly.. Will carry on researching!
Click to expand...

Forget the research for now, go and have a play with some first then go back to your research with a short list of ones you like the feel of :)
 
Thanks again for the advice, appreciate it. I can't get into a shop till the weekend, so will keep one eye on the net at moment. I have read some really conflicting reviews about the NX100 which hasn't really helped, but based on comments here I think I'm going to avoid.
 
I would just save up and get something like the Sony RX100, They are Very good Cameras for the money, They are better then most Mid range DSLR and are in a nice small package, This camera would see you fit for many many many Years, Sure it's over budget, But if you buy wrong you buy twice, If you buy right you buy once.
 
Last edited:
That does look very very nice, but it's not a case of saving up. I would happily spend a significant amount on one but I would get murdered by the missus (yes yes man up etc.). I will talk to her tonight approaching it from your angle, "But if you buy wrong you buy twice, If you buy right you buy once." I like that ;)
 
It's True though, Quite afew Pro's use the RX100 as a Walk around, I woul also own one as a Walk around camera/ Allways have Camera, Saves me Lumping around my Heavy Pro body Camera and Pro Lenses when they arn't really needed unless shooting weddings or Studio work, Point is this is a Camera both you and your Missus can pick up and use and attain good results, The sub £150 Cameras will give you terrible low light shots with more Noise then a Band filled with 7 year olds, You can get the RX100 from hong kong for a very good price.

http://*******.com/index.php/sony-cyber-shot-dsc-rx100-digital-camera-black.html -5% for paying via bank transfer, So £385, It would be my choice, I will most likely get a RX100 myself soon.

Natasha.

Edit Review http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BmEbcxNUY6U
 
Last edited:
Thanks for the advice. Is it safe to purchase from that site? I would usually be apprehensive doing so from such a far away place! Especially if returns are concerned.
 
Ewaf said:
Thanks for the advice. Is it safe to purchase from that site? I would usually be apprehensive doing so from such a far away place! Especially if returns are concerned.
Click to expand...

Yes, Many people buy from them on this forum, I purchased from them, I spent £1000s with them, They Deliver fast and they pay all import taxes and Duty :) :D
 
Russinating said:
What's with all the random capitalisation Natasha? :p

If you're considering the RX100 price bracket then that opens up a whole host of other options.
Click to expand...

Not much in Compact range, Not many Compacts have the low light quality of the Rx100, Quite afew people on the forums have them and the images are always nice to look at.;)
 
Russinating said:
What's with all the random capitalisation Natasha? :p

If you're considering the RX100 price bracket then that opens up a whole host of other options.
Click to expand...

It is hugely over the initial budget so I'm not really considering it..just looking at it from the corner of my eye really.
 
Ewaf said:
Hey guys,

I can see that spec threads are quite common,, and aplogies for making one but after doing some digging I haven't really made any progress!

As my first child is due to be born in the next 3 weeks, I'm after a camera as we currently don't have one. Looking at a budget of around £150 (with accessories if possible) that meets the following specs:
  • Relatively Compact/Easy to carry in a bag
  • Good quality, respectable brand
  • Continuous shooting for taking pics of baby?
  • Auto modes so my other half can use it as a point and shoot

I have my eyes on this so far:

http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B006YW43CY/ref=ox_sc_act_title_1?ie=UTF8&smid=A230Q07CL2JWPH

Any recommendations? It would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks in advance.
Click to expand...

I would look at Canon S100 (perhaps the G12 types cameras but these are not really any better than the smaller S100), Panasonic LX5 or LX7 (if released yet), olympus xz-1, Nikon P7100.
 
D.P. said:
I would look at Canon S100 (perhaps the G12 types cameras but these are not really any better than the smaller S100), Panasonic LX5 or LX7 (if released yet), olympus xz-1, Nikon P7100.
Click to expand...

Thanks for the suggestions, they are all quite over the budget though unless my Google Fu sucks.

I gave my photographer friend a call and he said he saw a bargain on the Argoose ebay outlet , of course it was the one mentioned previously.

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/SAMSUNG-N...Cameras_DigitalCameras_JN&hash=item4d05efb87f

I know there are some negatives highlighted in the previous comments, but for my needs would it not suffice? Looking on Amazon and it retails for £218 for the camera alone, and the reviews seem decent?

http://www.amazon.co.uk/product-reviews/B00472MGPE/ref=dp_top_cm_cr_acr_txt?ie=UTF8&showViewpoints=1

Again, not saying that Amazon reviews are the be all and end all, but I generally prefer reviews from actual users as opposed to publications.


Cheers for all the help so far, really appreciate it.
 
Just going to say, If you're investing into Lenses you're going to be sorry when you decide you want a DSLR, I'm not saying you will ever need a DSLR but if you ever go DSLR all that investment is going in the Bin.

Nat.
 
jorzeh said:
Just going to say, If you're investing into Lenses you're going to be sorry when you decide you want a DSLR, I'm not saying you will ever need a DSLR but if you ever go DSLR all that investment is going in the Bin.

Nat.
Click to expand...

I see what you mean there. But that's I got really into it.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top Bottom