So, for Christmas I get to choose a lovely new camera (which is very exciting, as I can't stand the one I am using now!) and I'm wondering if anyone has any recommendations? I have been to Jessops to speak to the sales assistants but I found them quite pushy and not the most helpful!
My budget is around £400. I originally wanted a basic DSLR but a couple of people have mentioned cameras like the Nikon V1 which might be better suited to my needs. Does anyone know more about this camera?
Basically, I want a camera that allows me to learn manual mode properly. I would like one with a decent zoom and a fast shutter speed. I want to be able to take it out every day so I suppose size needs to be a consideration too. If it can take panoramic shots, that would be an extra bonus.
I thought it would be better to speak to people who can give me honest opinions rather than someone wanting me to spend the maximum amount possible. If anyone could suggest some cameras that they know are good and can point me in the right direction, that would be wonderful.
Get an entry level DSLR, great deals on them right now. They offer the most creative control and allow you to learn manual mode properly. Nikon or Canon, they are equally good.
@steviemichelle Stevie, I know nothing about Nikon, but I had a look at the spec for the V1 and it's probably not a bad choice - you certainly wouldn't be taking poor pictures with it! You will get better flexibility in the long run with a DSLR, however, if you think you can cope with the slightly larger size. You can get deals on a Canon 600D or 650D with a reasonable kit lens for around £400. These are the latest versions of my first DSLR (400D) which I found the most amazing camera and I really enjoyed, and you get everything from "fully automatic just point and shoot" mode to full manual control, with lots in between. For the long term, you have a greater choice of lenses and other accessories with a DSLR, so as your photographic skills mature you will have (arguably) better opportunities to develop your equipment to support your needs. If you do want a compact camera, and want to try something to compare the V1 to, try the Olympus Pen series, the camera is less expensive but it means you still have budget for different lenses! My daughter bought one recently and says it's fantastic (again, just her opinion).
Oh this is handy. I'm looking into getting a new camera. Want to go down the Canon route, can't afford anything as of yet, but be nice to get some ideas.
I really like WEXphotographic.Com or ParkCameras.Com for cheap prices and good advice. I am a big fan of Sony SLR cameras. See also Canon Powershot G15 and Sony Cyber-shot RX100.
@steviemichelle By the way (and I am in no way connected to these people) when I bought my new camera recently, the very best deal on offer was from SLRHut (based in New York, believe it or not) at http://slrhut.co.uk. The price, service and delivery were spot on. I know some might be wary of ordering from USA on warranty grounds, but I figure with a well established brand (like Canon) it's less of a risk.
My old colleagues in the press world slated the V1. I've read reviews and not are all favourable, a few image quality flaws. Seems a lot of money for a camera that may frustrate you later, when you've learned more.
I lean towards getting an entry level DSLR, and adding lenses when you can as you go along. Hope you enjoy your present whatever you get, exciting!!
Hey!
You're my fav, since I like people who agree with me that Jessops is the worst customer experience in the UK, or one of them. Did you know Comet are closing some stores in the UK and having a clearance sale. Not the same as their nationwide close down sale, some stores are going in the short term and are shifting stock for very cheap, ours is closing soon. Apart from that I would say check out curries, amazon and ebay.
I would consider getting a manufacturer refurbished camera. I got an unused, refurbed Canon 550D off ebay for £360 about two or three months ago. At jessops that camera is about £660. Refurbed means it had a fault from new and was returned, so Canon fixed it but then couldn't resell it new, so its refurbished, but thats different to seller refurbished. Check ebay out. I would also say check out Panasonic G2 and G3 on ebay, I can't remember which is the cheapest/best out of those but they're nice and small, and manual options etc. Finally last time I was in Curries the nikon D3100 was £300 which is pretty amazing. If you want a Canon try and get the 550, for entry level its the best.
@peadar - thanks for this, Peter. My dilemma at the moment is whether to go for a compact camera or a basic DSLR. I'm really unsure. I think with a compact I would be more willing to take it out every day because of the size, but then maybe as I get better at photography I may get frustrated that it doesn't do everything that a DSLR does. I will have a look at the Canons you recommended and also the Olympus, and @wadazomo I will also check out the Rebel t3.
@blightygal - thank you for this. The reason I looked into a v1 was because it was recommended by 2 seperate photographers when I mentioned getting a new camera, on different occasions so I thought it must be worth looking at. It concerns me that it doesn't have a flash and I think to buy one to attach to it is £106, which is not really possible at the moment! I hadn't even heard of a mirrorless compact camera before they mentioned them.
@chewyteeth - that's funny! I thought camera shopping was supposed to be fun but both sales assistants completely contradicted each other and one of them kept telling me to 'stretch my budget' to this camera and that camera. It's called a 'budget; for a reason! Thank you for the advice - I will have a look at all your recommendations.
@steviemichelle I think you're a perfect match for a mirror less system camera such as micro four thirds (MFT), e.g. Olympus Pen or Panasonic Lumix G/GF. Smaller and lighter than even the entry level DSLRs. There's a good selection of lenses and they are interchangeable between brands. I'm a happy user of a Lumix G3, but I could easily gone with an Olympus. I chose the G3 because I wanted a integrated viewfinder and really likes Panasonics extremely flexible P-mode. On the other hand, Olympus supposedly makes better shots straight out of the camera, and have in camera image stabilization while Panasonic have in lens image stabilization. It's all up to your preferences.
I have an Olympus pen which I chose because it has all the manual functions of an slr , interchangeable lenses and is really quite compact and light. I love it. The new epl 5 is just out. Am thinking of upgrading my body to the new one. Worth a look I think.
@steviemichelle Stevie, the Canon Rebel T3 (USA) is our Canon 1100D. It is the first level Canon DSLR, and you can get one with a standard kit lens for around £270-£280 new. This would leave room in your budget (maybe for a nifty-fifty 50mm f/1.8 prime lens).
Don't disregard the Olympus/Panasonic compacts, though.
@fueast@primitiveprobe@peadar thank you for the help. It seems that Panasonic and Olympus are the best two brands for compact cameras as they have been the most recommended on here. Would you all agree? I wish I had more time to research cameras properly before Christmas .. exam and essay dates looming!
@steviemichelle for compactness I would say so. There's also Sony Nex that have the larger APS-C sensor resulting in larger lenses. Nex'es have very compact bodies, but I find the system bulky because of the lenses. And there's Canon EOS M, kind of a mirrorless 650D, but it's rather expensive.
here's where it comes down to personal choice... compact, mirrorless, entry level SLR. You really just need to get in a store and try out the difference between these types.
If you're after an entry level DSLR and a canon, then go for the 600D over the 650D. There's been a few articles about how the sensor in the 600D is actually better than newer 650D. Also the 650D had issues with manufacturing which would produce some dangerous material as a by product. I believe there was even a product recall on this.
Either way, good luck
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I lean towards getting an entry level DSLR, and adding lenses when you can as you go along. Hope you enjoy your present whatever you get, exciting!!
You're my fav, since I like people who agree with me that Jessops is the worst customer experience in the UK, or one of them. Did you know Comet are closing some stores in the UK and having a clearance sale. Not the same as their nationwide close down sale, some stores are going in the short term and are shifting stock for very cheap, ours is closing soon. Apart from that I would say check out curries, amazon and ebay.
I would consider getting a manufacturer refurbished camera. I got an unused, refurbed Canon 550D off ebay for £360 about two or three months ago. At jessops that camera is about £660. Refurbed means it had a fault from new and was returned, so Canon fixed it but then couldn't resell it new, so its refurbished, but thats different to seller refurbished. Check ebay out. I would also say check out Panasonic G2 and G3 on ebay, I can't remember which is the cheapest/best out of those but they're nice and small, and manual options etc. Finally last time I was in Curries the nikon D3100 was £300 which is pretty amazing. If you want a Canon try and get the 550, for entry level its the best.
@blightygal - thank you for this. The reason I looked into a v1 was because it was recommended by 2 seperate photographers when I mentioned getting a new camera, on different occasions so I thought it must be worth looking at. It concerns me that it doesn't have a flash and I think to buy one to attach to it is £106, which is not really possible at the moment! I hadn't even heard of a mirrorless compact camera before they mentioned them.
@chewyteeth - that's funny! I thought camera shopping was supposed to be fun but both sales assistants completely contradicted each other and one of them kept telling me to 'stretch my budget' to this camera and that camera. It's called a 'budget; for a reason! Thank you for the advice - I will have a look at all your recommendations.
Hmmmmmmmm, why is camera shopping so stressful??!
Don't disregard the Olympus/Panasonic compacts, though.
If you're after an entry level DSLR and a canon, then go for the 600D over the 650D. There's been a few articles about how the sensor in the 600D is actually better than newer 650D. Also the 650D had issues with manufacturing which would produce some dangerous material as a by product. I believe there was even a product recall on this.
Either way, good luck