Camera Advice Please...

[Blender1]

Hey all, I'm currently looking @ buying a camera for general usage!
I'm on all levels a rank amateur. My current Point-n-shoot irritates me so much..., takes ages to just take a picture. 3MP Sony.
So I'm basically looking at something a little better.
The camera "sales-person" (LOOK gender neutral!) suggests a bridge camera (WTF?)
I also wanna take pictures of other stuff... not just bridges!!

Any suggestions and help ??

 

[mfumbesi]

The camera "sales-person" (LOOK gender neutral!) suggests a bridge camera (WTF?)
I also wanna take pictures of other stuff... not just bridges!!

Any suggestions and help ??

I think he meant bridge cameras, like Canon Powershot G1, etc.

I would suggest a second hand DSlr, like the Canon 350D/400D or a Nikon equivalent.
Any of these would set you back around R2000.

 

[DCS]

Mwhahaha - bridge camera... thats funny.

Your budget is probably the most important thing when it comes to choosing a camera, so if you can say how much you looking to spend that would help.

The best advice is too forget about megapixels and all that other marketing crap when choosing a camera and rather focus on something with a good lens and a good sensor.

 

[deepdiver]

Best place to go for info on camera's is dpreview.com
I personally love canon but each person is going to go on about what camera make they like the most.
Depends on your price range? Also do you want a point and shoot or maybe a hybrid .
My awesomeness camera atm is the canon ixus 300IS. HD movies and high quality photos.
The ixus range I think is awesome small compact and you can probably get a 2nd hand one now for next to nothing.
check out ebay for the 800 IS range

 

[Blender1]

Ooh sorry about that, I'm in the range of about R5k to R8k!
Hope this helps a bit!

 

[Blender1]

Yep, thanx for the replies!
I've gone to one or two of these review sites, but the JARGON!

 

[deepdiver]

If you want point and shoot still recommend the Ixus range http://www.dpreview.com/reviews/canonsd4000is/
Good bang for buck is around R2200
The SLR-Point and shoot(hybrid) would recommend the canon G12.
The only point and shoot camera's that I also quite like are the olympus range (tough waterproof/etc) http://www.dpreview.com/products/olympus/compacts/oly_tg610
camera's I find come down to personal preference( I hate sony with all their proprietary equip)
Mate got a Panasonic lumix range camera and it also is pretty good, the Jpeg processing is pretty smooth and quick.

Really recommended having a hard look at that site( it is the best) the full reviews go through just about everything even side by side reviews. and they do have explainations


If you are wanting to become a photo taker of serious renown or maybe just look it, get an SLR.
This will pick up your kudos however you will then learn that camera's are cheap, Lens's are expensive.

 

[Spectrum1]

If you consider a DSLR, be aware that it is BIG and HEAVY when compared to a point-and-shoot (rangefinder) camera. Even the fantastic Canon G12 (which is prolly a 'bridge').
So much so that my DSLR stays at home when travelling because it is a schlep to cart around.

So if you intend that it should always be with you, then think small and lightweight.

 

[Blender1]

Well, after a full day of reading and reviewing, crashing the interwebs, advice and so on, it seems a fairly high specced point-n-shoot or bridge camera is the way to go in my case...
I went by a few camera shops and the weight and size of the SLR's is significant.

I'm still in two minds though! I like the features and abilities of the DSLR's and would love to have that, but the size, weight and perceived lack of robustness makes me shy away!!!

So looking at the P&S cameras, I'm currently looking @ Canon SX230 and Nikon S9100

 

[flarkit]

I'd say go for a good bridge (fits in your price range). If you go DSLR, there's a strong possibility that you'll be bitten by the kit-bug and want better lenses, a better tripod, etc etc etc. Those will double your initial outlay in no time. I know

 

[deepdiver]

Wow nice.
Haven't actually had both camera's in hand but have owned both Powershot and coolpix ranges from both manufacturers.
The s9100 looks actually better than the canon, even though i feel like I am letting down my favorite brand here.
Shot times are better on the coolpix and superzoom on canon looks edgy. My zoom/autofocus motor/gears stuffed out soo.....
Also try to buy from an accredited dealer here and get a warranty slip.
But end of the day they are both good camera's. I would suggest you put them in hand and take a couple of shots and play with the menus.
You will be using it at the end of the day.
Best of luck enjoy

 

[GouKi]

Ooh sorry about that, I'm in the range of about R5k to R8k!
Hope this helps a bit!

i would suggest Canon 550D

 

[GTi]

I would highly recommend a Nikon D3100 for your style of shooting and get the kit package with extra lenses.
Here a good starter kit. https://www.ormsdirect.co.za/photog...8-55mm-f-3-5-5-6-af-s-vr-55-200mm-vr-lens-kit

 

[deepdiver]

Haha
My advice take your 8k budget buy the point and shoot for 4k buy a housing for 2k and go on a dive course for the other 2k.
Then take some great shots
Oh and another 2k for the trip to sodwana. That will be the best 10k that you will ever have spent.

 

[Synaesthesia]

I would also recommend an Olympus PEN or the Sony NEX series - they offer the image quality and flexibility of an SLR - interchangable lenses etc while being compact.

I love my Olympus PEN, the image quality is much better than bridge cameras, and from what I can see in reviews, the NEX series does even better.

 

[bwana]

I would highly recommend a Nikon D3100 for your style of shooting and get the kit package with extra lenses.
Here a good starter kit. https://www.ormsdirect.co.za/photog...8-55mm-f-3-5-5-6-af-s-vr-55-200mm-vr-lens-kit

What's his style?

Something like a Canon S95 or a Nikon P7000 might be just what the Dr ordered.

 

[GTi]

What's his style?

Something like a Canon S95 or a Nikon P7000 might be just what the Dr ordered.

Out of his budget bwana, he is coming from a p&s, D7000 too advance for starter shooter. His style? he shoots Bridges,

 

[Brawler]

Canon S95.

 

[Quantum Theory]

Out of his budget bwana, he is coming from a p&s, D7000 too advance for starter shooter. His style? he shoots Bridges,

There is a slight difference between the P7000 and the D7000... The P7000 that bwana mentioned, is actually in his budget. Also, it is a very good camera.

 

[GTi]

There is a slight difference between the P7000 and the D7000... The P7000 that bwana mentioned, is actually in his budget. Also, it is a very good camera.

Yeah sorry guys misread the P for a D. Apologies!!!!
In fact they both excellent p&s that Bwana mentioned, not for getting the great quality images of the Panasonic range such as the FZ45 & FZ100.