Camera purchase advice please

[tcvarlh]

I know I will end up with conflicting comments, but here goes nowt!
I am after a new camera, one I can do almost everything with, wildlife, longshots, closeups. Panoramas, snapshots, etc. I can't be bothered carting more than the camera and a telephoto on a walk. If I go out specifically to shoot wildlife of scenery then the tripod would come with me obviously. I have only ever used 'real' film so I have finally bowed to the inevitable and decided upon a digital jobbie. All advice most gratefully received
H

[ron1863]

If you want to travel light with a minimum of equipment then a bridge camera would do the job. It will take zoom and macro shots and some have a panorama facility. You could also buy a DSLR and a lens such as 28-200mm.

[Lancashire Lad]

Hi Harry,

I know I'm on my hobbyhorse again, but you sound like the ideal candidate for a Bridge camera.

If you just want a good quality camera that will more or less do anything and everything without having to carry a great bagful of gear around, then you won't go far wrong with a "Bridge".

The image quality that can be obtained from this type of camera will give some of the best DSLR's a good run for their money, and you will have what is in effect a complete system in one stand alone piece of kit.

Such cameras usually have lenses having zoom ranges in the order of 28mm to 400mm, and some even more. It would also have a macro facility, usually giving 1:2 (half life size) reproduction. You would have choice of full auto operation, with options for programmed or fully manual aperture/shutter priority.

I do acknowledge that, in certain circumstances, (and given the right accessories & lenses), DSLR's will outperform Bridge cameras, but if you just want a top-class no-hassle stand alone camera that you don't mind carrying around all day, then for me, it's no contest. Bridge every time.

I'm a Fuji Finepix fan, but Panasonic, Nikon, and several more of the top rank makers all do them.

Have a look at these threads for more comments: -
The Final Choice
What SLR for wildlife photography?
Advice on new Camera

Regards
Mike.

[Ed Tyler]

I second the above but the only comment I would add would be about shooting panoramas.

If you look at software such as Elements 6 there is a Panorama merge function where by you take several overlapping photos of the scene and let Elements join them together for you. I have done this and I have to say it works quite well.

I would of thought this approach would be better than an in-camera function.

Ed

[tcvarlh]

Panasonic DMC-FZ28
FujiFilm FinePix S100fs
Panasonic DMC-G1
Nikon Coolpix P90
Nikon D40

These are the cameras I've read up on so far. Opinions?

[momji1971]

Careful with the Nikon D40. Great camera but you'll be limited with the lenses you can use.

Short story made long is, the D40 doesn't have a motor drive inside the camera so you can only use lenses with a motor inside them. So you'd be limiting yourself for the second hand market lenses.

If you're after a really cheap Dslr to get you going try a second hand D50 if you go down the Nikon route. Really cheap and really good starter Dslr.

Good luck and get shooting!!

regards.
Stu.

[ellen h]

I have used the Panasonic fz18.It was a great camera to take wildlife shots with and the fz28 is the updated and improved version.
Some of my earlier photos in my Gallery were taken with it(look for the soldier beetle photo and work your way backwards).A friend of mine has the fz28 and takes lovely shots with it....
ellen

[Geoff F]

In the long run, how far will you wish to go in pursuit of photographic perfection and, more important, how much do you envisage spending eventually?

What is your previous film camera, and do you want something significantly better?

If you want the best and can afford it; consider something like the Canon 40D/50D or the lighterweight 400D/450D. Nikon have some very similar cameras. But something like this plus a starter zoom, say around 50-300 mm will be around £1000, and that is just for starters.

This sort of set up isn't pocket sized equipment and is a bit weighty to lug around all day, but if you are thinking about going down this road eventually it may prove cheaper to get something along these lines now and add extra lenses as you can afford them.

Many of the modern point & shoot and 'bridge' cameras can produce excellent work and may prove adequate for what you want.

[tcvarlh]

My previous experience was all monochrome, I never have used colour film, as I was interested in textures more than pictures. I was wondering if anyone has any experience with the Panasonic DMC-G1, I know it's new but I thought someone may have some info?

[nightshade]

I was very impressed with the Panasonic because of its lack of size and weight, Digital Camera Resource Page Review: Panasonic Lumix DMC-G1
takes nice photos as well
http://www.dcresource.com/reviews/pa..._gallery.shtml