The Final Choice

Joe Quinn · #1 (**permalink**) 27-05-2009, 02:18 PM

Ok guys uv helped me understand a bit more about cameras and also suggested some options for my fisrt camera.
I will be using the camera to start taking wildlife/nature shots aswell as photos for bands/promo shots.

So i have a DSLR choice and a bridge, here they are please give your opinions on which would best suit my intentions ( or any other cameras that would be better ) my buget is £300 max.

*Nikon D40 ( £280 )

*Panasonic DMC-FZ28 ( found for £218 ) this can also shoot video in HD.

Thanks

Joe

Lancashire Lad · #2 (**permalink**) 27-05-2009, 02:26 PM

No contest

If your total budget is currently £300.00, the Panasonic (or any other similarly specced bridge camera) wins hands down.

Why? - because it will allow you to photograph everything from a tiny insect in macro mode, to a bird at some distance when zoomed to max.

The D40 would ultimately give you the start of a great DSLR system, but if you don't have the cash available for several lenses, you are severely limited as to what pics you will be able to take.

If extra lenses would be bought or borrowed fairly soon however, I'd go with the D40.

Regards
Mike.

ron1863 · #3 (**permalink**) 27-05-2009, 02:33 PM

The Sony A200 and the Pentax K110D are around the £260 mark and are good camera too. If you decide to go the DSLR route check out lens prices etc. just use Google.
As Mike says, it depends on your budget as to what you can afford.

NJP87 · #4 (**permalink**) 27-05-2009, 02:37 PM

If you plan to do a lot of band/gigs etc then i would go with the DSLR as the the bridge camera won't cope with dim lighting, high ISO shots.

Joe Quinn · #5 (**permalink**) 27-05-2009, 02:48 PM

Bascially i cannot win with my current buget of £300 quid lol.
I think il have to buy the bridge cam then hopefully as i learn more and get some experience, it will get me some jobs so then i can start the DSLR adventure!

Thanks for the responses guys

Joe Quinn · #6 (**permalink**) 27-05-2009, 02:54 PM

Although that sony is suprisingly cheap for a DSLR...

Joe Quinn · #7 (**permalink**) 27-05-2009, 02:57 PM

Will the Sony A200 allow me to use the older lenses as opposed to the Nikon D40?

Lancashire Lad · #8 (**permalink**) 27-05-2009, 03:13 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Joe Quinn

Bascially i cannot win with my current buget of £300 quid lol.
I think il have to buy the bridge cam then hopefully as i learn more and get some experience, it will get me some jobs so then i can start the DSLR adventure!

Thanks for the responses guys

This is what I've said before (Read posts 13, 23 & 26 on this thread: - What SLR for wildlife photography?).

It all depends on budget & time

- But looking objectively, a bridge camera will allow you to get shooting straight away, i.e. it is within budget, it will allow you to learn all the basics, and will actually give you the photographic opportunities, whilst also allowing time to save up for the future investment into DSLR system.

Regards
Mike.

NJP87 · #9 (**permalink**) 27-05-2009, 03:14 PM

Yes the sony will let you use the older minolta lenses

DavyG · #10 (**permalink**) 27-05-2009, 03:31 PM

Hi Joe,

It may be worth your while looking on the well known auction site for an Olympus E510 twin lens kit.

This kit comes with the E510 DSLR body, a Zuiko Digital 14-42 lens and a Zuiko Digital 40-150 lens.

The E510 has in body image stabilisation and an excellent dust removal system, so less need to worry about dust on the sensor.

A number of WAB members use Olympus kit, with many producing some great images.

Just another option for you to consider.

I hope this helps.

Dave