Need help buying a camera

Budding Ecologis · #1 (**permalink**) 23-07-2010, 12:45 PM

Hi all,

I currently have a small digital camera but really want to buy something that will do the job properly. I am interested in being able to take photo's at a distance (birds) and close up (insects / bees etc). I dont have a clue about what to look for in a camera and was thinking of a budget of between £600 - £1000. Any hints, tips or links would be much appreciated.

P.s. nothing to complicated

wizzo · #2 (**permalink**) 23-07-2010, 02:44 PM

Hi Budding and welcome to WAB! I would certainly consider looking at the second hand market. You could pick up a decent SLR for around the £300 mark and maybe a Tamron 90mm macro lens for your close up and portrait work. If you're patient, I'm sure you'll find a Sigma 50-500mm (nickname Bigma) for around the £500 mark. That should take up most of your budget of £1000! I'd stick to Nikon or Canon camera bodies as your choice of lens fittings is that much greater, and the second hand market is abundant with these lenses.A good second hand body and the lenses I've mentioned will do everything that you'll ever need and what most pro's would need too. If it was me, I'd look at the Nikon D90 and perhaps two good zooms....one short say - 28-70mm and one longer...say -70-300mm. If you can afford the first option of the Tamron 90mm and Sigma (Bigma) for wildlife, I would say that would be the better option. Hope this isn't confusing for you! If you need any more advice, don't hesitate....regards - Wizzo

wizzo · #3 (**permalink**) 23-07-2010, 02:48 PM

P.s....where are you based? Also, the 'Bigma' I mentioned may be 150mm - 500mm (Much the same thing though, as you'll probably be spending most of your time at the long end anyway lol.!) Good luck!

Geoff F · #4 (**permalink**) 23-07-2010, 07:15 PM

I'm afraid that the better quality end of the dslr market soon gets expensive, as Wizzo mentioned. Secondhand is certainly worth a look; provided it is genuine good quality from a reliable source. There are a lot of 'droppers' amongst the unregulated secondhand equipment.

The other option is to get a decent new body and to purchase extra lenses as you can afford them. You should just about get a body and one lens for £1000. Possibly something like a 70-300 mm general purpose lens to start with.

Your first decision will be what brand of camera. Canon and Nikon are the biggest sellers but others, like Olympus, Sony, etc all have their fans and there isn't really a correct answer except try a few then choose one that feels right for you.

However, if buying secondhand, availability may be the deciding factor here.

But the one thing I would advise is ask again here, or on a specialist photo site, before purchase. While there are some bargains to be found, some of the cheaper lenses are only fit for paperweights.

Jim Ford · #5 (**permalink**) 23-07-2010, 07:54 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Geoff F

But the one thing I would advise is ask again here, or on a specialist photo site, before purchase. While there are some bargains to be found, some of the cheaper lenses are only fit for paperweights.

I agree - and just because it carries the name of one of the 'big 2' doesn't automatically mean it's any good. There's a Canon kit lens that's notorious in this respect, which has been described as having the optical performance of a 'bottle bottom'! You really ought to think as much about choosing the lens as the body - possibly more so.

Jim

oxycera · #6 (**permalink**) 23-07-2010, 08:03 PM

I'm not technically knowledgable, but after following a similar thread a few weeks ago I bought a Fuji Finepix HS 10. It's got a amazing zoom and is fine for macro work too. At £400 I'm more than happy with it.

nigel_b · #7 (**permalink**) 23-07-2010, 08:27 PM

I was thinking along the lines of the Fuji as well.

The right solution depends upon many factors including your own experience level, to what extent you want to point-and-shoot and what the final pictures would be used for.

If you are looking to publish, sell or otherwise end up with very high quality pictures I think you'll need to select some high quality DSLR lenses, then choose a body but I have a feeling that you'll quickly chew up your stated budget.

I find with my system I can carry either binoculars or camera which is quite restrictive at times. I'm using a Nikon D200 with 300mm prime and 1.4x teleconvertor. I think that's about the biggest set up you'd want to wander around with all day.

I dont know much about the micro 4/3rds market but they are possibly worth investigating.

I'd certainly second taking a good look at the secondhand market. Some significant savings to be made there.

Budding Ecologis · #8 (**permalink**) 26-07-2010, 09:44 AM

Thanks for the help guys. I'm going to start looking into purchasing a 2nd hand camera. I'l probably be asking for more advice when I find one that I think is suitable

Lancashire Lad · #9 (**permalink**) 26-07-2010, 02:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by oxycera

....I bought a Fuji Finepix HS 10. It's got a amazing zoom and is fine for macro work too. At £400 I'm more than happy with it.

I too got one of these for £400.00 a couple of months ago, as a replacement for an S9600.

It is now on sale at Argos at £320.00. - (Significantly cheaper than I can find it elsewhere). I would advise anyone considering the purchase of a bridge camera to seriously consider one of these. The specification is phenomenal, and at that price it's a steal.

Regards,
Mike.