Cameras

[RobAtkinson1]

Hi guys, I was just wondering what camera's everybody uses as I'm getting fed up with my rubbish iPhone 4 camera. So essentially I'm just on the lookout for good recommendations.

[Geoff F]

Yipppeeee no max budget constraints given - I'm going to have fun spending someone else's money!

Are you thinking new or secondhand?

Do you want a 'proper' DSLR with interchangeable lenses or a fixed lens 'bridge' type camera?

For macro insect work, I use a Canon 40D with a Sigma 180 mm macro lens. I wouldn't recommend anything less than 150 mm for live insects. But 100 or less might be fine for dead specimens, etc.

And a decent tripod is also essential, I use a heavy Manfrotto with a ball grip head for quick focusing. Some decent flash equipment can also be handy.

But, first of all, if you go for one of the DSLR cameras you will have to choose between an 'entry level' camera and one of the 'semi pro' models which are a little bit larger, heavier and more expensive. Although there isn't actually a lot of problems with this, except cost if you go all the way to one of the pro level bodies.

Personally, I would recommend going for the slightly more expensive semi pro models. Canon or Nikon are roughly equal market leaders and produce rather similar models.

However, I would recommend going to a shop and having a look at what is available which 'feels right' for you. Don't purchase anything yet, just look and think.

There isn't one simple 'buy this' option; so let's see what other people are currently using.

[RobAtkinson1]

I'll be a bit more specific. I was looking fo something around £150 new or second hand. I was also wanting something pocket sized (though that depends). I am a complete camera novice so it was have to be something that isn't too hard to use. Thanks for your help.

[Juliet1200]

I have a Canon Powershot A1000is, which has a good macro function, and cost me less than £100. It's a bit too small to hold comfortably, but for a cheap point and shoot type camera it's absolutely brilliant. The main reason I bought that one was that it has a viewfinder, as I struggle to see what I'm taking on the screen. The model has been superseded now, not sure how the later one compares, or how much it costs. I think it's probably onto the 1200is by now.

Most of the photos in this set on Flickr are taken with the Powershot and some with a Canon EOS 400D with a 28-135 zoom lens (it should tell you which). The EOS is neither pocket sized or £150 though...

Close Encounters - a set on Flickr

[nightshade]

I like the Panasonics for their Leica lenses look at the FZ38 a bit more than your £150 (£180-ish) Fujifilm finepix 9600 about the same price £190
If you do a search Bridge cameras on here you will find a lot of people use these cameras along witha Raynox supplementary lense. I prefer a camera with a viewfinder as well as the lcd panel
Have a look for reviews on sites like Panasonic unveils Lumix DMC-FZ35/FZ38 super-zoom: Digital Photography Review

[tom00_uk]

a wide range,

desire hd htc
canon 70 pocket cam
canon 550 dslr
Olympus tough

depends whats in my pocket/bag when i see some thing i want to snap

[Kayleigh]

If I was you I would go for a decent canon or Nikon for the main camera I have only had mine for a few weeks and having lots of fun and already got some great shots.
But for holidays or something that fits in my pocket I cant grumble at my little compact fuji finepix J28 at £70 and took some great shots even macro here is an example.

[RobAtkinson1]

Well I'll definitely take them into consideration. But I will also take a good look around the electrical shops to see what's available.

[Juliet1200]

Good luck finding one you like. If you want to see what sort of results you can expect you can always try searching that camera on Flickr (or similar)

[Tricia]

If you are looking at P&S cameras I would advise you to steer clear of any which only have a screen. I have a Canon IXUS which has a viewfinder and is small enough to pop in your pocket. I had a very nice Kodak camera but gave it away because when the sun hit the screen it was a case of point and hope!