Starting out with (serious) photograpy

[nikolai_avenger]

Good evening.

Would anyone be able to recommend a decent camera/lens (combo?) for someone (like me) wanting to move into the photography side of things.

I'm primarily after something to take decent shots of insects and their behaviour, and also, budget/lens allowing, shots of birds. What I'm really interested in is taking (decent-ish) pictures for my own records.

Budget is going to be apprx 300 GBP. I have no idea when it comes to photography equipment, being a total novice in this area.

Cheers in advance, Nik.

[Geoff F]

I'm afraid that when you get into the serious macro photography league 300 pounds won't even get you a decent new lens, never mind a dslr camera body.

I think your best idea would be to look at some of the so called 'Bridge' cameras and check out their macro possibilities. The best of them can produce good work in suitable conditions.

But I'm a bit out of touch with regard to exactly what are the current best buys.

[Lancashire Lad]

With a budget of £300.00, you will have to be realistic about what type of set up you can purchase. Any useful DSLR system (i.e. with the lenses that you would need), would be outside of that sort of price range.

However, that is not to say that you can't get a good camera which will serve you well for some considerable time.

You need to be looking to the "Superzooms" or "Bridge" cameras as they are known thse days.

I would personally advocate the Fuji Finepix HS10 as these can now be picked up for around the £200.00 mark. (Its successor is the HS20 at around £300.00).

Both of these cameras have a 35mm equivalent optical zoom range of 24mm to 720mm, and include a macro facility of approx 0.5 to 1. They both have fold out multi angle viewing screens (a real boon for low level shots), and, certainly the HS10 uses AA type disposable or rechargeable batteries as opposed to expensive dedicated ones.

Others will no doubt point you towards other manufacturers products but consider carefully what functions are really useful/necessary.

NB: Both the HS10 and HS20 zoom in and out by simply rotating the lens barrel. Virtually all other manufacturers cameras use "tele/wide" switches which are nowhere near as intuitive or accurate.

I still regularly use my HS10 - It was £400.00 when I got mine, and worth every penny. At today's price of about £200.00 it is an absolute bargain.

BUT - It won't be good for birds in flight, or lifesize macro shots - and unless you spend something in the order of £1000.00 plus, neither will any DSLR set up!! - It really is a case of being realistic about what your budget will buy.

Good luck,
Regards,
Mike.

[nutmeg]

The Black Rabbit (who doesn't seem to come here any more) takes superb macros with a Panasonic DMC-FZ50, often in conjunction with a Raynox DCR150. I don't know if this is still available, but perhaps it's worth tracking one (or equivalent) down.

[nikolai_avenger]

Thanks gents, for your replies - I appreciate them. Perhaps a rephrasing of my original post might be in order..

"I have around £300 to spend on a camera. I would like to take record shots of insects and possibly of birds. Super-duper-high-quality not necessarily an issue. To give some idea of what I want to improve on: I am currently working with a Nikon Coolpix 4600 with 3 x (34-102mm) optical zoom that makes a mistle thrush 10 yards away look like a 16 x 16 block of pixels and has much the same effect on a spider 12 inches away. For holiday snaps it's fantastic. For anything wildlife related it is hopeless. Can I remedy this with my £300 and if so, how".

Mike - thanks for the details, have you any examples of 'macro stuff' on here that you have taken with your HS10? Just so perhaps I can see what is possible?

It is quite daunting for a total novice like me looking at cameras (still a pencil and notebook kinda guy) so I really have no idea what would be best so hopefully a shove in the right direction will be forthcoming.

Cheers, Nik.

[Lancashire Lad]

Originally Posted by nikolai_avenger

....Mike - thanks for the details, have you any examples of 'macro stuff' on here that you have taken with your HS10? Just so perhaps I can see what is possible?...

Hi Nik.

Nearly all my HS10 shots are of fungi of various sizes. I can't think of anything specific off hand, but if you search through my WAB Gallery, all my photos (taken during the last two years) have the camera details stated. (It will either be the HS10 or the Nikon D80).
Note that I quite often use Raynox supplementary lenses with the HS10 to get more than 1:1 macro. (Which gives very good results on the HS10).
Again, where the Raynox's have been used, it is mentioned in the camera details below the photos.

Regards,
Mike.
EDIT - As an example, just found this. - The fungus is about 3mm tall !!!

[nikolai_avenger]

Thanks Mike. I have checked out the HS10 and the lens you used for the above picture and they come in around £300. I would be happy with the results if they are even approaching the quality of that photo.

Many thanks for the time you took to reply in detail, and for the advice - I appreciate it.

Cheers, Nik.

[sukie]

I have a bridge camera, its a Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ28. It has a Leica lens and I have been able to take some pretty good photos of insects, fungi etc as well as landscape. I really like it. I knew nothing about photography, and still don't know much, but its a good way to learn as you can have some control over the settings but also have the option of automatic settings if you like.Its a great way to introduce yourself to photography without spending a fortune and you can get good results.I have a DSLR but 9 times out of 10 I pick up the Lumix (although I do intend to learn how to use the DSLR at evening classes). I think the guys are right, with a decent bridge camera you wont be disappointed.

[basquesteve]

I suggest the Olympus Sp800uz I bought a factory reconditioned camera for £150 on E bay A few examples although the original was 3.8 mb this is only126kb and lost some definition

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[Ukwildlifeo]

I can only echo the suggestion of getting a bridge camera. I'd suggest a fuji or panasonic as they have been making good bridges for a longer than the others and they are cheaper for equivalent cameras by other brands.