Good camera for newbie photographer

[WorcesteRob]

I am looking at getting into photography a bit more and wondered if anyone had any suggestions of a good starting package.

Budget is around £250 and any help gratefully appreciated.

 

[hoopdriver]

Are you looking for a DSLR or a good compact to take along on bike rides etc?

 

[WorcesteRob]

Sorry, a DSLR for more prepared work rather than point and click.

 

[Dayvo]

Yet to use it, I bought a Nikon D3100 last autumn, and it appears to be the right 'starter' DSLR camera for a newbie. I'm sure the 'camera +1' syndrome applies in the photography world, as well.

My sister, who is a keen amateur, and has an expensive Canon, rates the Nikon (if that's of any relevance).

http://www.dpreview.com/reviews/nikond3100/

Prices vary:
http://www.google.co.uk/search?q=ni...u&sa=X&ei=uV3IUZzFEo2FhQe_kYGQDQ&ved=0CCUQsxg

 

[threebikesmcginty]

Yet to use it, I bought a Nikon D3100 last autumn...

No point in rushing things, Dayvo!

I bought a second-hand Olympus micro four thirds camera recently, impressed so far. You can let it do everything or take charge and adjust the settings yourself.

 

[aces_up1504]

I bought my wife a Panasonic DMC G2 ( Micro four thirds), although not strictly a DSLR, It uses an Electronic viewfinder instead of the Single Lens it has the same capability as DSLR eg different lens, manual modes etc. It is also quite a lot smaller than DSLR so can be used as snaps camera as well.

£250 does not really get you into the DSLR buying new. Second hand would be best. Manybe look at some of the bridge cameras they offer the same functionality as a lot of DSLR without the ability to swap lens although many have quite powerfull zooms now. The comprise is that the sensor is smaller than a DSLR.

 

[Dayvo]

No point in rushing things, Dayvo!

You can let it do everything or take charge and adjust the settings yourself.

See, that's what I'm hoping for: the camera does the biz and I get the credit!

 

[WorcesteRob]

Thanks all so far, I've been looking at the reviews for the listed cameras and seeing the differences.

It really is daunting when there is so much choice.

 

[hoopdriver]

Yes, the Nikon D3100 rates well - although I am a Canon shooter myself. It is somewhat above your proppsed £250 budget, at about £300 with kit lens.

 

[threebikesmcginty]

See, that's what I'm hoping for: the camera does the biz and I get the credit!

You will have to take it out of the box first.

 

[Dayvo]

You will have to take it out of the box first.

And I suppose it can't charge its own battery, either! Bloody hell! Thought everything was meant to be (and I absolutely HATE this expression) state-of-the-art!

 

[swee'pea99]

Get on ebay, get a feel for what comes up, look for good feedback, use google to do your homework - there's lots of good review sites out there. Cameras are the kind of thing you'd be crazy to buy new, unless money really is no object. People upgrade all the time, often passing on great kit that's had very little use for - in reality - a song. With even a modicum of effort you should be able to get twice the camera for half the money. You could, eg, get the camera I've sworn by for three or four years, the Nikon D40, for around half your budget, or get one with multiple lenses + bits for not much more than you're talking.

 

[A Cyclist]

I am looking at getting into photography a bit more and wondered if anyone had any suggestions of a good starting package.

Budget is around £250 and any help gratefully appreciated.

have a look at www.dpreview.com for side-by-side comparisons and reviews.You would probably have seen that site.
If you don't mind buying into little older version of things, you can try Olympus E1- with its kit lens for around that price in e-bay.
May look compact with a manual fast 50mm lens.
another option is Olympus EP1 or EP2 which are compact bodies that can be worn across the body during the rides (flat bar though).

 

[ianjmcd]

2nd hand market is good canon 1100D are around your budget for a decent 2nd hand one sometimes with extra lens check ebay ;-)

 

[Cubist]

Don't get a bridge camera. just don't.

You will get a good used Nikon D50.with a second lense for your budget. It may be a bit dated in terms of megapixels, but you can enlarge to A4 without losing definition. ....