Photography

[ShinSplint]

Looking at getting into photography, and like the idea of having a camera with my whilst out on the bike.

I'm a roadie, so ideally the camera will be fairly lightweight.

Looking at spending around the £400 mark.

Ideally I would go for an SLR, but i've been advised to knock that on the head due to weight. At the same time though, I need something capable of decent quality large (around A3) prints.

Any ideas?

 

[scook94]

Panasonic Lumix DMC-LX3, if you don't mind the limited zoom.

 

[MadoneRider1991]

Looking at getting into photography, and like the idea of having a camera with my whilst out on the bike.

I'm a roadie, so ideally the camera will be fairly lightweight.

Looking at spending around the £400 mark.

Ideally I would go for an SLR, but i've been advised to knock that on the head due to weight. At the same time though, I need something capable of decent quality large (around A3) prints.

Any ideas?

if you can get a canon 1000D slr would be ok

not a bad weight for an slr!!

 

[Alan Whicker]

The Canon G11 has a lot of fans. It takes pics of sufficient quality to pass the strict quality controls of the Alamy picture library, which is rare for a non-SLR. The G12 might be along soon, though.

 

[Tim Bennet.]

But if you want something 'pocketable' the G11 is too big. However the Canon S90 has the same sensor, etc.

If you can manage something as big as the G11, then consider the micro 4/3rds stuff from Olympus or Panasonic. The increase in picture quality is very evident at A3, but will bust your budget.

 

[Haitch]

I've had a G7 and a G10 and I've found them both very "pocketable". They are a bit of a tight squeeze in a pair of jeans but fit easily into a jacket pocket (cycling or otherwise). Photo quality is also very good.

 

[on the road]

I'd take a cheap compact while out on the bike, the problem with SLR's is not only weight but also bulk, and if it falls out while riding or even if you crash, you might damage the camera.

I have a cheap compact which I take out on the bike sometimes. I sometimes take my SLR with me but I always put it in a rucksack, that way it has some protection.

 

[swee'pea99]

I'd go along with the compact option. I've had two Casio Exilims and they're excellent. Really compact, superb picture quality (Takumar lenses), pin sharp at A3. Panasonic Lumix are also supposed to be great for picture quality (Leica).

 

[ShinSplint]

Cheers guys, im tempted by a 4/3 type. I have to bare in mind that a lot of the time I will be on foot, and size/weight won't be an issue. But for the times when im on my bike, I think a 4/3 should be ok.

I've looked at the Panasonic Lumix G1, which looks a nice design. Anyone got one?

 

[MajorMantra]

The new Micro Four Thirds cameras (GF1 etc.) probably offer the best quality/size ratio but as with other options mentioned above they aren't exactly pocketable. When I'm in roadie mode I carry a Canon IXUS 95 (when I remember) which is good enough for 'record' type shots. For best results I use my SLR or one of my film cameras.

You need to decide what your priorities are really. Even the very best pocket camera will not be the equal of an entry level SLR or a M43 camera simply by virtue of sensor size and this will matter if you really want to print as big as A3. For small prints or posting online though almost anything will do and the results from even the most basic cameras can be impressive if you learn a bit about the rules of exposure.

Point and shoots usually have minimal manual controls but even quite low end ones usually include exposure compensation and often let you determine the ISO as well.

Matthew

 

[MajorMantra]

Cheers guys, im tempted by a 4/3 type. I have to bare in mind that a lot of the time I will be on foot, and size/weight won't be an issue. But for the times when im on my bike, I think a 4/3 should be ok.

I've looked at the Panasonic Lumix G1, which looks a nice design. Anyone got one?

Rather than Four Thirds, I'd look at Micro Four Thirds. It's a new standard that eliminates the traditional mirror and makes for smaller cameras.

 

[ShinSplint]

Rather than Four Thirds, I'd look at Micro Four Thirds. It's a new standard that eliminates the traditional mirror and makes for smaller cameras.

Any specific models to look at?

 

[ShinSplint]

The new Micro Four Thirds cameras (GF1 etc.) probably offer the best quality/size ratio but as with other options mentioned above they aren't exactly pocketable. When I'm in roadie mode I carry a Canon IXUS 95 (when I remember) which is good enough for 'record' type shots. For best results I use my SLR or one of my film cameras.

You need to decide what your priorities are really. Even the very best pocket camera will not be the equal of an entry level SLR or a M43 camera simply by virtue of sensor size and this will matter if you really want to print as big as A3. For small prints or posting online though almost anything will do and the results from even the most basic cameras can be impressive if you learn a bit about the rules of exposure.

Point and shoots usually have minimal manual controls but even quite low end ones usually include exposure compensation and often let you determine the ISO as well.

Matthew

Cheers Matthew,

Based on that, I think a compact is out. I'm hoping to try photography at a reasonable level, and good quality big prints are a must.

 

[Chrisc]

You really need to be looking at a dslr then and a case or camera armour to protect it. I stuff a D300 in a lowepro case over my shoulder.

 

[Crankarm]

You really need to be looking at a dslr then and a case or camera armour to protect it. I stuff a D300 in a lowepro case over my shoulder.

A Nikon D300 body alone is the best part of £1,100. Are you trying to tell us how much you've spent on your camera ?