pistonbroke Posted January 16, 2011 Share Posted January 16, 2011 I'm after a new camera to take better quality photos at meets etc. I'm done with normal digital cameras having seen the stuff that people on here post up having used DSLR's, the quality of the pictures is outstanding in some of them. I appreciate that a great photo is a lot down to how good the photographer is, and not so much the camera, people like LBM clearly know what they're doing, and I know I'll not be able to just walk around snapping everything expecting it to turn out amazing, but I want a decent camera to start learning with. Having seen this thread here, http://www.mkivsupra.net/vbb/showthread.php?225930-New-camera...chuffed&highlight=camera I was blown away by Ewens fly picture taken with the coolpix P100 I've started looking at what I believe is classed as a super zoom camera. Not quite an SLR, but I'm guessing good for budding photographers.? They have a lot of the functionality of an SLR with the various settings and such. So, I've done some reading, and seen some sample pictures of what these cameras are capable of, and I'm convinced that this style camera is what I'm after. Question is, which one do you suggest. Here are some options. http://www.photographyblog.com/reviews/nikon_coolpix_p100_review/ http://www.photographyblog.com/reviews/sony_cybershot_dsc_hx1_review/ http://www.photographyblog.com/reviews/panasonic_lumix_dmc_fz38_review/conclusion/ http://www.photographyblog.com/reviews/fujifilm_finepix_hs10_review/conclusion/ Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ellis Posted January 16, 2011 Share Posted January 16, 2011 I use a Nikon D40, my son (the real photographer!!) a D90 - most photographers I use for work swear by Nikon. So my suggestion would be the Nikon! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
hmoreta Posted January 16, 2011 Share Posted January 16, 2011 Have friends with D90's and the photos are really good!!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
gaz1 Posted January 16, 2011 Share Posted January 16, 2011 http://www.mkivsupra.net/vbb/showthread.php?237115-Nikon-D5000-lenses-and-Memory-card-priced-to-sell-quick good one to start you off Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
pistonbroke Posted January 16, 2011 Author Share Posted January 16, 2011 Bit out of my budget really, plus I don't think I could do the SLR justice really. I also gather SLR's have a limit to how many photos they can take before they wear out. (no doubt this is a ridiculous amount of time). Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
chris burford Posted January 17, 2011 Share Posted January 17, 2011 I used to have a Nikon D60 which was absolutely fab DSLR which is now discontinued you should be able to pick one up quite reasonable now, try the london camera exchange website i have now upgraded to a D90 which is simply stunning as for the logevity side as i recall i think i read somewhere may have been nikons site that there cameras are tested to about 300,000 shutter releases i would say you probably wouldnt get any where near that unless you turned absolute pro lol Chris ps i also own Nikon d60 + d90 for dummies book well worth the money if i recall about 12 quid from amazon they very helpfull books for beginners. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lbm Posted January 17, 2011 Share Posted January 17, 2011 Ok, I started getting interested a couple of years ago with my bridge camera - Panasonic FZ28 18 x superzoom thing. A marvellous first camera. Recently though, I treated myself to a Canon 7D. A slightly nicer camera. The thing is, in the day time, many shots captured by bridge cameras won't be far off a DSLR in terms of image quality, e.g. Ewen's magnificent shot of his fly It gets more interesting when you have a lower light situation, where DSLRs tend to be much better, due to their larger sensors. Also DSLRs tend to have nice buttons you can push to change settings quickly rather than going into menus and then sub-menus...and they feel nice in the hand too. Lens changes for optimum image quality are also another great thing. However with a Superzoom with its fixed lens, it's nice to walk out the house with a 27mm-500mm all in one lens, rather than a bag of them. But image quality is the trade off here. However, you should still accomplish some fine shots. The other advantage of the DSLRs is they are generally faster in capturing an image, so if your subject was moving, their glorious viewfinders (which aren't as good in bridge cameras) don't black out for so long... ...I was trying to take a (boring) shot of a seagul in flight in 2009 and it was very hard - If you remember the scene in Star Wars where Luke and Hans were trying to manually shoot Tie fighters in the Millenium Falcon - their targets came in and out of sight too quickly - (until The Force was used ) With DSLRs, even though skill is required, it's a nicer experience. But...I would say start off with a bridge camera and if after a year or so the photography thing gets you in a good way, you'll find yourself going on too many photog forums and then you'll inevitably make your next purchase Learn to use your camera in Manual mode, Aperture Priority and Shutter priority. You may of course start off in fully auto mode, but in the end, you need to tell the camera what you're shooting, and not allow it to guess. And finally, whichever camera you get, enjoy yourself and take it from there PS. Be sure to check out Panasonic's FZ28/38/40/100 range, you know, just to confuse you. And yes I agree a bridge camera sounds like the right way to go. Remember too though that most photos can generally be improved afterwards on the PC. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Stonkin Posted January 17, 2011 Share Posted January 17, 2011 I cant give you any advice on cameras, i asked on here to But i ended up going with the Sony Alpha A450 and have been very happy with it. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
grahamc Posted January 17, 2011 Share Posted January 17, 2011 Depends on you and budget. I own a d300 and a large array of lenses but it hardly ever comes out. Will use for Swedish WRC in feb The rest of the time it's a 4/3rds camera. The Olympus ep1.... Which IMHO is brilliant!! Interchangeable lenses, small, lenses are small as well and takes brilliant photos. Use it for most things like holidays, walking around etc unless I know I will want/need the dSLR. On the canon nikon front... Nikon make the better bodies and canon make the better lenses. Most people pick on what feels best for them and the use of the camera. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
pistonbroke Posted January 17, 2011 Author Share Posted January 17, 2011 Thanks for the replies everyone, very informative. Ok, so I think I've narrowed it down to one of two bridge cameras. I'm not ready for the DSLR catagory yet, and like the idea of not messing around with different lenses, an all in one package at a good price is what's most appealing. The options are the Sony HX1, and the Nikon P100. Daylight pics are virtually the same between the two cameras, however, in low light situations, the Nikon decimates the Sony. The Sony seems to suffer really really bad grain on ISO's higher than 500. The setting goes all the way up to 3200, at which point the picture looks like one of those magic eye paintings. At this point you're already probably thinking 'well then it's got to be the Nikon then?', but the Sony has a few tricks up it's sleeve, when I say a few, I mean shedloads. The Sony is packed to the hilt with ridiculous features, such as an auto panoramic mode with auto stitching, I've seen some example photos using the feature and they look amazing. There's also an array of high speed capture tricks that the Sony does that the Nikon doesn't. The Sony also has a much longer shutter speed than the Nikon, up to 32 seconds, meaning I can get those car light's trail shots on highways pics. The Nikon only does 8 seconds. The Sony also has built in colour lens effects for making the shots that little bit more pro looking. So, do I go with better low light pictures, or the camera that does loads of tricks to aid me in taking a better picture. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
grahamc Posted January 17, 2011 Share Posted January 17, 2011 What about the lumix?? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lbm Posted January 17, 2011 Share Posted January 17, 2011 So, do I go with better low light pictures, or the camera that does loads of tricks to aid me in taking a better picture. For me...I'd go with low light capability. It might be the difference between you getting the shot or not. Secondly, there's plenty of panaroamic stiching programmes available. I did this one with the (free) software provided with my Pany FZ28 I doubt you'd need more than 8 seconds to get that streaky head & tail light look. There is of course some good noise reduction software available too, so using higher ISO is more doable these days, even with the bridge cameras. In-camera effects are all well and good, but they can look a bit gimmicky too, particularly if you use them all the time. It's always wise to try and use the taste filter - this is to be located in your brain rather than any software, either in camera or in the computer. So, if I was the salesman and you had a penchant for the Sony, I'd be delighted to sell you the Sony. If you wanted the Nikon, I'd be delighted to sell you that too. It's what you want that counts Ps Neither the gimmicks from Mr Sony or low light performance from Mr Nikon will make you take better pictures. An interest, a passion for photography will do that sir. To a degree, a nice camera helps, but many people with all the gear still take dreadful shots...over exposed, under exposed, out of focus, pointless garbage. But because they've treated themselves to a Canon Carlos Fandango 1D, they think what the're doing is good. When it isn't. Happy shooting. PPS I must be mindful at this point that your photos or my photos do not have to be award winning masterpieces. They also serve to capture a memory and this is as important as the creativity aspect - it's just it would be nicer to have a memory captured in focus and perhaps composed nicely, or something that makes the shot just a bit more compelling than a quick 'snapshot' PPPS Go on then, buy the Sony, I know you want to Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
pistonbroke Posted January 17, 2011 Author Share Posted January 17, 2011 PPPS Go on then, buy the Sony, I know you want to Lol, I'm leaning towards it matey . Here's an example of the panaroamic from the Sony, this is with no tripod. Simply sweeping the camera from right to left, or top to bottom holding the shoot button produces this. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lbm Posted January 17, 2011 Share Posted January 17, 2011 I must say with no tripod, it is impressive. Amazon.co.uk maybe your friend...will you click "add to my basket" tonight? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
pistonbroke Posted January 17, 2011 Author Share Posted January 17, 2011 Not tonight, but next week. I 'clicked to buy' the wife a new car this week. So camera next week. Camerabox is the cheapest I've found so far. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lbm Posted January 17, 2011 Share Posted January 17, 2011 I think there is some talk of camerabox selling grey imports rather than UK stock. However, it seems your chosen model is UK stock. I recently bought a flash from them for my 7D and it arrived very quickly and works perfectly. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lbm Posted January 17, 2011 Share Posted January 17, 2011 Just in case... http://www.dpreview.com/reviews/Q110superzoomgroup/ Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
pistonbroke Posted January 17, 2011 Author Share Posted January 17, 2011 I bought Mt Xacti HD1010 from them, and recieved it very quickly. Thanks for all your help and input with this LBM, at the next meet you'll have to teach me some tricks with my new toy Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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