artisan100 Posted January 30, 2012 Share Posted January 30, 2012 I don't want to start a thread where people praise or criticise a particular make or model of camera, but ask for advice on how I should go about finding out what camera will suit my needs. I don't, for instance, want video capacity or a high zoom but I do want the option of using either Aperture or Shutter speed priority and a macro facility. Having drawn up my list of requirements where do I look to get some comparisons? Is there a website that allows me to input my requirements and then spews out a shortlist? And then when I've chosen, are retail camera websites reliable or do I have to make a journey of some miles to a shop where I can get the 'feel' of the some of the options, given that any shop I can get to will presumably not have all the options available to try? Any thoughts and information gratefully received. Geoff Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
RMweb Gold beast66606 Posted January 30, 2012 RMweb Gold Share Posted January 30, 2012 Go into a decent camera dealer, they will be able to help you on all fronts. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Black Sheep Posted January 30, 2012 Share Posted January 30, 2012 I'll seccond the going into the shop approach. I've always prefered canon cameras and when looking for a digital SLR assumed I'd continue with canon went into a high street retailer to have a look, hated the menu layout, having to hold one button down to use the shutter control to set apature. Had a play with a Nikon and bought it. (the above being my preferences in cameras) what will you be photographing? what kind of camera were you thinking of getting? compact / DSLR / superzoom etc can be worth getting some camera magazines to see what the various reviews say Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Andy Y Posted January 30, 2012 Share Posted January 30, 2012 There so many preferences that may or could come into play here Geoff that I wouldn't recommend buying anything based on a website such as you mention and the above advice to go into a shop is sound. Don't be afraid to challenge and question the assistant if you're unsure or if they do a 'Dixons' on you. If you narrow it down it may be worth coming back here or to a camera site and asking users opinions of specific models. I did look to see if you were at Stafford this weekend to offer you a hands on play with a couple of cameras. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
RMweb Gold Trevellan Posted January 30, 2012 RMweb Gold Share Posted January 30, 2012 I've had mixed experiences with shops in recent years and wouldn't touch certain major photographic retailers with a bargepole. I tend to use the web to research and compare products before purchase. I can recommend Wex Photographic (Warehouse Express) - no affiliation other than as a satisfied customer. The website allows you to compare prices and specifications: http://www.warehouseexpress.com/Home/default.aspx. Internet ordering is fine if you know what you're buying, but there's no substitute for a hands-on demo if you're new to the product. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
gordon s Posted January 30, 2012 Share Posted January 30, 2012 Geoff, I do use this site and found his reviews to be fair, unbiased and very useful in the decision making process. He does offer group tests to cover various budget levels and those to suit various people groups... http://www.steves-digicams.com Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
artisan100 Posted January 30, 2012 Author Share Posted January 30, 2012 Hi guys, Thanks for the advice. Sorry Andy, not at Stafford, and whilst I can appreciate the benefits of visiting a shop I think there's only one in the county. Should have said in previous post that I've been happy with my Minolta Dimage 5 (apart from battery consumption) so looking for an updated, better spec version, i.e. don't need a DSLR and want more flexibility than a simple compact. I'll be photographing models for website use (railway ones that is ), and some macro shots of plants for my wife's botanical illustration purposes. None will be printed out at great magnification. Geoff Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
RMweb Gold The Stationmaster Posted January 30, 2012 RMweb Gold Share Posted January 30, 2012 In my view you should never buy a camera, particularly an expensive one, without first handling it - if nothing else you'll find out if you're comfortable with its weight (or lack of) and 'feel' and they are as important as its technical capabilities if you are going to do a lot of photography. If you're lucky you'll find a top notch specialist retailer who'll give you lots of free and useful advice on performance but there are, as already mentioned, some websites that report that objectively; but none of them have got your hands, arms and eyes. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sir Madog Posted January 30, 2012 Share Posted January 30, 2012 I am quite happy with my Panasonic Lumix DMC - LX1, which I bought about 6 years ago. It does not have a top amount of mega pixels, but it has a superb Leica lens to compensate that I can also manually select shutter speed, aperture setting and focus. That´s all I need. This model is, of course, no longer available. If I had to buy a new one today, I´d go for the Lumix DMC - LX5. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Unicorn1 Posted January 30, 2012 Share Posted January 30, 2012 I find having manual focus important, but that's because - when I can - I take multiple exposure and combine them. But with plenty of light you really only need apature control and an easy to use timer on the camera. There are a few (probably loads!) of user forums - I am a Pentax user and thier (UK) forum is OK, and the simplest of questions are usually dealt with knowledgably and politely. Les Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
RMweb Gold Oldddudders Posted January 30, 2012 RMweb Gold Share Posted January 30, 2012 don't need a DSLR and want more flexibility than a simple compact. The "new kid on the block" is mirrorless cameras with interchangeable lenses. These typically have smaller sensors than a DSLR, are much smaller and lighter, but still have a respectable pixel-count, so are amply competent for decent-size prints. I think Canon is the only major name yet to announce such a range. Whatever the cynics may say about camera shops in C21 - they do tend to be retailers rather than photographers, after all - the need to handle the camera before you buy is paramount. Let them show you a few, and then walk away with some ideas you can follow up via some of the Internet sites suggested above. You will quickly identify which brands are favoured in each category that you felt comfy with, and then can start looking at prices, again on the Internet. Cameras worth having are a big-ticket item - make sure yours is right for you before buying. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
RMweb Premium spamcan61 Posted February 12, 2012 RMweb Premium Share Posted February 12, 2012 dpreview's camera feature search with 'advanced search' enabled might help a bit:- http://www.dpreview.com/products/search/cameras Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
APOLLO Posted February 12, 2012 Share Posted February 12, 2012 I am a Fuji fan as I find that Fuji get the colours, especially red, more or less spot on. For what its worth Asda (Wigan) currently have a 14 megapixel Fuji pocket camera for £49 - half price. May get one this week. One thing I don't like with most, if not all new small digital cameras (above included) is l lack of a viewfinder. As you tend to photograph outside with the sun behind you (illuminating the object), then you can't see the screen properly to frame the picture due to the sunlight hitting the LCD screen. Brit15 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
artisan100 Posted February 13, 2012 Author Share Posted February 13, 2012 Thanks for all the advice guys. I'm still gathering information.... Geoff Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
shortliner Posted February 15, 2012 Share Posted February 15, 2012 I have recently bought one of these - no complaints at all so far (NB The black version has a rubberised non-dslip finish - the other two colours don't) http://www.steves-di...exr-review.html Mine - after web searching and watching the capabilities demod- came from QVC shopping channel Try to get to hold the one you select - one does NOT suit all - and make sure that you get decent Glass - a poor lens will NEVER take a decent photo NB that since DPreview has been taken over bt - I think - Amazon, its camera reviews are not particularly up-to-date Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
21C4 Posted March 5, 2012 Share Posted March 5, 2012 Another consideration to bear in mind is, how big do you want to make your prints? It is worth remembering that DSLRs have the largest sensors and compacts the smallest. Bridge cameras (aka superzooms) and compact system cameras (like the Lumix/Olympus micro four thirds) are somewhere in between. The smaller the sensor, the smaller the enlargement, generally speaking, before the quality drops off to unacceptable levels. I can only emphasise the other responses regarding how the camera feels in your own hands. After a lot of research and review studying, I went out to buy an entry-level Nikon DSLR, only to find that it was terribly uncomfortable to handle. I tried all the other makes and models of similar price and eventually settled on a Panasonic Lumix G1 compact system camera. I have never looked back and have won several competions with it. Moral: whatever you want or need, get your hands on it first. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chris Nevard Posted March 7, 2012 Share Posted March 7, 2012 Another consideration to bear in mind is, how big do you want to make your prints? It is worth remembering that DSLRs have the largest sensors and compacts the smallest. Bridge cameras (aka superzooms) and compact system cameras (like the Lumix/Olympus micro four thirds) are somewhere in between. The smaller the sensor, the smaller the enlargement, generally speaking, before the quality drops off to unacceptable levels. Not true, smaller sensors (we're not taking mega pixels here) in pocket cameras tend to be more noisy at higher iso, that's about it. But when used at lower iso are usually pretty good, with most moderm small cameras producing a decent A3 print which is more than most of us ever need. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
artisan100 Posted March 7, 2012 Author Share Posted March 7, 2012 Thanks for all in the info. I haven't taken the plunge yet - I'm still gathering information. Geoff Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
mah644 Posted March 9, 2012 Share Posted March 9, 2012 Hello Geoff, I don't know how much previous experience you have with cameras. If you are just "getting your feet wet", I'd suggest you try a digital "point and shoot". I've used a Canon Powershot SD1100 IS (US designation) for several years now. It's 8 megapixal, permitting a very nice 8X10 to be generated, and has a number of capabilities, including full automatic, aperature priority, shutter priority and a terrific macro capability. This model has been supplanted by newer ones which have even more capabilities. If you are ready for an SLR, I'd recommend one of the non-professional model APS-C (not full frame) offerings from any of the major makers. I have a Canon T2i (550D), which is an 18.0 megapixel model. It has bells and whistles which I am still learning, but turns out superb images even in full auto mode. You will note that I cite only Canon. I've been a Canon user since the '70s. My wife, a former journalist and a much better photographer than I ever hope to be, used Pentax equipment for years and currently favors Nikon. Best Wishes, Carl Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
RMweb Gold lakeview770 Posted March 13, 2012 RMweb Gold Share Posted March 13, 2012 Most of the cameras these days are about equal, I use Canon but if you compare the closest Nikon theyre about even. The Canon has some features and the Nikon has others personally I would try the various cameras which suit your budget. Myself I use a 1100D which is 12mp and a 60D 18mp and quality wise there isn't much in it unless your enlarging to super large sizes. At the end of the day its the lens that takes the picture so I'd rather get the T3 and spend some money on some decent lenses and then buy a better body at a later date, which is the way I did it. Andrew Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Alex Posted March 23, 2012 Share Posted March 23, 2012 best thing i did was go to local camera club went 2-3 times spoke to different brand users and was given the oppertunity to try their cameras. have to say got lots of good advice ended up buying Nikon d3100 with 18-55mm lens kit and a sigma 70-300mm lens for telephoto also joined the club Hope this is of some help Alex http://www.deesidephotosociety.com/ Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Fenman Posted March 24, 2012 Share Posted March 24, 2012 ... mirrorless cameras with interchangeable lenses. ... I think Canon is the only major name yet to announce such a range. The micro four thirds system was created jointly by Panasonic/Lumix and Olympus. Both have huge ranges although the review sites currently seem to put Panasonic in the lead. I'm also looking for a new camera and have been tempted by this system: dSLRs are, for me, way too heavy, and a day of lugging one around leaves me with an aching shoulder (that's before including a decent zoom lens which is necessary for the sort of architecture shots I mostly take). The weight difference between dSLRs and four-thirds is extraordinary. Of course, if most of your work is at home on a tripod then that shouldn't matter. I've recently been using a zoom bridge camera and a smaller pocket camera (both Lumix, for those wonderful Leica lenses, although there are similar spec and equally good cameras by other manufacturers). Paul Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ashley Posted March 24, 2012 Share Posted March 24, 2012 My advice: read the reviews in magasines. Compare price for features. Then go handle the chosen cameras. Then buy. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Katier Posted May 17, 2012 Share Posted May 17, 2012 Ashley has the best advice just remember not to ignore ANY manufacturers. Pentax, my favourite, often gets overlooked - which is a shame as while their range is small the range is well regarded and their prime (non-zoom) lenses are world leading. I'd definitely look at interchangeable lenses as they provide the best flexibility. To that end Pentax have just brought out a new camera, the K-01. This is unique in the mirrorless world as it provides you with the ability to natively use the extensive over 40 years production of k-mount lenses. i.e. it's using DSLR lenses rather than bespoke smaller lenses meaning the compatible range is substantially large (massive in fact). This does make it larger than other mirrorless cameras although with superb kit lens it is provided with, it's not much bigger than some of the competition.. and if size is a major issue then the other MIL camera Pentax do, the Q is insanely small!! Don't discount second hand buys either. Personally if going DSLR I'd look at a second hand K20D body with one of the Pentax Prime lenses. (I prefer my 50mm f1.7 to my 18-55 zoom) Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
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