Camera advice needed

irlrobins

Morning all,

I currently have a Sony CyberShot DSC-P200. I find it's great for taking snaps of friends and family, nights out, etc. But it's two weaknesses that I find are that it's flash is very poor in indoor situations and it's zoom is very limited.

So I'd like to get a second camera, that features a better zoom lens and with a stronger flash. Because of that I guess I'm looking to get a Electronic Digital Single Lens Reflex Cameras - EDSLR (according to the FAQ anyway).

I'm not looking for anything too fancy, obviously some more advanced features than the sony would be appreciated, but I don't want to be overwhelmed by them either. And I'd like to restrict myself ot a budget of €300.

I see that Fuji are bringing out the S1000fd later this month. It seems to have what I require. Anyone got any opinions on this? Or are there better cameras in the same budget already available?

Thanks!

irlrobins

Tiny bump

nilhg

At your budget you are looking at a bridge model (like the one you mentioned) or a second hand DSLR.

The bridge models are good under normal conditions but because of their smaller sensor size image quality deteriorates quicker than a DSLR, but you probably knows all that already.

The Fuji you mentioned will probably be quite decent they have a strong track record with these type of models, one thing to watch out for is the minimum zoom is 33mm equivalent, 28 mm would be the standard, if you do much landscape type stuff you will notice the difference.

Fionn

looks to be a fairly good spec!!
compare it to any of these too:
Canon PowerShot S5 IS
Sony DSC-H9 big zoom
Olympus SP-550UZ
Panasonic DMC-FZ8

irlrobins

nilhg wrote: »

one thing to watch out for is the minimum zoom is 33mm equivalent, 28 mm would be the standard, if you do much landscape type stuff you will notice the difference.

Can you explain this? (I'm a bit of novice). Thanks!

snellers

as said before you are looking at a bridge type camera for that price .....I have noticed a couple recently on adverts.ie .....panasonic if I remember...maybe check those out.
based on your requirement for greater zoom optical zoom is what you want not digital (basically dictates the quality/sharpness of image produced)....google if you need to further understand what this means - loads of info around.

without getting into DSLR with interchangeable lens/flash you will always have a limit to what you can do with the camera.....maybe before splashing out the cash on a bridge once again do some research to understand it's limitations.

unless you are prepared to get more technically involved and potentially spend more money I would be wary of suggesting you go down the DSLR route (which could fulfill all of your zoom and flash requirements 100% ....but likely to be a lot more than 300 euro!)

irlrobins

Yep, I'm aware of optical vs digital zoom, so I'd be looking at a camera that has a decent optical zoom range.

I don't think DSLR would suit me as you say, certainly not at this stage. Perhaps after getting some experience with a bridge one, and getting used to using manual settings instead of auto, I could look at DSLR. But at this stage it would be wasted money.

snellers

FYI there is a panasonic lumix fz18 with 18x zoom on adverts at the moment...guideline price less than 300 euros....i havent looked at reviews for it but could well be worth investigating! .....also a lumix fz50 a bit over 300 but once again worth checking out....best of luck!!

nilhg

irlrobins wrote: »

Can you explain this? (I'm a bit of novice). Thanks!

Your angle of view would be narrower by approx 10 degrees.

irlrobins wrote: »

Yep, I'm aware of optical vs digital zoom, so I'd be looking at a camera that has a decent optical zoom range.

I don't think DSLR would suit me as you say, certainly not at this stage. Perhaps after getting some experience with a bridge one, and getting used to using manual settings instead of auto, I could look at DSLR. But at this stage it would be wasted money.

I wouldn't be quite so quick to dismiss a DSLR (budget allowing) the controls won't be significantly different (most top bridge models are designed to be DSLR like) and there are significant advantages to them. If zoom is important to you then something like a Sigma 70-300 can be had for little over €100.

Take a look at the various reviews on DPReview and the other sites, and pay close attention to the example shots from the various models.

irlrobins

Yeah, but no receipt with it so not sure how it's covered by warranty.

majiktripp

For the price and features your looking for I would recommend the Panasonic FZ8 (which I have personally). I used it for quite the while before upgrading to a Nikon D40x but I still like the Panasonic, good zoom range, good picture quality etc.
I purchased it from a seller on eBay, Emily&Lily, and was very happy with their service. again its upto yourself at the end of the day, just try and have a look at as many as possible before making an informed decsion.

irlrobins

Just an update: Bought a Panasonic FZ-18 today in the UK, got it for €320 which seems a good price. Thanks for all the advice people.