[crazycarb]

Ok, It is my wifes birthday next month, and she has expressed a very keen interest in getting a new camera.
Now then, I do know that she seems to want 10+ OPTICAL zoom and not digital zoom. Apart from that I am in the dark.
She took me by surprise, as I have already booked a night time "ghost hunt" for her, (She's into this sort of ****).
But me being me, am going to get the camera too. Now then, I'm looking at spending sub 200 quid...Can any of you true photographers give me any pointers please??

 

[symon]

I wouldn't say I was a true photographer but if it was me I would look at the Panasonic TZ range.

I have a TZ8 here which I use as backup to my DSLR and it is excellent.

The latest TZ30 has a backside illuminated CMOS sensors (better in low light) and has 20x optical zoom, all in a compact size.

They are about £175 new.


Some people like bridge cameras, but for me they are a bad compromise. They have a large physical size like a DSLR so won't fit into your pocket/bag, but they have none of the benefits such as a larger sensor, interchangeable lenses etc. Allthough some offer a big zoom for your money.

 

[crazycarb]

AAaaahhhh, sorry you have just reminded me...It's DSLR she is after. I forgot as unfortunately, I know nothing about these things.

 

[GhostyDog]

Why dont you try the technology section of the site, many many threads to answer your question. £200 aint gonna go far brand new though, and you have to careful buying secondhand cameras.

 

[crazycarb]

Thats a great idea, and I wonder how I can get the thread moved there?

 

[GhostyDog]

Thats a great idea, and I wonder how I can get the thread moved there?

Ask a mod

 

[symon]

For an entry DSLR you are looking about £250 upwards, however this will have a kit lens which are normally 18-55mm

You will have to pay extra for a zoom lens.

You will probably be better going for a model that has just been replaced, like the Nikon D3100 as they tend to be a lot cheaper than they were originally new, but are quite a bit cheaper.

 

[stan laurel]

excuse me for hi-jacking, but im looking for a camera too: sub £75 would be brill.

just needed for decent holiday pics

 

[stan laurel]

and cc : hope you get something good and share the pics

 

[Poolegan]

With a 10+ zoom you would have to look at a bridge camera. They look a bit like a dslr but the lens is fixed. They get these amazing zoom ranges by using a smaller ccd so the image quality is not quite as good at the extremes of exposure as a dslr, but to get that sort of range on a dslr you would be shelling out for 2 or 3 lenses in addition to the body and a sight more than £200. However unless you are planning for pro use or huge prints the quality is fine.

I've been using a 12x Canon S3is for years now (it's discontinued), but there are a number of replacements in your price range. I am a fan of Canons having been using them since about 1978. They currently have one with a 50x zoom, SX50 HS, for around £300 and a smaller 30x, SX500, around the £200 mark.

Have a look at this review site Home | PhotographyBLOG

 

[bazza]

Thats a great idea, and I wonder how I can get the thread moved there?

Just hope that a passing mod sees your post saying that.

 

[WTFH]

To the OP:
On your budget your options are limited.
If it needs to be a dSLR, then go for a second hand one:
Used Canon 450D + 18-55mm IS | London Camera Exchange - Norwich
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Canon-1000D-/171075258869?pt=UK_CamerasPhoto_DigitalCameras_DigitalCameras_JN&hash=item27d4e149f5


You could go new (with a stretch):
Canon EOS 1100D Digital SLR Camera: Amazon.co.uk: Camera & Photo

(I've been shooting Canon for over 30 years, but have also used Sony & Olympus digitals as well)

 

[WTFH]

excuse me for hi-jacking, but im looking for a camera too: sub £75 would be brill.

just needed for decent holiday pics

For you sir, I'd look at the Canon Outlet on fleabay. This is where they sell their repaired returns/ex display stuff
http://stores.ebay.co.uk/canon-outlet/Canon-Compact-Cameras-/_i.html?rt=nc&_fsub=11&_sid=114950978&_trksid=p4634.c0.m14&_sop=2&_sc=1

You could get a Powershot A2300 for £50 or an Ixus 500 for £80

 

[Dave Brand]

excuse me for hi-jacking, but im looking for a camera too: sub £75 would be brill.

just needed for decent holiday pics

With a 10+ zoom you would have to look at a bridge camera. They look a bit like a dslr but the lens is fixed.

I've recently bought cameras in both of those categories! For me, the market is somewhat limited as I have two basic criteria which any camera must meet. Firstly, it must have a viewfinder, as I find LCD screens unusable in bright sunlight. Secondly, it must use AA batteries. Dedicated Li-ion batteries make for a much more compact camera, but their life is limited & spares are expensive; a typical Li-ion has a capacity around 1200mAh, while AA rechargeables can be 2700 or more, that's 5400 for a pair. Another advantage of AA's is that if your batteries run flat away from a convenient power supply you can get "normal" batteries just about anywhere.

For the cheap camera I use a Canon A1300. 5x optical zoom, small enough to fit in a pocket & reasonable picture quality. Nothing special, not a camera for the "serious" photographer, but great for holidays & cheap enough not to worry about dropping it or losing it. The newer A1400 is available under £75.

For the "bridge" camera I bought a Pentax X-5 - "only" 26x optical zoom. I haven't had it long enough to do any serious photography with it, but early results look good. It has a good quality feel to it & the controls are the best I've had on a digital camera - the most-used functions are immediately accessible. Good value for £150.

 

[crazycarb]

Thanks very much for your input guys, thats given me some ammo to start looking and I'' certainly look at the models suggested. cheers.

 

[stan laurel]

likewise, thanks very much