Recommendation for a Beginner

[JaggyNI]

Hey guys, I would really like to get into photography, but right now I can't justify spending a lot of money on a DSLR when I'm not 100% sure that I'll stick at it/enjoy it. So I'm looking for a digital camera that isn't a DSLR, if that makes any sense :s haha.

I'm interested in shooting sports (mainly skateboarding and football) but also nature photos! My budget is about £150 give or take a few. I'm in the UK. I can't think of any other information that would be worthwhile for you guys.

So yea any ideas please reply, thanks!

Chris

 

[jrizal]

IMO a bridge camera with ultra-zoom capabilities and manual controls would be best suited for your needs. Canon SX40-HS seems to be the leader of the pack then followed by the Nikon Coolpix P510/500 models. All three models average at US$400. For cheaper models, Fujifilm or Kodak models averaging US$250 would also suit you.

 

[fjrabon]

if you can stretch a tiny bit more, I really love my panasonic lumix LX5. It will get you 90% of the way to dSLR results for around 250 pounds. ($350 dollars). Amazon currently giving away free $50 gift cards when you buy them, though I don't know if they're doing the same for UK customers. If you count the amazon gift card as cash (which it basically is given you can buy anything on amazon), that gets it fiarly close to your price range. Amazon.com: Panasonic Lumix DMC-LX5 10.1 MP Digital Camera with 3.8x Optical Image Stabilized Zoom and 3.0-Inch LCD - Black: Camera & Photo

 

[LizardKing]

Hello and welcome!

Well, probably someone will be able to give you better advice than me regarding this, but let's see how I can help...

Recently I met someone who owned a Canon G12 and it seemed really great! I've heard Canon G1 is also pretty good.
Canon PowerShot - Digital Compact Camera - Canon Ireland

As for Nikon, I had for several years the Nikon P80 and really loved it! It allowed me to take some shots I really really like... Although I believe this model is kinda old and now you have P90 and P100... which I can't find in the Nikon webpage, so I'm assuming they're kinda old too maybe?

Now, haven't tried these two, but from the specifications, they look pretty good:
Nikon | Imaging Products | COOLPIX P510Nikon | Imaging Products | COOLPIX L310
You should probably check some other brands as well, but cannot help much there as I've never used any.
Not sure if all of these cameras are within' your price range, didn't check that...

Anyway, try to buy a camera that has Manual Mode, so it allows you to play with this and learn a little bit about apertures and shutterspeeds.

Good luck!

 

[chuasam]

if you can stretch a tiny bit more, I really love my panasonic lumix LX5. It will get you 90% of the way to dSLR results for around 250 pounds. ($350 dollars). Amazon currently giving away free $50 gift cards when you buy them, though I don't know if they're doing the same for UK customers. If you count the amazon gift card as cash (which it basically is given you can buy anything on amazon), that gets it fiarly close to your price range. Amazon.com: Panasonic Lumix DMC-LX5 10.1 MP Digital Camera with 3.8x Optical Image Stabilized Zoom and 3.0-Inch LCD - Black: Camera & Photo

I have an LX5. I would hardly call it 90% of the way to DSLR results. Image results are at best 20% of a DSLR. Bridge cameras are way to slow for Sports too.
Either suck it up and buy a DSLR or don't bother at all.

 

[JaggyNI]

Thanks for all the advice, will take it on board and do a lot of research before I make my final decision!

How is the like of this; Fujifilm FinePix S3200 Digital Camera 3-inch LCD: Amazon.co.uk: Electronics is that worth the money? Right now I know next to nothing about what is/isn't good so really appreciating any help I get!

 

[Designer]

Thanks for all the advice, will take it on board and do a lot of research before I make my final decision!

How is the like of this; Fujifilm FinePix S3200 Digital Camera 3-inch LCD: Amazon.co.uk: Electronics is that worth the money? Right now I know next to nothing about what is/isn't good so really appreciating any help I get!

Relax, Jaggy, you need to stick to your budget, and I appreciate that. Now if you can get a "point-and-shoot" that will give you RAW files within your budget, then I would recommend that. Otherwise, just get a camera that feels good, is within your budget, and has a good factory warranty, or a reputable dealer who will help you with anay possible repairs that might be needed.

Your goal should be to be able to take some pictures, and share them with family and friends, and not necessarily to become a professional photographer. Have fun with it!

 

[jrizal]

Thanks for all the advice, will take it on board and do a lot of research before I make my final decision!

How is the like of this; Fujifilm FinePix S3200 Digital Camera 3-inch LCD: Amazon.co.uk: Electronics is that worth the money? Right now I know next to nothing about what is/isn't good so really appreciating any help I get!

It's a pretty decent camera for its price. It has manual controls so you can familiarize yourself with photo settings eventually preparing you to moving up to a DSLR should you finally take the jump.

 

[Blairg]

Get a Nikon D3100 it's 549 usd which should put you close.

 

[JaggyNI]

On Amazon that is almost £380, a good bit more than my budget lol. Give me an honest answer though; is it worth waiting a while to save up/sell a few things in order to buy the Nikon D3100? The reviews on Amazon are great... but I'd say you guys would know a bit more

Edit: Whoops just saw the other couple of posts above the one I replied to. Thanks guys, as I said I'm in no rush to go out and buy one, I want to make sure I make the right decision! Ultimately having fun with it is what I want to do, Designer, as that's what I'm getting into the hobby for

Second edit: How about this as well, I'm definitely willing to spend an extra £100ish if it gives me a better camera for starting off and long term http://www.amazon.co.uk/Canon-Digit...1?s=electronics&ie=UTF8&qid=1338901914&sr=1-1