Advice re purchase of New Camera

C

Chrissie

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Christine Macleod
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I purchased a Canon SX200 a couple of years ago, only for sand to have got into the camera and now I cannot open it up to take a picture - it comes up with Lens Error. However, I have decided to purchase a new camera.

I am looking for advice as I liked my Canon, the 12 x optical zoom and the ability to change the settings instead of being on automatic all the time.

I was looking at the Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ45 Black (cheapest is £249.00) as it isn't quite an SLR camera but inbetween. I have read many reviews and the more I read the more confused I get.

Is there a camera that someone can recommend to me. I like taking good quality photos and have recently taken evening classes which taught me so much more about the camera that I had and how to get the best out of it.

Thank you.

Christine
 
Sounds like you really want a SLR. 'Bridge' cameras are ok but ultimately limiting due to having fixed lens and I think you would soon say 'wish I'd got a SLR'....
With some poking about you should be able to find an 'entry' level one for not much more than the price you're looking at. Much better proposition as you can add lenses etc as you go but don't buy anything unless you know you need it!!
Just my take on it........... Good luck.:bang:
 

Thank you for your comments. I shall have another look before I make any purchases.
 
Yeah definitely go for a dslr. It will save you money in the long run. I got a bridge camera which was ok but its limiting and I don't just mean with the lens, they respond better, focusing is better, less noise etc. And then of course the ability to get a specific lens for the job you want. So if you enjoy photography, like me you will decide you need a dslr. I did. Then my dad wanted a new camera and he thought a bridge camera was all he would ever need. I told him he would prefer a dslr but he said no. Long story short he is now looking for a second camera body. My mom also went the bridge route and now has a dslr. One of mine that I sold to her when I upgraded. The difference being is of course you do end up spending more but when you buy into a system ie Canon nikon Sony etc you can upgrade as and when you like over a period of time instead of paying all you can afford on one camera you can get an entry level dslr with a kit lens even second hand, lots of bargains to be had. Then you can get a decent lens when you can afford it but in the mean time your still able to take better photos than you would be with the bridge camera. Then further down the line a different lens. Further still a new camera body and your current lenses still work with it only probably with better results. How far you go with purchases us up to you but even if you only got a body and one lens it is still much better to go the dslr route.
 
If you like canon, go for a 550D second-hand with the kit lens. For my money, its probably the best beginner DSLR you can get as its going to be cheap, cheerful and will take great pictures. Should cost you no more than £500 for one with the kit lens in good nick. If you have a bit more extra cash, the 600D is very good considering the specs!
 
Jamtea said:
If you like canon, go for a 550D second-hand with the kit lens. For my money, its probably the best beginner DSLR you can get as its going to be cheap, cheerful and will take great pictures. Should cost you no more than £500 for one with the kit lens in good nick. If you have a bit more extra cash, the 600D is very good considering the specs!
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As the OP is talking about a £249, a suggestion of £500 is possibly a bit high. Maybe a second hand 450D. Alternatively there are great deals to be had on used Sony equipment. I've just got an A450 for my dad in the forum for £210 in mint condition.
 
For your money you should be able to pick up a good 2nd hand canon 400D with a kit lens.
I started with one of these and it is a great entry level camera to get you atarted.
Has all the features you will need and you add things as you go along.

spike
 
or maybe just go or something like an Olympus zx-1 if all you want to do is take decent photos with a compact camera
 
amtaylor said:
As the OP is talking about a £249, a suggestion of £500 is possibly a bit high. Maybe a second hand 450D. Alternatively there are great deals to be had on used Sony equipment. I've just got an A450 for my dad in the forum for £210 in mint condition.
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Fair point, though at that point a high end bridge cam may be suitable in terms of focal lengths. The reason I mention the 550D is because I think it provides the best features for money as it comes with an IS 18-55mm as well as video modes. Truth told, any cam down to the 300D wouldn't be a bad place to start, and about a year back I sold a 400D with kit lens for less than £300, so there are deals to be had!

A450 seems to be a cracking camera at that price too! Is that with the kit lens then? If so, that would seem to fit the OP well.
 
Jamtea said:
Fair point, though at that point a high end bridge cam may be suitable in terms of focal lengths. The reason I mention the 550D is because I think it provides the best features for money as it comes with an IS 18-55mm as well as video modes. Truth told, any cam down to the 300D wouldn't be a bad place to start, and about a year back I sold a 400D with kit lens for less than £300, so there are deals to be had!

A450 seems to be a cracking camera at that price too! Is that with the kit lens then? If so, that would seem to fit the OP well.
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Not with the kit lens as my Dad already has a couple of lenses but you could reasonably expect a a kit lens with it for a bout £250 going pro rata.
 
The difference is the OP wouldn't get the 12x zoom at that price on a DSLR. It's a tricky one.

If you want to really get into photography a DSLR is best, but if you simply want to replace your old camera, it may not be.
 
That's true but he wants to take good quality photos and the extra expense of a Tele zoom after it bit is gonna be well worth the money. For example the 55-250 if he went the Canon route is only 150ish new so used you can probably get one for just over 100 and then with an 18-55 you have more than 12x.
 
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