Buying a camera for the wife to be..

jordanogrady

jordanogrady

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Hi all,
I'm just racking my brain looking for a camera for the fiancee.... And wondered if I could get some advice from you guys, i've been searching the forums for the last hour and reading bits and bobs.... so....

She basically likes photography, I have a D40 with 2 lenses, flashes and other bits and bobs, now she likes it but wants something a little smaller, She mentioned getting a compact SLR camera, or a bridge camera.. But I dont really know a great deal about either...

I've been looking at the lumix G1 cameras, but could be a little over budget...
Or would we be better off getting something like this
http://www.jessops.com/online.store/products/77994/show.html
A bridge style??

or she did send me a link with these style of camera's on..
http://www.jessops.com/online.store/products/77661/show.html


So basically, she wants something smaller than a digital SLR camera, the budget is not massive, prob £200 maybe go £100 more at a push.. She'd like to be able to mess about with different settings (i think) rather than just point and shoot....

So whats everyone think?

Jordan

PS i'm really sorry to start another "What camera should I buy thread" but if it was for me, i'd just read about SLR's and upgrade my D40 to some other nikon camera.
 
It depends on how much she really is into photography. Personally, I would say:

"Very interested, willing to learn, would like the ability to change lenses and add flashguns and such in the future" - Get a compact micro four thirds (Olympus PEN series, Panasonic GFx series).

"Interested in photography, want manual features and good image quality, but don't want to faff about with loads of lenses and carry a bag everywhere and such" - Enthusiast compact like Canon S95/G12, Panasonic LX5 etc.

"She wants to experiment with photography and just wants a simple "do everything" camera"- superzoom camera.

With a £200-300 budget, you'd be looking at second hand if you want to go for either of the first two options. But there's nothing wrong with second hand.
 
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I dont think she wants to mess about swapping lenses, she wont get into it as much as me, so probably a 2nd hand bridge camera then???
 
Simple - you buy the camera that you want as a back-up to the camera you are currently using and will take your lenses, then you've always got that second body on hand!
 
Somelier said:
Simple - you buy the camera that you want as a back-up to the camera you are currently using and will take your lenses, then you've always got that second body on hand!
Click to expand...

It was a thought, and i did mention to her that she could have my D40 and i'd get a D90 or something BUT she doesn't want a camera as big as the D40.... so pretty much stuck with getting a smaller one!
 
I got my OH a (pink) Canon IXUS 95 IS 2yrs ago - she loves it as its something that she can use quite easily... Must say that even her daughter used it (no experience with cameras what so ever) an took some cracking shots that even put my DSLR (at that time to shame) when we was at Longfield :$
 
Olympus e410 or 420?

Small and very good!

Mines a 510, which she may still like and produces good results

singlelilly-framed-3.jpg
 
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IMVHO, I'd say a bridge camera is potentially the worst of both worlds in that it's NOT a DSLR but it takes up a fair amount of room. Likewise compacts like the LX3 can also be a bit sticky out and beyond slipping into the jacket pocket without creating a bulge.

I starte to read this thread thinking that if you really love her you'll offer her your camera and I'm delighted to note that you have so done: top marks!!
 
Depending on the bridge, the Fuji HS10/HS20 is a good camera, but is heading towards the size of a DSLR, even though you can't swap the lens, has manual control, raw, HD video etc.etc.

I would take her to a shop and let her try some for size.

The Panasonic range is V good, as is the Canon G series. It all depends how big she wants and what she wants it to do. One thing a bridge could offer is huge focal range, which appeals to alot of beginners.

If you did get the Fuji, you would enjoy using it also.
 
tikkathreebarrel said:
IMVHO, I'd say a bridge camera is potentially the worst of both worlds in that it's NOT a DSLR but it takes up a fair amount of room. Likewise compacts like the LX3 can also be a bit sticky out and beyond slipping into the jacket pocket without creating a bulge.

I starte to read this thread thinking that if you really love her you'll offer her your camera and I'm delighted to note that you have so done: top marks!!
Click to expand...

I just thought a bridge one could have been the best of both worlds... I have a fuji compact, and I have given her this tonight (she wants it wrapping) as these will be a birthday present lol so I just thought that a bridge was the next step up for her... Or the Linux G1 as it's a little smaller than a dslr camera....

Hmmm the choices!! I will probably be upgrading my D40 this year, so she may get that anyway...
 
lawrie29 said:
Depending on the bridge, the Fuji HS10/HS20 is a good camera, but is heading towards the size of a DSLR, even though you can't swap the lens, has manual control, raw, HD video etc.etc.

I would take her to a shop and let her try some for size.

The Panasonic range is V good, as is the Canon G series. It all depends how big she wants and what she wants it to do. One thing a bridge could offer is huge focal range, which appeals to alot of beginners.

If you did get the Fuji, you would enjoy using it also.
Click to expand...

Yeah we are going to have a look this weekend, I just thought I'd make this post for a bit of help 1st.

Thanks for the comments... If anyone has more thoughts feel free to post.
 
upgrade yours to d90, d300s or d7000, you carry the lenses and all she needs to do is get them off your back when she wants to swap ;) lol


my other half I got a panasonic tz5 (I think it is) and haven't upgraded that yet - due soon I think. Its small, fits in your pocket yet has a big zoom. Problem is no raw. But I'm sure there are similar models out there with raw and settings ability. Cost was around 250 ukp.

If you don't buy straight off, have a browse through a bigger curries/jessops and play with as many as you can. Then have a look online to see if the same camera is cheaper :)
 
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