Decision on what new camera to get?

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First of all, I'm not entirely sure this is in the right place, so please do correct me if not.

I am looking into getting a new camera around March time, once funds allow. However, the funds that will allow at that time are by no means gonna get me the best camera around, and being a beginner that is fine by me.

At the moment I have a Fuji F50fd and it does the job for me for some basic shots, and I will still use it once I get a new camera. But I want and NEED something with a much faster shutter speed and that is good at taking clear, action shots. Reason being? My main subjects are (Domestic) animals. And at the moment I am missing many a plenty shots, that and the fact my current camera is beginning to malfunction due to someone knocking it around the other week when in a pocket.

Now, my question is do I go with a cheap, starter DSLR, or a Long Zoom (current toss up is between the Nikon D40(with it being an affordable, starter DSLR and me seeing some good animal shots from it) and the Sony DSC H50(for it's fast shutter speeds and shots I have seen it able to take)) As you can gather my budget is low coming in at VERY VERY maximum £250.

I do not mind refurbished or second hand, and will in some ways(of course in perfect working order) prefer either a refurb or second hand.


So, over to you guys and your thoughts on what cameras would suit me and if indeed my choices are wise ones?
 
If you're looking for more flexiblility in yor photos i'd go with the DSLR mainly because of the interchangable lenses and the fact that you're not confined to what the lens on the Sony can do.

If you're definately after a Nikon I've seen a few D40x's on e-bay for around your price range with the kit-lens, then you can always upgrade the body/lenses/accsessories without having to buy a whole new camera.
 
Firstly welcome to the forum :)
I would suggest going to a camera shop and having a feel with the camera bodies before making a decision.
However, with you current budget, you might find it harder to find a second hand or refurb in a shop.
It's better to have a feel of the camera before making your decision.
As an example, some people fine the Canon 450D too small for their hands but for me it's fine.
Even though I am Canon fan, I would suggest either a Canon or Nikon.
The choice of lenses available are far better for these two makes are far better than they are for the other makes of DSLR cameras).
Normally I would also perhaps suggest saving up for a bit longer and buying new.
However, with the pound currently being weak against the Yen, prices have already started to creep up and Canon are going to increase prices again on 1st Feb (I don't know if Nikon will also be doing the same).
I haven't kept an eye on the price of the bodies so I don't know if they have gone up in price as of yet.
However, lenses have gone in price.
You'll quite often find older Canon & Sigma DSLR's come up in the 'for sale' section on this forum.
It'd be worth keeping an eye out for a Canon 350D / 400D or Nikon D40X.
 
Maybe you should have a look at the canon powershot range of cameras.
I have a 40D, and have just purchased the new Powershot SX10IS, and with manual settings it is a cracking camera
at a reasonable price. At least have a look at this range before going down the DSLR route, which gets to be quite
expensive.
Hope this helps.
Dave :thumbs:
 
Thanks very much for your replies guys.

Unfortunatley on the 'try before you buy' front, that isn't really possible where I live, there is a jessops in town but I don't get to go there too often, however I will really try to get myself down there.

The Nikon D40 I've seen is I think atm, on some sites - including one lens, £215-£230.
My only worry with going down the DSLR route is really not getting to grips with the whole lens issue, I mean I have no clue what lenses would suit any situations, but with my current camera I just know I want to do more and it really limits me.

Does anyone know what the shutter speeds of the d40 or d40x are like comparison to the sony model? I mean, I presume DSLRs have better shutter speeds anyway?

I'll keep an eye on the for sale section, cheers ;)
 
Hello & Welcome
First, what sort of action shots are you looking to achieve. Some are possible with a non DSLR, some are not.
I think you may be focussing a little too much on the shutter speed - however this is not really the key points for action shots. Yes, getting 1/320th of a second or above helps but most compact cameras will easily achieve this. The key is the rest of it. You need two factors to capture the action in good light.
1. No shutter delay. You press the button and the image is captured
2. Good autofocus. This is where compact cameras will let you down more. While some may have really fast autofocus, it is often difficult to actually use saif AF.

My recommendation is look out for a used Canon 350D. It is an old camera, has a fairly small screen but when it comes to autofocus it will still be shades ahead of the compacts. I would imagine you could pick one up with the kit lens and something like a 55-300 or 70-300 within your budget.
Are you prepared to spend a but of mopney on this down the ilne as your skills improve with the camera? If so a DSLR is definitly the way.

Just to add (edit) if you buy the package off the shelf you will be limited on the range you can shoot at. as you will get just the 18-55 (ish) kit lens. 55mm is only just enough to do action shots if you are working outdoors (Thinking dogs playing for example)
 
Action shots including Cats playing with eachother, a toy or themselves.
And dogs running about and playing. I also have a parrot I like to get not necessarily action shots of, but shots, and counter-act that with the fact this parrot moves a lot!

I dont mind further down the line spending more money, no, as I have now bought two camera within a 5month time frame, currently on the Fuji F50fd. My problem with this is since it got knocked around, especially, the sports option and a couple of other settings don't work propery in that none of it focuses and no matter what condition etc. there's always noise and an out of focus look - never was.
I'm also at the moment having to turn the camera off and on occassionally in the middle of taking shots as it suddenly comes WAY out of focus and cant correct itself. - on whatever setting I'm using

So, that means at the moment I'm working with Shutter Priority, but I've found with this it ONLY works with flash unless I'm outside on the sunniest day, indoors, outdoors on a normal day, etc. with lighting button [forgot the name, the one where it goes in fraction] set to the highest brightness it produces complete black shots, so of course with flash on I miss almost all the shots and then have to wait a long time til I can then take the next shot - which the camera misses too.

I WILL still be using the camera for my 'normal, everyday shots' because it still performs, and perform fine in those situations it's just when getting action shots it really lets me down all of a sudden.

I shall take a look at 350d, cheers.
 
Dave P said:
Maybe you should have a look at the canon powershot range of cameras.
I have a 40D, and have just purchased the new Powershot SX10IS, and with manual settings it is a cracking camera
at a reasonable price
Click to expand...

I've been thinking about getting this as a second, all-in-one type camera

Sometimes it's a bit inconvenient changing lenses every 2 minutes
 
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