Spec me a camera for my holiday

[rossk26]

Hello!

Going to visit Prague, Vienna and Budapest in the summer, and I'm wanting a decent camera to capture some of the stunning buildings and scenery I will see.

I originally thought about getting a second hand DSLR, but then I plan on packing lightly with having to travel a lot on trains/buses during the holiday. So I'm looking for something which is relatively compact, but still offers good enough pictures to make justice of the things I will get to see on my trip.

Budget is <£200! The less the better...

 

[woof woof]

Well, about £150-£175 should get you a GF1, G1 or G2 plus adapter and 28mm f2.8 and 50mm f1.7 lenses. That'd be my choice.

Other than that I suppose a compact-ish something or other like a LX5.

 

[rossk26]

I'm considering these two. Is there a huge benefit to the larger camera? I'd prefer the smaller one for ease of carrying around etc.

Sony Cybershot DSCHX20VB

Sony Cybershot DSCHX200VB

 

[architectfadi]

I had a go at the Nikon Coolpix P7700 on the weekend and I was really impressed.

it is slightly over your budget. WEX sells them the cheapest I think

http://www.wexphotographic.com/buy-nikon-coolpix-p7700-black-digital-camera/p1532467

 

[realspeed]

Don't forget to budget for a memory card as well, they arn't included with a camera purchase

Realspeed

 

[rossk26]

Thanks for the advice guys.

I'm looking more toward the two I posted above for £150, as realspeed mentioned that would leave me with remaining cash to get memory cards and even a spare battery?

 

[ernesto]

My choice would be a small DSLR and kit lens. For example, a Sony a230 with 18 - 55 lens is not really that heavy (600g) and also not really very big yet will give very good image quality for around £130 with the focal lengths in the kit lens ideal for your intended use.
For me an older entry level DSLR is a good compromise to give small size, low price and very good IQ (compared to any alternatives and way better than the Cybershots)

 

[stu.artd]

The compacts you've linked to would be a good bet, but consider the Panasonic tz25 as well as it comes in under £150.

I have a couple of cameras, inc a 5dmk2 and yet one of my favourite photos from last year was taken with my hx20v and it's printed fine at a3+. You can only take a photo using the camera you have with you, and compacts are great on holiday for just sticking in a pocket. The good zoom range should help stop you missing anything as well.