Best camera/lens to buy for 300-500GBP

[bigbill340]

Hi all,

 

 I am thinking of getting a better camera than a point and shot I currently use. I am not a camera tech head, so please keep it simple for me!

 

 I want to get a good camera for the above price range, this would also have to include the lens in the price.

 

 

 What are some good options from you wiser folk out there??

 

 

 

 Bill

[jerry]

Limit your choice to Canon or Nikon .

 

All bodies on the market of these two brands are of high quality and will do fine .  

I would look a 550 or 600 Canon with a 18-135 zoom and you can't go wrong .

[bigbill340]

Limit your choice to Canon or Nikon .

 

All bodies on the market of these two brands are of high quality and will do fine .  

I would look a 550 or 600 Canon with a 18-135 zoom and you can't go wrong .

 

Thanks for that Jerry!

 

I will have a look for them now!

 

 

Bill

[jerry]

Thanks for that Jerry!

 

I will have a look for them now!

 

 

Bill

 

No probs .

 

In Thailand i usually buy my stuff from this shop . They are by far the cheapest in the region .  

Only problem is they are located in Sri Racha so you need at least a bike .  

 

http://www.digital2home.com/en/list-products.php?page_no=2&brand_id=1

 

About half way on the page you see the Canon 600 with 18-135 for 23.500Bht including all the goodies .

They also sell the kiss X5 what is the Japanese version of the same camera for a lower price (it has English

software so no problem) .  

 

Ask for the tax refund form and you will get 7% tax back on the airport on your way out of the country .

[bigbill340]

No probs .

 

In Thailand i usually buy my stuff from this shop . They are by far the cheapest in the region .  

Only problem is they are located in Sri Racha so you need at least a bike .  

 

http://www.digital2home.com/en/list-products.php?page_no=2&brand_id=1

 

About half way on the page you see the Canon 600 with 18-135 for 23.500Bht including all the goodies .

They also sell the kiss X5 what is the Japanese version of the same camera for a lower price (it has English

software so no problem) .  

 

Ask for the tax refund form and you will get 7% tax back on the airport on your way out of the country .

 

Thanks for your help Jerry.

 

The price seems a good one and maybe worth the little trip out.

 

The tax back will help a little too!

 

 

Bill

[Mr Reo]

Hi Bill

 

I have Nikon D90 DLSR but do find that it is too big to carry around all the time and subsequently do miss a lot of photo opportunities. Also agree with comment by another member that a pro looking set up may be a bit daunting to the girls.

 

I have just ordered up a Canon SX260HS as I wanted a compact with manual controls as well as good zoom and point and shoot capabilities. This one got really good reviews and hopefully will complement the D90 perfectly and small and light enough to carry everywhere and never miss a good photo opportunity. This one is not the latest model so got very cheap for £180. If you were looking at the 2 camera route seriously that would still leave enough for a pretty good bridge camera (one step down from DSLR) which would have better flash and give more professional results. I used to have a Fuji Finepix which was about £250 pound mark and picture quality was nearly as good as the DSLR and really good results certainly easier to achieve than the more complicated DSLR cameras. Worth having a google search on bridge cameras and if you go back from the latest models you can get some real bargains. Depends how set you are on DSLR. For top quality pics they can't be beaten but do take a lot more skill to get the best results and I will confess to not being as good as I would like. Sometimes wish I had stuck with my bridge cam and not spent so much on the full set up.

 

Good luck

 

Kev

[bigbill340]

Hi Bill

 

I have Nikon D90 DLSR but do find that it is too big to carry around all the time and subsequently do miss a lot of photo opportunities. Also agree with comment by another member that a pro looking set up may be a bit daunting to the girls.

 

I have just ordered up a Canon SX260HS as I wanted a compact with manual controls as well as good zoom and point and shoot capabilities. This one got really good reviews and hopefully will complement the D90 perfectly and small and light enough to carry everywhere and never miss a good photo opportunity. This one is not the latest model so got very cheap for £180. If you were looking at the 2 camera route seriously that would still leave enough for a pretty good bridge camera (one step down from DSLR) which would have better flash and give more professional results. I used to have a Fuji Finepix which was about £250 pound mark and picture quality was nearly as good as the DSLR and really good results certainly easier to achieve than the more complicated DSLR cameras. Worth having a google search on bridge cameras and if you go back from the latest models you can get some real bargains. Depends how set you are on DSLR. For top quality pics they can't be beaten but do take a lot more skill to get the best results and I will confess to not being as good as I would like. Sometimes wish I had stuck with my bridge cam and not spent so much on the full set up.

 

Good luck

 

Kev

 

Hi Kev,

 

I already have an ok-ish point and shoot, so I am just after a better camera for general photos of my travels. It will also be useful for my hobby as I love to go fishing and also like to have some good photos of the nature around me.

 I am not set on any sort of camera really, it is just I want something that will take better pictures than a point and shoot and that isn't going to need replacing in a year when I get the hang of it.

 I really am a novice on photography, but if I when I get a better camera I will learn more about how to get the most out of it, and hopefully this will lead to better pics.

 

 

Bill

[gogo dog]

SOme great deals on the Nikon D3100 at the moment if you want a DSLR. If you want a good compact take a look at the Sony RX100.

[SpeedyD]

Why not check a Sony, Olympus or Panasonic CSC?  I'm not sure about the price in GBP but here (the Netherlands) you can easily find sets (body+lens) lower then €500,-.

These camera's are smaller and (mostly) easier in use then a DSLR. And the quality of the photos isn't that much behind a DSLR, some CSC camera's even deliver better quality photos then the cheapest DSLRs. (you can check www.dpreview.com for camera reviews to get an idea)

[bigbill340]

SOme great deals on the Nikon D3100 at the moment if you want a DSLR. If you want a good compact take a look at the Sony RX100.

 

Thank you for that!

 

There does seem to be some good deals on it, is it good for the money compared with others mentioned? will it last?

 

 

Thanks

 

 

Bill

[Mr Reo]

Hi Kev,

 

I already have an ok-ish point and shoot, so I am just after a better camera for general photos of my travels. It will also be useful for my hobby as I love to go fishing and also like to have some good photos of the nature around me.

 I am not set on any sort of camera really, it is just I want something that will take better pictures than a point and shoot and that isn't going to need replacing in a year when I get the hang of it.

 I really am a novice on photography, but if I when I get a better camera I will learn more about how to get the most out of it, and hopefully this will lead to better pics.

 

 

Bill

 

In that case DSLR would definitely be the way to go. Only advice I would offer is to still pack your point and shoot for those spur of the moment piccie opportunities. Will let others more knowledgeable than myself offer far better advice on choice of the best to buy.

 

Rather of topic and perhaps better the subject for PM but very interested to see a fellow fishing enthusiast on here. Fishing is my main hobby apart from girls when in Thailand and always on the lookout for fellow enthusiasts.

 

I can mostly be found on the shores of Pattaya fishing park on Sukhumwit when staying in Pattaya and also always spare a few days to take side trip to Bungsamran lake in BK in the hope of catching that monster Mekhong or Siamese carp. Also been looking at a newer park which has opened since my last visit (Amazon Fishing Park). Looks pretty pricey but some real interesting species. Definitely on my must visit list this time round.

 

Where do you do your fishing. If our paths should ever cross in Pattaya hope we might catch up for some angling. That is one situation where a wingman does make for a more fun day out.

 

Kev

[bigbill340]

In that case DSLR would definitely be the way to go. Only advice I would offer is to still pack your point and shoot for those spur of the moment piccie opportunities. Will let others more knowledgeable than myself offer far better advice on choice of the best to buy.

 

Rather of topic and perhaps better the subject for PM but very interested to see a fellow fishing enthusiast on here. Fishing is my main hobby apart from girls when in Thailand and always on the lookout for fellow enthusiasts.

 

I can mostly be found on the shores of Pattaya fishing park on Sukhumwit when staying in Pattaya and also always spare a few days to take side trip to Bungsamran lake in BK in the hope of catching that monster Mekhong or Siamese carp. Also been looking at a newer park which has opened since my last visit (Amazon Fishing Park). Looks pretty pricey but some real interesting species. Definitely on my must visit list this time round.

 

Where do you do your fishing. If our paths should ever cross in Pattaya hope we might catch up for some angling. That is one situation where a wingman does make for a more fun day out.

 

Kev

 

Next time I'm out there matey we will have to have a day out together, I never really mind where I go, so it can be your choice!

 

 I thought about doing Amazon too, but other things kept me from going last trip, hopefully will get a bit in on my next one!

 

 

Bill

[bigbill340]

Why not check a Sony, Olympus or Panasonic CSC?  I'm not sure about the price in GBP but here (the Netherlands) you can easily find sets (body+lens) lower then €500,-.

These camera's are smaller and (mostly) easier in use then a DSLR. And the quality of the photos isn't that much behind a DSLR, some CSC camera's even deliver better quality photos then the cheapest DSLRs. (you can check www.dpreview.com for camera reviews to get an idea)

 

I will have a look at them later when I get home from work.

 

Thanks for the advice my friend.

 

 

Bill

[Little Evil]

Limit your choice to Canon or Nikon .

 

All bodies on the market of these two brands are of high quality and will do fine .  

I would look a 550 or 600 Canon with a 18-135 zoom and you can't go wrong .

 

I wouldn't overlook the micro four thirds coming from Pentax, Sony and Samsung.  Good options for the inbetweener who wants more control, lens options, but less bulk.  Canon and Nikon are the undisputed DSLR champs, but there is a whole market segment for smaller cameras with more control.

[strawberrypi]

I have a canon eos 7d with some nice lenses - love it. But lately I have been tempted by a Sony RX100:

 

 - 28-100mm (equiv), f/1.8-4.9

 - Unusually large sensor for a pocket camera = clean photos with little noise, and good low-light performance

 

Review: http://www.stevehuffphoto.com/2012/07/26/the-sony-rx100-digital-camera-review/

[Little Evil]

I have a canon eos 7d with some nice lenses - love it. But lately I have been tempted by a Sony RX100:

 

 - 28-100mm (equiv), f/1.8-4.9

 - Unusually large sensor for a pocket camera = clean photos with little noise, and good low-light performance

 

Review: http://www.stevehuffphoto.com/2012/07/26/the-sony-rx100-digital-camera-review/

 

Impressive numbers for a relatively small fixed lens camera.  DP Review has a full review on it.  Will read up after work.  BTW, I mean Panasonic above, not Pentax.  

[Asian Man]

Hi all,

 

 I am thinking of getting a better camera than a point and shot I currently use. I am not a camera tech head, so please keep it simple for me!

 

 I want to get a good camera for the above price range, this would also have to include the lens in the price.

 

 

 What are some good options from you wiser folk out there??

 

 

 

 Bill

 

Hey Bill

 

I would suggest getting a Nikon D5100 or D3200 Body with a Nikon 35 1.8 DX lens.

 

It'll be great for amazingly sharp portraits of the girls in natural light (no flash)

 

If you are doing landscapes or telephoto shots you will have to look for a different lens,

Best bet is to tell me what kind of photography you will be doing.

 

Basis of recommendations:  work as a manager for camera chain store, get to play with it all.

[Asian Man]

Quick example of focal length, about 6-8 feet away from subject.

 

[bigbill340]

Hi Horn dog,

 

 Thanks for the suggestion!

 

 I would think that in Thailand I would mainly use it for portrait photos of the ladies, then whilst at home I would use it for photographing wildlife and the countryside where I live.

 

 I am not worried if I need to spend a little more on lenses as this would hopefully be a good enough setup to last me a couple of years.

 

So what lenses would you get to give a novice a good sharp photo?

 

 

Bill

[Asian Man]

Hi Horn dog,

 

 Thanks for the suggestion!

 

 I would think that in Thailand I would mainly use it for portrait photos of the ladies, then whilst at home I would use it for photographing wildlife and the countryside where I live.

 

 I am not worried if I need to spend a little more on lenses as this would hopefully be a good enough setup to last me a couple of years.

 

So what lenses would you get to give a novice a good sharp photo?

 

 

Bill

 

Hey Bill

 

Anything that is fixed (ie not a zoom) with a fast aperture ( F1.8-F2.8) will give you some awesome photos for a decent price, without flash also.

Only thing is you loose the flexibility of zooming in and out.

 

A 35mm 1.8 will give you a good angle for a full body shot, where as a 50 1.8mm or 85mm 1.8 angles will be better for head and shoulders if you are in doors.

 

Do you have a brand preference?

 

HD

[bigbill340]

Hey Bill

 

Anything that is fixed (ie not a zoom) with a fast aperture ( F1.8-F2.8) will give you some awesome photos for a decent price, without flash also.

Only thing is you loose the flexibility of zooming in and out.

 

A 35mm 1.8 will give you a good angle for a full body shot, where as a 50 1.8mm or 85mm 1.8 angles will be better for head and shoulders if you are in doors.

 

Do you have a brand preference?

 

HD

 

Hi,

 

 I have no real brand preference, I am fairly happy to go and have a look at the suggested cameras and see if I can find one that will suit me? The reason I asked is that Canon and Nikon seem to all have good reviews, but I want to know what people on here think is a good camera to get for a novice, and also what type of lenses to get as I take it that most of the lenses that come in a 'kit' with it are probably low end ones.

 

 

Bill

[Asian Man]

http://www.jessops.com/online.store/categories/products/nikon/af-s-50mm-f1-8g-81294/show.html

 

http://www.jessops.com/online.store/categories/products/nikon/af-s-35mm-f1-8-g-dx-lens-76070/show.html

 

Great portrait lenses, the 50 will give you more of a head and shoulders shot.

 

http://www.jessops.com/online.store/categories/products/nikon/d3200-digital-slr-camera-body-in-black-84944/show.html

 

Great low light sensor on the D3200

 

 

Top it off with a Gary Fong Puffer and you are all set for some awesome photos

[Asian Man]

Hi,

 

 I have no real brand preference, I am fairly happy to go and have a look at the suggested cameras and see if I can find one that will suit me? The reason I asked is that Canon and Nikon seem to all have good reviews, but I want to know what people on here think is a good camera to get for a novice, and also what type of lenses to get as I take it that most of the lenses that come in a 'kit' with it are probably low end ones.

 

 

Bill

 

Any Canon or Nikon will be great.  But canon doesn't offer a affordable 35mm 1.8, closes thing they have is a 35 f2

 

I'm going to send you a pm with some links to focal lengths and aperture effects

[bigbill340]

http://www.jessops.com/online.store/categories/products/nikon/af-s-50mm-f1-8g-81294/show.html

 

http://www.jessops.com/online.store/categories/products/nikon/af-s-35mm-f1-8-g-dx-lens-76070/show.html

 

Great portrait lenses, the 50 will give you more of a head and shoulders shot.

 

http://www.jessops.com/online.store/categories/products/nikon/d3200-digital-slr-camera-body-in-black-84944/show.html

 

Great low light sensor on the D3200

 

 

Top it off with a Gary Fong Puffer and you are all set for some awesome photos

 

Thanks so much for the advice my friend!

 

What would you suggest for a zoom lens for wildlife shots?

 

 

Bill

Any Canon or Nikon will be great.  But canon doesn't offer a affordable 35mm 1.8, closes thing they have is a 35 f2

 

I'm going to send you a pm with some links to focal lengths and aperture effects

 

Thanks s much for your help!

 

 

Bill

[Cynical Sailor]

I have a Canon 600D that came with two good lenses as a package. It's in the price bracket your looking at, is 18MP, and takes fantastic photos. I did a considerable amount of research when taking the plunge from a point-and-shoot to a SLR. I couldn't be happier. Check some reviews and see what others think.