FabSwingers.com forum: New Camera Help... pls

By (user no longer on site) OP
over a year ago

We are seriously needing to Buy a New Digi Camera..

Can anyone recommend anything !!!

We not sure about an SLR type with like 12 mega pix or just a cheaper one with like 16 mega pix ??

Can Anyone Help.. and NO we wont need anyone to take pics for us before all you guys start asking... !!!

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

It all depends upon what you want to do with it. But to be fair some of the pocket sized digitals are bloody good value for money, some less than 100 quid.

We have a small Samsung compact which we use for everyday bits and bobs, cost 119 quid 3 years ago and has taken some magnificent pics.

On the other hand we also have a Canon EOS 40D SLR which, including some accessories, lenses etc cost 1500 quid - it also takes bloody good pics.

They key to a good camera is the lens, if the lens is shit - the images will be shit no matter how good a photographer you are ..

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

We use a Samsung WB6OO. Took hundreds of shots so far, very good quality, lots of options and effects and you can pick them up for about 120 quid.

Google them for a review.

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By (user no longer on site) OP
over a year ago

The Thing was we had a Kodak a cpl of years back and 5MP i think..

We were looking back at some of our Picture albums the other night and That old Camera Took Better quality pics than the newer Pentax 9MP cam ??

You might notice the difference in our profile pics.. The one taken with the dress bent over is with the 5mp cam and the others are 9mp camera.. !!!

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

Could well be purely down to the fact that the lower mp camera had a better quality lens.

As I said, the camera can be a zillion mp, you can be the worlds best photgrapher but if the lens aint up to scratch, neither will the images

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By *evilwolfCouple
over a year ago

Leicestershire

we've got a fairly affordable intermediate camera (fuji) which does for most things and a couple of DSLRs.

The intermediate works fine in a play environment, and has a brilliant zoom and macro facility for some excellent closeups on bits n bobs.

The DSLRs have a whole shelf of lenses to work with, and is great, but a little OTT for a play environment in most cases.

If you buy a camera with a lens fixed to it, go for the highest optical zoom, and good macro from a few inches away (ignore digital zoom ratings). If you go for a DSLR, pick a body you can use, and get a standard 'kit' lens to start with, then slowly acquire the lenses you want.

Whatever you do, get a spare battery pack, and the largest memory card you can afford.

Have fun

Wolf

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By *urreyfun2008Man
over a year ago

East Grinstead

Before my redundancy had been planning on replacing my Canon S3iS with a Panasonic FZ100

Superzoom so good for general photography, and appears to have fairly good performance for indoor bedroom type stuff.

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By *andKCouple
over a year ago

Norfolk

We both have Fuji Finepix F30's and have taken some damned good underwater pics with them (through a housing) lens is one thing but knowing the other settings to use makes a huge difference too.

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By (user no longer on site) OP
over a year ago

Yeah we would like a decent Camera for the bedroom too ( one where we can delete all the extra spare tyre shots )

we were also trying to take pics of people opening the xmas prezzies !! and to be honest about more than half of the pics were blurry..

Its also bloody annoying trying to get a grandad to stand still long enough to take a photo ..

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By *andKCouple
over a year ago

Norfolk

Its also bloody annoying trying to get a grandad to stand still long enough to take a photo ..

I resemble that comment lol

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

"Yeah we would like a decent Camera for the bedroom too ( one where we can delete all the extra spare tyre shots )

we were also trying to take pics of people opening the xmas prezzies !! and to be honest about more than half of the pics were blurry..

Its also bloody annoying trying to get a grandad to stand still long enough to take a photo ..

Theres a new handheld (I think its a Nikon) that stores the last 1 second of the image going through the lens, so that when you take the pic it doesn't have to wait to read the CCD image. IT means you don't get the lag in taking the pic and discover that the picture you pressed the button for has passed.

Also, make sure you get a class 10 SD card for the camera - makes writing the data to it much quicker.

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By *histler21Man
over a year ago

Ipswich

The Canon 50D is my preferred camera for the majority of photogrpahy (including taking some photos of/for friends...) I find the full-frame capabilities of my 5D useful when paired with the 'right' lens. I normally have one style of lens on each to minimise 'down time'. It's also nice to be able to take 6 frame a second to get that mid-air jizz shot.

But it is rather large and some people are put off by it's sheer size (especially with a decent lens on). And you really need an external (dedicated) flash. Studio lights is just being cheeky!

The quality is superb and shutter lag is almost non-existent.

I also have a Casio Exilim (which I keep in my pocket/coat at all times) - I love this too in a different way - it feels less intrusive but has the downside of lag and still has a tendency to red-eye - well, when it's pointing at your face. OTOH - you can switch the dial to video mode...

I'm happy for anyone to use this because it bounces reasonably well. I would NOT be pleased to drop the 50D.

I guess it really depends on what uses you want from a camera. If it is for 3some/moresomes I'd go for the compact and let everyone 'take that shot'. If you want (IMHO) superior quality AND to use it for other uses photographic uses - go for a dSLR.

As everything - your budget may constrain your choice.

I use Canon. Nikon/Sony/Pentas make decent dSLRs too.

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

"Yeah we would like a decent Camera for the bedroom too ( one where we can delete all the extra spare tyre shots )

we were also trying to take pics of people opening the xmas prezzies !! and to be honest about more than half of the pics were blurry..

Its also bloody annoying trying to get a grandad to stand still long enough to take a photo ..

Also, make sure you get a class 10 SD card for the camera - makes writing the data to it much quicker.

It's the nikon 1 the bloody thing has been on TV non stope over Christmas!!!!

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By *ust_for_laughsCouple
over a year ago

Hinckley

Don't be put off by high pixel counts, they're actually counter productive as the sensor size rarely changes.

10mp is probably more efficient than 16mp on the sensor in a compact camera, as at 16mp you're squeezing too much info into the image, resulting in noise that's often as bad as an old 2mp camera.

Hope this makes sense, as it isn't really very well explained !?!

I've got an old Canon Ixus 60 that is (I think) 6mp, that takes way better images than the Panasonic LUMIX TZ10 (12mp) that we got recently.

They're only for fun stuff though, Canon DSLR's for the serious stuff (2 50D's and a 5DMkII)...a bit over the top for a bit of fun in the bedroom or shooting the grandkids on the slide in the garden !

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

"Don't be put off by high pixel counts, they're actually counter productive as the sensor size rarely changes.

10mp is probably more efficient than 16mp on the sensor in a compact camera, as at 16mp you're squeezing too much info into the image, resulting in noise that's often as bad as an old 2mp camera.

Hope this makes sense, as it isn't really very well explained !?!

I've got an old Canon Ixus 60 that is (I think) 6mp, that takes way better images than the Panasonic LUMIX TZ10 (12mp) that we got recently.

Hey... Can I be cheeky and ask if you have a Flickr account of anything like that?

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By *ust_for_laughsCouple
over a year ago

Hinckley

Also, make sure you get a class 10 SD card for the camera - makes writing the data to it much quicker.

You don't need a Class 10 SDHC Card in a compact camera, 4 or 6 is fine, you're unlikely to be machine gunning images off like a motorsport photographer

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By *ust_for_laughsCouple
over a year ago

Hinckley

"Don't be put off by high pixel counts, they're actually counter productive as the sensor size rarely changes.

10mp is probably more efficient than 16mp on the sensor in a compact camera, as at 16mp you're squeezing too much info into the image, resulting in noise that's often as bad as an old 2mp camera.

Hope this makes sense, as it isn't really very well explained !?!

I've got an old Canon Ixus 60 that is (I think) 6mp, that takes way better images than the Panasonic LUMIX TZ10 (12mp) that we got recently.

Hey... Can I be cheeky and ask if you have a Flickr account of anything like that? "

I do...

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By *ust_for_laughsCouple
over a year ago

Hinckley

"Don't be put off by high pixel counts, they're actually counter productive as the sensor size rarely changes.

10mp is probably more efficient than 16mp on the sensor in a compact camera, as at 16mp you're squeezing too much info into the image, resulting in noise that's often as bad as an old 2mp camera.

Hope this makes sense, as it isn't really very well explained !?!

I've got an old Canon Ixus 60 that is (I think) 6mp, that takes way better images than the Panasonic LUMIX TZ10 (12mp) that we got recently.

Hey... Can I be cheeky and ask if you have a Flickr account of anything like that? "

I'd have to know you a lot better before you got the details though !!

No offense or anything but there's a lot of family and client stuff on there.

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

I have both an SLR and a compact camera and they suit different purposes.

My compact is a Panasonic Lumix DMC-TZ8 It's a 12 million pixel, 12 Optical zoom camera and most importantly it has a LEICA lens. You can't beat them. It's got a good zoom, although the greater the Zoom the more shake you get unless you have a tripod. It has an adequate macro and can be used on IA (Intelligent Auto) or many manual settings. It's an easy point and shoot camera. Things like red eye, which you do get with the normal flash can always be worked out in photoshop. Easy for anyone to use. And it wasn't the most expensive model in the range at £140.

I highly recommend it, but then Panasonic have a good track record in general. Remember to get a large SDHC card for it as it also takes good video and you need ALOT of memory for that.

Whatever you decide on, Happy Snapping x

Hippo x

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

"Don't be put off by high pixel counts, they're actually counter productive as the sensor size rarely changes.

10mp is probably more efficient than 16mp on the sensor in a compact camera, as at 16mp you're squeezing too much info into the image, resulting in noise that's often as bad as an old 2mp camera.

Hope this makes sense, as it isn't really very well explained !?!

I've got an old Canon Ixus 60 that is (I think) 6mp, that takes way better images than the Panasonic LUMIX TZ10 (12mp) that we got recently.

Hey... Can I be cheeky and ask if you have a Flickr account of anything like that?

I'd have to know you a lot better before you got the details though !!

No offense or anything but there's a lot of family and client stuff on there."

It's ok...I totally understand, just upgraded fron a 5D Mark I to a Mark ii

http://www.flickr.com/photos/lukeod/

You know of any good sites / vids for tips etc???

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By *ust_for_laughsCouple
over a year ago

Hinckley

Warehouse Express has a great blog that has some really good tips and tuition entries.

TalkPhotography forums are good.

YouTube is full of info and tuition videos

Lastly Damien Lovegrove has some awesome DVD's out but they're hellish expensive !

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

Thanks

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By *ust_for_laughsCouple
over a year ago

Hinckley

"We are seriously needing to Buy a New Digi Camera..

Can anyone recommend anything !!!

We not sure about an SLR type with like 12 mega pix or just a cheaper one with like 16 mega pix ??

Can Anyone Help.. and NO we wont need anyone to take pics for us before all you guys start asking... !!! "

Sorry for hijacking your thread !!

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By (user no longer on site) OP
over a year ago

"We are seriously needing to Buy a New Digi Camera..

Can anyone recommend anything !!!

We not sure about an SLR type with like 12 mega pix or just a cheaper one with like 16 mega pix ??

Can Anyone Help.. and NO we wont need anyone to take pics for us before all you guys start asking... !!!

Sorry for hijacking your thread !!

we might just have to punish you ..

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By *ust_for_laughsCouple
over a year ago

Hinckley

"We are seriously needing to Buy a New Digi Camera..

Can anyone recommend anything !!!

We not sure about an SLR type with like 12 mega pix or just a cheaper one with like 16 mega pix ??

Can Anyone Help.. and NO we wont need anyone to take pics for us before all you guys start asking... !!!

Sorry for hijacking your thread !!

we might just have to punish you ..

I've had worse threats !!

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By *lubPartyPeepsCouple
over a year ago

London

Anything in the Panasonic Lumix range gets our vote, though I had some great results with an older Casio too, which unfortunately got stolen some years back.

The Lumix can take pics fast and in poor lighting, which is always helpful, in shall we say, adult situations...

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

"Could well be purely down to the fact that the lower mp camera had a better quality lens.

As I said, the camera can be a zillion mp, you can be the worlds best photgrapher but if the lens aint up to scratch, neither will the images"

Have to agree with the lens thing, years ago (maybe ten???) I had a Casio digicam that was only 2.3 mp, but it had a large Carl Zeis lens. It took fantsatic clear bright pics, better than some of the 14mp etc cams I've seen since. Ok if you tried to blow the pics up to say A3 you might have a problem!!

But the lens makes all the difference, wish I still had it now!!!

Ian

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By (user no longer on site) OP
over a year ago

"We are seriously needing to Buy a New Digi Camera..

Can anyone recommend anything !!!

We not sure about an SLR type with like 12 mega pix or just a cheaper one with like 16 mega pix ??

Can Anyone Help.. and NO we wont need anyone to take pics for us before all you guys start asking... !!!

Sorry for hijacking your thread !!

we might just have to punish you ..

I've had worse threats !!

Will let you off as your earlier posts helped a Lot.. Thanks x

We have now opted to go for a canon eos rebel dslr thingy ??

about 300 quid and thats before we even start adding extras to the camera

The store guy had me all excited when he said -

" you get a free standard 18-55 with it"

Thought we was getting a free holiday for about 10 seconds - apparently it was the Lens !!! bastard..

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By *ust_for_laughsCouple
over a year ago

Hinckley

You'll have fun with that !

The 18-55 isn't bad for a kit lens...get an external Speedlite though as the built-in flash is a bit pants ! Doesn't have to be a Canon one, Yongnuo make some great ones and they're cheap as chips.

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By *urreyfun2008Man
over a year ago

East Grinstead

Spend some time doing odd photos around the house to get used to the camera and plants outside.

Helps you get a feel for the camera, before those tricky people who move and get bored if you are slow.

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

If you are not going to enlarge any pics then the mega pix doesnt really matter that much.

Think of what you want to do with it and buy one that does that, and not one that does a whole rake of things that you will never use

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

I would buy a few camera mags for a month or two, see what they say etc.

They always have reviewed and bust buy suggestions. Some may even have a list of all available, then you can see which has the features you want, with your new found knowledge from reading the mags

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By (user no longer on site) OP
over a year ago

Thanks for all your help folks..

order has now been placed for a new camera and whilst we have learned a lot more about cameras over the last few days !! - Sure as shite - we will still switch the bugger on before reading the manual !!!

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