Photography - Digital Camera advice

[Sneds]

Hey guy, I'm currently in the market for a digital camera for use in my trip to vegas/thailand and for all round everyday use.

My last camera was a canon ixus 75 and it's been gathering dust since it broke and I decided to let the warranty run out before I done something about it.

I'm a beginner when it comes to cameras with perhaps a small hint of enthusiasm if I could get into it. A DSLR is probably a step beyond for me, but I find myself looking for a compact that I can genuinely have fun with whilst taking photos.

I have been recommended the Canon Powershot G10 which shares it's name with some rather nice ping clubs. But I had a look in the shop today and I think it's probably overkill at the moment for me.

After speaking to the salesmen in the camera shop, we came to the conclusion that a panasonic TZ6 probably fitted me quite well and he was offering it to me for £229.

http://www.panasonic.co.uk/html/en_GB/Pr...2514/index.html

I figured I should ask if any of you have any recommendations for me, I'm not too particular with cameras, except I'd prefer that they didn't require AA batteries, I prefer to charge.

Thanks for the help x

 

[medwayjon]

Nikon D40

I have one and it is mustard.

 

[M1tch]

my brother has one and it's amazing

 

[viscount17]

sneds, have you had a look at at digitaldepot? their websites undergoing a rebuild but their high street outlet is in Stevenage Old Town. they know the stuff they sell which is more than Curry's, PCWorld and the like do. failing that there are some good camera shops in Cambridge

Olympus SP series aren't bad, and aren't too big, they advertise some really high zooms (up to 26x) but if possible go to a shop and try to do some test shots.

Fuji do some good superzooms, I've got the S100FS but that might be a bit big if you don't want DSLR size.

 

[brendy]

Canon 1000d here, love it.
What about sticking with the ixus family of cameras fella, might be better knowing the family range and being able to get the best out of it without having to relearn menu systems etc.

OR, heres one from left field, the Casio exF1, can do up to 1200fps video capture with a 300fps rate usable for golf swings etc too It isnt cheap but for a point and shoot its fantastic.

 

[CliveW]

I have several digital cameras ranging in size from a key-ring camera to a Nikon D70s. For holidays and everyday photography I use a Panasonic Lumix DMC-TZ5 which has an easy to use Auto and Intelligent Auto programme. It also incorporates many advanced features which you can learn to use for more advanced phtography.
I would advise you to go to an independent camera shop and speak to someone there. Pick-up and try various cameras and judge it from there. Some cameras feel awkward in the hand while some just seem to "fit". I would also suggest buying a few weeks before you go on holiday to give yourself time to get used to the operation and features of the camera. Take plenty of pictures to try the various settings and most of all enjoy it.

 

[TipTopGolfer]

Apparently all the Nikon cams are supposed to be superb!

 

[brendy]

Nikon use ccd sensors which are ok but not so good in the dark where the canon uses a cmos sensor. Swings and roundabouts really.

 

[Sneds]

Thanks for all the advice, I do appreciate it.

I didn't really want any camera where I had to change lenses or anything, so that put a few of the original suggestions out of the picture. I eventually settled on a Canon PowerShot SX200 IS

It has 12x zoom lens, 3 inch monitor, HD film and 12mp. The lens is huge for a compact, but it has everything that I need.

Viscount - I have been to DigitalDepot the past few times I have purchased a camera, they're fantastic for customer support and advice. I recommend them to everybody, unfortunately I didn't give them my business this around - mainly because I was in Watford and impatient

On a side note, I went to Jessops in St Albans and the salesman couldn't be less bothered about selling a camera to me, I struggle to see how he would sell anything, so poor.

 

[toonarmy]

Nikon D40

I have one and it is mustard.

We don't agree on much, but you're spot on here. The D40 punched well above its weight and is a classic example of fact overcoming figures. It might not have the biggest this or that but it out-performs many with the higher numbers.

 

[medwayjon]

Nikon D40

I have one and it is mustard.

We don't agree on much, but you're spot on here. The D40 punched well above its weight and is a classic example of fact overcoming figures. It might not have the biggest this or that but it out-performs many with the higher numbers.

Certainly is a great product and at the price, it really is incredible value. Love mine and it took wedding photos as good as the professional photographer, in the hands of an amateur (my soppy brother) with a 5min tutorial.

BTW Toonarmy, nothing separates people and causes conflict than the views of 2 very passionate football fans, but I genuinely have no gripe with you personally whatsoever, in no way at all.

 

[toonarmy]

BTW Toonarmy, nothing separates people and causes conflict than the views of 2 very passionate football fans, but I genuinely have no gripe with you personally whatsoever, in no way at all.

Me either. I'm just a bit sore at the moment what with the job situation and naturally the football ain't helping none either!