Buying first proper camera

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Geek
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#2036508 14-Jun-2018 13:15

rb99 - I'm the worst at making decisions when it comes to complex products I know nothing about!

But this thread has got me off onto a good start. I think I'll be avoiding DSLR for starters, and finding something compact for travels.

Hatch

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#2036509 14-Jun-2018 13:20

If you don't mind buying used, a Fuji X100T (or variant) should be a serious contender especially for people shooting.

https://www.kenrockwell.com/fuji/x100t.htm

Davy

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#2036511 14-Jun-2018 13:23

For me. one thing that's really useful is if the camera can be charged using just a USB cable.

A lot of cameras require separate battery chargers and you have to take the battery out of the camera to charge it. Of course that means you have to carry that charging box around on your travels too.

Other than that just go with whatever seems easiest to use - from the top brands they are all great.

zhuyan

177 posts

Master Geek
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#2036522 14-Jun-2018 13:39

I also agree to not going for DSLR models if it's the first proper camera you want to buy, mainly for shooting stills and use for travel.

For me I prefer a decent mirrorless camera (or a high-end compact camera) to a basic entry level DSLR.

These days all new models would also come with built-in wifi or NFC functions, as I do find wifi transfer of photos to your phone/pad is quite handy.

mudguard

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#2036525 14-Jun-2018 13:43

rb99:

Hope your better at making decisions than wot I am. From the first post you'd probably be better going for something compact with a big sensor and a bit of zoom, hence Sony RX whatever. Fits in pockets OK.

I could prevaricate for months with this kind of stuff...

Ha I'm the same. Took about six months to buy the Sony RX100 IV, then six months to buy a new laptop, now I want the A6500...

But as other have mentioned, wifi and NFC mean you can upload to your phone on the spot, edit them in Snapseed or something then fire off. And on a few you can probably take RAW shots as well if you really get serious.

maoriboy

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#2036531 14-Jun-2018 13:59

Why not look at something like the Panasonic TZ110? Has a 1 inch sensor, great zoom and is highly pocketable. Comes in just under your $1k limit and can no doubt be gotten on sale for cheaper.

https://www.photowarehouse.co.nz/shop/shop-by-product/digital-cameras/point-and-shoot/panasonic-lumix-tz110-superzoom-silver/

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shk292

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#2036562 14-Jun-2018 15:13

maoriboy:

Why not look at something like the Panasonic TZ110? Has a 1 inch sensor, great zoom and is highly pocketable. Comes in just under your $1k limit and can no doubt be gotten on sale for cheaper.

https://www.photowarehouse.co.nz/shop/shop-by-product/digital-cameras/point-and-shoot/panasonic-lumix-tz110-superzoom-silver/

That looks nice. I've had a TZ40 for about five years and have been very pleased with it - the change to a 1" sensor in the TZ110 would be a good upgrade.

mattwnz

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#2036574 14-Jun-2018 15:39

I would suggest having a look at Lumix bridge cameras. The benefit is that you can use them like a point and shoot, as well as use far more advanced features if you feel more creative. You also don't have to worry about lenses. I got the fz1000 several years ago, and found it good for both photos and video, both 1080 and 4k, and it has a good zoom lens on it.

maoriboy

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#2036584 14-Jun-2018 15:55

mattwnz:

I would suggest having a look at Lumix bridge cameras. The benefit is that you can use them like a point and shoot, as well as use far more advanced features if you feel more creative. You also don't have to worry about lenses. I got the fz1000 several years ago, and found it good for both photos and video, both 1080 and 4k, and it has a good zoom lens on it.

Good point. Can get this camera for around that $1000 mark and it's a bloody good camera for that money.

https://photogear.co.nz/panasonic-lumix-dmc-fz1000-digital-camera.html

McMatt

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#2037634 14-Jun-2018 17:02

Leaning towards the Lumix, although the Fuji X100T mentioned above has some amazing quality sample photos!

mattwnz

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#2037877 14-Jun-2018 20:48

maoriboy:

mattwnz:

I would suggest having a look at Lumix bridge cameras. The benefit is that you can use them like a point and shoot, as well as use far more advanced features if you feel more creative. You also don't have to worry about lenses. I got the fz1000 several years ago, and found it good for both photos and video, both 1080 and 4k, and it has a good zoom lens on it.

Good point. Can get this camera for around that $1000 mark and it's a bloody good camera for that money.

https://photogear.co.nz/panasonic-lumix-dmc-fz1000-digital-camera.html

That is a good price, although there is now a replacement model the fz2500, which uses a touch screen for easier point focusing. But that is a lot more.

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Hatch

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#2037882 14-Jun-2018 21:00

McMatt:

Leaning towards the Lumix, although the Fuji X100T mentioned above has some amazing quality sample photos!

I have the X100F and it really is an amazing camera. I'm a convert to fixed lenses rangerfinder cameras. The viewfinder is exceptional. I find myself just naturally taking loads of photos. No mucking around with SLR lenses, just focusing on shooting.

Batman

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#2037884 14-Jun-2018 21:05

Oblivian:

Batman: Please don't anyone recommend this guy a dslr. Whatever you do, don't get a dslr as your first camera unless you want to spend your life on learning photography. They are too complicated for the average user or someone who won't be getting lessons on photography.

Not sure how you can say that when most compacts have the exact same functions and dials now bar the need to change lenses and more control in menu navigation due lack of similar touch screens

Oh look, same things as on the top of my 7D. Except I can fish through menus for the other settings (like on a compact) or push a button to quickselect.

https://www.sony.co.nz/image/6407870de1aedf0cba1cea6f6d7a30ad?fmt=pjpeg&wid=1014&hei=396&bgcolor=F1F5F9&bgc=F1F5F9

I have the option to use 'auto' and press shutter. Just like a compact and not need to learn the other functions although they exist on both.

if you google why does my dslr [insert any model] take lousy/blur/etc photos you will understand

Technofreak

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#2037888 14-Jun-2018 21:33

I have a Canon Powershot SX720HS. https://www.dpreview.com/products/canon/compacts/canon_sx720hs

While it doesn't have the sensor size of some of the other cameras mentioned it is a very capable camera. It's less than half the price of some of the other cameras mentioned.

I bought it because of the huge zoom it has (40 X). With much of the subject matter I shoot, getting up close isn't always an option so the zoom comes into it's own. At full zoom a tripod is necessary, but for many shots you won't need full zoom.

It's a good size, fits into your pocket. It can be charged of a USB charger using a standard USB cable.

Technically it might not match some of the other compact cameras that have been mentioned but for it's price it is a very good camera.

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Ruphus

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#2037920 14-Jun-2018 23:27

I've got a Sony RX10 mk i which I bought brand new a couple of months ago. I bought it to replace a Nikon P900 but does quite have the zoom range after coming from th 83x lense on the P900. I've probably taken approx 300 shots with it.

https://www.dpreview.com/reviews/sony-cybershot-dsc-rx10

It's got a 1 inch sensor and 200mm zoom lense. It's has a little bit of weight which frankly isnt bad and a conventional camera grip. With plenty of auto and manual settings, it'll be a great first camera 'proper' camera without having to worry about interchangable lenses.

I've got it on TM for $800 but for geek zoner I'll do it for $700 plus shipping.

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