Camera - Need help

[BECAUZ]

So my shitty $200 camera has died.

Im in nz atm and am thinking of buying a new camera from duty free. What price range should i be looking at?

What cameras are good for a beginner? Im not the best photgrapher so not to difficult to use but something you can still do some cool things with?

Any suggestions on camera type, model, name etc would be super helpful.

Thanks in advance and wish you all a happy new year

[steve_t]

We have cameras available for cheaper than duty free from places like Parallel Imported etc. Camera-wise, how much are u looking to spend? What features are important to you? Are u looking for something really small? Do u want to use the opportunity to get into using a DSLR?

[Knawful]

What's you budget?
Nikon D5000/D3000/D90 kit (yeah, im a Nikon fanboi) for around $1k, or a point and shoot for sub-$500


We have cameras available for cheaper than duty free from places like Parallel Imported etc. .......
Parallel import's as in Grey import's? Steer away from grey import's.

[steve_t]

Parallel import's as in Grey import's? Steer away from grey import's.

Why's that? I've bought all of my camera gear (D70, D300, 18-200VR, 105VR Micro, SB-800, R1C1 flash thingamee etc) from parallel (grey) importers here in NZ. I think they only come with a 1 month warranty but I can't say I've ever had any problems with any of my Nikon gear :goodjob:

I think I'm still covered by NZ's 'Consumer Guarantees Act' anyway. Savings of several hundred dollars can be had. I'd probably avoid buying products that have poor reliability reports

[Knawful]

I'd rather have the 12mth + 12mth (depending on retailer) Nikon warrantee.
I've had drama's with 2 grey import's, a 70-200vr and a 60mm 2.8, both should have been covered under warrantee but werent...That's alot of coin, well it is to me anyway.
Ted's over here pretty much will beat ANY written quote handed to them over the counter.

[COSMOS]

try a Panasonic Lumix DMC-LX3 which offers a decent degree of user input or full auto operation. Just over $500 AU from retailers.

If you want a cross between a DSLR and a point and shoot you can try the Panasonic GF1 with the 20mm pancake lense. Or the Olympus E-P1 which are both about $1200-$1600 but offer great functionality in a smaller form factor compared to a traditional DSLR

Go to dpreview.com for reviews.

I have a cheapo Canon IXUS 860 as a p&s and my EOS350 with my old Canon Ultrasonic lenses as my DSLR. I am not happy with the general quality of the IXUS and am looking for something to replace it. You can get the latest Canon EOS500 in a kit for the same money or less than the GF1.

I am likely to get a camera strap and a small satchel and just carry the DSLR with me from now on with a favourite lense or two.

Currently in the US with my sister and her partner is a photographer for the Boston Globe so I have been picking his brain a bit. He carries a Nikon D700 with a couple of lenses in a small satchel and gets great photos but thats a $3k kit he has there.

[Nidz]

If you only want a replacement Canon IXUS are a good Camera.. The 90IS is great little camera..

then you go for SLR Style above that and then SLR above that..

[Brendan]

The Canon IXUS series or something like the Panasonic Lumix are of good quality.

I have an IXUS 860IS as a backup to my DSLR and it performs very well - I only carry my DSLR if I really need it or I'm actually shooting sport or something.

Make sure whatever compact you get has at least a 28mm equivalent lens at the wide end.

Current models would be something like IXUS 110 or 120 or for a few more manual options the IXUS 200.

Don't buy duty free in Aus or NZ as they are the most expensive - generally RRP minus GST.

Look at either parallel imports in NZ or even better thru one of the online stores in Aus which have Australian stock or a computer shop.

Surprisingly Officeworks often have good deals as they will price match pretty much everyone, even the online stores if you are lucky.

[steve_t]

I've had drama's with 2 grey import's...

Bugger. Sorry to hear you've had issues, twice!


BECAUZ, I still maintain that the best way to find something for you is by going into the shop and 'playing' with a few. I'd recently recommended a camera to a friend based on specs and price. When she got to the shop, the sales person recommended another model with similar specs and price but one that didn't have ridiculous shutter lag. Also now that so many point and shoot cameras are over 6MP, look for ones with good/large lenses :goodjob:

[Knawful]

That's the only drama with P&S camera's...Shutter lag. (love my dSLR)

One of the best P&S camera's (reviewed by DPreview) is the Canon G11.

One thing, dont get caught up in the megapixel hype, more mp does not necessarily equate to better images..It's mostly marketing BS.

[Brendan]

TOne thing, dont get caught up in the megapixel hype, more mp does not necessarily equate to better images..It's mostly marketing BS.

More megapixels on a compact camera equals more noise and worse performance. The latest Canon compacts have less megapixels than the previous series.

[BECAUZ]

Wow there's so much i dont know. Thought the higher the MP the more brilliant the camera was.


What's you budget?
Nikon D5000/D3000/D90 kit (yeah, im a Nikon fanboi) for around $1k, or a point and shoot for sub-$500

1K is a bit much, especially since i'm about to do a few things to the car, so im thinking of spending around the $500 - $600 mark.

What's a good sub model for Nikon?

I've taken a look at a Lumix, can't remember the model name, but it was around the $600 mark and the salesman was giving it quite a wrap.

What would be a good Lumix? ALso what's the best way of comparing cameras?

I basically want a camera i can take away with me, as i travel alot for work, and just want to take photo's of random things and work related things on the railway ( no i'm no gricer :D but im a rail engineer ). Oh and i'd love to take a half decent photo of my beloved SSV!

[mjrandom]

This is a really hard question to answer. Just like Nikon vs Canon. A DSLR will take better shots on average than a compact because the DSLR has larger pixels and usually better glass. But compacts can take great shots too. The other benefits of a DSLR are interchangeable lenses and additional flash options and full manual control. The downside is weight and $ and convenience. For your budget you could likely pick up a good 2nd hand Nikon D40 or D40x, D60 etc with the 18~55 lens to start off if you want to go DSLR. These take good shots. We have two! I also have a D300 with lots of gear for all.

I am not allowed to post links but you know what to do. This site is one of the best for comparing specs and seeing what is out there.

w w w.dpreview.com

Michael

[Brendan]

If you don't have a specific need for a DSLR, don't buy one.

Yes they take good photos but you can't put them in your pocket, they are heavy, and a modern compact will take a good enough image for a 6x4 print.

Mine stays at home unless I need 6 fps or low light.

For $500 you will get an excellent compact.