What's your budget and what do you intend to use it for?
Sounds like you may want to go for a compact or travel compact.
For pro compact the Sony RX100 or RX100 II is generally seen as the best.
However the Panasonic LX7 is also very nice (smaller sensor and larger body though - but ergonomically very nice, and great lense). Arguably those two are better than canon's offering, the S120 - very compact, but doesn't peform like the others.
For travel compacts it's often been Panasonic and Canon.
Panasonic TZ series (TZ60 latest, or TZ40 from last year), or Canon SX series, like the SX280HS.
For system cameras I hear good things about the Fujifilm X-M1 or X-A1.
I'm actually looking to sell my new and boxed RX100, as looking to get the RX100 mark III instead when I go to Japan.
The brand to go for really depends on what category you're after. E.g. Sony are arguably the best in the pro compact category, but their HX travel compact series is arguably beaten by Panasonic's offering.
The key different between pro compacts and travel compacts is the travel cameras will generally have very long zooms, but produce lower quality images and generally not support raw mode. If you try them out you'll also find travel compacts take a lot longer to take pictures. You can get an older travel compact for a fair bit less than a pro compact, but the latest models are suprisingly similar in price.
Sounds like you may want to go for a compact or travel compact.
For pro compact the Sony RX100 or RX100 II is generally seen as the best.
However the Panasonic LX7 is also very nice (smaller sensor and larger body though - but ergonomically very nice, and great lense). Arguably those two are better than canon's offering, the S120 - very compact, but doesn't peform like the others.
For travel compacts it's often been Panasonic and Canon.
Panasonic TZ series (TZ60 latest, or TZ40 from last year), or Canon SX series, like the SX280HS.
For system cameras I hear good things about the Fujifilm X-M1 or X-A1.
I'm actually looking to sell my new and boxed RX100, as looking to get the RX100 mark III instead when I go to Japan.
The brand to go for really depends on what category you're after. E.g. Sony are arguably the best in the pro compact category, but their HX travel compact series is arguably beaten by Panasonic's offering.
The key different between pro compacts and travel compacts is the travel cameras will generally have very long zooms, but produce lower quality images and generally not support raw mode. If you try them out you'll also find travel compacts take a lot longer to take pictures. You can get an older travel compact for a fair bit less than a pro compact, but the latest models are suprisingly similar in price.
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Instead of recommending a make of camera, I'd suggest you go along to a camera specialist and actually handle some of the cameras and feel what they're like in use.
If I was spending £600-700 I'd expect to have a good play around with several cameras in the shop before buying one.
It's easy to get fixated on brands, but any of the top makes will do what you're looking for so it's best to go and find the one which feels best when you use it.
If I was spending £600-700 I'd expect to have a good play around with several cameras in the shop before buying one.
It's easy to get fixated on brands, but any of the top makes will do what you're looking for so it's best to go and find the one which feels best when you use it.
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Take the advise above. Go and find a good camera shop and have a play with a few models.
Some people prefer the feel of one brand over another and visa versa.
In terms of specifications, quality, speed etc there is very little in them these days.
Canon does have a much larger variety of lenses to choose from and you will find that this is one thing that Nikon owners complain about a lot in the photography world, so if you think you would upgrade or expand your lens collection at some stage, take this into consideration.
Canon also have a better off camera flash system so again something to think about if this is an area that you could move into.
One important thing to remember though. An expensive camera does not automatically make great photos. You need to know how to use it.
Some people prefer the feel of one brand over another and visa versa.
In terms of specifications, quality, speed etc there is very little in them these days.
Canon does have a much larger variety of lenses to choose from and you will find that this is one thing that Nikon owners complain about a lot in the photography world, so if you think you would upgrade or expand your lens collection at some stage, take this into consideration.
Canon also have a better off camera flash system so again something to think about if this is an area that you could move into.
One important thing to remember though. An expensive camera does not automatically make great photos. You need to know how to use it.
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The perennial Canon-Nikon SLR debate has never been settled. They're both pretty close. You'll get advised one way or the other purely depending on the person's personal choice.
Objectively, there's very little difference between the two.
For £700, you can get the complete SLR set up you want, but you could also spend double or triple that just on the lens and flash.
Zooms can be blurry due to low light. You'll have to understand the relationship between ISO, aperture and shutter speed to use an SLR effectively, and you'll then understand why indoor zoom shots on an SLR can be blurry.
I have an expensive body and a few expensive lenses but when on holiday prefer to take my cheaper gear - stuff that would fit into your budget.
Objectively, there's very little difference between the two.
For £700, you can get the complete SLR set up you want, but you could also spend double or triple that just on the lens and flash.
Zooms can be blurry due to low light. You'll have to understand the relationship between ISO, aperture and shutter speed to use an SLR effectively, and you'll then understand why indoor zoom shots on an SLR can be blurry.
I have an expensive body and a few expensive lenses but when on holiday prefer to take my cheaper gear - stuff that would fit into your budget.
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I'd consider looking for second hand gear. Lots of people get SLRs and then end up not using them much. Also the camera bodies improve year on year with certain features, like low light performance and video capabilities (mine doesn't even record video, do you need it?).
It's the lenses that are perhaps the more important part, as camera body tech improves, lenses are something that you will typically be able to use for life if you've got good ones. I'd rather save on getting an older second hand camera body and investing more in the lens, than getting a newer camera with the built in kit lens. Spending more on the lens will let you get a faster (one that has a larger aperture which will let more light in) lens, they can often focus quicker and have extra features.
General advice is when buying a camera is to spend a third of the budget on the body, a third on a lens and a third on accessories (tripod, lighting, filters etc). Lighting is also something that is often ignored and is one of the most important factors to getting great results. Getting a flash that you can set up off camera with really old ropey gear can get you better pics than spending thousands on pro level equipment. A polarizing filter is also a worthwhile investment as it isn't something that you can easily replicate in post production.
As for the which brand debate, it doesn't matter. Decide what kind of photography you want to do (and perhaps video, though you may be better off with a camcorder if that's your primary purpose) and research the options for that.
Fwiw I use Canon but as I said it doesn't matter, I think the second hand market for canon is perhaps bigger but I doubt there is much in it (been ages since I bought anything more I'm already well set up gear wise, it's accessories that I tend to invest in now). Unless people are checking the exif on your photos for what camera and lens settings you used then no one is going to tell what you used to get the end result.
A lot of features have also filtered down through the models to the consumer ranges. Most of which I would be willing to bet most owners never use and just stick with it on auto mode. For example you could get my camera body for about £140 on ebay now and the 17-55mm f2.8 lens is much better than the kit lens you would get buying a newer camera. That lens is £640 on amazon right nowwhich is actually more than I paid for it (see what I said about lenses keeping their worth). I do on occasion wish I had some better low light performance but I think now I'd get one of the slightly newer consumer level bodies (they didn't have spot metering which I wanted back when I was buying).
If I was recommending some sites to use for research (canon focused but will give you more of an idea what you want regardless of make) are:
http://www.the-digital-picture.com/ (especially his recommendations and review pages)
http://photography-on-the.net/forum/
It's the lenses that are perhaps the more important part, as camera body tech improves, lenses are something that you will typically be able to use for life if you've got good ones. I'd rather save on getting an older second hand camera body and investing more in the lens, than getting a newer camera with the built in kit lens. Spending more on the lens will let you get a faster (one that has a larger aperture which will let more light in) lens, they can often focus quicker and have extra features.
General advice is when buying a camera is to spend a third of the budget on the body, a third on a lens and a third on accessories (tripod, lighting, filters etc). Lighting is also something that is often ignored and is one of the most important factors to getting great results. Getting a flash that you can set up off camera with really old ropey gear can get you better pics than spending thousands on pro level equipment. A polarizing filter is also a worthwhile investment as it isn't something that you can easily replicate in post production.
As for the which brand debate, it doesn't matter. Decide what kind of photography you want to do (and perhaps video, though you may be better off with a camcorder if that's your primary purpose) and research the options for that.
Fwiw I use Canon but as I said it doesn't matter, I think the second hand market for canon is perhaps bigger but I doubt there is much in it (been ages since I bought anything more I'm already well set up gear wise, it's accessories that I tend to invest in now). Unless people are checking the exif on your photos for what camera and lens settings you used then no one is going to tell what you used to get the end result.
A lot of features have also filtered down through the models to the consumer ranges. Most of which I would be willing to bet most owners never use and just stick with it on auto mode. For example you could get my camera body for about £140 on ebay now and the 17-55mm f2.8 lens is much better than the kit lens you would get buying a newer camera. That lens is £640 on amazon right nowwhich is actually more than I paid for it (see what I said about lenses keeping their worth). I do on occasion wish I had some better low light performance but I think now I'd get one of the slightly newer consumer level bodies (they didn't have spot metering which I wanted back when I was buying).
If I was recommending some sites to use for research (canon focused but will give you more of an idea what you want regardless of make) are:
http://www.the-digital-picture.com/ (especially his recommendations and review pages)
http://photography-on-the.net/forum/
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D
Deleted member 175327
- Original Poster
- #12
I've used both. I did find the canon easier to use but obviously it depends what model you get. I have a nikon but I enjoyed both cameras equally. Most cameras these days are all pretty good and I recommend a site like dpreview, though, honestly, most DSLR's made today are quite similar in terms of picture quality. It's more about the persons skill using it.
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It largely depends on your personal preference because they're more or less the same. From my personal perspective, I favour the canon rather than the nikon. I photograph landscapes, macros and portraits. For this, Cannon colours reflect closer to the real colours vs the Nikon that saturates the colours a tad bit more.
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go with Nikon dude. Or if convenience really matters for you, then you can buy a nokia lumia 1020 that has 41 megapixels. and believe me its absolutely gorgeous. it has a great dynamic range, a big xenon flash and loseless zoom for you to crop pictures.
Or you can even consider xperia Z2. in that you can insert external lens.
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The reality is that both brands have devotees. What really matters are the individual features and benefits they provide. These change from model to model. So you could find the perfect match of what you want and what you can get leads you to a Canon, while different requirements might lead to a Nikon. Frankly, it doesn't matter. You might go up the Nikon path, then suddenly realise a certain video format is needed, but only Canon supports it. I ended up with a Pentax when I did the comparison checklist, because it had all the ticks I needed.
What do you need it do do, in a priority order?
Do you need certain mounts, as you have existing glass,
questions like that?
What do you need it do do, in a priority order?
Do you need certain mounts, as you have existing glass,
questions like that?
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Funnily enough I went through this when I swapped film SLR for DSLR. Couldnt get on with Canon at all, Nikon was nice but Pentax got my money - it felt right, worked how I wanted it to and took loads of old glass I wanted to play with
As others have said, be clear what you want it to do and then play with a few. If I was buying again now I would look at Rangefinder style for travel as my DSLR and lenses are heavy to lug about and only really get used for studio/indoor work
As others have said, be clear what you want it to do and then play with a few. If I was buying again now I would look at Rangefinder style for travel as my DSLR and lenses are heavy to lug about and only really get used for studio/indoor work
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I
INS1303
- Original Poster
- #29
Hi.
I am new to the forum but have had a little experience when stuck with the same problem. I decided to buy what is known as a "Bridge" or "Superzoom" camera. The lens is integral, with an optical range of 36x. Try and find anything of that range with SLR lenses without breaking the bank. The image quality is superb, as it is aimed at the holiday enthusiast rather that pro/serious hobby user it has all sorts of features that will set up the camera of different types of shots and of course I don't need to spend extra on different lenses. I know that better equipment is available but for a good, easy all rounder this type of camera is really worth a look.
I almost don't want to tell you the brand as I totally agree with other posters - try one out to see what you feel, don't be a brand snob but I bought a Sony. (ant had change from £400) I hope this helps
I am new to the forum but have had a little experience when stuck with the same problem. I decided to buy what is known as a "Bridge" or "Superzoom" camera. The lens is integral, with an optical range of 36x. Try and find anything of that range with SLR lenses without breaking the bank. The image quality is superb, as it is aimed at the holiday enthusiast rather that pro/serious hobby user it has all sorts of features that will set up the camera of different types of shots and of course I don't need to spend extra on different lenses. I know that better equipment is available but for a good, easy all rounder this type of camera is really worth a look.
I almost don't want to tell you the brand as I totally agree with other posters - try one out to see what you feel, don't be a brand snob but I bought a Sony. (ant had change from £400) I hope this helps
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Had the same issue myself a few months back thought buying a good camera was what i needed and struggled with Canon vs Nikon.
In the end decided to go with Canon as i liked the way it felt etc - Really comes down to preference as they are pretty much the same cameras.
BUT and here is the kicker, ITS ALL ABOUT THE GLASS! i.e Lenses.
You can have a cheaper body but the lens will make the difference and is probably more expensive than the camera.
I was glad i chose Canon as there seems to be a much greater choice of second hand products that keep the price down. I think this is due to more canon than nikon users.
A lens costing £600 you can pick up for £400 so a big saving.
If the price of the lens scares you then i would suggest a good compact camera as you can get some fantastic shots with them.
And if you are going to use "auto" mode again go with a compact as the features of an SLR camera will be wasted and no point you paying the extra.
hope this helps some people as i really was lost what i needed and it was through trial and error i found what i needed / wanted.
FYI i am an estate agent and ended up with canon 600d as had an led screen and good for movies - came with an 18 - 55mm kit lens which did a job but needed to upgrade to a sigma 10 - 20mm lens. Dont forget a quality high speed memory card as well.
Oh and learn to use the settings so you never need a flash!
In the end decided to go with Canon as i liked the way it felt etc - Really comes down to preference as they are pretty much the same cameras.
BUT and here is the kicker, ITS ALL ABOUT THE GLASS! i.e Lenses.
You can have a cheaper body but the lens will make the difference and is probably more expensive than the camera.
I was glad i chose Canon as there seems to be a much greater choice of second hand products that keep the price down. I think this is due to more canon than nikon users.
A lens costing £600 you can pick up for £400 so a big saving.
If the price of the lens scares you then i would suggest a good compact camera as you can get some fantastic shots with them.
And if you are going to use "auto" mode again go with a compact as the features of an SLR camera will be wasted and no point you paying the extra.
hope this helps some people as i really was lost what i needed and it was through trial and error i found what i needed / wanted.
FYI i am an estate agent and ended up with canon 600d as had an led screen and good for movies - came with an 18 - 55mm kit lens which did a job but needed to upgrade to a sigma 10 - 20mm lens. Dont forget a quality high speed memory card as well.
Oh and learn to use the settings so you never need a flash!
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It is the glass that counts. Did you know that Mitsubishi makes all the glass for lenses for Canon, Nikon, Olympus, Pentax, and Leica? So, as you say, it is the second hand price which is important if you chose that route.
The only other quality lenses are by Schneider Optics and Rodenstock, and I don't know if they actually make the glass or just finish and polish like Leica.
I don't know why you think changing to Sigma from Canon is upgrading.
The only other quality lenses are by Schneider Optics and Rodenstock, and I don't know if they actually make the glass or just finish and polish like Leica.
I don't know why you think changing to Sigma from Canon is upgrading.
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Hi Nuno.
The upgrade for me was the lens size. Sigma wide angle lens was circa £400 good optics, function and range.
Yes would have liked a cannon wide angle but at close to £800 budget did not stretch that far and size of prints the difference is not noticeable.
so upgrade in lens size but yes canon better quality but not noticeable for what i am using so saved £400 but got the lens i needed.
The upgrade for me was the lens size. Sigma wide angle lens was circa £400 good optics, function and range.
Yes would have liked a cannon wide angle but at close to £800 budget did not stretch that far and size of prints the difference is not noticeable.
so upgrade in lens size but yes canon better quality but not noticeable for what i am using so saved £400 but got the lens i needed.
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Glass does make a big difference, and as a slave to stats and reviews and lab performances, i am surprised at my stance on this:
i bought a £1200 lens (a big beastly thing), and a similar non-'L' (non-professional) lens for £300. at the events I shoot at, they frown at members of the public using professional looking lenses/gear, so i am generally forced to use the cheaper alternative. i've never been disappointed with the cheap alternative whereas my friend, who has used both, sees a definite advantage in the more expensive one, enough to justify the price
Lenses are ridiculously expensive considering they may only have one or two specialities (e.g. spent £500 (second hand) on a £900 lens (retail) which is a beaut for portraits, and not much else) so the best thing to consider lens-wise is the value it gives you.
funnily enough, despite buying a full frame camera and a range of L lenses, i feel more comfortable carrying my original crop sensor SLR and its kit lens when on holiday. why fuss over £3000 worth of (uninsured) kit when cheaper does 80% as good a job without all the hassle?
one thing that has always surprised me is how willing i am to part with £500 for such a lens, but so careful at spending £250 on a phone or £300 on a console that I would use so much more often (lenses are great at holding value, so you can own a lens for 3-5 years and recoup 80%+ of cost if you buy and sell intelligently).
As a beginner to photography, go with a decent entry to mid level set up with either make and then let your photography determine the next step.
I occasionally look at the shots taken by 'mediocre' cameras or lenses on flickr and am absolutely blown away. Any decent camera is capable of taking an amazing shot if the right person is behind it.
as the original post was almost a year ago, i guess this is too late for the debate.....
i bought a £1200 lens (a big beastly thing), and a similar non-'L' (non-professional) lens for £300. at the events I shoot at, they frown at members of the public using professional looking lenses/gear, so i am generally forced to use the cheaper alternative. i've never been disappointed with the cheap alternative whereas my friend, who has used both, sees a definite advantage in the more expensive one, enough to justify the price
Lenses are ridiculously expensive considering they may only have one or two specialities (e.g. spent £500 (second hand) on a £900 lens (retail) which is a beaut for portraits, and not much else) so the best thing to consider lens-wise is the value it gives you.
funnily enough, despite buying a full frame camera and a range of L lenses, i feel more comfortable carrying my original crop sensor SLR and its kit lens when on holiday. why fuss over £3000 worth of (uninsured) kit when cheaper does 80% as good a job without all the hassle?
one thing that has always surprised me is how willing i am to part with £500 for such a lens, but so careful at spending £250 on a phone or £300 on a console that I would use so much more often (lenses are great at holding value, so you can own a lens for 3-5 years and recoup 80%+ of cost if you buy and sell intelligently).
As a beginner to photography, go with a decent entry to mid level set up with either make and then let your photography determine the next step.
I occasionally look at the shots taken by 'mediocre' cameras or lenses on flickr and am absolutely blown away. Any decent camera is capable of taking an amazing shot if the right person is behind it.
as the original post was almost a year ago, i guess this is too late for the debate.....
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