Buying a camera - Any advice?

I’m looking to buy a camera soon (may be in the Christmas sales) but haven’t really got a clue when it comes to the techie camera stuff. Thinking of spending around £200-ish.
Anyone got any suggestions or advice?

Thanks Phil.

Ok your going to be open to all sorts of advice from members depending on the make of cameras people use i.e. Nikon, Canon, Fuji etc. and we are not a forum that encourages "my camera is better than yours". No matter what the make is, as long as the camera as the basic functionality in terms of full manual control, you'll be set to go.

Most SLR cameras will provide the control you need to get started in being creative with your photography. As you will know there are lot of cameras to choose from which can be quite confusing when it comes to making the choice.

What will be your budget for the camera plus lens? This will help members give you sound advice on what is available in this price range. There is no point in people recommending a £3k camera body when you just want to spend £400 with a lens to get you started!

I always say, it's not the cost of the equipment you have it's what you do with it that counts!

Also are you looking at a film or digital camera?

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Paul

Well - Do you want a point and shoot or do you want to go full DSLR?

£200 won't get you anywhere near the DSLR teritory - You would be looking at £400 minimum for a basic starter kit...

If point and shoot suits your needs, find a few cameras in your price range and visit Digital Camera Reviews and News: Digital Photography Review: Forums, Glossary, FAQ for the best in depth on line reviews to help you choose.
I would stick to the bigger name brands too, like Canon, Fuji, etc...

Let us know how you get on!
AL.

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www.pix-al.co.uk www.dpchallenge.com www.vwgolfmk1.org.uk
"I shoot Canons!" 30D and 350D

Sorry Phil, the above bit got missed by me. As Al has pointed out, in reality you're going to be looking at about £400 for basic digital kit.

There are always new models coming out from each manufacturer and each time this happens you usually find a lot of people getting rid of their old SLR bodies to get the new ones and this is an ideal time to look on sites like eBay for some great bargains etc.

If you do find something on ebay within your price range, please post the link so you can get further feedback on what you've found.

Good luck with the search and please let us know if you have any other questions especially before the purchase.

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Paul

Yes, I'm looking for digital and as a beginner I want something that is versatile enough to let me have a go at wide range of subjects.
It looks like I'll have to up the budget quite a bit if I want to go above a compact but I do agree with you Paul, it’s not so much the cost of the equipment more the ability of the user that matters.
Thanks for the advice and some useful links. I’ll keep you posted,
Phil.

Canon EOS 300D Digital SLR Camera +18-55mm Zoom + Flash - eBay, Digital Cameras, Photography (end time 29-Oct-07 13:53:36 GMT)

just 2 mins looking on ebay found a 300d - they are out there, something to get you started in DSLR if you really on a budget! Keep looking they are there, some D70's there too...

Gar

Hi Phil
I have just brought a second hand canon G6 off eBay a perfect little camera in my opinion it’s the next best thing to DSLR if you are new to photography this is the one I would recommend, if you decide to go for a DSLR I must tell that you will never be happy with what you have got in the way of lens I have a Nikon d50 with 4 lens and I want more, the lens are worth £2000 my camera only £300 once you go down that road it's never ending so my advice
1 buy the one you can afford and learn to use it properly
2 buy good editing software you can try Coral pain shop for free at the moment I’ll send you the link
3 read as many books as you can on photography
4 ENJOY
Cheers Brian.
http://www.corel.com/servlet/Satelli...=1189977215418

for £200 your really looking at the top end of competent point and shoot camera's rather than digital SLR's

if you shop around though, you should be able to get a canon EOS 300D or somesuch for within your budget. matching 18-55mm lenses (which actually aint too terribly bad) can be had on ebay for about £40 with luck.

Its why i chose to get into film cameras first, helps me build up a stock of usefull lenses and accessories before plunging into a digital body.

Hi Phil

I had this dilemma a few months ago.

What I did was to go to a photography shop like Jessops or equivalent and try out different cameras.
It is like trying to find the right pair of shoes.
The camera has to fit you.
What persuaded me to go with my Nikon was the fact that it just felt right compared with the cannon equivalent or one of the Sony or Olympus ones.

Go and try out a few, the shops won't mind and then you can decide better that way.

Hope that helps.

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Camera Nikon D80
Lenses DX AF-S Nikon 18 ~ 135 mm
Other Equipment Manfrotto tripod

Hi Phil, I'm in the same boat, will be looking to buy a camera soon once some money has been sorted out. A decent budget DSLR from what i've been reading is the canon 350d and they can be pick up new on ebay for around £300, slightly over your budget but maybe worth the extra? its also known as rebel xt outside the uk (some of the deals are cameras from hong kong )