Torino101 Posted August 8, 2008 Report Share Posted August 8, 2008 Hi Guys, On the outset just let me say I know VERY little about cameras so bear with me..... I am looking to buy my Fiance a new Camera for her birthday - we currently us a small Sony T50 as a pocket camera, for parties / general snaps. However i'm in the market for basically a mini SLR if such a thing exists - the criterions are a price of circa £300, as small a body as possible, the ability to change lenses and have a generic fitment so we don't have so buy some weird (expensive) lens that is only made for that specific camera. It will be used both for very close up medical shots (for vetinary purposes), but also as a more sophisticated landscape style camera. Basically something for her to get into photography with - she is very interested but doesn't want a massive SLR.... (if I can have advice on the correct lenses to buy also this would be appreciated!). The only think I have come across so far is the Olympus E-420 PC Pro: Product Reviews: Olympus E-420 but should I be sticking to Canon or Nikon?? Help greatly appreciated!! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Biscuits Posted August 8, 2008 Report Share Posted August 8, 2008 Hmmm... I had a similar dilema, not wanting a big D-SLR, but wanted some control over exposure, shutter speed, etc... that the compact digitals dont offer. (my photography skils are one step up from point+click!) I ended up with a Canon G7 Powershot. (there is a newer version now with a larger LDC screen and 10x Optical Zoom) I takes some stunning pictures, bt without the bulk of a D-SLR. It won't however allow you to change lenses, so if that is a requirement, I think your stuck with getting a D-SLR, of which I'd again buy a Canon. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Biscuits Posted August 8, 2008 Report Share Posted August 8, 2008 Actually, the new Powershot is the G9, with 6x zoome, but 12.1 Meg Pix. Canon Powershot G9 Review Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mook Posted August 8, 2008 Report Share Posted August 8, 2008 I've got a Sony DSLR-A200 and it's fantastic. It does point and shoot, and you can also toy with it if you want to mess around with aperture and speeds etc. DSLR-A200K (DSLRA200K) : Digital cameras, photo frames and printers : Sony : United Kingdom Sony list it at £349, but you can get them loads cheaper: dslr-a200k - Google Product Search HTH Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Torino101 Posted August 8, 2008 Author Report Share Posted August 8, 2008 Both of these look very interesting - I take it the G9 is basically the top top end "Compact" complete with 6x optical zoom, whereas the sony is an "entry" DSLR, with the ability to buy bigger lenses? Sorry for beng a dumbass on this - Computers, Cars, etc. i'm totally clued up, cameras i'm clueless.... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Biscuits Posted August 8, 2008 Report Share Posted August 8, 2008 IMO, the G9 is as good (if not better) than an entry level DSLR from Sony, Pentax, Etx... An entry level DSLR form Canon or Nikon would give better colour clarity and less graining, but your starting to split hairs at this point. If you want great picturs to use on digital displays, then the G9 is fine... if you want to experiment a lot, then it doesn't have the lens flexibility that the DSLR's have. I'm sure a proper photographer type bod will give you a more technical explaination... I'm just going on the results I've got from the G7 and a mate who has an Alpha A200 (Sony) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Booster Posted August 8, 2008 Report Share Posted August 8, 2008 My wife bought me the Panasonice FZ18 for my birthday last month. Perfect step up from compact. Really easy to use and is producing some great shots! £195 from UK Digital Cameras Review here: Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ18 - TrustedReviews Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Torino101 Posted August 8, 2008 Author Report Share Posted August 8, 2008 Would the best compromise be a "Super Zoom" style camera such as: Panasonic DMC FZ28 ~ £320 or Nikon Coolpix P80 ~ £240 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Torino101 Posted August 8, 2008 Author Report Share Posted August 8, 2008 .... or indeed the Panasonic FZ18 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bullett Posted August 8, 2008 Report Share Posted August 8, 2008 I was in a similar boat. Didn't want to pay out for a full SLR and ended up getting a Fuji S9600 (under £200 on Amazon). It's smaller than an SLR but doesn't have detachable lenses, however the lense covers 28mm - 300mm optical and 600mm with the digital zoom engaged. It has more than enough features and options to keep me amused and get great reviews everywhere. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bullett Posted August 8, 2008 Report Share Posted August 8, 2008 Some images I took over the weekend (first time I used it, max zoom to min zoom) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Torino101 Posted August 8, 2008 Author Report Share Posted August 8, 2008 Actually, the new Powershot is the G9, with 6x zoome, but 12.1 Meg Pix.Canon Powershot G9 Review Have just been speaking to a pro camera guy about all these mentioned here, and he recons this G9 is the best of the bunch here...... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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