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First camera...

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Adoptedscouser
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First camera...

Post by Adoptedscouser » Sat Sep 03, 2016 1:28 pm

My current camera is my iPhone 5 which doesn't really cut it!
Does anyone have any recommendations for a decent entry-level camera set up?
Also, is buying used a good idea?
Many thanks!

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andygolfer
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Re: First camera...

Post by andygolfer » Sat Sep 03, 2016 3:28 pm

It depends what sort of photos you are looking for.
If you are looking at basic stuff a bit up from your camera phone a compact might be sufficient. However if you want to do distance shots of aircraft (I assume that you are talking aircraft photos) then you could try a bridge camera if you are on a tightish budget, some of those give very good results now even on high zoom, the alternative is to look at DSLR (digital SLR) cameras and Canon usually do bundles with an 18-55 lens and a zoom of around 70-200 or 70-300 which are a great combination to get started with
Argos are doing this one at present: http://www.argos.co.uk/static/Product/p ... 131432.htm which is a pretty good combination and HDEW cameras (who are usually very competitive on price) have the 700D with the 18-55 and 70-300 lenses http://www.hdewcameras.co.uk/canon-eos- ... 1589-p.asp for £479, £40 more than the Argos outfit and the 700D is the next range up for the 100D in the Argos offer.
I expect other brands have packages available but I don't know how their ranges work so daren't comment.

2nd hand is a reasonable option particularly at the bottom/starter end as many people soon decide to upgrade and trade in although it's always a case of buyer beware especially if it's a private offer. I still have my original 1000D which still comes out occasionally but I didn't trade that in when I upgraded as I wanted a second body to avoid changing lenses in the field as you soon get dust on the sensor doing that so if you ever get to the upgrade stage bear that in mind.

HTH
andy
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PorkScratching
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Re: First camera...

Post by PorkScratching » Sat Sep 03, 2016 7:44 pm

Andy's advice is sound. If you can stretch to one of the kits he mentions then that's a perfect intro to DSLR photography. Another online store to try is wex.co.uk - not the cheapest, but excellent customer service.

Don't be afraid to buy secondhand. Wex are very good for this, as are http://www.mpb.com. Both offer excellent customer service and there's a good selection of used kit.

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Tim R-T-C
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Re: First camera...

Post by Tim R-T-C » Sat Sep 03, 2016 7:59 pm

I can recommend the Olympus Pen Pl7, I brought one as a spare camera for holidays and am using it now as much as my full size DSLR.

It is a micro-four-thirds camera, so you can buy different lenses for it - I have a short and telephoto lens. You can buy it body only and just get the telephoto to save money if you are only interested in plane shots.

Quality is very good, I've had a couple of photos from the camera blow up to 2m x 1m prints for my wall and there is no artefacting or graining. Low light performance is good too.

Example shot from Schiphol with the PL7:

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Adoptedscouser
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Re: First camera...

Post by Adoptedscouser » Fri Sep 09, 2016 5:46 pm

Thank you all for the sound advice!
I think I'll have a look at the second hand market as I can only really stretch to about £200.
I'll let you know how I get on!

Adoptedscouser
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Re: First camera...

Post by Adoptedscouser » Fri Sep 09, 2016 10:14 pm

I've had a look on mbp.com and some of the prices look quite reasonable.
However, I have no idea what all the numbers and initials on the lenses mean?!
I need to do some more research I think!

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andygolfer
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Re: First camera...

Post by andygolfer » Sat Sep 10, 2016 8:08 am

Adoptedscouser wrote:I've had a look on mbp.com and some of the prices look quite reasonable.
However, I have no idea what all the numbers and initials on the lenses mean?!
I need to do some more research I think!
ask on here and I'm sure someone will be able to tell you what some if not all mean

andy
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Adoptedscouser
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Re: First camera...

Post by Adoptedscouser » Sat Sep 10, 2016 9:49 am

I've found lots of Canon EOS cameras of which I think I'll go for something like 40D or 1000D?
I'll also go for a 75-300mm lens which have been mentioned a lot I think :)

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Mike
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Re: First camera...

Post by Mike » Sat Sep 10, 2016 9:52 am

How about a 2nd hand Canon EOS450D? Fantastic cameras that are really cheap on the 2nd hand market now. :)
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beefsteak
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Re: First camera...

Post by beefsteak » Sat Sep 10, 2016 12:40 pm

I'm not sure on your budget, but (I know it'll seem like a false economy but read on) I'd suggest you go for second hand stuff to start with, and on this score I'd recommend Canon myself, never had a problem with their second hand bits and bobs, then if you find you like it (and subsidise the purchase by selling your second hand stuff which you'll find holds it's value quite well) splash the cash and go for the 100-400 IS (Image stabilizing,) USM (Ultra Sonic Motor) Lens. Excellent piece of kit , the camera you choose is down to you, personally I've had (Still got it as a back up) EOS 400, EOS 40, I now have a EOS 550 and the combination works fine for me.

Adoptedscouser
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Re: First camera...

Post by Adoptedscouser » Tue Sep 13, 2016 4:35 pm

What are the main differences of the DSLR and the Micro 4/3 cameras?
I have noticed that the cost of DSLR lenses on the 2nd hand market appear to be cheaper than the Micro 4/3 ones.
Cheers!

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Mike
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Re: First camera...

Post by Mike » Tue Sep 13, 2016 5:33 pm

What's a Micro 4/3 camera?
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Adoptedscouser
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Re: First camera...

Post by Adoptedscouser » Wed Sep 14, 2016 5:20 pm

Like the Olympus Pen range?
They were mentioned further up this thread by Tim R-T-C.
Micro Four Thirds or Compact Camera System I've seen them called.

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