Im just wondering if anyone could recommend a good camera, mine recently broke, i had it for 15 years and have looked around and have no idea where to start. My camera was a gift , just a basic digital camera.
Looking to upgrade, will mostly be photographing family, friends, children in action, holidays etc.
Would like to spent less than $600, prefer around $400 mark. I loved the new Nikon D500 but way out of my price range.
Any hints, tips, features, camera's you loved, things you dont like about your camera?
2 Replies
I have the Canon 600D and love it. Pricey but it does everything I need and more. If you think your love of photography will grow and you'll want to expand out a little I'd recommend you get the camera you want with just one middle-of-the-field lens. That way you have the option to purchase new lenses as your interest takes you in new directions. I paid a little over $1300 for my Canon 4 years ago but it had 3 lenses, camera bag, SD card, polaroid filter and a lens protective filter/cover for all 3 lenses. If you don't think you'll be looking to expand any place selling cameras will have a great camera for you. Buy a good brand, get as many megapixels as you can afford and minimum 10x optical zoom and check the storage card it needs - some are cheaper than others. Check it has an action shot setting and ask them to let you test it out in the store. Also, check online reviews, they're brutally honest most of the time. I was looking at a cheap second hand camera for work last week and I saw one come up in my town so I googled the specs, turns out it over exposes all the pics which is no good for me.
I have a Canon XS710. I like a really good optical zoom but prefer a compact point and shoot as I travel a lot and space/weight is a priority. The only thing I miss from my previous models is the lack of an optical viewfinder - this was brilliant in glare conditions when the screen is hard to see. I think the camera cost me high $300-low $400. I've had some training in photography years ago but find I can still take very good shots with a point and shoot. I don't think an SLR would get me better shots. I don't photoshop anything and get plenty of compliments on my images. You will find a lot of change between your old camera and today's cameras and it might take some getting used to. Persevere and get to know your camera. If you want to ask questions, I have found Digital Camera Warehouse very helpful. They are online and have stores in BNE, SYD, MEL. I just ring up and ask lots of questions and they've always been knowledgeable and not pushy (BTW I am just a normal customer - have no relationship with them). Have fun looking - it can be just as fun researching as buying :)