Want to buy a camera / video camera - advice needed

Big Fat Sam · January 27, 2014

Hi lids,

I have a big holiday planned this year and obviously want to record a lot and take some great pics.

I have a smartphone and a GoPro, neither of which are suitable for taking great photos that will last a lifetime and be in good enough quality to show off to mates, etc.

I plan on doing quite a lot of videos. I was thinking one of those hand-held cameras with the flip out screen so you can watch what you're recording. Or would an SLR do the job, or some sort of digital camera with video function?

Would pay 300/400 quid for something decent.

Toffeelover · January 27, 2014

Hi Butters. have a look at the Canon SX50HS or the panasonic lumix equivalent. Make sure though that you get a high capacity SD card with a high transfer rate- class 8 or 10.

Big Fat Sam · January 27, 2014

Both look pretty good, thanks for the recommendations!

atrottel · January 27, 2014

Before you go, have a look at the book Mountain Light: In Search of the Dynamic Landscape by Galen Rowell. Although he was primarily a mountaineer/climber/photographer, what he talks about with the use of light applies to all kinds of landscape photography. The book consists of 80 of his best photos with his explanation of why, how and when he took them.

Re Panasonic. I switched from Nikon to several Lumix models over the years and have been very happy with them. (But I just do web stuff so portability is more important to me than ultra-high definition - you might prefer an SLR for that.)

ijjysmith · January 27, 2014

I wouldn't bother mate.

It'll only get robbed.

Nah, only kidding mate. I'm just very wary of buying anything nice ever again.

Toffeelover · January 27, 2014

Butters, never mind reading a book just put the selector on auto and shoot. A Dslr would e useless for video unless you have a whopper of lens. Those cameras I suggested all shoot in full HD 1920x1080.

SteKelly · January 27, 2014

ijjysmith said:
I wouldn't bother mate.

It'll only get robbed.

Nah, only kidding mate. I'm just very wary of buying anything nice ever again.

What have you had robbed lad?

Big Fat Sam · January 27, 2014

Toffeelover said:
Butters, never mind reading a book just put the selector on auto and shoot. A Dslr would e useless for video unless you have a whopper of lens. Those cameras I suggested all shoot in full HD 1920x1080.

Cool. Might go for one of them, then! Cheers for that mate.

Dylan · January 28, 2014

butters said:
I have a big holiday planned this year and obviously want to record a lot and take some great pics.

I have a smartphone and a GoPro, neither of which are suitable for taking great photos that will last a lifetime and be in good enough quality to show off to mates, etc.

Go old school and shoot with film:

Canon EOS Elan IIE 35mm

Think you can get one in decent shape for your budget.

butters said:
I plan on doing quite a lot of videos. I was thinking one of those hand-held cameras with the flip out screen so you can watch what you're recording. Or would an SLR do the job, or some sort of digital camera with video function?

Use your Go Pro for that.

Big Fat Sam · January 28, 2014

Dylan said:
Use your Go Pro for that.

Yeah but with the GoPro you cannae see what you're filming so have to hope you've captured the right stuff! Plus I don't fancy walking around with it attached to my head or something! That's good for snowboarding etc, but not walking around temples, at markets, etc.

Big Fat Sam · February 8, 2014

Toffeelover said:
Hi Butters. have a look at the Canon SX50HS or the panasonic lumix equivalent. Make sure though that you get a high capacity SD card with a high transfer rate- class 8 or 10.

Hi mate.

Is this decent?

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Nikon-Coolp...1391896342&sr=8-1&keywords=Nikon+Coolpix+P520

Seems to be a lot cheaper than the others and I know Nikon is a trusted brand. I don't need the best camera ever, but something like this seems to fit the bill?

That ya think?

Brennan · February 8, 2014

Look at the Sony NEX-3N, it uses a sensor comparable in size to most full sized SLR cameras, but is smaller in size and closer to that of a compact camera.

£278 on Amazon.

Brennan · February 8, 2014

Sample video:

[video=youtube;9TQeiRtkP40]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9TQeiRtkP40[/video]

Big Fat Sam · February 8, 2014

Looks interesting.

Similar price (actually a bit more expensive) to the others mentioned. Still work plumping for this other t'others?

chicoazul · February 8, 2014

butters said:
Hi mate.

Is this decent?

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Nikon-Coolp...1391896342&sr=8-1&keywords=Nikon+Coolpix+P520

Seems to be a lot cheaper than the others and I know Nikon is a trusted brand. I don't need the best camera ever, but something like this seems to fit the bill?

That ya think?

That's a bridge camera mate, they're sound if you want to start thinking a little more about your photos. Versatile zoom range and good quality photos. Can't go wrong with Nikon either.

Brennan said:
Look at the Sony NEX-3N, it uses a sensor comparable in size to most full sized SLR cameras, but is smaller in size and closer to that of a compact camera.

£278 on Amazon.

Aye looks sound. These are the new mirrorless cameras which have fantastic image quality. Some reckon these will make full DSLR's obsolete in the future. Interchangeable lenses so they could be the part like. Not had much experience of them.