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Entry level camera 📸


Rammstein said:
Im a big Fuji fan, currently with an XT3, XE2 ( Infra red converted ) and an XF10.

Just MHO, but as a novice I'd suggest getting a camera with a viewfinder as a way of framing and learning shots rather just an LCD screen.

Recently, I bought 2 Panasonics, the LX100ii and the GX880K. Both older models, but both excellent cameras.

The LX is a Leica under a different name. It's a fixed lens with a a 3x zoom and really fast lens for a zoom.

You'd pick up either for around £280-£340. Good cameras to learn the basics and more. You'd also get most of your money back if re-selling.

Whatever camera you go for, enjoy!
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I sold a Panasonic bridge camera recently. I got more for it than I paid back in 2019. Low shutter count mind you and well looked after. It pays to look after your camera gear.

It really depends on how much effort and time is going to be committed to it.

There is a huge investment of time involved in learning photography, putting it into practice, learning to post process and putting that into practice, taking pictures and editing them. And then, if wildlife or nature is part of what you're gonna do then there's time to learn where the wildlife or nature will be for you.

As somebody who transitioned from bridge cameras to mirrorless, I would suggest just diving straight into mirrorless providing you're confident you'll devote a lot of time to the hobby. Not much time on your hands? I'd suggest not bothering at all with this hobby if you're the type who likes to do things well and appreciates good output for your effort. If it's just to enjoy it for a few hours a week and not be bothered about image quality, which there's nothing wrong with (to each their own), better off picking up a second hand superzoom with a low shutter count that has been well looked after. They actually deliver very good images on a sunny day.
 
tooliohelmet said:
Bought the xt30iii yesterday....havent got a clue what im doing with it 🤣
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Congrats! You can't go wrong with a Fuji 👍
With the 13-33 lens?
I wouldn't stress too much about settings etc.. this is a good guide which will cover everything you'll need to get you started.

Essential "Grab-and-Go" Setup
  • Mode Dials: Set both the shutter speed dial and the aperture ring (on the lens) to 'A' (Auto) for full program auto mode.
  • ISO: Set to AUTO1****AUTO2, or AUTO3.
  • Image Quality: Set to FINE+RAW to have high-quality JPEGs while keeping raw files for potential future editing.
  • Film Simulation (Colors):
    • Provia/Standard: Great for everyday, natural, versatile shots.
    • Astia/Soft: Excellent for portraits, offering softer, warmer skin tones.
  • Autofocus Mode: AF-S (Single) for stationaryAF-C (Continuous) for moving subjects.
  • Face/Eye Detection: Set to Face/Eye Detection ON (prioritize eyes) for portraits.
  • Shutter Type: MS (Mechanical Shutter) for normalES (Electronic Shutter) for complete silence, or MS+ES for the camera to switch automatically
Enjoy your camera!
 
Rammstein said:
Congrats! You can't go wrong with a Fuji 👍
With the 13-33 lens?
I wouldn't stress too much about settings etc.. this is a good guide which will cover everything you'll need to get you started.

Essential "Grab-and-Go" Setup
  • Mode Dials: Set both the shutter speed dial and the aperture ring (on the lens) to 'A' (Auto) for full program auto mode.
  • ISO: Set to AUTO1****AUTO2, or AUTO3.
  • Image Quality: Set to FINE+RAW to have high-quality JPEGs while keeping raw files for potential future editing.
  • Film Simulation (Colors):
    • Provia/Standard: Great for everyday, natural, versatile shots.
    • Astia/Soft: Excellent for portraits, offering softer, warmer skin tones.
  • Autofocus Mode: AF-S (Single) for stationaryAF-C (Continuous) for moving subjects.
  • Face/Eye Detection: Set to Face/Eye Detection ON (prioritize eyes) for portraits.
  • Shutter Type: MS (Mechanical Shutter) for normalES (Electronic Shutter) for complete silence, or MS+ES for the camera to switch automatically
Enjoy your camera!
Click to expand...

Thanks, yes got the 13-33 kit.

Like you say I think the best thing for me to do is set it to auto and get used to it to start. Ive ordered a couple of books so once im comfortable with it ill mess about.

I got my daughter one of those camp snap pros for christmas with the intention of having weekend trips to take pics. Shes loving hers so im really looking forward to the days out.
 
tooliohelmet said:
Had a little mooch along by the glass centre on Saturday, took some practice pics. Loved it. Everywhere im driving now im looking for picture opportunities.
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Good stuff 👍

Are you using Auto or trying other programmes ? Getting used to the camera takes a while.
 
Rammstein said:
Good stuff 👍

Are you using Auto or trying other programmes ? Getting used to the camera takes a while.
Click to expand...

Auto for now. I'm doing quite a bit of reading about ISO numbers and exposure but for now I'm focusing (no pun intended) on just getting used to it.

I'm looking forward to messing about with the "recipes" in the film simulation mode.
 
RTGAdmin said:
Are you looking for something pocket sized that you can carry around everywhere with you or something larger?

Pocket sized, I'd probably be looking at the Panasonic TZ series compacts - decent quality images and huge zoom range, good on "point and shoot" automatic, but plenty manual features to use when you get more comfortable with them.

If you are looking for something larger, Nikon, Canon, Sony and Panasonic have all done decent bridge cameras, it all really down to personal preference as they are all very capable.
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I've just picked up a refurbished Panasonic TZ70 30x zoom for £180 in good nick (£160 plus postage) from E-Bay after my previous TZ90 camera died. The TZ70 is smaller so fits better in my pocket that the TZ90 with same zoom but without that flexible popout screen on the back.

Brand new cameras are selling for £500 these days and I ain't paying that. On Amazon, second user cameras are £230 to £300 depending upon condition. Actual cameras with decent optical zoom shot up in price a few years ago as mobile phone cameras improved in quality.

Here's the bitch in the detail. A camera on a decent mobile phone might actually give you a better picture and especially in low light. However, the optical zoom on actual cameras is the big winner as most phones only have digital zoom. Even on a top end Samsung S range phone, the optical zoom is only 3x compared to 30x on a compact Panasonic. There's Canon compacts with 40x but I'm not sure at all of their picture quality and seemingly the Pansonics appear to be preferred.

Bridge cameras are hefty units if you want huge zoom (up to 70x optical) and don't fit in the pocket. I've a Canon SX50 in a drawer and it's an amazing camera, but that only comes out for wildlife photography.




(Avoid anything dirt cheap as the advertised zoom is often only digital.)
 
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Im looking for a camera for my other half, shes been banging on about getting one for a while but ive no idea where to start? And recommendations? Dont want to go over £300 if I can help it...
 
Nelly The Elephant said:
Im looking for a camera for my other half, shes been banging on about getting one for a while but ive no idea where to start? And recommendations? Dont want to go over £300 if I can help it...
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What would she use it for ? ( don’t say taking photos ! )
Holidays, family occasions, scenery or more specific subjects?
Does she want one which will slip into her handbag, or something bigger?
Zoom or fixed focus?
 
tooliohelmet said:
Auto for now. I'm doing quite a bit of reading about ISO numbers and exposure but for now I'm focusing (no pun intended) on just getting used to it.

I'm looking forward to messing about with the "recipes" in the film simulation mode.
Click to expand...

Learn about aperture priority, it can change the appearance of your photos a lot as you use it to control the depth of field (ie. what is in focus).

The wider the aperture (smaller number aperture), the shallower the depth of field - so you can have something stand out from a blurry background etc.

Just play about with it, its easy with a digital camera and costs you nothing.

I find with modern cameras the exposure largely looks after itself for standard shots, and generally all you might need to do is a little bit of exposure compensation - eg if you are shooting a dark object against a bright background you might want to increase the exposure to make it a bit brighter and vice-versa. ISO - typically the lower it is the better the image quality will be....but if its too low your shutter speed will slow down and you then risk motion blur both from camera movement and moving objects. You might need to raise it in darker conditions or to capture fast movement.
 
Nelly The Elephant said:
Mainly scenery and family stuff
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There's so many out there, mate.

My personal favourites are Panasonic Lumix cameras. Not knocking Canon or Nikon, but Panasonic give you more bang for your buck IMHO.

Worth trying the Panasonic TZ60. Very good camera, nice and portable. Good zoom range and simple to use, but more options if you want to experiment.

Worth looking at Amazon Renewed, they have one for around £230.

Okay, its used..... but it'll be in very good + condition. You get a 12 month warranty ( same as if you bought it new ) and you/she can try it and return within 30 days if you dont like it.
 
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