Help with selecting a new camera

[debruiser]

Some of u may have read that I've lost my deal old Olympus water and drop proof camera, served me well for the last 9yrs or so.

I want to get a new camera but I'm not up with the lingo/specs these days. I don't think I need waterproof but I guess it'd be nice, I want good quality pics with minimal shutter lag. Easy to use. I'm partial to nikon , used a few around the place and I like how they work. Budget I guess has to be under 500 unfortunately.

Could some of u who are up on things give me some ideas on what to look for or what models to look at/ think about.

I realise that with my budget I won't be getting anything outlandish but I want a good quality piece of kit for my money.

Thanks in advance.

Sent from my Land Rover A8.

[s7000]

Canon Powershot G1X also known as Canon G1X Digital Cameras Digital World International (http://www.dwidigitalcameras.com.au/astore/Canon-Powershot-G1X-also-known-as-Canon-G1X-Digital-Cameras.aspx)

Canon Powershot S200 Digital Cameras Digital World International (http://www.dwidigitalcameras.com.au/astore/Canon-Powershot-S200-Digital-Cameras.aspx)

These would be my top two options.

I have an old G9 for when I'm not using my SLR. They're a great piece of kit. :)

[debruiser]

I'd love to get an SLR, but money is going to kill that idea. Thanks for the ideas, I will check them out when I get home

Sent from my Land Rover A8.

[s7000]

I'd love to get an SLR, but money is going to kill that idea. Thanks for the ideas, I will check them out when I get home

Sent from my Land Rover A8.

Haha... Yes... It can all get very pricy...

[TeamFA]

I'd love to get an SLR, but money is going to kill that idea. Thanks for the ideas, I will check them out when I get home

Sent from my Land Rover A8.

Have you considered getting a second-hand DSLR? You can get some good kit that's only a couple of years old, for much less than new stuff.

[debruiser]

Have you considered getting a second-hand DSLR? You can get some good kit that's only a couple of years old, for much less than new stuff.

I guess that's an option, but I normally shy away from buying second hand electronic gear, u know with the whole life span and po's treatment of the gear. Do u have something that u want to sell?

I guess the flip side is that I probably don't need an SLR, I'm only taking holiday pics and car work stuff.... But I guess that sort of quality would be nice.

Sent from my Land Rover A8.

[Marmoset]

I was looking for a compact recently as I just wasn't lugging my SLR around enough to capture those "I wish I had my camera with me" pictures.

The Canon G16 was top of my list until I realised that I'd have less zoom than the lens I usually carry on my SLR. In the end I went for a Panasonic Lumix TZ60. It's classed as a Travel super zoom and has some pretty impressive reach (30x optical) that's pretty usable thanks to it's stabilisation gizmos. I also wanted wifi capability and GPS recording as well.

It's still early days yet but initial impressions are that it matches my 350D for picture quality. The only thing I find difficult is setting up for a photo as quickly as I do with an SLR, but the camera processing power has moved on so much since the 350D that in auto mode it seems to know what's needed.

[debruiser]

Poking around on some sites, has anyone experienced those android cameras? how do they go?

[Ausfree]

Could your budget stretch a few dollars extra, this looks a good deal!!!:)

Nikon D5200 Kit AF-S 18-55mm VR II Lens Digital SLR Cameras Digital World International (http://www.dwidigitalcameras.com.au/astore/Nikon-D5200-Kit-AF-S-18-55mm-VR-II-Lens-Digital-SLR-Cameras.aspx?utm_content=jim.den%40spin.net.au&utm_source=VerticalResponse&utm_medium=Email&utm_term=&utm_campaign=Deal%20of%20the%20day%3ANikon%20D5200 %20Kit%20AF-S%2018-55mm%20VR%20II%20Lens%20%24555%20from%20DWIcontent )

[debruiser]

Could your budget stretch a few dollars extra, this looks a good deal!!!:)

Nikon D5200 Kit AF-S 18-55mm VR II Lens Digital SLR Cameras Digital World International (http://www.dwidigitalcameras.com.au/astore/Nikon-D5200-Kit-AF-S-18-55mm-VR-II-Lens-Digital-SLR-Cameras.aspx?utm_content=jim.den%40spin.net.au&utm_source=VerticalResponse&utm_medium=Email&utm_term=&utm_campaign=Deal%20of%20the%20day%3ANikon%20D5200 %20Kit%20AF-S%2018-55mm%20VR%20II%20Lens%20%24555%20from%20DWIcontent )

O sweet, thanks. I'm going to try

Sent from my Land Rover A8.

[Ausfree]

Keep in mind it is a "grey import" so is not covered in Australia by Nikon's 2 year warranty. It does have a 1 year warranty though.

Having said that, I have bought a lot of stuff from them (including a Nikon D5100) and not had an ounce of trouble and my Nikon has taken several thousand photo's.:)

[debruiser]

Ahh. Didn't see that. Was only looking at it on my phone. How troublesome do u think any warranty issues would be? If i was unlucky enough to have any.

Sent from my Land Rover A8.

[Ausfree]

Ahh. Didn't see that. Was only looking at it on my phone. How troublesome do u think any warranty issues would be? If i was unlucky enough to have any.

Sent from my Land Rover A8.
Don't know, never had any warranty problems. Nikon is a reliable product and I would imagine DWI would honour its word, being a large company, if you like why not ring one of local numbers and put that question to them.:) I have bought a Nikon camera, several lenses, tripod, filters etc from them and no problems at all.

[s7000]

Everything I've bought from DWI has been fine. All my gear is Canon.

Only issue I've ever had with a grey import has been with an HTC phone.

Just remember, keep it under $1000.

[debruiser]

Went to a camera shop locally.... that DWI shop is looking far cheaper. The D5200 is looking awfully good..... I wonder if I can just order it and then get into trouble when it gets here for getting a DSLR instead of a point and shoot..... maybe all will be forgiven when the image quality is experienced. :wasntme:

[dullbird]

They say its much easier to ask for forgiveness then it is to ask for permission :D

[Chucaro]

Went to a camera shop locally.... that DWI shop is looking far cheaper. The D5200 is looking awfully good..... I wonder if I can just order it and then get into trouble when it gets here for getting a DSLR instead of a point and shoot..... maybe all will be forgiven when the image quality is experienced. :wasntme:

Do not forget to order a beautiful bunch of flowers and organize a romantic dinner, it works ;)

[dullbird]

Do not forget to order a beautiful bunch of flowers and organize a romantic dinner, it works ;)

and then take the camera and ask the waiter to take a photo of you both:D

[debruiser]

I ordered the D5200. with a memory car and freight it came to $600. Yes that's more than my budget and No i'm not very pleased about it but there isn't much I can do about it.

Gee I must have been lucky with something when I found/got found by the Mrs.... I told her after I ordered it that I ordered a camera, but I did start off with, "I found the same model in town for $1000" but she was like "ok, your the one who uses it most anyway" not really the reaction I was expecting, but no flowers or dinner needed. I do have to say that she has been pretty pleased of late because even though I'm only working casual part time random hours I've been doing plenty of cooking and a little housework (can't say I normally do any) so maybe that has something to do with her not being too concerned.

[dullbird]

so maybe you should buy her a box of Lindt chocolate anyway....

Just because ;)

[Bushie]

I've been doing plenty of cooking and a little housework (can't say I normally do any) so maybe that has something to do with her not being too concerned.

Huge brownie point advantage :):):)


Martyn

[Ausfree]

Good on you mate.:) I know you won't be disappointed, I'm very happy with my Nikon D5100, does everything I want it to.:)

I only wish I had more time to take photo's like some I have seen here on the Forum, but working 6 days a week leaves little time.:( Working on it though.

[debruiser]

Thanks guys. Last year I had the perfect work/life balance... well it was pretty dam good - was working 4 days a week and getting paid enough to be comfy, not rich, just comfy. But that job was whisked away now I have too much time for me... and not enough money to pay for the things I want to do! isn't that always the problem....

I'm keen to get my new toy and have a play! I hope it's as good as the reviews.