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Well to expand my armature photography skills i need a better camera than what i got, Any suggestions? Also the camera needs to take a decent video as well. Any photographers got any advice?

*Moved to SCIENCE!

To help, it would probably be a good start if you'd tell us what your current camera is, and what sort of budget you've got

If someone needs a camera it's Chyros




Well I don't know anything about cameras, my bad.

Well is a Sony Cybershot, 3.2 megapixles. Not much else i can tell you about it apart from being ancient. Im not exactly wanting a 10 grand National Geo pro's gear set up just some thing above average i guess. Money isn't that much of an issue.

I know a bit about Canon cameras but I don't know what to suggest because you haven't said how much your budget is, what type of photography you're interested in, or where you're going to be using it.

Have you been looking at any camera or cameras in particular?

Well i no nothing about cameras or costs, All im looking for is a decent picture quality and the ability to do some video camera work. I will be using it at work or camping and other out doors activities.

If you want decent picture quality try these two:

Canon
Nikon, Price in U$

Or perhaps you might tell us how much you want to spend?

Shit 7 grand certainly not that much for a Canon. What can you get for around 1 thousand?

Try and get a 500D or 550D. Mid-entry level. Does good video along with great photos.

You should be able to find a kit from a retailer for about $1000-$1200, but if you're willing to take the extra yards and be a tightarse like me, you can probably pick up a second hand (which for cameras, really doesn't matter unless it's been beaten to hell and back) 500D for $500-700. Look around on Ebay and classifieds and you might find something. A few years back my mate picked up a 450D + 2 lenses for around $400.

Look around a lot and don't impulse buy.

The 550 is some thing to what would suit my needs for standard picture taking and video for moderately moving targets.

Note, if you're not looking for a systems camera (eg one with swappable lenses), or a Digital SLR, then you could look at a high-end compact instead. These have extremely good image quality and a lot of adjustable settings, such as shutter speed/etc, but in the body of a far smaller camera so you can pop it in your pocket and take pictures on the go. Obvious tradeoffs are that you can't swap the lens out. If that sort of thing tickles your fancy, I believe Scope recommended a Panasonic LX3/5, or a Canon S95. They're both decent cameras with a lot of bang for your buck

Woah the Panasonic LX3/5 has similiar cosmetic looks to my old Nikkon FG-20. The pocket cameras are good but i would like to get back into fiddling with lenses again and prove to my self i can use a proper one. (i was horrify shit with lens work in photography class) I seemed to have a knack for still shots on moving targets
All my mates have Cannon powershot cameras and they do take good pics so should i be different and get a Lumix?

For a long time I was looking at a Lumix G2 - it's a good systems camera with some neat touches, and isn't too dear. Its also a 4/3s camera so it's not extremely hefty

Alias, on 29 Dec 2010, 13:07, said:

Problem with those is no autofocus in video.

I would recommend either the Panasonic LX5 or the Canon S95 tbh. If you really wanna experiment with a larger sensor, the Olympus E-PL1 is nice as well as the Panasonic Lumix G2 (or G10). If you don't mind the heftier weight, there is also the Pentax K-x or the Nikon D3100 or the Sony A33 I would recommend.

Wizard, on 29 Dec 2010, 9:43, said:

That's one way to get 'em to talk.

If I had the money to spend, I still wouldn't buy a 1D Mark IV. I'd wait for the fabled 1Ds Mark IV or 5D Mark III. Once you use a full frame camera, you will never want to use anything else. I dare say those cameras will have autofocus in their live view video as well - it's the next logical progession - although it isn't something that interests me.

What I would recommend for you, Fuckup, is the 550D. I don't think you will soon discover its limitations, unlike those that Scope mentioned above. What I would suggest is to do some further reading before committing to a decision.
Edited by Stinger, 29 December 2010 - 14:38.

Since I've been beyond bored I've done some searching for you.

You can get a 550D body for $879 AU local (not grey import, which would be around $750 but I wouldn't recommend it, the extra money is worth the service/warranty) or a 500D body for $650. I'd suggest you get the 500D, as the extra features in the 550D you probably won't use. The 500D is still a great camera.

http://www.camerasdirect.com.au/webapp/wcs...01_10004_-1____
$650 body only, kits start from $750. I'd probably recommend you just start with the stock 18-55 lens and when you need more flexibility buy another.

Stinger, on 29 Dec 2010, 22:29, said:

Working on that bit. Waiting for a saturday when i can go out and fiddle with some. Suggestions here have been a big help and i thank those for their contribution.

Nothing beats going to a store and getting a feel for a camera in your hand.

Just make sure you don't go with any money or cards on you. Do not underestimate the persuasive powers of sales people...

Stinger, on 31 Dec 2010, 2:03, said:

Indeed, be very careful not to buy pointless accessories. About the only thing I would tell you to get for sure is a UV filter for the lens and a case. After that, you would get other things depending on what you need.

Im having quite a hard time selecting one, between the Cannon 550D, Cannon powershot S95 and the Panasonic FZ100. Still researching atm.
Edited by Major Fuckup, 06 January 2011 - 03:46.

550D if you want to take pro quality shots and all the fiddling that comes with it

If you're going to be taking photos of you and your Bogan mates getting drunk and running over 'Roos, I'd personally shoot you, but suggest you run with the Powershot S95, for simple ease. It'll take good photos still. Wouldn't touch any Panasonic if you paid me.

Wizard, on 6 Jan 2011, 17:43, said:

Im leaning towards the Powershot simply because it will be easy to whip out on demand
Seeing as im normally driving when im taking photos anyway.

Major Fuckup, on 6 Jan 2011, 5:43, said:

The FZ100 is crap. They screwed up the successful FZ35. The S95 is great I'd say. What are the prices for the Nikon D3100 there btw?

Scope, on 7 Jan 2011, 11:11, said:

A little less than the 550D.

If you need super zooming I suggest you go for a Cannon SX30.
Edited by Raven, 07 January 2011 - 07:28.