What camera should I buy?

[Diapason]

I currently have a standard-issue POS ultra-compact, and as time goes on I want better results. Sadly, my budget doesn't stretch very far at the moment, and while it's not carved in stone it's definitely not getting into 4 figures. Image quality is paramount, convenience isn't, and I'd prefer something that works well in lowish (i.e. indoor) lighting without flash.

I've been discussing it with friends and views are mixed. Some say entry-level DSLR all the way, others say that's a waste of time without spending big money and I'll be disappointed with the results. Indeed, the suggestion has been that I'd get better results with a newer compact camera than with something like a Canon 550 with the standard packaged lens.

Any thoughts from the hifi fraternity?

[Gerry D]

http://www.connscameras.ie/leica-dlux-3 ... 785pd.html

We use this Leica at home and it's excellent. Really. That one in Conn's is a steal. I think I paid €700ish new.
Ours is 5 years old now. Still perfect shots, battery fine. All good after 5 years.
I think Panasonic LUMIX use Leica lens and are a very well recommended alternative to Leica compacts.

In work we use a Nikon D80 DSLR for job photos. A great camera. Regenerated to D90 now I think.

Seems that the lenses are most important aspect of DSLR's. When buying I was told that the 'in bundle' Nikon lenses are superior to the Canon 'in bundle' ones [?].

[Ivor]

Rather than embrace a new geekiness I stayed just below the DSLR level and bought a Fuji Finepix. Now I didn't set out to but one and was in fact looking at serious Canon/Nikon DSLRs but chickened out at the last minute and went for this guy. It's very good once you get teh settings right and once they're right leave them alone! Not mad money either.



I don't know if it's even on sale anymore but unless you want to get into the geekery of photography I'd stay this side of DSLRs. Others will offer better advice I'm sure.

[Ivor]

Not actual size.

[Diapason]

So far, all I've really learned is that cameras are even more controversial than hifi!!

[Diapason]

I also should have said that video is important to me. I actually started this process by saying I must buy a camcorder!

[Marcus]

If it is quality you are looking for, don't mind the fact that you can't just stick it in your pocket, and you would like an upgrade path, go for a DSLR.

At any level with DSLR, glass is everything, you would be better to spend a bit less on a slightly older (second hand?) body with low actuations and spend as much as you can on the glass. Garbage in, garbage out, same as the source is to your hi-fi.

The advantage is that, if you suddenly have some money to spend, you keep the good lens and trade in the body for a better model - bodies are updated/superseded far more than lenses. Many now have reasonable video and built in flash. For low light and other recommendations, look at sites such as http://www.dpreview.com - it is a detailed review site, but gives great information.

Good luck with finding something.

[Diapason]

Thanks everyone. I really am leaning towards dslr with a couple of lenses to get me started. I'm tired of buying a new compact every few years and being disappointed with the results. Convenience isn't a consideration at all this time, I already have convenient cameras.

[Fran]

If you want to have a look/feel of mine (oooh err), feel free to call down....

[Diapason]

Thanks Fran, might do that if I can escape for an evening! Hard to find the inclination to leave the house these days...