I was wondering if i could pick the brains of some of our photography experts on here?
I am looking to buy a Digital S.L.R camera. I don’t want to spend thousands of pounds on a super dooper mutts nuts jobbie.
I want a camera that can take decent action shots, in all light and conditions, but i don’t want bags of kit and a million overpriced lenses that will never be used. I just want something that is fit for anything.
I have a little Fujifilm instant camera which is great indoors or in controlled conditions but when i want to take photos of things like the Brands Hatch day we had or the Wings and Wheels at Dunsfold, all i end up with are tiny out of focus blurs.
Could any of you photo experts out there give me a point or guide in the right direction? What should i be looking at? What do i need to avoid?
I’ve been looking at the Pentax K-r camera. Is this a good place to start??
I would buy into the Nikon system. The cheapest body will be fine as you’ll want to buy a new one in two years’ time - but the lenses will be good indefinitely.
Although I’m a dedicated Nikon nut (both film & DSLR), I’ve been seriously considering a ‘bridge’ camera to cart around as an occaisional. Reviews are good and getting better and they really are point and press. Remember the Olympus Trip 35 and the David Bailey Ad’s? I’ve still got AND STILL USE mine.
For serious stuff I’ve used a lovely Nikon D700 (all Nikon bodies are very good) but as a point and shoot back up for anywhere, everyday, always ready I use the Panasonic Lumix TZ series, built in Leica lenses and long optical zoom (more than 10 times on latest versions).
i am a Nikon baby and it is very rare you will find me using anything else. the main reason for this is not because they are so versatile & very good and any nikon or nikon fit sigma lens particularly under 300m will give you exceptionally sharp photos it is because when i first went to buy a DSLR a photographer friend gave me the best piece of advice ever! … he told me to do whatever research i wanted, ask anyone for their opinion but at the end of the day you need to buy the one that feels right for you … i spent and afternoon in Harrods, they are great there and let you play with all the cameras at leisure, (john lewis & many of the other stores will let you do this too) and i found that the Nikon was the only one that ‘felt right’ when i used it … …every photographer will give you a different opinion on different makes / models but that is because they have found the one that ‘feels right’ and works for them so to them that is the best one!
So my advice is - go and play with a few different makes & models within the price range you want to spend and you will find the one that is right for you … …
I’ve had a Nikon D40X for a few years now. By todays standards, it now has a lowish spec but it takes superb pictures. I bought an additional 55 - 200mm lens to complement the 55mm one that came with it.
I too use a Nikon (D60) - stick it on automatic and it’s a great point & shoot camera or use the manual settings for more creativity.
The standard 55 - 80 lens is great for everyday use and I also have a 80 - 200 lens which works well for motorsport action.
A point to bear in mind with digital compacts is many of them have a slight delay between pressing the button and recording the image, which can be very frustrating when taking action shots.
Someone needs to mention Canon, I’ve had them since the A1 back in 1983, with no failures and spectacular results. Currently have an EOS 450D with an 18-200 zoom. Great camera and not too expensive
To be honest they have all risen to the point where they all do a decent job. A while back there was no question that Canon had the best sensor technology, but since Sony got their act together the sensors Nikon, Sony and Pentax offer are all good too. So head down the shops and have a play and look at the prices. Also do not discount the compacts with larger sensors, e.g Canon G12, S95, Panasonic LX5. If its a portable camera with good controls and image quality they do very well, its only if you want to do sports and wildlife or a lot of photographs in low light they fall down.
I forgot to add, one technical thing. If you want to do a lot of sports and action work, then buy a camera with a mirror (SLR for everyone but sony who also offer fixed mirror cameras termed SLT) do not buy an Olympus SLR as they have dropped the 4/3 series of lenses for SLR. They are continuing with m4/3 but on those the sports and action performance is not as good as the other brands. Panasonic who also make m4/3 cameras have a better action autofocus performance but not as good as an SLR. So I would look at Pentax, Nikon, Canon, Sony myself for what you mention.
thanks all for your views, its given me plenty to muse over. Looks like a touchy feely session at my local Jessops/John Lewis/Techno shop of your choice
The recent EOS D models have all been very popular and very well regarded (and with good reason). After much deliberation earlier this year I went for an EOS 550D while Canon were running a £30 cashback promotion. I didn’t feel the need to pay extra for the newer 600D model since it only appears to offer a hinged LCD screen and a few in-camera novelty special effects over and above the 550D.
The Nikon 30mm f1.8 lens is an extremely good value prime “standard” lens for the APS-C format and the existence of this lens alone almost swayed me into buying a Nikon D5100.
…every photographer will give you a different opinion on different makes / models but that is because they have found the one that ‘feels right’ and works for them so to them that is the best one! 
