My fiance would like a new camera, she has several point and shoots but would like something better and more professional but with good auto options as she is still learning photography.
We have a budget of £300 what would you recommend? Obviously she wants something new and shiny!
Panasonic G3
http://www.amazon.co.uk/Panasonic-DM...6967224&sr=1-6
Proper DSLR sized sensor. Proper interchangeable lenses in a great system for future expansion. Properly great image quality. All the manual control you could ask for, lots of auto modes and so on to get started quickly.
hb904460 (26-04-2013)
Pentax K-01 and kit lens.
http://www.srsmicrosystems.co.uk/733...ns---SALE.html
Downside, I think it is hideously ugly, but that is subjective I guess. Reminds me of Kryton from Red Dwarf.
It has far better image quality than the Panasonic, this will be really apparent if you take photographs indoors in low light, but it will still work much better outside too. You can also pick up some nice cheap primes for the K-01 on ebay, the lens is really the most important part of a camera.
You can see an overview of the differences here:
http://snapsort.com/compare/Panasoni...0mm-f-2.8-lens
The main advantage of the G3 is it has a touch screen and flip out screen on the back.
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That comparison site seems to be talking rubbish
The G3 scored 75% and a silver award at dpreview, the pentax only 69% and no awards.
http://www.dpreview.com/reviews/panasonicdmcg3
http://www.dpreview.com/reviews/pentax-k-01
But I agree the Pentax is the better choice if the absolute best image quality is your sole concern (I'd argue it shouldn't be, and if she is coming from P&S then either will be a huge step up in quality, creative flexibility and low-light ability). Though to be honest, that uglyness, poor handling and slow AF would put me right off the K-01 as a beginners camera.
Nah that review was based on the launch price of £649! Not the current £229.99
Also dpreview hate DSLR firms making mirrorless, see the sony 'review' reaction for more.
The only things the G3 scored better in were price (which is now irrelevant) and subjective handling. I'd also suggest that the better selection dials on the K-01 really make for a better interaction than on a touch screen.
However the K-01 is kinda butt ugly. The G3 is no spring chicken, but the K-01 'aint got no alibi!
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I don't know - they seem to love Olympus mirrorless cameras, but for the OP's description of requirements I would go for a G3 over one of them personally as Panny's are a bit more P&S friendly.Originally Posted by TheAnimus
How about a learners DSLR, the Nikon D3100, Does have a good guide mode too. Argos £299,
http://www.argos.co.uk/static/Produc...|dvc:c|adp:1o5
Yep that's also a good shout. Rather more firmly a step into DSLRs proper (you want to be using the optical viewfinder and avoid live view) but that could be ideal.
What are your opinions of the Panasonic GX1?
Have a look at the Sony A37:
http://www.camerapricebuster.com/Son...-55mm-Lens-Kit
It uses an electronic viewfinder,due to the use of a fixed pellicle mirror,but is equipped with the Sony 16MP sensor which is found in many Sony,Pentax and Nikon cameras. The sensor is known to be decent in low light too.
Also,another thing is that the D3100 uses a pentamirror viewfinder which can be quite dim and like looking through a tunnel at times,so in that regard I consider the A37 to be better,although I am not the biggest fan of electronic viewfinders ATM as I tend to prefer pentaprisms.
Edit!!
Here is a comparison of the features of both cameras:
http://www.dpreview.com/products/com...ts=sony_slta37
Here is a review:
http://www.ephotozine.com/article/so...t-review-19673
Last edited by CAT-THE-FIFTH; 27-04-2013 at 11:30 AM.
£200 more than you wanted to pay lol. Make sure what ever camera you intend to buy is fit-for-purpose, i.e what do you intend on shooting, sports, night shots, landscapes, also factor in the price of lenses as the lens with the panny isn't going to give much zoom to play with.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uOqRvwOaL9s
Its on offer at £299 at Currys/PCworld
Read lots of reviews and compared the cameras in hand in several shops and ended up getting the panasonic GX1. The study metal body and well positioned rubber hand grip were big pluses. The dpreview and comments on the net closed the deal.
Thanks for everyones advice!
I am thinking to Sony Cyber-shot DSC-RX100. Anyone using it please help me the advice. Looking for reviews about this device.
Last edited by RhysCrawford; 06-05-2013 at 12:40 PM.
Also check out the Olympus XZ-2. You'll find a group review of both together and others on DPreviews.
I use a D3100 and it's a nice little DSLR, cant compare it with any professional ones because I have never used them. But it gives nice photos and manual and auto controls. Otherwise what about the Nikon 1. Never used it but if your not a professional I bet it's a great upgrade from point and click, without the full DSLR size
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