SA Footy

Mrs DW and I are intending on purchasing a new camera in coming weeks, so we can get some lovely shots of our kids.
Anyone out there purchased a camera recently, or willing to share their tips on what to look out for.
We're looking to spend a reasonable amount of money but nothing too serious.
Are there any deals out there at the moment?

Cheers in advance.

I bought a Nikon D5000 2 years ago and it's one of the best things I've ever purchased.

A mate just bought the D5100 and is absolutely stoked with the picture quality. There's a million different functions you can use if you're that way inclined, or you can just select auto and the camera does everything for you. Also has Full HD movie mode, which whilst not anywhere near as good as using a handycam, it still takes really good video.

For me this camera is a 10/10.

Whichever brand you choose, make sure you go the twin lense kit. Price should be around the $1,100 mark...

the sony nex series is very good. The nex-7 has come out recently and is pushing some of the top end dslr but is pretty pricey your looking around 1,700. The nex5 is around the 700 and you wouldn't find a better camera around the 700-1000 mark. It's auto focus is one of the quickest on the market which is great for action shots. Even though it is a hybrid dslr it actualy has a full sized dslr sensore which no other hybrid has. The body is only 2 iphone back to back so it's compact, the bost thing is that it can be used as a point and shoot camera or more in depth photography.

My Panasonic Lumix DMC TZ7 was a ripper, but seems to have packed it in after almost three years (taken a beating along the way though) and probably just needs a service to get going again.

Obviously that model has been superceded, but would definitely look at a Panasonic again.

Have read very good things about the Lumix DMC GX1, which is an MFT and allows for interchangeable lens, but is far more compact than a traditional DSLR.

Recently bought a Canon 550d twin lens

Pretty happy with it for the price (JB were $400 cheaper than anywhere else)

Now I just have to get the missus to teach me how to use it!

The Ash Man wrote:Recently bought a Canon 550d twin lens

Pretty happy with it for the price (JB were $400 cheaper than anywhere else)

Now I just have to get the missus to teach me how to use it!

I can highly recommend this camera, I have been using it for about 12 months and takes great pictures

I've got a Canon 1000D, which is a couple of years old now so looking to upgrade later in the year. Having used this and a mates Nikon, I can recommend Canon as being that little bit more user friendly.

What type of camera are you after DW? Point and shoot, super zoom or DSLR?

pafc1870 wrote:I've got a Canon 1000D, which is a couple of years old now so looking to upgrade later in the year. Having used this and a mates Nikon, I can recommend Canon as being that little bit more user friendly.

What type of camera are you after DW? Point and shoot, super zoom or DSLR?

Have to agree had a CAnon 1000D, was a great camera, so good my daughter has pinched it off me, I now have a Nikon D3100, also a great camera with plenty of great features but is a tad expensive. Guess it depends what your main useage is for one. There are plenty of smaller digital cameras around that do superb jobs for family pics etc.

Im selling my Nikon DSLR for a compact Sony NEX-5



http://www.cnet.com.au/sony-alpha-nex-5-339303108.htm

I'm looking to take lots of family shots.
But also, given my involvement in reporting on sports, I'm keen to get a camera that is up for taking quality action shots.

Budget?

Dogwatcher wrote:Mrs DW and I are intending on purchasing a new camera in coming weeks, so we can get some lovely shots of our kids.
Anyone out there purchased a camera recently, or willing to share their tips on what to look out for.
We're looking to spend a reasonable amount of money but nothing too serious.
Are there any deals out there at the moment?

Cheers in advance.

Anything that can be swiftly used on the side of the road to take images of illegally parked vehicles. I'd suggest one like that.

Dogwatcher wrote:I'm looking to take lots of family shots.
But also, given my involvement in reporting on sports, I'm keen to get a camera that is up for taking quality action shots.

How bout this little baby?

Dogwatcher wrote:I'm looking to take lots of family shots.
But also, given my involvement in reporting on sports, I'm keen to get a camera that is up for taking quality action shots.

Forget any compact camera then.

Go for a Micro Four-Thirds style camera, or full DSLR.

For sports I'd go DSRL, depends on budget though

Just as an addition DW none of my old footy shots were taken with a DSLR but I made sure mine had a decent optical zoom.
There's no doubt my photos would have been better on a DSLR but I still managed to take a couple that got into the SANFL media awards using a 5mega pixel non SLR digital camera, was 12X optical zoom though.
Personally I'd go for a different camera for family shots as oppoosed to footy shots as they're so cheap now, a compact camera for family snaps at events that just fits in your pocket and a larger one that you keep in a case for sports shots or set shots of other things.

As for budget, the missus says $700 but I'm a bit more realistic and thinking up to a grand.

Thanks for the thoughts Wedgie, I agree about having a compact camera. Getting a new mobile next month and I figure the pixels on that are useful for those moments that pop up and you want to get a random shot of the family. But, that's a whole nother topic!

Dogwatcher wrote:As for budget, the missus says $700 but I'm a bit more realistic and thinking up to a grand.

Thanks for the thoughts Wedgie, I agree about having a compact camera. Getting a new mobile next month and I figure the pixels on that are useful for those moments that pop up and you want to get a random shot of the family. But, that's a whole nother topic!

For that price range go and have a play with the sony nex-5 you won't be disapointed with it, just sit there hold down the shoot button and see how quick it is and it's auto focus is amazing

Wedgie wrote:Just as an addition DW none of my old footy shots were taken with a DSLR but I made sure mine had a decent optical zoom.
There's no doubt my photos would have been better on a DSLR but I still managed to take a couple that got into the SANFL media awards using a 5mega pixel non SLR digital camera, was 12X optical zoom though.
Personally I'd go for a different camera for family shots as oppoosed to footy shots as they're so cheap now, a compact camera for family snaps at events that just fits in your pocket and a larger one that you keep in a case for sports shots or set shots of other things.

Which is why a micro four-thirds is perfect. Compact enough to carry around for casual shots, with the options of adding a lens for more complex photography.

Rule number 1, "megapixel" means SFA.
Remember that

Size is important - mainly because you are more likely to take a camera with you if it's convenient. The number if times I don't take mine because of the size is a lot!

I think there's an argument for two camera - one cheaper one that is incredibly small and great for taking everywhere - and a larger, DSLR camera for more professional results

If you aren't interested in changing too many settings, then a high end DSLR would be overkill for you. Cameras are pretty great these days at knowing what you're trying to do and adjusting accordingly.