Looking for a new camera

Woody2 · Senior Member

Looking for a new camera

Steve11 · Senior Member

Hi, I use a Panasonic TZ70. Amazing little camera, fits inside your pocket or on a belt pouch. Lots of manual features if you want but also just leave on auto. Will zoom 30 times, so can view a long distance. Has wifi so you can upload your photos to your laptop or ipad wirelessly, so easy. Around $500.

hope this is helpful,

cheers Steve.

macka17 · Guru

There r a Zillion. All will offer different ones.
I've used NIKON since camera's WERE camera's not digital toys.

Still use them.

First Digital was a Coolpix P500. Great all round with good video and 800x zoom
(on stand).

Replaced with later model P600. Around $450\500ish?

At our age. finest details is crap. WE can't see them.
Digitals fine and do everything we'll want.

We go Overseas for coupla three months a yr most yrs.
Mix up my Samsung J1 Phone cam. (Pretty good results)
with the P600.

I'm 5 yrs out of date. They'll all have changed by now.

Possibly go on a coupla CAMERA Forums.
They all using latest. WITH reviews and thorts on.

OH get decent chips too
I use Sandisk Extreme Plus 32-64 gig Mixed with a coupla
older Extreme 3's.
and a very fast Samsung in Daughters camera in Thailand.

-- Edited by macka17 on Tuesday 20th of June 2017 09:03:51 PM

Desert Dweller · Guru

Photography has been our passion since the early 80's. Do yourself a favour & buy a Canon or Nikon SLR. Yes they do have lots of knobs & buttons but set it to auto mode, point & shoot, there's no need to fiddle with them.

Your resulting images will be far superior to any compact camera. Places like JB Hifi sell SLR's from around $400 which is all you need to spend. You can also get SLR's in a kit that come with a short lens for scenery & a long lens for wildlife. Kits are around $700.

For a little over $800 you can get a full setup.
https://www.camerahouse.com.au/nikon-d3400-w-18-55mm-55-200mm-lenses-black-digital-slr-camera-w-tripod-bag

CLICK ON Continue to camerawarehouse.com.au

-- Edited by Desert Dweller on Wednesday 21st of June 2017 05:55:52 AM

The Belmont Bear · Guru

I agree with DD although you can buy some nice point and shoot cameras and get great results with them for consistent professional quality photos you would be better off investing in an SLR. I have owned a number of different Canon EOS models which when set on auto are just as easy to use, as you become more proficient you can always play around with the settings. I also have a number of lens with a 300mm being great for distance any bigger than that and you need a tripod to keep it steady. We spent a couple of years living in southern Africa and spent plenty of spare time in the game reserves photographing wildlife and landscapes with the SLRs. I have to admit to avoid looking like a tourist and getting mugged in some of the more suspect areas (outside of the reserves) I would carry a Sony point and shoot in my pocket - I also got some great shots with it but it was a little more hit and miss. As DD said you can't go wrong with the popular brand SLRs like Canon or Nikon and buying them in kit form with the different size lens included is usually the cheapest way to do it.

Opinions on cameras are a bit like opinions on tugs everyone is going to have a different point of view you really need to make your own call about the quality you want and what you are prepared to spend.. Check out Ebay sometimes you can pick up a superseded model SLR because like everything else now days people just have to have the latest version.

Desert Dweller · Guru

The Belmont Bear wrote:
I also have a number of lens with a 300mm being great for distance any bigger than that and you need a tripod to keep it steady.

Not necessarily, we hand hold 600mm lenses for our wildlife photography. As long as the light is good you can get a very fast shutter speed.

Here's some of our gear & a few sample shots taken with it. Pied Cormorant (1024x684).jpg

-- Edited by Desert Dweller on Wednesday 21st of June 2017 08:50:43 AM

The Belmont Bear · Guru

Beautiful shots DD but I just seem to shake too much trying to hold a camera steady with a big lens especially if I'm using it in auto take your point about increasing shutter speed though.. It would be very difficult to get a point and shoot camera that would give you professional quality shots like these especially at distance.

Desert Dweller · Guru

We also have Panasonic TZ70 cameras like Steve11. We use them for general photography, it saves changing lenses all the time. They are a great little camera with a Leica zoom lens.

We both got ours for around $375. There's a new model out now. They are classified as a ''travel camera'' & are slightly larger than the average ''happy snap compact camera''.

Papou · Senior Member

Nikon Coolpix P610 for what you want :) , Great Zoom and its very kind on Auto..

aussietraveller · Guru

And another option we were advised by a professional photographer we know who bought compact camera for his wife and when he saw the quality of the photos he bought one for himself so we thought good enough for him good enough for us.

We purchased two for under 500 each its a Sony DSC HX 60 and I think there is a newer model out now the camera has 30 times optical zoom and also digital zoom that can be turned on or off. Last year on our os trip we took over 14000 photos with virtually no duds, it also does easy panoramic shots and video if you want, I carried mine in my jeans pocket so easy.

I also think having a look on on line about what reviewers have to say is well worth while.

Good luck finding one to suit your requirements

keiron · Senior Member

I just bought a Panasonic TZ70 yesterday from The Good Guys, complete with a 64GB memory card. $379.00 in total.

Still playing with it (camera) and seems as good or better than my Point and Shoot Olympus.

I believe it was value for money, and would suffice the average Nomad Punter. Cheers, KB

macka17 · Guru

Follow Papou.

probably later model to mine again..

Regarding body's and lenses.

for normal people like us. a modern P\S is good enough.
you'll get some great shots. Macro and long range.

mine go all over the world with me and fits in one pocket.

the older types. the lenses cost and weigh a ton.

my last 801 and F3 body's.(Film) had 600mm IFED $11k. 300mm IFED $4.7k
70\210. 28\85. All IFED Glass.
with 2.5 macro Converter. 500 mirror. 28mm. 50mm etc.
I was serious for near 50 yrs. Own Darkroom and Processing kit.
4 bodies (1 underwater canon) Bellows etc.

nowadays. my 75 yr old eyes. the little P600 does me fine.

You're conning yourself if you think otherwise.

Go to a decent camera shop.
they'll let you try a lens camera and a decent P\s
NOT necessarily a NIKON. I'm only brand faithful..

Cheap body\lenses will NOT give pro, or anything near prints.

JUST remember.

it's the PERSON...

NOT the camera (no matter how good)

That gives "THE" shots.

I'll often take 300 and keep 2.

But I don't "play" with the digital.

What I take is what I keep. No more. No less.

And. As said.

Stay out of Digital Zoom rages.

They just blowing up part of what you've taken already.

-- Edited by macka17 on Wednesday 21st of June 2017 11:53:57 PM

Radar · Guru

I lke to suggest a Canon G12, my G12 is about 5 years old so there will be a newer model, when new was the top point and shot camera.

I liked it because of it size, fits in pocket, hand it around neck in jacket when I am travelling in Europe, I don't like looking like a tourist with camera exposed making you a target for the locals.

I now mostly use my Samsung S5 with 18 mega pixels for scenes and happy snaps with a lot of success but I will also add no where near as good as G12 or any expensive purpose brought camera.

Horses for couses.

Mike Harding · Guru

If you wish to do serious photography, even as an amateur, buy a digital SLR. If you simply wish to take photographs of things which interest or amuse you... don't.

Even though a DSLR in full auto is a, quality, point-and-shoot it is a large and expensive one - if you want a point-and-shoot then buy one.

Modern point-and-shoot cameras from the likes of Canon, Olympus, Nikon are outstanding pieces of kit and you will be happy with any of them. Buy one with a quality *optical* zoom - disregard digital zoom, it is worthless in a camera.

An oblique view:

Consider a movie camera. I recently bought a Sony HDR-CX405 which has a 30x optical zoom Zeiss lens. However it's not only a movie camera it is also capable of taking excellent quality still photographs (even when it's filming!).

Papou · Senior Member

So many viewes and opinions on variouse camers and all viewes i think should be respected as per owners expeiences with their Camera Kits.
Each camera comes with a sensor and the more upmarket the camera the better quallity (larger or smaller) the sensor.
Without going into the detail of all sensors and why they are better or worse , the smaller the sensor the more digital noise one can expect in the Photo when shooting in low light or a faster shutter speed .
Hence the cost of more upmarket Cameras not to mention the Glass(Lens ) that comes attatched or one can purchase for their Camera makes a difference so long as the user has an idea what they are on about with .
I know Photograpy or what one is taking a Photo is all about keeping a memory of one footsteps or a passion for one and thats what measures the outlay in $$ one is willing to spend .
Beutifull shots can still be accomplished by a novice Photographer if they have an eye for a shot with a bit of creativety so dont think that because you havent a deep enough pocket you cant take good memories of places yourve visited or subjects yourve photographed ey..
Spend within your means but try purchase the best for the $$s you can afford to spend..
Technology has come a long way with different brand makers pushing for your $$ so one can get a lower cost Camera nowadays that surprises even the experienced :).
Couple of years ago Missus and I were doing a River Cruise in Europe and me Lugging a hefty DSLR with Lens to match and doing calculations within the old Noggin when light wasnt the best and a fellow traveller was usingthe Camera i mentioned earlier on in the posts and had the advantage of sneaking a peek over his shoulder eachtime he was previewing his shots and said to the Misssus "Gunna Get one of those when we get home save lugging the hefty stuff most everywhere "lol.
With the way the World is nowadays it a wee bit of stress lugging costly Camera gear over ones shoulder in certain Countries in certain neighbourhoods too and a smaller compact doesnt show as much or whorth worrying about too much so has its advantages.
Mind you you can purchase smaller Cameras which are upmarket and come with a cost also if your looking for smaller unit.
But dont be too put off with smaller compacts at a more affordable price , surprised what you can buy and quallity of work that comes out.
Last piece of advice is extra batterries and extra cards for your shots to go on , worst thing is just as you are about to take that one in a zillion shot to run out of storage space or battery :).

Joe · Senior Member

I used to use SLRs but I ended up getting fed up with lugging around so much glass. Too heavy and inconvenient.

These days I use a Canon G13 - a simple point and shoot that has pretty good Canon internals and a decent lens. It doesn't do the long distance stuff very well, but I can shoot in RAW and edit on the PC if I feel the need.

My advice would be to choose the size of camera you want and buy something of quality. Being a Canon man I couldn't recommend Nikon (it's a bit like a Ford driver recommending a Holden), but I can heartily recommend the Canon G range. Very few dials etc :)

macka17 · Guru

Go to the races Joe. ANY races.

About 50\50 Canon. Nikon.

So we ALL right. for ourselves.
As you say. It's basically only the label.

My first camera. Apart from an old Box Brownie.
Was an AGFA Twin lens Reflex.
Back in Germany in late '50's.
Bought it to replace my old Rolleiflex I was using then

Wish I still had them
Probably worth a few bob nowadays.

Birdo · Veteran Member

Woody2 wrote:
G-day all . We are looking to buy a new camera. Did have a look in search but old files there.
looking around $500 to $800 hopefully.Point and shoot or something with not to many dials.
To take in views and some animal and bird shots.
Does anyone have camera that they can recommend
Thanks

Hi Woody

in answer to your question yes i think i can suggest one for your purposes.

i do a lot of videoing and have done over the last twenty odd years.

last year I was introduced to the Nikon Coolpix P610 by an old professional photographer friend.

l bought one last year for around $400 but I can't remember exactly what the price was.

It has a huge 60 times zoom and is fully automatic ie you put it on say scenery ,birds,sunset,moon etc etc and let the camera does the rest.Leaving it on the say dedicated bird setting you can still use it to take a photo of scenery for example.If you know what you are doing you have all the manual adjustments as well.

Some of my friends in the Birdlife group are now using the Coolpix 60 or 90 ,a huge 90 times zoom,so they don't have to lug their big lenses around when they are out birdwatching.Some say the photos came out as good as their big expensive lenses.

I am not sure of its weight but when i am out "birding"i can have it around my neck along with my Zwarovski binoculars and it is quite comfortable.

We have just arrived home from our West Queensland trip and i have some lovely photos of Spinifex Pigeons taken from around 40 to 50 mtrs on full 60 zoom and hand held.Very clear photos.I also took a video of them at the same time good but not quite as good as my Sony PJ790 video.

This is the first trip away in twenty years that i have not used the video only the camera.

My main interest is still videos but the Coolpix P610 is fantastic for all photos from micro to 60 times zoom and so easy to use on automatic.

I am not saying this is the best or worst camera but it fills the bill for me or what I want.

Hope this helps in you decision making.

Cheers

Mike Harding · Guru

Just a point about high power zoom capability: Birdo mentions a 60x zoom - my Sony also does 60x with the 30x optical lens but it does it via some very clever software which I don't yet understand. No matter... what I really wanted to say was:

With zoom lenses of this magnification you generally need a tripod and a remote release *especially* with a video camera. Even with a still camera the tripod/remote are a very good idea otherwise you'll need a very fast shutter speed (hope it's a bright day) and something (a tree?) against which to steady the camera. Big zooms are great but they do present their own problems. btw way; the more you zoom the more light you need.

Papou · Senior Member

Monopod tags along with my P610 for those extra zoom shots ey..

Yaketty · Veteran Member

We've had a Canon PowerShot SX 50 HS for about 4 years & paid about $460 duty free I recall. It has a 50 x zoom, some great features without being overly bulky or too complicated. I keep the manual as a PDF on the iPad and we've been very impressed with the quality of shots both stills and video. There's no doubt a later model than ours by now but this link may give you more information:
https://www.canon.com.au/cameras/powershot-sx50-hs/support

cheers, Kay

macka17 · Guru

Unless you into blowing up to the Nth degree. and super fine Macro shots.
Even speed shots
The modern P\S better models,
will do all 99% of people need.

These Body lens kits are. unless a pro. really unnecessary.

I gave my grandaughter 2 Nikon body's that cost me over $7k.
and Over 20 grands worth of lenses.

Just be careful if going the kit. Lens,body way.

The lenses they give. Even Nikon\Canon. are bottom of range.

GOOD lenses. To give Good QUALITY shots. will cost you.

-- Edited by macka17 on Thursday 22nd of June 2017 11:25:39 PM

Desert Dweller · Guru

Point & shoot compact cameras with extreme zooms (30x to 50x) give very disappointing image results & are really just a gimmick. Shorter zooms are OK.

blissonwheels · Senior Member

Gooday,

There are lots to choose from, have had SLR and they are bulky unless you are really into photography I feel.

Am now on my second Olympus, it is a Stylus 1 and I suggest you have a look at it, compact, good zoom, all the bells and whistles, has choice of normal viewfinder and rear screen, I still use the viewfinder most of the time, has self opening and closing Lens Cover. I had a Panasonic for a while, but too bulky so traded it on the Olympus, seller advised me at the time that many Professionals were buying this one as an extra, because of its quality, compactness and ability.

Choice is yours, but have a look at what brand a big percentage of medical equipment use!?.

macka17 · Guru

Keith and Judy.

The extreme zoom, P&P are fine. Mine goes to 600 Max.
Digital starts at-258. Manual Macro 4.3 - 258 zoom)

as long as you set it to STOP zooming at the point the Digital Zoom starts.
It'll be fine.
Nikons can. Others, probably too.

All that is. is the computer blowing up a smaller portion of max std zoom for you.
Con. Con. Gotcha.
Pixels go by-by.

Only time a lens kit is really useful. Is when you on Macro.
or extreme Distance, speed \slow shots.
Same as LCD Torches.

I was going to buy a nice Nitecore $370....(Birthday pressie.hey)
Actually Compared one to my $45 Chinese special last night.
Thank god.

My beam is actually a better tone of white (for my eyes)
and travels further. with more spread.

Same as the 9 LED 4 x 18650 batt, "SKY-RAY King". Coke can.
As good (beam wise) as a $450 supertorch.

Modern "cheaper" technology HAS caught up with the expensive stuff
at last.

DAMN.
Just read Johnny out of footy for rest of season.

Then he'll be retiring.
so the end of a brilliant footballers career.

Out in glory. The BEST EVER.....
Glad I got his last game on disc hey.

We'll still beat the Blue Bast--ds though.
Not a problem.

Psychologically. We there, B4 we step on field.. Chuckle.

-- Edited by macka17 on Friday 23rd of June 2017 12:14:16 PM

Woody2 · Senior Member

Thanks everyone for your replies. Gives us something to think about and look at. Should be in Mackay end off next wk early wk after.
Will look around there.
Thanks again

Birdo · Veteran Member

Hi Woody

Further to my post of the 22nd.

I have just downloaded my shots from our recent West Qld.trip.to my Applemac.

After seeing my shots of the Spinifex Pigeons and The Red Capped Robin two of my Birdlife group photographer friends said they are brilliant shots and the Robin was one of the best Red Capped Robin photos they had ever seen.All taken with my Coolpix 610 on optical Zoom between 40 and 60 times hand held plus the Pigeons were at least 40mtrs away

it does not matter what others think but they take excellent quality photos even on a high zoom.

As Macka said "modern cheaper technology has caught up with the more expensive stuff at last"

How many photographers are still using films and how many videos are being videoed on tapes?

Remember when a 40 inch Plazma screen cost many thousands of dollars now you can by one for hundreds .

Technology is advancing at an alarming rate.

I think ,Woody,if you buy a point and shoot camera it will do everything you want.

I am very happy with the Coolpix as it takes excelent photos of everything you want on fully automatic and up to a huge 60 times optical zoom plus you are not changing lenses all the time.

Cheers

Radar · Guru

Radar wrote:
I lke to suggest a Canon G12, my G12 is about 5 years old so there will be a newer model, when new was the top point and shot camera.
I liked it because of it size, fits in pocket, hand it around neck in jacket when I am travelling in Europe, I don't like looking like a tourist with camera exposed making you a target for the locals.
I now mostly use my Samsung S5 with 18 mega pixels for scenes and happy snaps with a lot of success but I will also add no where near as good as G12 or any expensive purpose brought camera.
Horses for couses.

Hi All

We brought the Canon G12 at Christmas 2012, taken approx. 6000 photos, it has produced some very fine memories, the some model is used as the permanent camera set up on top of the Sydney Habour Bridge and the Brisbane Story Bridge, it is a fairly robust camera and is used to take a record of your successful climbing adventure, well gets what it has failed big time.

We were out enjoying ourselves and in the excitment of the day taking the odd memory or two when without warning the lens would not retract and shut down, I removed the battery and saved the important photos. For now the camera is storyed away until I return home and send it off to Canon in the near future.

Luck has it my son has been able to give me his last years camera a Canon EO5 to walk about with.

Please be warned, I will up date my out come with Canon. ASP.