Simviation Forums

This is my current cam, i've had it about 2 years and basically like it because it's only 4" wide and easy to carry around.
It cost me about

Before I went from SLR to digital SLR, I had a Fuji Finepix 1600. At the time it was as close to a digital SLR I could get for the money I had. In fact most of the Fuji Finepix range is like that. They are also right in the price range you have in mind. You can adjust shutter and aperture and a whole load of other stuff you would find on a digital SLR. They also have a good digital zoom. The 1600 has X15. However, the 1600 in quite old not, but still available.

Finepix 1600

Matt

I recommend the Nikon P510. I have the P500, which is the previous version. It is basically just one step away from a DSLR Camera. It has amazing zoom, and takes great photos, 99% of the time not using any flash. The lens is wide angle and it processes photos quickly. It also takes amazing HD Video with good sound, the HDR feature is nice too. There is really too much to explain on it, but the price dropped from what I paid, $500 to either $350 or $399, I can't remember. Anyhow, here is a photo I took in Florida with some of the settings tuned up.

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7080/7159 ... 51ac_b.jpg

The camera basically almost goes anywhere I do, it's completely worth every cent it costs.

Here's a couple more.

http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8012/7159 ... fb54_c.jpg

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7053/7116 ... 0f5f_c.jpg

http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8155/7001 ... b2a9_c.jpg

The resolution and quality choices are excellent on it as well. Here is a full size photo of a Cessna 421.

http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8158/7116 ... 680d_o.jpg

And another of the GA lineup at a local airport.

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7216/6970 ... 55d6_o.jpg

Here is the link to the camera on Nikon's site so you can read up on it. I really couldn't recommend it anymore.

http://imaging.nikon.com/lineup/coolpix ... ance/p510/

I've messed with the new small camera with interchangeable lenses as well, they are awesome cameras. Basically DSLR in compact form.

http://imaging.nikon.com/lineup/acil/index.htm

Good luck with the choice, the P500 is my first Nikon, my first camera really and I wouldn't ever go with another brand, this camera hasn't failed me yet.


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Thanks guys, and i'll look up some vids on youtube which cover a lot of camera brands..

I recommend getting a DSLR. even a cheap one.

We got my dad a Nikon D5100 for Fathers day, and It shots 1080P, and great photos (already tested it out).  We used to have a Pentax, and there good to.   I have the 25MM Telephoto lens for my Pentax, and it takes good photos.

Yeah I might decide to splash out on something expensive with through-the lens viewfinding because digital viewfinder screens are almost impossible to see in bright daylight; i've got a flip-up hood on mine but it's still hard to see.

For really expensive stuff
Sony Alpha SLR-like thing. Has EVF but stupid flash mount that will cost lots of money if you want a flash unit
Samsung has something with EVF too but cant find the name of it now

Avoid the Canon Eos 1100D, that is the worst SLR you can get ergonomics wise. They removed all the rubber grip on the body to make it cheaper

If you are still open to suggestions, there is a new compact DSLR style camera out that is pretty sweet. Small in size, but has the power of a full size DLSR.

This one is really cool IMO. I played with it and compared it to a Nikon DSLR at Best Buy, amazing camera with interchangeable lenses, like a DSLR. I'm normally one of those people who say that stuff like a DSLR cannot be replaced by newer, compact things, but in this case it has done a great job.

http://www.bestbuy.com/site/Sony+-+NEX- ... Id=3187031