Best (not too big) camera for under £1000? (DSLRs now included!)

  • Thread starter EliteDoom
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EliteDoom

EliteDoom

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EliteDoom
Hi, just looking for some help on getting a camera.

I currently have a Canon Ixus 100 IS. A good camera by all means, but not quite good enough for what I enjoy doing sometimes. I do not at all want a DSLR. Anything but! My budget is basically unlimited, but I think £1000 is a sensible max. I would like to spend a little more to get some more. Anyway, for size, the biggest I really want is about 14 cm diagonal. I can't really measure as they don't do rulers in hotel rooms, unfortunately, but it doesn't have to be too small, but also not take up a whole country with space. My main gripe with my current camera is that the sensor is a bit rubbish and the optical zoom is only 3X, and I don't use digital zoom as I have an IQ of over 1. Megapixels don't matter too much, but over 9 would be good. I don't just need a well-zooming camera, but also have good quality, and I don't really
want a very cheap one, so slightly more expensive would
be nice.

Sorry if the post didn't make much sense, but I am typing this on a iPod Touch, and it is driving me to madness. I'll probably edit it to make sense when I get to a computer.

Thanks in advance!
 
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Under £1000? Either a m4/3 camera like the Panasonic GF2 (plus lenses) or the awesome Fujifilm X100 (although not having a zoom might not be your thing). Even more compact would be the Canon S95.
 
Ah, thanks! But I forgot one thing- I hate changing lenses, so no FourThirds for me, it seems. And it also looks like the FZ-45 has lenses too, but I was surprised at the price.

The Canon S95 actually looks like a repainted version of my camera, so I ain't sure. Sorry for sounding so picky, but I'm really not quite sure about the suggestions, but thanks anyway! I'll see if any more responses provide some details.
 
EliteDoom
The Canon S95 actually looks like a repainted version of my camera, so I ain't sure. Sorry for sounding so picky, but I'm really not quite sure about the suggestions, but thanks anyway! I'll see if any more responses provide some details.
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No problem.

As for the S95, it's probably one of the best compacts in terms of handling and image quality. Similar cameras from other manufacturers are the Panasonic LX5 and the Olympus XZ1. All three are very capable tools that can give you loads of control, but have good auto modes if you just want to point and shoot. Also you don't have to change lenses on a m4/3, the 20mm pancake lens will cover most shooting situations anyway.

Anyway if I were in your situation I'd pick up an X100, but they're rather hard to get a hold of at the moment. The image quality on that thing is amazing, the only thing holding me back is that Nikon are apparently developing a large sensored compact themselves (and that I'm already invested in Leica film gear).
 
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EliteDoom
The Canon S95 actually looks like a repainted version of my camera, so I ain't sure. Sorry for sounding so picky, but I'm really not quite sure about the suggestions, but thanks anyway! I'll see if any more responses provide some details.
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That will be where the similarities end. As already said, the S95 is one of the best compacts available, it's one of the go-to compacts for pro's who want to carry something everywhere.
 
I own an Olympus E-PL1 (m4/3) with the famous 20mm pancake made by Panasonic. It is by all means a camera-lens-combo with an awesome picture quality. And that's coming from someone who is very picky about picture quality, owns a Nikon FX camera and several high quality prime lenses.

Really, the 20mm pancake (40mm equivalent lens) will suffice for almost any situation (I don't even own any other lens for it), and the picture quality, even of the out-of-camera-JPEGs, is nothing but stellar. I bought this camera as a compact walkaround for JPEG shooting, and it hasn't missed a beat yet.

The Panasonic m4/3 cameras are very similar, but they say that the Olympus guys got the out of camera JPEGs that little bit better.

If you want picture quality, get that!
 
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the Interceptor
I own an Olympus E-PL1 (m4/3) with the famous 20mm pancake made by Panasonic. It is by all means a camera-lens-combo with an awesome picture quality. And that's coming from someone who is very picky about picture quality, owns a Nikon FX camera and several high quality prime lenses.

Really, the 20mm pancake (40mm equivalent lens) will suffice for almost any situation (I don't even own any other lens for it), and the picture quality, even of the out-of-camera-JPEGs, is nothing but stellar. I bought this camera as a compact walkaround for JPEG shooting, and it hasn't missed a beat yet.

The Panasonic m4/3 cameras are very similar, but they say that the Olympus guys got the out of camera JPEGs that little bit better.

If you want picture quality, get that!
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If my useless memory serves me correctly, isn't the Olympus EPL-1 one of Olympus' classic-looking cameras? That's great, but I just Googled it and saw that an EPL-2 has been announced, so that would perhaps be a worthy (if not better) successor to the EPL-1. Now I'm not doubting your mastery, but I always want to explore more.

Now, I spotted someone with a Canon EOS 550D/Rebel T2i and saw that it was not very big or heavy-looking. Anyone used one before to help here please? If it turns out to be good, That thar title may have to be changed......:)

Finally, anyone own or previously used a Sony NEX-5 camera who can tell me some more info? Thanks.
 
Yes, this is the range of classic-looking cameras of Olympus, while I may add that the E-PL1 looks somewhat plasticky compared to its bigger brothers. The E-PL2 would of course be the better choice, as it has been improved over the E-PL1 in several details. The 2 simply wasn't available when I bought the 1, thus I don't own it.

Now, the entry-level dSLRs surely are compact and light. I owned a Nikon D40, and even if my D700 doesn't look that much bigger side by side, it is a brick compared to the D40. A Rebel 2Ti is about the same size as a D40. But make no mistake, these dSLRs still are significantly bigger than an m4/3. The E-PL1 with the pancake on the other hand still is bigger than a true compact. I can just slip it in my pocket with the pancake lens, but only just.

I don't own a NEX, but I have been playing with one of a workmate. He owns a couple of vintage Zeiss ZM lenses, and the NEX series arguably is the best compact choice for it. Also, having an APS-C-size sensor has advantages in terms of noise over an m4/3. And still, the guy isn't that happy with it. It is a more compact camera body, but the operation is very menu-orientated and thus far away from the close-to-hardware-operation of a dSLR. Now, you either like that or you don't, but if you come from a dSLR like he does, you likely won't. Also, I'm not so happy with the range of lenses. The supercompact body mostly is negated by the big lenses you put on it. Overall, I'm much happier with my combo, although I still urge you to to go to a shop and play around with both cameras by yourself. Only then you can find out whether a specific model suits you or not.

In the end, it totally depends on what you're looking for. If size matters, I think an m4/3 camera suits you better. If image quality is everything, you will be just as fine (and better in certain situations such as low light) with an entry level dSLR. You will eventually long for a bigger body if you go for the latter, which can be an advantage just as a drawback, which ever way you want to see it.
 
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TB has got a Canon 500D which, as far as image quality and size is concerned, is basically the same as the 550D and 600D. I'm hoping to get a DSLR in the not too distant future and was thinking of the 600D but spotted a very good deal on Amazon for £992 for a 60D with non-kit 17-85 mm f/4-5.6 IS USM Lens which is a huge improvement over the standard kit lens.

The 60D is bigger than the 550D/600D but not massively so to effect portability and what really matters is how the camera feels to hold and use. As The Interceptor says my advice is to go to a half decent camera shop (e.g. Jessops) and try using the different cameras you're considering before deciding which to go for, as good as some internet reviews are you'll be surprised how important your personal preference for the feel of the camera is.

Also you might be interested in this National Geographic photography guide I came across recently although it might be nothing new to you.
 
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Right! After visiting the best ever Sony Style store today, I am absolutely blown away by the NEX-5. Could anyone give me a comparison of the Canon 600D? I have previously handled a 550D and it felt very solid and nice, and the NEX-5 too, so unless I find something better, these are my candidates. Thanks in advance!
 
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Unfortunately, I am still intent on finding which of the Canon 550D/600D or the NEX-5 is better, but I shall have a look at the link about FourThirds, so thanks anyway, AMG!

Anyone have an opinion on the better of the three cameras?

Thanks!
 
The NEX-5 is this digital camera with these lenses, right?
Well, a DSLR is always better!

If you got the money, an really need a DSLR (most of the time just too oversized for a regular photographer) then go ahead. But I still recommend you a Bridge - Camera, if you just want to use this for a private use like Car Meetings oder Holiday Pictures.
 
Sony NEX-5 Review 71%
Canon 550D Review 77%
Canon 600D Review 77%

If you are set on getting a camera with changeable lenses rather than a compact camera then I would go with one of the Canon DSLRs over the Sony NEX-5 as the image quality will be better and there is a vastly greater selection of lenses for them.

As you will read in the linked reviews the 550D and 600D are basically the same camera with the main difference being the 600D having an articulated LCD screen and being about £150 more expensive. It is quite likely with a bit of bargain hunting you could get the 550D with a nice lens for the same price as the 600D with the kit lens so that's worth taking into account. Also don't forget to include in your budget for a bag and a few basic accessories or even try and get some of them thrown in for free if you're buying in person from a shop.
 
Time to revive the thread! I have ultimately decided to get a 550D body and a Canon 28-135mm lens. Thanks to Neal for advising me against the kit, the 17-55mm looks a bit crap. Unless anyone can ultimately convince me to buy a different one, as I haven't ordered it quite yet, waiting for another reply to the thread which never came, I am buying that thing straight offa Amazon.
 
EliteDoom
Time to revive the thread! I have ultimately decided to get a 550D body and a Canon 28-135mm lens. Thanks to Neal for advising me against the kit, the 17-55mm looks a bit crap. Unless anyone can ultimately convince me to buy a different one, as I haven't ordered it quite yet, waiting for another reply to the thread which never came, I am buying that thing straight offa Amazon.
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Good choice on the Canon.. why the 550 rather than the 600 may I ask? Lens selection ultimately comes down to what you want to shoot... I'll either use 10-24mm or 28-105mm for most things, with 100-300mm being useful for motorsport... The 28-105 is good for most things, but for example, at car shows etc.. you just have to stand that little too far back to get the pic, that means you forever getting people walking into frame, thats why I ended up getting the 10-24.
 
I chose the 550D rather than the 600D, because the 600D just has an extra adjustable screen and smaller viewing angle, but usually costs £150 more. I may get the 10-24, thanks for the info.
 
The 10-24mm probably won't be suitable as your only lens so another alternative that would be cover most shots is the Canon EF-S 17-85mm f/4.0-5.6 IS USM which would give a wide enough angle for most situations and is a similar cost to the 28-135mm. This combination at Amazon is £924 but for an extra £75 you could get the same lens with the better Canon 60D body. Have you had a hold of the 60D compared to the 550D/600D? It's a little bit bigger but for me that actually makes it easier to use.
 
Neal
Have you had a hold of the 60D compared to the 550D/600D? It's a little bit bigger but for me that actually makes it easier to use.
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I bought a 60D Body as it was within £50 of the 600D+Lens ... but since I already had a couple of lenses the 600D didn't make sense.

I like the 60D alot, but don't buy it on the basis of the flexible screen... the autofocus drops off a cliff when shooting in Live View mode.
 
MatskiMonk
I bought a 60D Body as it was within £50 of the 600D+Lens ... but since I already had a couple of lenses the 600D didn't make sense.

I like the 60D alot, but don't buy it on the basis of the flexible screen... the autofocus drops off a cliff when shooting in Live View mode.
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I'm jealous, I've still not got a DSLR but it's next on my wish list so I've been doing an unhealthy amount of window shopping...I just need to convince the missus we need to replace the compact camera she bought me with another one that costs the same as a holiday!

Shooting photos using the live view screen on a DSLR really isn't the done thing although it's useful for awkward shots, with the articulated screen, and videos. One of the main things I prefer about the 60D over the 600D/550D is the larger viewfinder as I wear glasses which stops you getting your eye up close to it. Also better camera is better ;)
 
@ Elite.

As an amatuer photographer my friends often ask me for recommendations on what gear to buy. For a dslr I always tell them Nikon or Cannon they both make fantastic gear. The best way to know what's best for you IMHO is to go to a reputable dealer and try some different bodies and see what feels comfortable to you.

I have a D40, and a D200 with a variety of different lenses, both bodies have some shortcomings in some shape or form but I tend to carry the D40 everywhere, even though it's a cheap entry level dslr honestly I think it outperforms compacts worth alot more money.

Just remember mate to try before you buy if possible and good luck and happy shooting. 👍

Cheers Shaun.
 
Neal
I'm jealous, I've still not got a DSLR but it's next on my wish list so I've been doing an unhealthy amount of window shopping...I just need to convince the missus we need to replace the compact camera she bought me with another one that costs the same as a holiday!

Shooting photos using the live view screen on a DSLR really isn't the done thing although it's useful for awkward shots, with the articulated screen, and videos. One of the main things I prefer about the 60D over the 600D/550D is the larger viewfinder as I wear glasses which stops you getting your eye up close to it. Also better camera is better ;)
Click to expand...

It was £800 when I bought it and the Live view screen was a big part of the reason why I bought it. I'd often wanted to take pictures in places and angles that it was not possible to put my head! Also it saves some grief if it happens to be mounted on a tripod for any length of time, or long exposure work... it cannot be used for paparazzi style shooting round corners of over peoples heads, it simple does not focus fast enough.
 

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