Where should i start?

[EmPtYsOuLz]

Hi everyone...hopefully i've not posted this in the wrong area....

I'm actually a total newbie to photography and cameras but i'm trying to learn a little from scratch....from reading here and there online and stuff like that then experimenting myself...

the problem now is...i don't have a cam available to me but i've saved a little bit of cash myself (i'm a student) so i'm looking for a camera ranged between $250-$400...if its slightly over that amount i don't really mind if its really worth it....

was hoping to get a ultra compact cam so i could bring around with me all the time but it seems like they don't seem to be favoured by most due to their limited controls....

Any suggestions? Looking at Canon A530 and a couple more....
buying a 2nd hand cam seems to be a good option too but i'm not too familar with how the stuff actually works

 

[yanyewkay]

who said compacts aren't favoured by most?

I carry my fuji F11 everywhere I go and prefer to use it over bigger cams. Maybe I'm not the 'most' you referred to. 2nd hand F11 costs around $400+ or less if you look around enough.

 

[milamber]

Yes, i recommend getting a second hand camera to learn about photography and then splashing on a DSLR when you need to. Just make sure the camera you get has aperture and shutter priority as well as manual exposure setting. You can get a good 2nd camera with your budget of $400.

 

[Galdor]

Maybe you want to consider a prosumer cam, but it's gonna be more bulky than a P&S.

 

[EmPtYsOuLz]

Yes, i recommend getting a second hand camera to learn about photography and then splashing on a DSLR when you need to. Just make sure the camera you get has aperture and shutter priority as well as manual exposure setting. You can get a good 2nd camera with your budget of $400.

hmm manuel exposure,aperture and shutter priority....noted ...looking into it now thanks

 

[jasongcp]

who said compacts aren't favoured by most?

I carry my fuji F11 everywhere I go and prefer to use it over bigger cams. Maybe I'm not the 'most' you referred to. 2nd hand F11 costs around $400+ or less if you look around enough.

Agreed, I'm going to get my N73... 3.2mp LOL... at least can capture some candid shots without the weight of a DSLR... haha

 

[milamber]

hmm manuel exposure,aperture and shutter priority....noted ...looking into it now thanks

Just for info, i got my second hand Panasonic FZ5 for $400. It has all the features you'll need to really learn about photography. And imagine the pride you'll feel when you can take better pics with your P&S camera than some noob with a $3000 DSLR!

 

[EmPtYsOuLz]

Just for info, i got my second hand Panasonic FZ5 for $400. It has all the features you'll need to really learn about photography. And imagine the pride you'll feel when you can take better pics with your P&S camera than some noob with a $3000 DSLR!

ah i see.....
after reading through...i've decided to go for the canon A540.....
Would be great if i could get a 2nd hand one but seems like there's a promo for it....429 for A540 with 512+1GB SG card with case and bag...

cheers!

 

[frenchbean]

ah i see.....
after reading through...i've decided to go for the canon A540.....
Would be great if i could get a 2nd hand one but seems like there's a promo for it....429 for A540 with 512+1GB SG card with case and bag...

cheers!

Why don't you get the Fujifilm F30 then? Heard it's only $499 now. And i think it has everything that the A540 has and very good high ISO capabilities.

http://www.dpreview.com/reviews/com...e&cameras=canon_a540,fuji_finepixf30&show=all