Jenny's New Camera Quest

OK Spruce and Jack, I do want to take more flower and insect piccies BUT
a) it mustn't be too complicated (I fall asleep after page 2 of the manual)
b) it mustn't cost the earth
c) willing to consider 2nd hand if I feel confident of a good buy

Please, super Admin, can you put this onto a new thread?
I hope others, drawn and inspired by some of the lovely GC shots, will take a look as well,
thank you
Jenny namaste

 

Done.

Actually i'd be interested on what folk have to say as i'd like a better video & something that can take pics of small things like Mouse Bowel Sausages and stuff.

 

Jenny, even simple cameras have instructions which make War and Peace look like a light novelette. OH bought a nice one but I can't be bothered to wade through all the instructions. Also, every time I use it he inspects it for signs of torture. So I've gone back to my rubbish little Olympus. But don't let me put you off. I still don't know how to use all the features on my phone. I was diligent with my very first one, but I've got through so many that now I just can't be doing with the things.

 

Thank you for the new thread Ziggy.
I don't want to appear ignorant but what are Mouse Bowel Sausages?
P.S. I know about stuff - see, not totally ignorant

 

No worries Jen.

Most sausages are made in Pig's bowels, mice are a lot smaller.

 

Oh, I see Ziggy.
Tell me, how many do you get to the pound? And how expensive are they compared with pig bowel sausages?
(she tried to continue to show a degree of interest but hoped the waitress would be along with another tray of champagne very soon.....)

 

http://gardenerscorner.co.uk/forum/threads/the-mouse-thread.37547/

 

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Fujifilm-...Cameras_DigitalCameras_JN&hash=item3a752b8c8b

This is a great "BRIDGE" camera (Bridge like an SLR but lens is not interchangeable)
It takes brilliant macro pics ie insects, flower stamens etc

It is light to carry and small to hold, and gives excellent results set on totally automatic

I had one for a couple of years when it was brandnew, and still used it as my favourite backup when out with my SLR's
Then my grandaughter gleaned it, and at the moment I am in negotiations of exchanging it with her :-)
I will try to put some compare pix up FULL SIZE on my website, which I will PM you details of when I get something up for you

http://www.dpreview.com/galleries/reviewsamples/albums/fuji-finepix-s7000z-reviews-sample/slideshow

The next step up is to an SLR only, heavy large and expensive even second hand, As YOU DO NOT WANT THE STANDARD KIT LENS, you just want the body and a good lens

Then of course what you do want, THE KNOWLEDGE TO USE IT CORRECTLY
which to me was not easy as I am old for taking in things, as in I can remember every detail of my Kodak Box Brownie, but have not a dicky do, of what I read about my SLR Yesterday

Other more knowlegeable folk will advise you, BUT IMHO you can not go wrong with this Fujifinepix s7000. I know I have used it and it worked well for me Some of my first pix attempts were insects and bees on bushes in fully automatic idiot mode, and yes you even see each individual hair on a bees legs taken from about 24" away

Regards Jack McH

 

Thank you Jack. It sounds good. Looking forward to your website.
Also, after the bank hols, I will make enquiries at our local Council offices and our U3A to see if there's a beginners Photography class that I can join to learn how to use a camera properly,

 

Go for the fuji as Jack McHammocklashing suggested, I have a couple of them really great camera, easy to use too.

 

You may also wish to consider buying a decent digital compact camera that will be easily carried around, have a decent zoom + macro + 'intelligent' settings (eliminating the need for poring over manuals) and will also be pocket sized, so you'll always have it with you.

 

my last proper camera was a Canon 30D (I bought it brand new) ... I added a few lenses and a cannon 580 EX dedicated flash ... I needed it mostly for ebay sales

I also ended up getting a Canon 100mm f2.8 macro lens for the small items ...

magic combination and crystal clear pics ... especially when used with a white light tent with the 100 lens

these are old now, but can now be picked up cheaply on ebay in good condition ...

I had to sell my setup as I was skint, but would definately own the same combo again

 

try the Panasonic Lumix FZ45 I used to have an olympus panasonic beats it hands down

 

strangely, I could never get my price for my heavy gitzo studio tripod .... mine is old, very heavy and made of steel ... got it for £30 off ebay and something similar brand new costs hundreds

solid as a rock and am glad that I never sold it as I may need it in time to come