Help choosing the right camera

[leahpardo]

Hello. I am 16 and am thinking about getting into photography.

My mum has a Canon Ixus 60, and I think it is quite a good camera, even for today. However I want to be able to take decent, clear pictures, specifically nature shots, so both close ups and zoomed photographs. I think I am looking at a better than average camera.

I was recommended the Panasonic Lumix TZ6, for the zoom. However for that price, are there any better cameras, or cheaper ones?

Can anyone recommend a camera, review the panasonic one?

Or simply advise me!

Btw, I am focusing on doing nature photography, so animals and sceneries etc!

Thanks

[Frog]

Welcome to these forums. A great place to share and learn.

The first thing that will be asked by people that can actually advise you is, "what is your budget?".

[leahpardo]

My budget is around £200

[SmartWombat]

Hi Leah, welcome - good to see another UK member.

How about the Fuji FinePixS2000, Canon Powershot A2100IS, Sony DSC W300, all around £200

The TZ6 is £270 list at Jessops !
For around that price you can get the Panasonic FZ28, Nikon Coolpix P6000, Sony DSC-H20 or H50

What's more important to you, small size to slip in a pocket? Manual controls? More zoom? Image stabilisation so you can work without a tripod more often? Good macro for insects etc?

[leahpardo]

Hehe, in John Lewis the TZ6 is £229. On amazon it is £190.

I will check out all those cameras.

I am not professional so I dont understand DLRs or anything. What is important is it being compact but being able to take stunning photos both close up and far away.

[Frog]

If you find one let me know.

[leahpardo]

I think I have decided to start again.

What I want in a camera is:

To be able to take fantastic close ups that are clear - for example a bug on a leaf

I would like relatively good zoom, but not super zoom, a zoom that will enable me to get clear pictures of something far away (not as important as the close up)

I want clear, and generally non blurry pictures

I want a compact camera

I think I needed to start like this ^

[Frog]

G'morning leahpardo!

First I am not an expert on cameras and there are people here with much more knowledge.
It sounds as if you are genuinely interested in being able to get some good photos and I hope that after you get a camera you share some of your photos.
The best I can do is give you a link. It looks like the first 3 listed are close to your price range. http://www.imaging-resource.com/WB/WB.HTM?view=dp_macro

Also I want you to be sure to check our dealer feedback forum if you are buyiung on line.
There are good dealers and some really, really bad ones.
Good luck and happy shooting.

[leahpardo]

Ok thanks! I went to John Lewis yesterday and was basically recommended the TZ6 by Panasonic, it seems really good and has amazing reviews. It has image stabilizer and intelligent ISO which seems so handy.

[Liz]

Ok thanks! I went to John Lewis yesterday and was basically recommended the TZ6 by Panasonic, it seems really good and has amazing reviews. It has image stabilizer and intelligent ISO which seems so handy.

The Panasonic TZ cameras are very good with many features. If possible, it is good to try one out in the store - see how it "feels" in your hands. Also, just make sure the store has a good return policy if you're not sure about the camera. Keep us updated.

Liz

[leahpardo]

I am going to go and buy one now! I am really excited, I read some reviews which said it is a wonderful camera for close up shots of insects and plants! Which is exactly what I want! And yesterday at the shop they showed me how close it can get, with such a good image! I am really happy with my choice and cant wait to start taking photos!

[SmartWombat]

Good, sounds like John Lewis did a great demonstration for you.
Fantastic price too, though Jessops are almost always overpriced !

When you start taking photos, please post some here.
We have a Nature and Wildlife forum waiting for your images