What Camera?

[chrisuk013]

I'm after a nice camera and have a budget of around £500, I am a complete novice when it comes to thing's like this, so please help me. I would like something that will take great shots at sporting events and concerts etc.. Thanks inadvance

[AB Editor]

This one has served me well:

Amazon.co.uk User Recommendation

It's not super clever in the sense of being able to change lenses and doing loads of stuff with different settings (although there's plenty going on regarding settings).

BUT - it is very, very, very kind to people who take pictures like I do. Everything comes out very clear once you've got your light sorted out. I mostly use it for pictures of people and social events, rather than concerts or sports events. Others might have better examples for your listed activities.

[shoota]

£399 with the £30 cashback.
A friend has just bought one of these and is over the moon with it. Zillions of pixels and legendary Nikon quality. The two lens kit will do everything you want and make a good base to expand your outfit if you wish.

http://www.currys.co.uk/gbuk/cameras/digital-cameras/dslr-cameras/nikon-d3200-dslr-camera-with-18-55-mm-55-200-mm-telephoto-zoom-lens-21324868-pdt.html

[vulcan42]

First go to a camera shop where the staff know what they're talking about. Shops that sell cameras along side washing machines are only interested in a sale, not what's best for your needs.
Secondly handle the camera, make sure it feels comfortable in your hands. It's no good having a camera that does everything but is too heavy or awkward to use.
Most people only consider the camera but the lens is more important and for sports photography it's essential to have long lenses.
This link might be useful.
http://www.amateurphotographer.co.uk/buying-advice/538503/top-tips-for-deciding-what-camera-to-buy

[Canary42]

It's not the camera which takes great shots - it's the photographer - so start with a low-cost option until you get some more experience.

[vulcan42]

That is so true Canary42, it's not the cameras fault when a person has a tree growing out of his head. My apologies to chrisuk but here's a true story. A person was taking photographs in a small village and showed them to an interested resident. "those are great pictures" the resident said "you must have a very good camera". The resident then invited the photographer in for a meal. Afterwards the photographer thanked the host and said" that was a great meal, you must have a very good oven".

[AB Editor]

"It's not the camera which takes great shots - it's the photographer - so start with a low-cost option until you get some more experience."

I must be a great photographer then.

... I honestly believe that there are some cameras which are kinder to the occasional photographer, like me, and aid them significantly in taking the kind of photos they want.

So while it may be down to the photographer - it's certainly not worth turning your nose up at anything that's going to give you a leg up.

[gness]

Chris...I took okay photos with my old camera....I take some amazing ones with my new one....it's the camera..not me.

Don't start with cheap in the hope you'll improve your skills using it...you probably won't and you'll become dispirited....Gx

[AB Editor]

When I was first looking, this is where I started:

Amazon.co.uk User Recommendation

The Sony NEX range is pretty good, small and light - although some claim the colours are a bit too vibrant. I liked the colours for the fact they were more like I remember things, than the way things actually were :)

If you want "true" pictures you may want to head down the Olympus route - there is a good reason they're used for medical photography (i.e. taking pictures of your cells). They're considered to be able to present "true" colours.

If that's what you want :)

[gingejbee]

If you're a complete novice, it may help to get clued up with this helpful Which? guide...which will point you in the right direction.

http://www.which.co.uk/technology/photography/guides/choosing-and-buying-the-best-digital-camera/

[chrisuk013]

thanks guys, I'll have a read of the 'which guide' and then visit a local retailer. It's a great shame Jessops have shut, as I always got excellent customer services when buying for others

[Zacs-Master]

There are still quite a few Jessops shops around.
http://www.jessops.com/storefinder
They are Ok but they push certain brands at certain times. An independent camera shop is much better.

[rosyposy]

I have Nikon and Fujifilm cameras, of the two the Nikon has much the better lens, everything comes out crisp and clear with it. One thing I would advise is don't buy a camera which doesn't have a viewfinder, on a sunny day you can't see a blessed thing and have to guess what you are taking. -rosy

[mjwman]

An earlier answer reccommended the Nikon D3200 kit.
A s apro I cannot reccommend this option highly enough.
It is amazingly easy to use and delivers amazing images.
BUT it has the potential to grow with your photography and can do anything I would ask of it.
You will not grow out of it as yuou might with other brands and models.

[jomifl]

Whatever kind of camera you get it must have a proper viewfinder (for £500 it probably will). A massive zoom range to cope with your demands will compromise picture quality with one lens over most if not all the range so you will need to be able to change lenses. A wide angle zoom and a tele zoom will probably cover most of your needs especially if it has more than about 15 megapixels which would give you plenty of editing room to manouver.