Buying a new camera

[natoshka]

Can anyone suggest the best digital camera for:

a) landscape photography - when I take a picture of fiords with my old camera (Konica Minolta Dimage X1), it focuses on the things that are closest to me and the fiords become a blur. Look HERE.
I was told I should look for a digital camera with 35mm lenses but I don't know which one to choose.

A panorama option would be a nice bonus.

b) taking photos & videos of singers at concerts. Again, my camera is completely useless at this.


I'm looking for an older good digital camera as the older ones usually get cheaper. However, I'm willing to invest into a brand new model if it's worth it. My budget is £250.

Any help would be much appreciated

[swan lover]

Hello Natoshka, because I use a computer in my local library I couldnt see your picture, so must work blind, I looked up your camera it similar to my old Samsung Didgimax v4, cannot understand why it focused on foreground only unless it did this automaticaly, I have a picture taken with my V4 go to my page and see what you think.
To get good coverage you need a good depth of field from around F8 upward I would us aperture priority and a tripod.
Unless your going professional stick to your budget, the new DSLR's with video cost 4 time sor more than what your Konika did when new.
If you need a camera with built in Video go to a reputable dealer, explain your needs see what they recomend and choose the camera that suits you, you are comfortable using it, you find it easy to use and hold. some new bridge cameras fit your bill and price bracket, the final choice is choice is yours.

I hope i've been of help and I havent put you off, good luck in your choice I would like to know which camera you choose.

[chris-p]

Hi Natoshka, welcome to the forums!

I think you're best option would be a bridge camera. They offer the sort of manual controls that you get with an SLR but without so much bulk. They have a fixed lens (that is, you can't change it for another) but they usually have a very large zoom range. Most also offer video (often HD video) capture.
They usually have relatively advanced auto focus systems allowing you to fine tune your focus which is great for landscapes.

Concert photos are going to a be a little harder but these sort of cameras will give you the best chance at some good photos without having to shell out for an SLR and some fancy fast lenses.

There are a few cameras within your price range. Have a look at the following cameras:

Panasonic DMC-FZ38 - £260. This has an 18x zoom (which is HUGE!) and does HD video. It's at the top end of your budget though.
Sony DSC-H20 - £200. This has a 10x zoom and also does HD video.
Fuji S2000 HD - £175. This one has 15x zoom and also does HD video.
Canon SX120 IS - £160. This one has a 10x zoom and does video but only at VGA resolution.

All of these cameras offer a high degree of manual controlswhich, although it might take some time to learn how to use, will give you the opportunity to take more control over what your camera does (and how it does it). Don't forget that you've got a great resource here on the forums for advice as well.

Just for completeness I will say that if it was me I would buy the Panasonic. I know it's the most expensive camera I've listed (there are more options but they cost more money) but it is the newest model and has the best specification of all the cameras.
I've used the previous models in this range and have always been very impressed.

Edit: I should point out that, on the website I've linked to, some of the cameras are out of stock. I am just using this website to show you the cameras and give an idea of price. It's well worth hunting around and seeing who has what in stock and where you might be able to get a good deal!

Good luck!