dilemma

[peter broomfield]

I've got about £250 to spend on my first digital camera - which will give me higher quality images, an old second hand SLR or a new high spec compact.

Your thoughts please

Peter

[ianpinion]

Hi Peter and welcome to the forums. To answer your questions and give you proper advice we are going to need some more information from you.

Firstly, what do you plan to take pictures of with this camera? Do you want to take shots of wildlife, or people or landscapes or fast moving action shots for instance? Secondly, your budget of £250 is going to limit your options somewhat. Thirdly, these higher quality images you're are seeking aren't necessarily down to what equipment you're using but how effectively you can use the camera. I know of a number of professional and talented amateur photographers who would be able to get a better image from an average compact that some of us can get with a decent DSLR. Finally, if you buy a DSLR you will be constantly buying more and more equipment to use with it as time goes on and this can be very heavy to lug around.

You see photography can be a very addictive hobby and you can become completely consumed by it. If you're unsure if this will be the case with you, then my suggestion would be to buy a decent compact and see how you go. If you like it you can then think about buying a DSLR at a later date once you've learnt some of the basic skills with your compact.

Anyway, we look forward to hearing what your requirements are and then we'll be happy to suggest a few makes and models of cameras.

[lifecapture]

Peter, in answer to your question an SLR will give you the better picture quality no doubt about it. A little under a year ago i picked up a canon 400d with less than 2000 shots through the shutter for £210, it didnt come with a lens but you can pick up an old kit lens on ebay for around £25-£35 which fits your budget nicely.
As for the type of photography you want to do, i always hated these questions when i started out as typically the answer is everything, with your budget you will have to make a compromise either a 2nd hand slr with a single lens, or a compact with an all round fixed lens. The SLR will offer you more opportunities to expand your outfit as to your photographic passions develop, where as a compact you are stuck with your decision. If you have any more questions post them here and i will try to answer them as fast as i can.

[ianpinion]

There you go Life, pushing the case for the DSLR. Cue Flake for a run down of the latest bridge and advanced compact cameras by Canon that are so good they make you wonder why anyone would lug a DSLR and a load of heavy equipment around with them. And a DSLR will only give you better pictures if you know how to use it properly. You've got to have an awareness of what camera settings are best each different type of shot you might want to take and also how to compose it. If you just leave it on Auto all the time, you might as well have a compact, as the results will be pretty average.

[lifecapture]

The original question was what will give me the highest quality images, my belief is that its the DSLR.

[ianpinion]

I agree that you would get the better quality images using a DSLR, because you know how to use it properly, Life. Sadly, we do not know how well skilled Peter is with a camera, so we can not make the assumption that he would take better photos with a DSLR and that is my point.

We have to keep our advice relevant to the person asking the question and to give him the right answer we need a bit more info. This is just so we can tailor our replies to his specific needs.

Thank you,

[chris-p]

Hi Peter, welcome to the forums.

My answer to your question is that it really depends which second hand SLR and which modern compact. Generally speaking the SLR should give better image quality out of the box but Ian makes a valid point about knowing how to use it!
Don't let that put you off though as the best way to learn is doing!

Have you got any specific models in mind?

[peter broomfield]

I've already got old Minolta lenses so I was thinking a 2nd hand Minolta 7d. I've also had advice to buy a Ricoh GX100, but it seems alot of money to pay for a compact.....and also I'll be restricted to the zoom lens on the camera.

Thoughts please!!

[chris-p]

If you've got Minolta glass then consider buying Sony. Most Minolta AF mount lenses will fit on Sony bodies.

If you can get hold of a used a350 you could be onto a winner

[peter broomfield]

Just in case anybody is interested I managed to get a new alpha 700 body for £399 - now I've learned the "basics" I should be able to start shooting proper next weekend