First Serious Camera

Question:
I have a simple digi camera but manage to take some pretty good photos i would like to get something a bit more professional as i am quite keen but don’t know where to start can you advise.

Answer:
Two questions to start with. How serious are you about photography and how much money do you have?

If the answer is photography is an important hobby to you and you have a fair amount of money then I would go for a digital SLR without any hesitation. You will find the picture quality outclasses that from smaller cameras in most situations. I would start off with something like the Canon EOS 400D or the Nikon D40x. You buy these cameras in a kit with a lens or two to get you started. To save money I have bought second hand lenses in the past and been more than happy with the quality. If you go down this route it is important to make sure the lenses you buy are good as they play a very important role in the overall quality of the photos.

The other advantage of buying a digital SLR is that you can add to the system as money becomes available. This lets you add lenses, flash units, filters etc. when you are ready to do so.

If this isn’t the route you wish to take at this moment in time then I would look at some of the more advanced compacts such as the new Canon Powershot G9 and Nikon Coolpix S5100.

Best Camera for Safari

Question:
The big question as I see it is: To SLR or not to SLR…any thoughts/recommendations would be extremely appreciated. This is the trip of a lifetime, but I equally would like a practical (ie not too heavy/bulky) option for post-safari photography…as I tend to bring a digital with me everywhere I go, but would not an SLR.

Answer:
For the best photos from your trip of a lifetime I would go for the SLR with a long lens if you can afford it. I would also take time out to practice before you go. Whatever you buy a long lens is likely to be a must. Therefore even if you buy a super zoom digital camera like the Canon Powershot S5 IS it is not that much smaller than an SLR anyway. To keep the cost down you can consider picking up a lens or two with the camera or finding a decent second hand lens.

If you already have a digital camera that you can take everywhere with you then keep hold of it. When you want to take some photos that are a bit extra special take the digital SLR along. When it is not practical or you just want some quick snaps take the compact with you.

Photos in School Halls with Poor Light

Question:
I have a Olympus mju 400, which for a camera is reasonable, I am however really disappointed with the images I have taken at my children's school in the hall and at the church, Xmas plays etc. I would really appreciate a little advice on how to make this better, they are extremely dark and out of focus. Is it just the camera or can something be done to change this or should we invest in a better camera, as not to miss out on these precious times?

Answer:
I’m afraid to say that smaller compacts will struggle in these situations. As you can see they are unable to pick up enough light either to expose the photo well or focus sharply. It is very difficult to advise you as to exactly what camera to buy. Conditions vary from school hall to school hall and sometimes you will find yourself sitting further forwards or more towards the back. This is also not something I test cameras for.

The only camera I have used in these situations where I have been really happy with the quality of the photos is with a digital SLR. This is because I have been able to use some of the more advanced settings in order to get the quality I want. If you do not want to go to that level of expense I would try one of the larger cameras from Canon or Fuji. The reason I suggest Canon is that in my opinion their consumer level models are the most reliable overall. My suggestion for Fuji is because their cameras work better than most in lowlight situation. Even with these cameras I am not able to guarantee you stunning photos, but they should be an improvement on the photos you are currently getting. The larger cameras tend to offer a bit better all round quality and you are likely to find the longer zoom lenses they have useful as well.

There is no harm in asking around and getting a second opinion. If you have a decent local camera shop then I would pop in there for a discussion.