Hi all, I've been using a very basic Panasonic bridge camera for some time now and I want to make the step up to dslr. The thing is I'm a total novice when it comes to using them, always use auto mode on my bridge. Can anyone recommend a good starting point for me? Happy to buy second hand to get more for my money, no point in me having anything super complicated but would like to learn how to use one and get some better quality shots! Thanks
In reply to Post #1
What's the downside to the bridge? I would of thought in this day and age the picture quality would be excellent?
What's the downside to the bridge? I would of thought in this day and age the picture quality would be excellent?
In reply to Post #2
Well I've had it a long time now, it does the job but the quality of the pictures aren't anywhere near as good as what I'm seeing with dslr's. Just thought it would be a step up.
Well I've had it a long time now, it does the job but the quality of the pictures aren't anywhere near as good as what I'm seeing with dslr's. Just thought it would be a step up.
Why don't you just take the plunge and buy a decent camera and gem up on how best to use it via YouTube videos or better still, if your local council puts on courses over holiday periods that can be very affordable?
You can always buy second hand and save a bundle of cash. Just a case of asking people on here for advice on which one, or join a camera forum.
You can always buy second hand and save a bundle of cash. Just a case of asking people on here for advice on which one, or join a camera forum.
In reply to Post #1
Decide how much you can afford for a camera and lens
If it is a crop sensor camera you would preferably be looking for a 35mm 1.8 lens
The lens is important as you get good pictures using a good lens and average camera but with a good camera and average lens you will get average pictures
Cannon and Nikon are both a good start and also Sony have some good cameras and lenses these days
So decided how much you can spend, decide what make of camera you want, the three mentioned are all as good as each other then get the best lens you can
A good idea is a kit lens that comes with the camera plus a 35mm for trophy shots
Decide how much you can afford for a camera and lens
If it is a crop sensor camera you would preferably be looking for a 35mm 1.8 lens
The lens is important as you get good pictures using a good lens and average camera but with a good camera and average lens you will get average pictures
Cannon and Nikon are both a good start and also Sony have some good cameras and lenses these days
So decided how much you can spend, decide what make of camera you want, the three mentioned are all as good as each other then get the best lens you can
A good idea is a kit lens that comes with the camera plus a 35mm for trophy shots
Have a look at Canon Eos M series of cameras mate. They have the same image quality as the DSLRs due to the same APS-c sensors, but being mirrorless they are much smaller and generally less complex.
They all have flip screens too, so ideal for fishing. You can pick up an M100 or M3 from eBay for just over £100 and they match up lovely with their 22mm lens 👌
They all have flip screens too, so ideal for fishing. You can pick up an M100 or M3 from eBay for just over £100 and they match up lovely with their 22mm lens 👌
In reply to Post #6
You have to be careful as the M100 doesn't have a jack socket so can't take an intervalometer (which imo is absolutely critical for fishing/self-takes).
OP, let us know what you want to spend. Any old DSLR or mirrorless will be a huge improvement over your bridge camera. Flip screen and intervalometer interface is ideal.
You have to be careful as the M100 doesn't have a jack socket so can't take an intervalometer (which imo is absolutely critical for fishing/self-takes).
OP, let us know what you want to spend. Any old DSLR or mirrorless will be a huge improvement over your bridge camera. Flip screen and intervalometer interface is ideal.
In reply to Post #7
Budget is the factor before anyone can really make a recommendation
I know its not what your asking for but a better bridge camera might be better for you, like a Canon g7x, lumix l100, Sony rx100...
Just taking control of your camera would give better results if you put the effort in to learn a bit, and if you don't want to learn a bit a higher spec camera is wasted imo
Google "the exposure triangle" and read a few articles for the basics
Budget is the factor before anyone can really make a recommendation
I know its not what your asking for but a better bridge camera might be better for you, like a Canon g7x, lumix l100, Sony rx100...
Just taking control of your camera would give better results if you put the effort in to learn a bit, and if you don't want to learn a bit a higher spec camera is wasted imo
Google "the exposure triangle" and read a few articles for the basics
In reply to Post #1
One of my lock-down purchases was a DSLR to replace a bridge camera and my old Canon G5.
I got the Canon 250D, and i hunted around and got it for about £460. Well pleased with it. Can't comment on what the trophy shots look like as i haven't caught anything yet.
One of my mates gave me some good advice - Just learn about the shots you are likely to take, rather than getting bogged down with all the settings a DSLR has. I signed up with one of the on-line photography courses, which was really useful. If i was to do that again, i would just use YouTube and save my money - Look up Chris Bray
One of my lock-down purchases was a DSLR to replace a bridge camera and my old Canon G5.
I got the Canon 250D, and i hunted around and got it for about £460. Well pleased with it. Can't comment on what the trophy shots look like as i haven't caught anything yet.
One of my mates gave me some good advice - Just learn about the shots you are likely to take, rather than getting bogged down with all the settings a DSLR has. I signed up with one of the on-line photography courses, which was really useful. If i was to do that again, i would just use YouTube and save my money - Look up Chris Bray
In reply to Post #9
Nikon 5100/5200 camera with a 35mm lens...thats what I use for selftakes..flipscreen and easy manuals..
Nikon 5100/5200 camera with a 35mm lens...thats what I use for selftakes..flipscreen and easy manuals..
Hi all, I wanted to bring this thread back as I still haven't got a dslr! After catching a nice common this morning and getting awful pictures on my bridge camera I managed to get someone to take some on their Nikon for me and they were worlds apart. So I really need to get one now.
I'm going to go second hand and I'm looking at spending £500 max really and I'm hoping I can get a camera, decent lense and an intervalometer for that. Would that be too ambitious? Recommendations please, Canon or Nikon and what's the best i could get with that sort of money? Thanks
I'm going to go second hand and I'm looking at spending £500 max really and I'm hoping I can get a camera, decent lense and an intervalometer for that. Would that be too ambitious? Recommendations please, Canon or Nikon and what's the best i could get with that sort of money? Thanks
In reply to Post #11
Are you looking at new or would consider 2nd hand as I went that route and bought a lightly used canon 700d with the kit lense, a fixed 50 lense, intervalometer, speedlight 90ex flash for £300 and I couldn't be more pleased with the results. I also have a micro four thirds Panasonic which is good for self takes but the canon although marginally heavier and bulkier takes the better shots for me personally.
Are you looking at new or would consider 2nd hand as I went that route and bought a lightly used canon 700d with the kit lense, a fixed 50 lense, intervalometer, speedlight 90ex flash for £300 and I couldn't be more pleased with the results. I also have a micro four thirds Panasonic which is good for self takes but the canon although marginally heavier and bulkier takes the better shots for me personally.
Not Dslr but also check Sony A6000/6100 very good camera's
In reply to Post #12
It will definitely be second hand as I think I will get more for my money, also I'm no camera expert so a brand new one would be wasted on me! That sounds like a good deal you got, was that off eBay? I want a flip screen obviously and Bluetooth would be handy. I'm not really sure what models I would be best looking at.
It will definitely be second hand as I think I will get more for my money, also I'm no camera expert so a brand new one would be wasted on me! That sounds like a good deal you got, was that off eBay? I want a flip screen obviously and Bluetooth would be handy. I'm not really sure what models I would be best looking at.
In reply to Post #14
Look at a second hand canon 200 250d or a Nikon d5300 or d5600 , just get a kit lens to start , both will be miles better than your bridge camera. Even if you leave it on auto to start with.
Once you have mastered the basics look at getting a faster lens for the canon i would recommend the 24 mm 2:8 pancake and fit the nikon the 35mm1:8 , both take stunning pictures.
Look at a second hand canon 200 250d or a Nikon d5300 or d5600 , just get a kit lens to start , both will be miles better than your bridge camera. Even if you leave it on auto to start with.
Once you have mastered the basics look at getting a faster lens for the canon i would recommend the 24 mm 2:8 pancake and fit the nikon the 35mm1:8 , both take stunning pictures.
In reply to Post #14
Something like canon 600/650d would be ideal, ( it hasn't got Bluetooth though, not sure what you are wanting that for) and if you want a decent prime lens for it, the 40mm pancake or the 50mm 1,8 is a great starting point, and won't break the bank
Something like canon 600/650d would be ideal, ( it hasn't got Bluetooth though, not sure what you are wanting that for) and if you want a decent prime lens for it, the 40mm pancake or the 50mm 1,8 is a great starting point, and won't break the bank
In reply to Post #11
What model is your old Panasonic?
I'd really recommend looking at a modern compact system camera. For £500 you could get yourself a new Sony A600 or a second hand A7 plus a lens, or an older Nex-7 plus a bunch of lenses. I think any of them would probably out perform the old bridge camera by some way, without being the size and weight of a dslr.
What model is your old Panasonic?
I'd really recommend looking at a modern compact system camera. For £500 you could get yourself a new Sony A600 or a second hand A7 plus a lens, or an older Nex-7 plus a bunch of lenses. I think any of them would probably out perform the old bridge camera by some way, without being the size and weight of a dslr.
In reply to Post #14
I have a canon 750D and think it's brilliant! It has Wi-Fi so to do self takes I just connect my phone to it and use my phone as the shutter button and it has the live view on your phone to frame up the fish etc. 10 second timer and take 7 photos 2 seconds apart, works perfectly well for me
I have a canon 750D and think it's brilliant! It has Wi-Fi so to do self takes I just connect my phone to it and use my phone as the shutter button and it has the live view on your phone to frame up the fish etc. 10 second timer and take 7 photos 2 seconds apart, works perfectly well for me
In reply to Post #14
You say "flip screen obviously", but I've never had a camera with this facility and have never found it a great inconvenience. Probably nice to have, but not essential IMO.
I've got an old Canon 400d, I bet you could pick one of those up for peanuts now.
You say "flip screen obviously", but I've never had a camera with this facility and have never found it a great inconvenience. Probably nice to have, but not essential IMO.
I've got an old Canon 400d, I bet you could pick one of those up for peanuts now.
In reply to Post #14
It was off a Facebook market place but the seller is a well known angler so I felt a bit safer buying it from him. If buying from eBay ask the seller for the shutter count as the lower the better but just having a look on there, theres a few decent ones on there at present that even with an added lense will fall well within your budget mate.
It was off a Facebook market place but the seller is a well known angler so I felt a bit safer buying it from him. If buying from eBay ask the seller for the shutter count as the lower the better but just having a look on there, theres a few decent ones on there at present that even with an added lense will fall well within your budget mate.
In reply to Post #20
I wouldn't worry too much about shutter count myself. Unless it's been 'machine gunned by pro users for years it'll be OK. I had a well used Nikon F4s ( best ever IMHO) and that was absolutely fine for a mechanical shutter.
I wouldn't worry too much about shutter count myself. Unless it's been 'machine gunned by pro users for years it'll be OK. I had a well used Nikon F4s ( best ever IMHO) and that was absolutely fine for a mechanical shutter.
In reply to Post #17
Are these as good as dslr's?
Are these as good as dslr's?
In reply to Post #18
This sounds really handy, saves buying an intervalometer too!
This sounds really handy, saves buying an intervalometer too!
In reply to Post #11
Look on eBay at Canon EOS M6 mirrorless camera has a flip up screen get same quality pictures like you do with a DLSR it's a more compact camera over a DLSR theirs an EOS M6 listed on Ebay at the moment with a 50mm lens and 22mm lens for £500 . I use an EOS M6 myself with a 32mm EF-M canon lens
Look on eBay at Canon EOS M6 mirrorless camera has a flip up screen get same quality pictures like you do with a DLSR it's a more compact camera over a DLSR theirs an EOS M6 listed on Ebay at the moment with a 50mm lens and 22mm lens for £500 . I use an EOS M6 myself with a 32mm EF-M canon lens
In reply to Post #24
Thanks Chris, I do like the look of this, the lenses for them are quite expensive aren't they. I prefer the idea of it being more compact and if the quality is just as good as a dslr then makes sense!
Thanks Chris, I do like the look of this, the lenses for them are quite expensive aren't they. I prefer the idea of it being more compact and if the quality is just as good as a dslr then makes sense!
In reply to Post #25
It's a decent call. I just sold my M6 with the 18-150 mm for 450 quid a month ago so the budget is right. The 32 mm is a tall order (mine went for 290 on its own) but the 22 mm is a good call.
If the 22 is a little wide, for 500 quid you'd get the M6, EF 50 mm f1.8, and the EF-EFM adapter (all 2nd hand) with change. Worth looking at.
It's a decent call. I just sold my M6 with the 18-150 mm for 450 quid a month ago so the budget is right. The 32 mm is a tall order (mine went for 290 on its own) but the 22 mm is a good call.
If the 22 is a little wide, for 500 quid you'd get the M6, EF 50 mm f1.8, and the EF-EFM adapter (all 2nd hand) with change. Worth looking at.
In reply to Post #26
Did you get an upgrade then? What are the differences between 22mm, 32mm, 50mm lenses then, what makes the 32mm so much more expensive?
Did you get an upgrade then? What are the differences between 22mm, 32mm, 50mm lenses then, what makes the 32mm so much more expensive?
In reply to Post #23
Better still, if you get any of the Nikon d5000 series they have an intervalometer built into the body. Self takes are an absolute doddle, especially with the flip screen. The later models also have the option of using WiFi for the shutter/framing.
I've got a D5500 and it does everything I could ever need it to for general angling purposes. Any of the older models would be equally as good for trophy shots - d5200 or d5300 can be picked up cheap. Save money on the body and spend more on the lens. The Nikon 35mm 1.8 is fantastic.
Better still, if you get any of the Nikon d5000 series they have an intervalometer built into the body. Self takes are an absolute doddle, especially with the flip screen. The later models also have the option of using WiFi for the shutter/framing.
I've got a D5500 and it does everything I could ever need it to for general angling purposes. Any of the older models would be equally as good for trophy shots - d5200 or d5300 can be picked up cheap. Save money on the body and spend more on the lens. The Nikon 35mm 1.8 is fantastic.
In reply to Post #28
Agree 100%. I have the D5300 and the 35mm 1.8 lens. 90% of the time I just shoot on straight auto, and the results are fabulous.
Agree 100%. I have the D5300 and the 35mm 1.8 lens. 90% of the time I just shoot on straight auto, and the results are fabulous.
In reply to Post #27
Yeah I upgraded, not that I really needed to at my average-at-best skill level.
The obvious difference between the 3 is the focal length but the less obvious is the aperture size (f number). The 22 is f2, the 50 is f1.8 and the 32 is f1.4 (the lower the number, the larger the aperture).
The 32 is more expensive as it's a better lens all-round. It's uniquely sharp for a lens in its price range. Amazing lens. The 50 and 22 will get great pics though mate.
Yeah I upgraded, not that I really needed to at my average-at-best skill level.
The obvious difference between the 3 is the focal length but the less obvious is the aperture size (f number). The 22 is f2, the 50 is f1.8 and the 32 is f1.4 (the lower the number, the larger the aperture).
The 32 is more expensive as it's a better lens all-round. It's uniquely sharp for a lens in its price range. Amazing lens. The 50 and 22 will get great pics though mate.
In reply to Post #22
Yup, just as good. The only difference is that the dslr view finder flips down a mirror and prism to mechanically view through the lens and flips it out of the way to take the image, while a compact system camera (sometimes called mirrorless cameras) has a digital viewfinder that repeats the image seen by the sensor without all the mechanical stuff. Some people prefer the analogue viewfinder of a dslr but it makes no difference to the quality of photos the camera can take and comes at the cost of significantly increased volume, weight and mechanical complexity. Many of the best cameras made today are mirrorless and many pro photographers use them in preference to dslrs.
Personally I use the Sony compact system cameras, really rate them. Have an A7RII and a Nex-7. They've done me very well through many years of professional use. A7RII or above would be overkill for what you need, but an older A7R, Nex-7 or newer A600 (replaced the Nex-7) would do the trick for you.
Tbh though I just use my iPhone for capture images.
Yup, just as good. The only difference is that the dslr view finder flips down a mirror and prism to mechanically view through the lens and flips it out of the way to take the image, while a compact system camera (sometimes called mirrorless cameras) has a digital viewfinder that repeats the image seen by the sensor without all the mechanical stuff. Some people prefer the analogue viewfinder of a dslr but it makes no difference to the quality of photos the camera can take and comes at the cost of significantly increased volume, weight and mechanical complexity. Many of the best cameras made today are mirrorless and many pro photographers use them in preference to dslrs.
Personally I use the Sony compact system cameras, really rate them. Have an A7RII and a Nex-7. They've done me very well through many years of professional use. A7RII or above would be overkill for what you need, but an older A7R, Nex-7 or newer A600 (replaced the Nex-7) would do the trick for you.
Tbh though I just use my iPhone for capture images.
In reply to Post #31
The size and weight aspect is massively overstated
The size and weight aspect is massively overstated
In reply to Post #32
Appreciate its subjective, but let's look at two relevant examples to the OP: the Sony A6000 and the Nikon D3500. Both can be bought for £500 with a kit lens (16-50 for the Sony or 18-55 for the Nikon), and both are equipped with a 24mb APS-C CMOS sensor.
Despite the same price and spec, the Nikon DSLR is 30% heavier, 44% taller and 55% thicker than the compact system Sony.
Appreciate its subjective, but let's look at two relevant examples to the OP: the Sony A6000 and the Nikon D3500. Both can be bought for £500 with a kit lens (16-50 for the Sony or 18-55 for the Nikon), and both are equipped with a 24mb APS-C CMOS sensor.
Despite the same price and spec, the Nikon DSLR is 30% heavier, 44% taller and 55% thicker than the compact system Sony.
In reply to Post #33
I agree. The little crop sensor mirrorless jobbies give a size/weight saving significant enough to make a real difference, especially for carp fishing when you're already carrying a fair wad of kit.
Not so significant for the full frame jobbies but there is still a decent difference.
I agree. The little crop sensor mirrorless jobbies give a size/weight saving significant enough to make a real difference, especially for carp fishing when you're already carrying a fair wad of kit.
Not so significant for the full frame jobbies but there is still a decent difference.
In reply to Post #33
Now add three spare batteries to give the same life
By the time you add a few lenses the difference is negligible for comparable quality
I much prefer mirrorless but I feel the 'smaller system' title is false in many cases
Ergonomics also become a problem when you stick bigger lenses on those small bodies, my em5ii has had a grip on it almost permanently, and a battery grip when using long zooms or heavier f2.8 or 1.8 zooms
Now add three spare batteries to give the same life
By the time you add a few lenses the difference is negligible for comparable quality
I much prefer mirrorless but I feel the 'smaller system' title is false in many cases
Ergonomics also become a problem when you stick bigger lenses on those small bodies, my em5ii has had a grip on it almost permanently, and a battery grip when using long zooms or heavier f2.8 or 1.8 zooms
Thanks for all the replies, so many options to choose from!! Are any particular brands/models simpler to use as a beginner or are they all much of a likeness?
Really take a closer look at the Sony A6000/6100, believe me very good camera for portraits, landscapes and night photos
In reply to Post #26
Are you able to use an intervalometer with the M6? I've also just been looking at the M50. The Sonys also look very good so definitely an option.
Are you able to use an intervalometer with the M6? I've also just been looking at the M50. The Sonys also look very good so definitely an option.
In reply to Post #38
Yes you can plug an intervalometer into the M6 . I use a Pixel TW-273 intervalometer which is £39.99 of Amazon with my M6 . It's a wireless remote a dongle plugs into the camera and wireless remote is in your hand set it up press the play button and it continuously takes shots till u press stop . Also good thing with it it actually has a power of and on button and you don't lose the settings when switched of . Unlike a lot of other intervalometer that you need to take the batteries out to turn it of then lose all the settings .And also the M50 Mk1 or Mk11 models doesn't except an intervalometer canon in the wisdom decided not to add an intervalometer jack plug socket in either of them not which is stupid imo
Yes you can plug an intervalometer into the M6 . I use a Pixel TW-273 intervalometer which is £39.99 of Amazon with my M6 . It's a wireless remote a dongle plugs into the camera and wireless remote is in your hand set it up press the play button and it continuously takes shots till u press stop . Also good thing with it it actually has a power of and on button and you don't lose the settings when switched of . Unlike a lot of other intervalometer that you need to take the batteries out to turn it of then lose all the settings .And also the M50 Mk1 or Mk11 models doesn't except an intervalometer canon in the wisdom decided not to add an intervalometer jack plug socket in either of them not which is stupid imo
In reply to Post #39
Thanks mate, much appreciated, can I ask a favour? Any chance you could pm me a few of your catch photos so I can see what they come out like? No worries if not!
Thanks mate, much appreciated, can I ask a favour? Any chance you could pm me a few of your catch photos so I can see what they come out like? No worries if not!
In reply to Post #35
I like the retro look of the EM s but prefer the handling
Of my Pansonic G6. It has a built in grip that sticks out just as far as my 20mm Panny pancake 1.7. So it's functional but in truth doesn't make it any less pocketable.
I like the retro look of the EM s but prefer the handling
Of my Pansonic G6. It has a built in grip that sticks out just as far as my 20mm Panny pancake 1.7. So it's functional but in truth doesn't make it any less pocketable.
In reply to Post #41
I liked the styling but it was a huge upgrade from the g5 in so many ways, and a lot smaller if you didn't need the grip. I wanted the mk3 but they didn't do a battery grip so I got the em1 mk2.
I liked the styling but it was a huge upgrade from the g5 in so many ways, and a lot smaller if you didn't need the grip. I wanted the mk3 but they didn't do a battery grip so I got the em1 mk2.
In reply to Post #37
Can you swing the screen on the A6000 round for self takes?
Can you swing the screen on the A6000 round for self takes?
In reply to Post #43
6000 no 6100 yes
6000 no 6100 yes
In reply to Post #1
To be honest I'd not recommend a camera if you are ONLY using it for trophy shots.
I'm on my 3rd DSLR now, which will in the semi near future be replaced by a mirrorless camera.
Reason is I take thousands of shots of things that are not a carp, so to me that's well worth spending the money on.
I'll take my D500 +2/3 lenses with me when I go fishing for wildlife shots etc.
BUT, I've got a smartphone holder which sits on my tripod, quick easy setup. Add two soft tone lights for night shots if required and you are set.
Get the position/angle/height right, and use a voice command to take the photo, job done. You will get the hang of that in no time and it will cost you peanuts.
The camera on almost all recent years phones will do the job, if not on yours, consider upgrading your phone instead!
To be honest I'd not recommend a camera if you are ONLY using it for trophy shots.
I'm on my 3rd DSLR now, which will in the semi near future be replaced by a mirrorless camera.
Reason is I take thousands of shots of things that are not a carp, so to me that's well worth spending the money on.
I'll take my D500 +2/3 lenses with me when I go fishing for wildlife shots etc.
BUT, I've got a smartphone holder which sits on my tripod, quick easy setup. Add two soft tone lights for night shots if required and you are set.
Get the position/angle/height right, and use a voice command to take the photo, job done. You will get the hang of that in no time and it will cost you peanuts.
The camera on almost all recent years phones will do the job, if not on yours, consider upgrading your phone instead!
In reply to Post #45
I've got a cannon eos 2000d camera for my fishing and Hollidays but mostly for holidays as I don't catch much 😂😂😂
Went from a Nikon one where screen flips up as I was told it's a pain updating the camera software
I've got a cannon eos 2000d camera for my fishing and Hollidays but mostly for holidays as I don't catch much 😂😂😂
Went from a Nikon one where screen flips up as I was told it's a pain updating the camera software
Just found this on eBay would it be any good?
Nikon D3200 Bundle 18-55mm + 35mm.
For sale is my much loved Nikon D3200
I have had this for many years now but now selling due to lack of use.
Comes with the original 18-55mm kit lens as well as a 35mm lens (brilliant for close up shots).
- Nikon D3200
- 18-55mm kit lens
- 35mm lens
- Camera Bag
- 2 x chargers
- Battery (I can only find one but if I find the other before sale then I will include it)
Nikon D3200 Bundle 18-55mm + 35mm.
For sale is my much loved Nikon D3200
I have had this for many years now but now selling due to lack of use.
Comes with the original 18-55mm kit lens as well as a 35mm lens (brilliant for close up shots).
- Nikon D3200
- 18-55mm kit lens
- 35mm lens
- Camera Bag
- 2 x chargers
- Battery (I can only find one but if I find the other before sale then I will include it)
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