Camera advice please

[theshrew]

I have no idea about photography tbh so thought I'd ask what I should be looking for.

The camera will be kept under the seat of my motorbike so needs to be small ish and for the sane reason I don't want to spend to much just in case it gets damaged rattling about.

I would like to take some Motorsport photos hopefully being able to zoom in rather than ones that look like I'm standing 3 miles away from the track + just general photos while I'm out on a ride.

So the question is will it be possible to buy such a camera. I suspect the answer is not really but thought I'd ask anyway.

Advice welcome :-)

[covboy]

How long is a piece of string I'm afraid. A lot of variables there - How much do you really want to spend ? What do you consider "small" ? Lots of compacts fill the bill. Not sure about Motorsports though with the zoom - you're talking SLR (cameras with interchangeable lens's) for best results.



With a bit of luck a PH'er will crop up who has experience with what you want.

[theshrew]

covboy said:

How long is a piece of string I'm afraid. A lot of variables there - How much do you really want to spend ? What do you consider "small" ? Lots of compacts fill the bill. Not sure about Motorsports though with the zoom - you're talking SLR (cameras with interchangeable lens's) for best results.



With a bit of luck a PH'er will crop up who has experience with what you want.

It will have to be a compact or it wouldn't fit under my seat.

Price as cheap as possible for a decent quality photo it's just not worth spending lots on for the use it will get and to be banged about on the bike. I've got one already which takes ok photos but when you zoom in the quality is rubbish tbh. Im not expecting pro std or anything but something that's half decent would be ok.

[Mr Will]

Do you need zoom and compact at the same time or just the ability to do both? The reason that I ask is because you could get a compact system camera with two lenses; a small one for day to day carrying and a big one for motorsport.

The other option would just be the best travel zoom compact that you can afford. It'll be compact and versatile, but the image quality will suffer particularly in low light.

[theshrew]

Mr Will said:

Do you need zoom and compact at the same time or just the ability to do both? The reason that I ask is because you could get a compact system camera with two lenses; a small one for day to day carrying and a big one for motorsport.

The other option would just be the best travel zoom compact that you can afford. It'll be compact and versatile, but the image quality will suffer particularly in low light.

Travel one sounds what I'm looking for. Thanks for the advice

[ClayStevens]

There is no such like camera in my memory. Compact camera can't have such a long zoom lens. Sony HX300 can get great shoot in long distance but the size is a bit big. BTW, you can consider GoPro 3. It allows you shooting on the motorcycle.

[chris.mapey]

Have a look at the Panasonic Lumix series. I have a TZ40 (to replace a TZ10) and is small, robust and has a long zoom...

If new is a bit over budget, have a look on eBay for a TZ10 as I feel they are a bit of a bargain.

There's loads out on the net about poor image quality etc, but if you set the camera correctly you can obtain some stunning images from it.

[Mr Will]

ClayStevens said:

There is no such like camera in my memory. Compact camera can't have such a long zoom lens. Sony HX300 can get great shoot in long distance but the size is a bit big. BTW, you can consider GoPro 3. It allows you shooting on the motorcycle.

You and I must have a very different definition of "long". This little thing has a 750mm equivalent:


I'd say that's long enough for most things!

[jurbie]

Bear in mind that shutter lag will be in issue with a compact which will make motorsport photography a frustrating although not impossible affair. This probably means nothing to the OP but something worth considering for those offering advice.