Budget digital camera

[catcha]

The camera on my Nothing phone is quite good, far better than my previous iPhones but I really want the ability to properly zoom in and take some improved photos. However, I don't want to break the bank as it is just a hobby at this time.

Any ideas for a starter camera?

[Dave.]

How far are you wanting to"zoom in" and what will you be taking photos of?

[lancslad58]

What's you budget ? You can pick up decent second hand cameras.

https://www.wexphotovideo.com/cameras/


https://www.lcegroup.co.uk/Secondhand-Search/?Orde...

[mikiec]

You really need to provide some more information on use, but a good starting point could be a Panasonic TZ camera (100 or 200) they have the 1 inch sensor (so a step up from what's in your phone), 10 -15x zoom and pocket sized.

Easy enough to point and shoot with but has enough features so you can start playing with manual aspects

[Derek Smith]

mikiec said:

You really need to provide some more information on use, but a good starting point could be a Panasonic TZ camera (100 or 200) they have the 1 inch sensor (so a step up from what's in your phone), 10 -15x zoom and pocket sized.

Easy enough to point and shoot with but has enough features so you can start playing with manual aspects

I bought a Pan TZ25 about 12 years ago, when it first came out. I was, and remain, impressed by the quality of the images. It is 12mp, fits in the pocket, has a decent zoom. If I was to have just one camera/lens in addition to my camera phone, I'd go for a TZ.

That said, the current selection of compacts is impressive, on specifications at least, so I'm recommending a compact rather than only a Pan TZ.

[catcha]

Thanks for the replies, I am just looking for an occasional upgrade over my phone. I was away on holiday this year and was frustrated by the inability to take some general photos that just needed a bit of extra zoom. The second hand suggestion is good and I will look at the links.

[Soloman Dodd]

The one thing to have is a viewfinder, it makes a world of difference.

[Turtle Shed]

Yes I'd decide how much you want to spend, and buy secondhand from somewhere like London Caera Exchange or MPB.

The smaller camera you buy, the more likely you are to take it with you.

[craig1912]

I have one of these as a pocketable compact camera with zoom, flash and viewfinder.

https://www.mpb.com/en-uk/product/sony-cyber-shot-...

[Soloman Dodd]

Yeah, me too. Excellent thing.

[bcr5784]

As an owner of a sony rx100vii I would certainly recommend them as the best pocketable all-in-one camera.The mkvi and vii versions have a longer (24-200 equivalent zoom) - albeit 2.8mm maz aperture. However a word of causion - their compact dimensions do compromise ergonomics

[craig1912]

bcr5784 said:

As an owner of a sony rx100vii I would certainly recommend them as the best pocketable all-in-one camera.The mkvi and vii versions have a longer (24-200 equivalent zoom) - albeit 2.8mm maz aperture. However a word of causion - their compact dimensions do compromise ergonomics

The Sony grip makes a big difference

https://amzn.eu/d/9p5sJOz

[Phil.]

craig1912 said:

bcr5784 said:

As an owner of a sony rx100vii I would certainly recommend them as the best pocketable all-in-one camera.The mkvi and vii versions have a longer (24-200 equivalent zoom) - albeit 2.8mm maz aperture. However a word of causion - their compact dimensions do compromise ergonomics

The Sony grip makes a big difference

https://amzn.eu/d/9p5sJOz

After much research I bought a RX100Vii a while ago and it’s been great and I can carry it easily so it gets used. The viewfinder, which is not available on the earlier models, is a must.

I also have the grip which as said makes a big difference to handling.

[craig1912]

Phil. said:

After much research I bought a RX100Vii a while ago and it’s been great and I can carry it easily so it gets used. The viewfinder, which is not available on the earlier models, is a must.

I also have the grip which as said makes a big difference to handling.

mK3 onwards all have viewfinder’s

[Peterpetrole]

lancslad58 said:

What's you budget ? You can pick up decent second hand cameras.

https://www.wexphotovideo.com/cameras/


https://www.lcegroup.co.uk/Secondhand-Search/?Orde...

My understanding is definitely go secondhand as there has been very little tech development of compacts the last ten years for obvious reasons

[Phil.]

craig1912 said:

mK3 onwards all have viewfinder’s