complete noob which camera thread!

[justalex81]

Right so i know very little about proper photography. However, i like architecture and wildlife and i find myself frustrated with the poor quality photo's my compact camera produces.

I am looking at the samsung NX range of cameras as you can claim £100 cashback and you get a galaxy tab 2.0 for free. The top end ones also get great reviews. I like the idea of the wifi features and instant upload to sites such as facebook etc.

These are the two i'm looking at:

http://www.samsung.com/uk/consumer/camera-camcorder/smart-cameras/nx-cameras/EV-NX20ZZBSBGB

http://www.samsung.com/uk/consumer/camera-camcorder/smart-cameras/nx-cameras/EV-NX210ZBSBGB

The main differences from what i can see are:

1. The NX20 has a viewfinder.
2. The NX20 has a rotatable swivel screen
3. The NX20 has twice the shutter speed of the NX210. 1/8000 against 1/4000

The NX20 is £800. By the time you claim back £100 and get a free galaxy tab 2.0 worth approx £150. Total cost for the camera is £550.

NX210 is £529.99 at the moment. same deal as above. camera cost £280

Are the differences enough to justify the extra cost? or will a noob like me not notice the difference?

Do the differences justify the extra cost?

Is the 1/4000 shutter speed suitable for shooting animals and wildlife that may be fast moving?

your thoughts please gentlemen. Ta very much!

[Ridg]

1/4000 is more than fast enough to shoot animals, however it might be too slow on very sunny days.

I have a D3200 and a D300, the D3200 is limited to 1/4000 and the D300 to 1/8000; I had to add a polarizing filter (reduces the amount of light by about 2/3 of a stop) as 1/4000 was too slow for sunny days.

I think the question should be, is a free gift and cash back worth limiting your options?

Even with the "discount" you're still paying more than mid range (consumer) canon and nikon offerings.

[DubFan]

Firstly, ignore the free tab offer, that will only lead you to decide for the wrong reason.

Cashback is nice, but only if you remember to send the form back.

On your points:

1) I prefer a viewfinder for a lot of situations, especially in bright daylight outside when you'll struggle with screens.
2) rotating screen, very handy for taking photos at tricky angles. I love mine.
3) Shutter speed of 1/8000, you're very unlikely to ever go that high. I barely get up to 1/4000 when shooting in bright summer sun. Not a deal killer.

They are two differing styles of camera, an SLR-type or a compact type.
So you really need to go check them out in a shop, see how they feel in your hand as you will spend a lot of time holding them.
Do you want something small to fit in a pocket or are you happy carrying something bigger?

Never buy a camera just from reading the specs.
Go to Jessops (the easiest chain to find) and try them out along with a proper DSLR and compacts like a Sony NEX5, Nikon J1 and others, then decide.

[justalex81]

I am not committed to Samsung. However, i am not about to become an enthusiast photographer and my missus needs to be able to use it. The size of the SLR cameras put me off. I think i want a compact system camera.

Nearest DSLR camera in terms of specs to the NX210 is the Nikon d3200. The Nikon with an 18-55mm lens is £381 after cash back. That makes it £100 more expensive than the Samsung.

Can someone explain the differences between DSLR and The compact system cameras?

[Diamond Hell]

DSLR has a mirror to enable an accurate viewfinder.

The compact interchangeable lens type cameras generally have a large-ish sensor on them and no mirror, which is how they keep the size of them right down.

As Dubfan has said - get into a good camera shop and have a good grope with a few different cameras to see how they feel in your hands (and those of your other half maybe!).

Although it's not inter-changeable lens you could also consider the Fuji X10 for around £300 - it's an excellent camera, with a good focal range and a fast lens.  Mother has one and loves it.

Possibly also worth considering are the Canon G12/G1-X/G15 which are basically mirrorless SLR sensor camera with a really fast lens.  Lots of pros use them for when they don't want, or can't take an SLR.

[justalex81]

Thanks for the info DH.

Whilst the cameras you pointed out look good, the resolution is a lot lower (i have a canon ixus with 14mp) than i was expecting. They are also rather bulky and look dated. Apart from the fuji, all the canons come in at the same sort of price as the Samsung NX20 after the cashback offer and free tab(i don't have a tablet and was going to buy one anyway). As such, i have to compare them to the NX20 which means they don't stack up against it.

I will go to jessops and have a play as suggested.

[chrisr103]

Dont know if its of any interest but Argos have a deal on the Nikon D3100, Its down to £299

[Diamond Hell]

Whilst the cameras you pointed out look good, the resolution is a lot lower (i have a canon ixus with 14mp) than i was expecting.

Ignore the resolution - all of these cameras will give you great shots.

They are also rather bulky and look dated.

Ahem - the Fujis are designed to look retro.  The Canon follows a well-established form Canon have delivered on in their pro-non-interchangeable-lens cameras.  I had a quick razz on the G15 last night as it happens - very impressed and it's significantly smaller than the NX20.

I did type out a long explanation of the value of F-stops on lenses.  Save to say the G15 lens is F1.8-2.8 which is a very fast lens - even faster than the Fjui X10 which is GREAT in low light.  It will deliver amazing shots because of this.  The lens on the NX20 is the equivalent of the £60 worth of kit lens on basic Canon DSLRs and that is NOT a great lens.

The lenses are the key here, not the cameras.

Oh - have a look on Panamoz for the G15 - £310 instead of the £550 in UK shops.  A mate ordered a Canon 7D body from them and it was with him in 4 days.

[justalex81]

Ok. I'm torn between a nikon D5100 DSLR or the samsung NX210.

What's the nikon like at shooting video? does it have an external mic input?

[Diamond Hell]

http://lmgtfy.com/?q=nikon+D5100+DSLR+review

Crack on.

Try the DP Review link, maybe?