Digital photography

A friend is looking for a camera, most likely second hand as his budget is low (around £150). It needs to be light and small as it is for traveling. A manual mode would be good as he wants to learn a bit about how to take 'proper pictures'. He was looking at the Nikon 1 J1 or possibly a Lumix GF1. Thoughts/recommendations?

http://www.lfgss.com/thread108360.html

Thank you :) Was just about to mention it myself.

The GX1 is a great camera for learning the ropes on. I always run it on manual / aperture priority as all the manual controls are on dials so great to use. It makes a huge difference to have proper controls. Even if it's possible to run a camera on full manual, having to dive in and out of menus, or press buttons repeatedly to set it up, really hinders the use of it, and takes the joy out of the whole thing.

I'd avoid the Nikon 1 as it's a proprietary system, m4/3 would be a much better choice in the long run. Bigger sensor too, so better images.

Yeah that setup is great, slightly out of his price range though I think and he is after a zoom lens. I think he is leaning towards the Nikon as its smaller but ill try and sway him to the lumix.

Not arguing or trying to shift my kit, but if he's on a budget, and want to take 'proper pictures', a prime lens is the way to go.

Nah you are right, I'd say the same but he wants a zoom.

Fair enough, he'll come to his senses soon enough :)

x-e1 arrived. Fucking hell it's nice*

Great controls, everything feels solid, lens is silly sharp, high iso isn't a problem. I'm in love.

Obligatory new camera girlfriend photo:

*My GX1 that happens to be for sale is nice too. Perhaps you should buy it? Go on.

now I want an xe-1 even more! looks to take lovely photos

Another from Rome

is this the best sub £300 DSLR?

http://www.currys.co.uk/gbuk/cameras/digital-cameras/digital-slr-cameras/nikon-d3100-digital-slr-camera-with-af-s-dx-18-55-mm-vr-zoom-lens-07685659-pdt.html?srcid=198&cmpid=ppc~gg~Cameras~07685659&istCompanyId=bec25c7e-cbcd-460d-81d5-a25372d2e3d7&istItemId=mrqaxqx&istBid=t&ef_id=UMnFjgAAHsbSLlEl:20130624134443:s

Possibly, but it's going to depreciate fairly quickly and if you enjoy photography you may well look to upgrade soon enough.

I picked up a Canon 5d for £350 the other week, it's a pro camera (build, full sensor etc) that came on the market in 2007(?). I can't see it depreciating much further and I can't want any more. I'd recommend a used 5d with a budget prime lens, unless you're sure you need all the focal lengths of an 18-55.

Kennaugh with some epic pedal clearance action, followed by Cav, David Millar and Big Stannard at the Glasgow Road Race Champs.

Kennaugh with some epic pedal clearance action, followed by Cav, David Millar and Big Stannard at the Glasgow Road Race Champs.

Awesome.

Should be available to buy in credit card sized print format for mounting to the stem/bars of your fixeh skiddre bike to look at whenever you're worried about pedal strike.

First outing with the xe-1. Thought i'd come home with lots of landscapes, but ended up with portraits. Cracking camera, up there with the 5d mk1, which maybe says more about the 5d than the xe-1.

more here: http://do.kallelind.com

I'm looking for a universal battery charger that also can charge via USB for my GXR and Galaxy Player.
Something like this:

Any recommendations based on experience?

Michael Christopher Brown joins Magnum.
He uses a camera phone

http://www.mcbphotos.com/#/the-libyan-revolution/vv163

Incredible. Fantastic find. Thank you.

Of course he's just a hipster who got lost looking for an Apple store.

I wont quote it because its NSFW, but 60 is strangely beautiful.

Almost wistful really.

I'm considering selling my Nikon 50mm 1.8G as I never use it.

If anyone is interested I'll do a proper ad

Michael Christopher Brown joins Magnum.
He uses a camera phone

http://www.mcbphotos.com/#/the-libyan-revolution/vv163

Brilliant stuff. I think within a few years shooting with camera phones will be the norm.

First outing with the xe-1. Thought i'd come home with lots of landscapes, but ended up with portraits. Cracking camera, up there with the 5d mk1, which maybe says more about the 5d than the xe-1.

Major xe-1 envy. Major.