Camera Advice Needed?

[Rickpadwick1801]

Hi Everyone,

My missus and I are big fans of airshows, we both love taking photos as well.

We are looking to upgrade our camera as we only have a little pocket camera and are wondering if either of these will be suitable for airshows :

1) http://www.tesco.com/direct/fuji-finepix-s4900-digital-camera-black-14mp-30x-optical-zoom-3-inch-screen/413-7120.prd?pageLevel=&skuId=413-7120

2) http://www.tesco.com/direct/fujifilm-finepix-s8200-digital-camera-black-162mp-40x-optical-zoom-30-lcd-screen/748-9097.prd?skuId=748-9097

I am always showing her the amazing photos that get posted on here and just wondering if you could tell us whether one of them is suitable to use.

EDIT : Any suggestions for other cameras similar in budget to these would be welcome.

Thanks,

Rick & Michelle

Edited June 28, 2014 by Rickpadwick1801

[thomastmcc]

rick for airshows the better the zoom more you can see ..for me the second one ,..

thomas

[smyfe]

Hi, for the second one, try this, you can click and collect from Argos. I have no connection at all, just trying to save you a few quid.

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Fujifilm-FinePix-S8200-16MP-Digital-Bridge-Camera-Fuji-40x-Super-Zoom-/390872256895?pt=UK_CamerasPhoto_DigitalCameras_DigitalCameras_JN&hash=item5b01cd517f

Mick

[Bennygman]

Good thing about these is the huge zoom, and the resolution is decent. I'm not sure but I suspect they will have small sensors which will limit image quality, though that can be subjective to a degree.

The real problem for action may be shutter lag. My first digi cam was a Fuji like the first one and there was a very noticeable delay between pressing the fire button and the picture being taken which makes framing difficult. That was a good while ago though and things may have improved. I'd recommend trying one before buying to see if it's going to be an issue.

Steve.

[Alpha Delta 210]

Hi Rick and Michelle

The focal length of the lens and the sensor resolution and type are important, but you will also need a camera that gives you some manual control to enable you adjust shutter speeds etc depending on your subject matter, for example to achieve prop-blur.

If I'm honest, I would recommend a used entry-level DSLR rather than a compact camera, as you will have much more control. You could look at something like this with a bundled 18-55mm lens and a separate 70-300mm zoom.

The total cost from London Camera Exchange would be less than £160. There would be similar Canon bundles available from other High Street retailers.

Good luck!

[Gumbie Air Services]

I agree, shutter lag may be a problem, also controls, you need shutter priority really. I am tempted with the second camera, just so I have one to carry around, not to sure about air shows though. I've always use SLR's/DSLRs. I depends on your budget. Calumet sell the Nikon D3200 for £279 (after cash back), 24.2 megapixel. Sigma have a 70~300mm for £98.00. Another shop, London Camera Exchange will have s/h cameras for a decent price too.

[Rickpadwick1801]

Thanks for your advice everyone.

We are going to have to put this on hold as our dog has had to have some medication today and a problem has developed with the car this afternoon.

Rick & Michelle

[Rickpadwick1801]

Hi Everyone,

Well I'm back looking for a camera now and have seen this one in a shop tonight which I really liked.

http://www.tesco.com/direct/fuji-finepix-s4900-digital-bridge-camera-black-14mp-30x-optical-zoom-3-lcd-screen/413-7120.prd?skuId=413-7120&pageLevel=sku&_requestid=3651181

I'm just wondering if this would be any good for airshows ?

Thanks,

Rick

[thomastmcc]

yeah mate be ideal ...

thomas

[Andrew March]

Save up and get a DSLR mate

[Radleigh]

Bridge cameras are ok for air shows...May I suggest you look at this guys photos - http://forums.airshows.co.uk/viewtopic.php?f=8&t=61467

It's not as easy as pointing and shooting, you have to think more about the shot and get used to the lag.

Hatstand on UKAR also uses a few extras on his bridge, red dot sight & extender.. so it would soon add up to beginner DSLR. Choice is yours.