Which Camera Is Best?

[Backtrack]

Hi guys,

I'm after a new camera, mainly for photographing scenery. I've come across two at Argos, and I'm not sure which one is best.

Any help would be appreciated:

http://www.argos.co.uk/static/Product/partNumber/5596021/Trail/searchtext%3ECAMERA.htm

http://www.argos.co.uk/static/Product/partNumber/5596007/Trail/searchtext%3ECAMERA.htm

Thanks!

[Backtrack]

Really need some advice on this if poss - going Argos shortly

[4wd]

They're very similar, the Nikkon looks a better deal in the sale.

Without looking at in depth reviews (your job) I'd probably go for the Nikkon, but Fuji will get as good results

[Backtrack]

They're very similar, the Nikkon looks a better deal in the sale.

Without looking at in depth reviews (your job) I'd probably go for the Nikkon, but Fuji will get as good results

Thank you 4wd, I was just looking at the reviews too, and I was swaying towards to Nikon, the auto-settings look pants on the other one.

Is the Nikon a good camera do you think?

[4wd]

They are both good, the main thing as an owner will be not to expect magnificent results for the first few sessions - you will discover what works best over a few weeks.

From the pictures I thought the Nikkon a somewhat more compact style with less lens extending?

That's the problem with Argos you probably won't see one in the flesh.

[Backtrack]

They are both good, the main thing as an owner will be not to expect magnificent results for the first few sessions - you will discover what works best over a few weeks.

From the pictures I thought the Nikkon a somewhat more compact style with less lens extending?

That's the problem with Argos you probably won't see one in the flesh.

I'll certainly be messing around with the settings and reading how to alter the settings to get the best result over the first couple of weeks yes

I was drawn to the other one because of the slightly wider lens and slightly more flexible ISO settings, but the Nikon 100% has the advantage here.

Thanks very much as always 4wd - appreciate it!

[Phil UK]

Wish I'd seen this thread earlier.

In November 2011, I brought myself the Nikon CoolPix L120. (Half price so hey!) But had been looking at it myself a couple of months previous.

Now! I'd FULLY recommend it. Fuji's are ok but a little bit complicated in their functional use.

But anyway... Here are a couple of images taken by said Nikon camera last December, seeing how good it could handle the night sky. The quality and sharpness at full x21 optical zoom honestly blew me away. :blink:

And bear in mind that NO extra optical aid was used when taking these images. This is the what you see is what you get from this camera. Enjoy.

Phil.

Orion Nebula.

Pleiades.

Moon.

[Backtrack]

Hey Phil.

Thanks, I did go for the Nikon in the end, glad I did, it's phenomenal

Wow some great pictures, especially the moon one! I've had a few shots at the moon already, but it's been around twilight, so not been able to have the full effect yet. The detail on the moon is spectacular, can you remember the settings you used for that?

Here's a couple I've taken already:

[Phil UK]

I thought you might like it, Backtrack. :winky:

For the Moon image, I set the ISO to 80 and mounted on a tripod. The stars and other constellations (A small selection below from 13/1/2012) I set the ISO to its max of 6400 and again mounted on a tripod. The higher the ISO, the more light sensitive the camera is so don't try ISO 6400 in full daylight or you'll get disastrous image results.

Your pics are fine, but with all new toys, you have to learn as to how they work, all about trial and error and I'm still learning even now some new things about the camera functionalities.

My real test I think will be later on this year when I'll be heading down to Exmouth for a few days and no light pollution, just there on a dark beach and stars/Milky Way galore* Plus landscapes too.

Makes you feel like a kid with a new toy on Christmas Day.

Enjoy.

* But knowing my luck it will be cloudy throughout! Pfft!!

Phil.

Taurus.

Cassiopeia.

Gemini.

Auriga.

Orion. (With added free light pollution! Pfft!)

Snowfall in my backyard on Saturday 4/2/2012.

[Backtrack]

I thought you might like it, Backtrack. :winky:

For the Moon image, I set the ISO to 80 and mounted on a tripod. The stars and other constellations (A small selection below from 13/1/2012) I set the ISO to its max of 6400 and again mounted on a tripod. The higher the ISO, the more light sensitive the camera is so don't try ISO 6400 in full daylight or you'll get disastrous image results.

Your pics are fine, but with all new toys, you have to learn as to how they work, all about trial and error and I'm still learning even now some new things about the camera functionalities.

My real test I think will be later on this year when I'll be heading down to Exmouth for a few days and no light pollution, just there on a dark beach and stars/Milky Way galore* Plus landscapes too.

Makes you feel like a kid with a new toy on Christmas Day.

Enjoy.

* But knowing my luck it will be cloudy throughout! Pfft!!

Phil.

Taurus.

Cassiopeia.

Gemini.

Auriga.

Orion. (With added free light pollution! Pfft!)

Snowfall in my backyard on Saturday 4/2/2012.

Wow thanks a lot, going to give that a go when we get some clear nights this week, moon should be nice and full for me too!

Yes indeed, going to keep playing around with the settings to see which are the best for me, I'm sure I'll be able to get some lovely pictures with this, best camera I've ever had!

Those pics are excellent, thanks for sharing

[Phil UK]

More from the Nikon Coolpix L120. Moon and trying attempt at Mars. (Nobody's perfect you know! Especially when freezing your gonads off. But all for the sake of photography!)

Moon at near full phase.

Mars. (Or at least that was the general idea at the time!)

Phil.

[Backtrack]

More from the Nikon Coolpix L120. Moon and trying attempt at Mars. (Nobody's perfect you know! Especially when freezing your gonads off. But all for the sake of photography!)

Moon at near full phase.

Mars. (Or at least that was the general idea at the time!)

Phil.

Cool, that moon one is very similar to the ones I've taken, that Mars one is fantastic too! Really wouldn't think you could zoom into a planet like that from a camera that costs less than £150. Fantastic!!!

What settings do you use for the moon one? Auto? Or what scene do you think is best?