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tremmer

Damian said:
Most of the newer digital cameras have auto stabilisation which helps a lot.
Another thought is to use a tripod or monopod to make the camera as steady as possible.

My favourite small camera is the Samsung the same as this one:
https://www.amazon.co.uk/Samsung-WB250F-Camera-Built-Connectivity/dp/B00AXVYJGM/ref=sr_1_18?qid=1583960001&refinements=p_4:Samsung&s=photo&sr=1-18

although I do have a Cannon DSLR for more studio work.
Click to expand...

I have an early model Samsung WB and it still works brilliantly and it’s Schneider wide angle lens is great for shots where you can’t get back far enough. It has auto stabilise. I’ve also got a small Lumix TZ 80 which has LCD flat screen and also a viewfinder. It has high optical magnification so the viewfinder is useful to counter my “ essential tremor” in my right hand. Who called it an Essential Tremor beats me. No jokes about “Do you drink much?” please.
 
Hi Thomas
Depending on your budget, there are entry level SLR cameras from most manufacturers from around £500 new or less if buying a used model.
Bridge cameras are less complex to use than DSLR models and are less expensive and some compact digital cameras such as Panasonic Lumix are available for around £200, these also have some advanced features and anti-shake technology.
It might be best to go along to a branch of Curry's / P C World or similar to handle the various camera bodies and to compare prices and features to discover what suits you best.
If you're taking photographs without a tripod or mono pod, find something to lean against to get a steady shot, this technique will aid the anti-shake built in camera technology for good results.
 
I would agree with Parksy that a DSLR or Bridge might better help. I’ve got a LUMIX DMC FZ200 Bridge which I bought for wildlife shots whilst on the move. It’s now been superseded but it’s still brilliant. Much steadier when held than either my Samsung or TZ80 but of course a bit bulkier.
 
Whatever camera you buy they will have a common tripod bush, so there are several steadying devices available. For convenience I have a 'Pod' which has an off centre tripod screw to suit may camera. I also have a 'gorilla pod' which has the screw and three flexible legs (about 6" long' that can be poised to fit various objects, but fits easily in a pocket. There are also some dedicated 'camera bean bags' or if someone is handy with a sewing machine it would be easy to make your own similar.
You could also look for a camera with a 10 sec delay - so you set up the camera with the shutter delay then you are not handling the camera as it 'fires'. Also a trad way to get yourself in the picture selfie style!
Enjoy your photography!
 
audiorob said:
Whatever camera you buy they will have a common tripod bush, so there are several steadying devices available. For convenience I have a 'Pod' which has an off centre tripod screw to suit may camera. I also have a 'gorilla pod' which has the screw and three flexible legs (about 6" long' that can be poised to fit various objects, but fits easily in a pocket. There are also some dedicated 'camera bean bags' or if someone is handy with a sewing machine it would be easy to make your own similar.
You could also look for a camera with a 10 sec delay - so you set up the camera with the shutter delay then you are not handling the camera as it 'fires'. Also a trad way to get yourself in the picture selfie style!
Enjoy your photography!
Click to expand...
Shutter delay is a good way if the subject stays still. But trying to persuade wildlife to do that can be a challenge 🤭 I went to northern Spain looking for wolves and a friend lent me something akin to a rifle butt handle with an extension that you screwed the camera to. Never again. You can’t believe the hassle at Stanstead and Valallodid. But I did get some nice photos of wolves.

TBH, I have got out of the habit of carrying a camera around as a good smart phone has a camera suitable for my needs, why carry both?

I accept that good DSLR cameras score from both full framing and the quality of the lens, but if you are only happy snapping, the phone should work well enough. You can get a cheap enough grip type tripod of Amazon for a mobile phone.

If you really must go down the DSLR route, why not look on Fleabay where you may get all the kit in one go as a decent used bargain.

Somewhere at home I have a Nikkon Coolpix 600, fixed lens/zoom, and in all honesty its utter garbage. Damn thing goes into standy at the most inopportune moments meaning I often miss the best shots with it. That whole series is one to avoid.
 
You've asked a really difficult question Thomas.

Quality always comes at a price in the world of cameras as a general rule.

You make no mention of what sort of camera you want.

My simple advice is only buy a camera that you will be happy carrying around. It's pointless having a tripod and expensive heavy SLR, complete with extra lenses and filters etc etc if you never take it out. A small camera that fits in your pocket and can be carried easily might be the preferred route you take.

You make no mention of what sort of photography interests you so I'm presuming general travel and family - not specialist equipment.

So where does that leave you.

It doesn't matter how much you spend the main issue is you, the photographer. I've no idea what your experience is but, with your shaking hand you do have a problem.

Cameras with inbuilt stabilisation are in abundance - but not all "animals" are equal as Orwell said. Read reviews, ask at a reputable camera shop.

Shutter speed will be important for any hand held shots. Sadly slower shutter speeds are useful and can add great effects to a pic. If you need fast shutter speeds then you need a good lens with a wide maximum aperture - think money! Be sure NOT to be taken in by long zoom figures - they are useless for a steady hand without skill and knowledge and impossible to hand hold if your hand shakes.

If you really do want to be able to forget a shaking hand and allow yourself to be more creative and not constrained by shutter speed, high ISO sensitivity, wide open lenses then, as others have pointed out the devices you can use to help steady your camera - again the small easily carried variety mentioned, are likely the most useful to you.

Just to reiterate - research having decided the sort of photography you are interested in. Decide where your pics will be seen - computer screen , TV screen, printed and so on. You really do not need expensive equipment if you are never going to want to create massive enlargements. Most modern cameras should cope with pics up to around 10 inches by 8 inches. The resolution of your monitor is 72 dpi. If that's where your pics are going to be seen then again, you don't need high end "billions" of pixels, over-priced, bragging equipment.

And lastly - as pointed out higher up in the thread, do not forget your phone. It's probably always with you so on hand at any time. https://expertphotography.com/the-complete-guide-to-smartphone-photography-96-tips/

Please come back with more questions and I'm sure there are forum members with extensive knowledge who will help.

Most of all think "YOU". My equipment might be totally inappropriate for your needs. And that's likely the case for everyone else.
 
Canon Powershot SX540 HS Bridge Camera Black
20.3 Megapixels
Sensor 1/2.3/ 6.17 x4.55mm CMOS Sensor
Optical Zoom 50 x
3" LCD Screen
Curry"s PC World £279 save £80 = £199.00
Have look and see if it suitable for your needs
 

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I would suggest the OP has a look at the Camera Exchange web site (www.webuy.com) They have branches all over the country and sell used cameras at good prices usually with a two-year warranty. They will let you play with it in the shop - it MUST feel right or you likely won't use it - and usually they know how to drive it. They also grade the cameras: A means it is new and complete; B means (often) it is missing the box or some relatively minor part. Avoid C.

Also consider Cash Converters. Their branches tend to vary a bit but you should always get at least a month's warranty so you can try it out at home.

Final point: if you get a Lumix bridge camera make sure it comes with the lens hood - that is tubular or petal shaped plastic bit that fits on the front of the lens to stop sun glare - as they are NOT available as a spare. Look at the the FZ100/150/200 which are light and easy to use and have good lenses; if you can afford the FZnnnn range (expensive) they are superb; otherwise get a FZ45 or later (i.e. number up to 72.) These are heavier but very well built.

User manuals for all Lumix are available on line.
 
Woodentop said:
I would suggest the OP has a look at the Camera Exchange web site (www.webuy.com) They have branches all over the country and sell used cameras at good prices usually with a two-year warranty. They will let you play with it in the shop - it MUST feel right or you likely won't use it - and usually they know how to drive it. They also grade the cameras: A means it is new and complete; B means (often) it is missing the box or some relatively minor part. Avoid C.

Also consider Cash Converters. Their branches tend to vary a bit but you should always get at least a month's warranty so you can try it out at home.

Final point: if you get a Lumix bridge camera make sure it comes with the lens hood - that is tubular or petal shaped plastic bit that fits on the front of the lens to stop sun glare - as they are NOT available as a spare. Look at the the FZ100/150/200 which are light and easy to use and have good lenses; if you can afford the FZnnnn range (expensive) they are superb; otherwise get a FZ45 or later (i.e. number up to 72.) These are heavier but very well built.

User manuals for all Lumix are available on line.
Click to expand...


I’ve got a FZ 200 bridge which is an incredibly versatile camera and not too bulky. We also have a LUMIX TZ 80 really good as a pocket sized camera with a 30x optical zoom but realistically it’s not used at that magnification as the slightest movement will spoil the shot, and as one with an Essential Tremor I cannot always guarantee not to move 👎
 
hi all hope you are all well with the lockdown ive not been out to look at cameras i just want to take pics when i go away with the van and family the camera ive got now is a cyber shot but i cant keep my hands still it is hard work to keep the camera still thanks for all the answers cheers stay safe .tom
 
thomas_374576025 said:
hi all hope you are all well with the lockdown ive not been out to look at cameras i just want to take pics when i go away with the van and family the camera ive got now is a cyber shot but i cant keep my hands still it is hard work to keep the camera still thanks for all the answers cheers stay safe .tom
Click to expand...
Hi Tom i to have a Sony Cybershot and i brought it some time ago only thing i find it gets throught batteries to quick so for my birthday my wife brought a Kodak PIXPRO FZ151 Digital Camera that one is better to use i hope you are well this lockdown not great but if we can get out with the caravan i hope not to long now Take Care Keep Safe ..😊
 
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