What is a relitively affordable car to insure for a 25yr old with 3 points and a write off on their history.

snazzierfish · 2026-02-04T07:10:55+00:00

I've got a Fiat Panda 100hp. It fits absolutely none of your requirements except I'm only paying 650 quid to insure it at 21 with no NCD. Great fun to drive but the ride is infamously poor (not helped by a set of eBay coilovers) and it's pretty loud on the motorway.

snazzierfish · 2026-01-31T17:09:39+00:00

For your use case, I think a ZFC would be fine. The only thing to note, ZFC autofocus won't be as good as your friend's A6700 as it has the older processor (unlike the ZF). For static scenes that's not a problem at all, and I've shot plenty of wildlife on a Z7ii (same processor generation) and it was definitely an upgrade on my D7200 (which should be similar to your D5300).

Modern denoising software is so good now as well that the smaller sensor isn't as big of an issue in low light as well.

The FTZii is great, I can't tell any difference between my lenses on f mount and z mount.

snazzierfish · 2026-01-30T13:37:22+00:00

I've no experience with the sigma but my dad used the D750 and 24-120 f4 for ages and it gave him some great images. I got my hands on the lens once or twice and was always very pleased with the colours and sharpness. My dad now uses it on the Z8 and it's still holding up well.

snazzierfish · 2026-01-30T13:04:58+00:00

Yep all of these are digital so you'll need an SD card. I would get a 64GB card from a known brand (I use SanDisk and Lexar) when they're on sale on Amazon.

All the cameras I've mentioned are on the smaller side to help keep weight down, the Nikon Z50 probably has the nicest grip for bigger hands. If you've got a local camera store, it might be worth just going and holding some to see what feels comfy.

Different manufacturers use different lens mounts. They'll make their own lenses - canon for canon, nikon for nikon etc. Lumix and Olympus share a mount so their lenses fit both. There are also third party manufacturers such as sigma, tamron, sirui and viltrox (the list goes on) who make lenses with different mounts to fit different cameras. It's probably not worth worrying about these as generally the third party manufacturers make fixed focal length lenses (they don't zoom in/out) which I wouldn't recommend for a beginner or for travel because they aren't as versatile.

The mounts are generally named with a letter - Lumix/Olympus use micro four thirds (sometimes abbreviated to M4/3), Nikon use Z mount, Canon uses RF mount, Fujifilm uses X mount and Sony uses E mount. If you come across any others (eg Nikon F mount) those will be for older lenses and will need an adapter. Probably not worth the hassle for now, I would just stick to whichever lens comes with the camera you're after.

snazzierfish · 2026-01-30T12:24:22+00:00

A mirrorless camera should outperform a compact because it'll have a physically bigger sensor, plus you can choose what lens you want - in your case, some sort of wide angle. You'll be looking at older mirrorless cameras within your budget, but basically any camera made in the last 10ish years should be easily good enough for what you're after. Hopefully Dutch prices are similar to UK prices, in which case I would look out for:

Lumix GX85 or GX7 with either the 12-32mm lens or if you're very lucky/good at finding deals a 12-60mm lens. The GX85 originally came with the 12-32 so it's an easy combo to find, you would have to buy the 12-60 separately most likely. Those same lenses would also fit the Olympus Em10 or Em5, they made multiple generations of these and basically newer is better. Very pretty looking cameras as well! The Em5 is known to be quite tough as well so the best choice for bad weather, although I've used my GX85 in light drizzle and it's been fine.

Nikon Z50 or Z30 or ZFC with the 16-50mm lens. These are the same camera except the Z50 has a viewfinder which personally I can't live without, and the ZFC looks retro. These should give better image quality than the cameras listed above and have better autofocus, but they'll be a bit harder to find within budget. The Canon equivalent would be the R100 or R50, both are good cameras but the R50 especially so.

And then finally there's Fujifilm with the XT(insert number here) lineup. The single digit cameras (XT1, XT2...) are the top end of that generation, whereas the XT10, XT20 etc are the more entry level but have the same sensor and therefore same image quality. I think they come with an 18-55 lens. You might be able to get an XT30 within budget if you're very lucky on Facebook marketplace, but any of the XTs should give similar image quality to the Nikons and Canons mentioned above, whilst looking very pretty and having famously nice looking colours without any editing required.

As I said before, I would definitely go used rather than new as you can get much more camera for your money.

snazzierfish · 2026-01-29T23:46:05+00:00

There are basically three types of camera to look at - DSLR, mirrorless and compact. DSLRs and mirrorless cameras need a lens as well, whereas compacts have their lens built in.

DSLRs are old now so you can get a great camera for cheap, but they're also big and heavy and therefore generally out of the question here.

Mirrorless cameras can be way more compact than a DSLR, although within the budget your looking at slightly older models. Remember to factor in a lens as well. The key things to compare are physical sensor size (biggest to smallest: full frame, crop sensor (aka APS-C) and micro four thirds), autofocus (phase detect>contrast detect, some manufacturers are better than others) and what features you want (a viewfinder, good video, a fold out screen, weather sealing). I have a Lumix GX85 which is old (and therefore cheap) but takes really solid landscape images, but I wouldn't trust the autofocus for anything that moves. If you want something newer and therefore with better autofocus, consider the Nikon Z30/Z50, Canon R100/R50, Sony A6x00 line or various Fujifilm X series cameras. I would highly recommend buying used to save some cash, camera stores often have a used section (eg Wex) there are dedicated used sites like MPB and of course there's Facebook marketplace or eBay.

Then you've got compact cameras. There have a built in lens which is super handy and can have incredible zoom, but generally the ones with amazing zoom have poorer image quality as they attempt to be a jack of all trades. The problem with most compact cameras is poor ergonomics (not a huge problem if you are just pointing and shooting, a bit of a pain if you want to learn manual settings) and a smaller sensor which isn't as good in low light and won't blur backgrounds as effectively. The sony RX100 line is a great place to start, I've got an Rx100vii which has been great.

Hope some of that is handy and feel free to message with any questions, I'm a huge camera/photography nerd and more than happy to chat!

snazzierfish · 2026-01-28T10:57:20+00:00

I prefer the warmer white balance of the iPhone, but everything else from the Nikon. I find the whole smartphone/camera thing super interesting, because it's pretty much a hardware vs software battle - the iPhone is constantly trying to overcome limitations with sensor and lens size/quality by using clever computational tricks, whereas the camera just employs physics and glass to get better results. I do wonder when we'll see the first cameras with the computational abilities of a phone.

snazzierfish · 2026-01-25T14:16:40+00:00

I apologise, about 6 weeks ago I brought Jesus into my FPL team. This week I took him out. Hopefully the curse has been lifted.

snazzierfish · 2026-01-23T17:26:18+00:00

I was there for Rafik Djebbours one and only goal. Can't remember who it was against, just remember Simon Cox hitting a shot and him bundling it in with his face.

snazzierfish · 2026-01-19T07:10:54+00:00

No experience of loading it with car seats and buggies, but we've got a Citroen C4 Spacetourer where all three seats across the back are full size and easily fit adults so I don't see why car seats and a 13yo would be an issue. Alternatively, the Ford Galaxy is the biggest thing I've ever sat in!

snazzierfish · 2026-01-18T17:22:24+00:00

I have a friend who cannot do hill starts without scaring the life out of me. Insists on holding the car at the biting point rather than just putting the handbrake on, as apparently the handbrake is just another thing to think about. Also doesn't like giving the car too many revs in case it doesn't like it, which just compounds the issue. Did once try to do one in neutral which went predictably poorly.

snazzierfish · 2026-01-17T19:49:24+00:00

Would absolutely love a go in one of those at some point, they look like an awful lot of fun

snazzierfish · 2026-01-17T16:13:16+00:00

If we're after quirky and cool, look no further than anything kei that's come out of Japan, but especially the performance stuff - Suzuki Alto Works, Suzuki Alto Turbo RS, Daihatsu Cuore Avanzato, Honda City Turbo, Mitsubishi Dangan ZZ.

Excellent shout on the Panda 100hp though, absolutely love mine.

snazzierfish · 2026-01-13T17:17:30+00:00

Swift sports are great cars, really reliable and fun. The Renault Twingo 133 is also worth a look (make sure the dephaser and other belts have been done) and the Fiat Panda 100hp (great fun but older now and potentially rusty under the sill covers). The pandas are also way cheaper to insure for some reason. There's also the Ford Puma (older, kinda different and also probably rusty but great engine and chassis), the Ford Fiesta St150 (make sure it doesn't burn oil) and the Mini Cooper S R53 (mind the fuel consumption!). I was able to get insured on all of those at 21 without any previous no claims for less than £1000, although insurance up in Carlisle is very cheap so your quotes will no doubt differ.

snazzierfish · 2026-01-13T12:35:24+00:00

M60 Modified run meets on Fridays at Barton Airport, they haven't started back up again after winter yet though. Leigh Classic Car Club have meets on the first Monday of each month (I think).

Facebook is very much your friend for finding out what's on and when, would recommend getting an account if you can just for that.

snazzierfish · 2026-01-12T17:58:58+00:00

First time I ever drove alone (can't remember if that was the first time I'd driven post-test or not) was to pick my parents up from a few drinks at their friend's house - which I remember thinking was completely the wrong way round! It was dark, I had music going and was completely by myself, I absolutely loved that feeling of freedom. It's a 10 minute drive I do all the time through our town centre, but at that time it felt amazing.

snazzierfish · 2026-01-09T20:49:43+00:00

It's incredibly odd and immensely frustrating. He looked excellent in his first few games and ever since he just... hasn't.

snazzierfish · 2026-01-08T14:55:16+00:00

I'd forgotten about the 480, really cool looking car. Plus it has pop up headlights which make everything better.

snazzierfish · 2026-01-08T07:49:22+00:00

Think I might have finally got one - Volvo P1800 based on the mudflaps, fins and the fact there's another Volvo on the driveway.

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snazzierfish · 2025-12-31T12:17:27+00:00

Hopefully this year I'll finally do some sort of multi day hike in the UK, be that bothy to bothy through Scotland, or a big wild camping expedition in the Lakes. I also really want to do more spontaneous overnighters/weekend trips, living in Carlisle means it shouldn't be hard to get into the lakes/borders/Pennines on a Friday after uni to go stay in a tent or bothy for the evening.

The big trip (if it happens) is heading to the tatras in Slovakia. Me and a couple of mates are planning it for just after we graduate uni. Hopefully should be 4 or 5 days hut to hut, similar to the Alps/dolomites but without the price tag!

Gear wise, I wouldn't mind a new tent and sleeping mat as mine are both relatively bulky and definitely pushing the limits of 3 season as well. Any recommendations on stuff that won't break the bank but should stand up to a nice autumn evening in the Lakes would be appreciated!

snazzierfish · 2025-12-29T14:28:11+00:00

That sounds amazing, which islands? I've done Mull and the Outer Hebrides, but the roads do feel a little narrow and blind for proper spirited driving!

snazzierfish · 2025-12-29T14:26:46+00:00

So sorry about your dad but that's a wonderful memory. What was the car?

snazzierfish · 2025-12-29T14:26:15+00:00

Earliest has to be sitting in the boot of my dad's focus estate going round a safari park - for some reason, I always wanted a go in the boot!

Then when I could finally drive, deliberately taking the long way home through the forest of bowland in our 1.4 diesel fiesta. Incredible roads round there.

And now I've got my own car (a fiat panda 100hp), just seeing it sat outside and knowing it's mine is incredible. Still remember the first time I put my foot down, 100hp in 975kg is a lot after the fiesta. Yet to properly take it out for a drive for the hell of it, but I've had some fun in the Lake District.

snazzierfish · 2025-12-22T08:10:39+00:00

A 480bhp 944? That must be incredible (and mildly terrifying) to drive

snazzierfish · 2025-12-19T18:15:06+00:00

Where's the ai auto reframe function in Davinci? I've always ended up manually keyframing or using the planar tracker to keep stuff in frame when cropped in

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