DSLR Advice?

[Daschin Stulic]

Originally Posted by Paul*

Are you sure it is a DLSR that you need? As Stu said ealier, maybe a hybrid type camera would be ok? I have not used my DSLR for ages now after getting my Sony compact.

What are you planning to use it for?

I mentioned earlier, that I don't know much about cameras outside of standard digital ones so I don't know. What is the difference in picture between a hybrid type and my last Canon example with 18-135 lens?

If I get the DSLR, it will be a long learning curve to get the best out of it and will take time. I am looking for a decent camera that will still be decent spec in 3 years time

Originally Posted by 220coupe

Why dont you just buy it? You are waiting for approval from people you dont know, who dont know you. So rather than wait, you might as well go ahead and get it.

However, You have a Nikon already and not happy with the picture quality? Have you upgraded the lenses? Do you have more then one lens? I guarantee that 99% of crap pictures are user error! Wrong settings either shutter speed or appature or wrong setting on the camera options.

Nikon is a good make - get to know the camera and it will serve you well.

I was hoping for advice from people that may have a similar camera. The Nikon is just a Coolpix S3, just standard digital camera, nothing to upgrade. It is 6MP and about 6 years old nearly. I have use of a Sony 7MP DC and the difference in quality is big so as much as I am no photographer, I get decent pictures from the Sony one.

Originally Posted by Dr Dave

I rather think we're being strung along here........

Feel free to think what you want, doesn't bother me but if you have anything constructive to add then I am all ears.

I am drawn to the Canon as I am aware that Canon is a trusted DSLR brand.

[Stu]

Professional advice. Go fill your boots and read up.

http://www.kenrockwell.com/

[220coupe]

Originally Posted by Daschin Stulic

I was hoping for advice from people that may have a similar camera. The Nikon is just a Coolpix S3, just standard digital camera, nothing to upgrade. It is 6MP and about 6 years old nearly. I have use of a Sony 7MP DC and the difference in quality is big so as much as I am no photographer, I get decent pictures from the Sony one.

Brand doesnt really matter if you are looking at big names such as Canon, Nikon, etc. They are all much of a muchness, each has their own quirks and each is better than the other in different respects. As previously said, what sort of photos are you looking to take?

A decent variety of lens range is more important than brand, especially if looking at Canon or Nikon.

PS - cant see that you have stated other than a Nikon, what type of camera you have. If you are talking DSLR - you should perhaps be a little more specific!

[Daschin Stulic]

Originally Posted by 220coupe

Brand doesnt really matter if you are looking at big names such as Canon, Nikon, etc. They are all much of a muchness, each has their own quirks and each is better than the other in different respects. As previously said, what sort of photos are you looking to take?

A decent variety of lens range is more important than brand, especially if looking at Canon or Nikon.

PS - cant see that you have stated other than a Nikon, what type of camera you have. If you are talking DSLR - you should perhaps be a little more specific!

See post 21 for current camera. If I already had a DSLR, it's unlikely that I would be looking for another and I might actually know something about them.

Type of pictures taken will be varied from buildings/objects to views/scenery. A mixed bunch really.

Stu's link was good but it mainly featured Nikon camera's. I am a bit late in the day for looking into Nikon as recent searches has been Canon that I am getting more familiar with in terms of models etc.. If I don't get a camera before going away at the end of the week then I will be more open to different brands as there will be less rush to buy.

[220coupe]

Originally Posted by Daschin Stulic

See post 21 for current camera. If I already had a DSLR, it's unlikely that I would be looking for another and I might actually know something about them.

Type of pictures taken will be varied from buildings/objects to views/scenery. A mixed bunch really.

Stu's link was good but it mainly featured Nikon camera's. I am a bit late in the day for looking into Nikon as recent searches has been Canon that I am getting more familiar with in terms of models etc.. If I don't get a camera before going away at the end of the week then I will be more open to different brands as there will be less rush to buy.

Sorry, but #21 was after most people had given you advice - hence my previous post.

I really would suggest waiting then and going in with open mind. Look at the best deals around, if you can find a bundle with a 18-70 & 70/100-210/300mm lens then this will serve you well and then you can invest in specific lenses as and when your needs grow. Major brands - doesn't matter which really, they will all meet your needs. Most people look at what they can re-use. if you don't have this issue then the worlds your oyster.

[Daschin Stulic]

Originally Posted by 220coupe

Sorry, but #21 was after most people had given you advice - hence my previous post.

I really would suggest waiting then and going in with open mind. Look at the best deals around, if you can find a bundle with a 18-70 & 70/100-210/300mm lens then this will serve you well and then you can invest in specific lenses as and when your needs grow. Major brands - doesn't matter which really, they will all meet your needs. Most people look at what they can re-use. if you don't have this issue then the worlds your oyster.

Thanks for that. I might hold off and do more research. Once you add on memory card and case then it's over £700. Not too much to spend if I pick right but a lot if I pick wrong.

It would have been nice to have for this holiday but with little knowledge of how to use it, it may not have been much use in reality.

[mercodus]

Have you considered micro four thirds?

I have an Olympus Pen micro four thirds and in my opinion it is as a good as my DX format DSLR.

[Paul*]

The Nikon coolpix S3 is well over 7 years old, techno stuff moves on at an alarming rate.

Is the Camera for:
Holidays/family shots?
Hobby?
a convienient camera for those spur of the moment pics?

If you enjoy taking photographs and framing them get a DSLR, otherwise a decent normal camera will do the trick.

Why not go into somewhere like Jessops (other shops are availible) and get a hands on experience.

[Daschin Stulic]

Originally Posted by mercodus

Have you considered micro four thirds?

I have an Olympus Pen micro four thirds and in my opinion it is as a good as my DX format DSLR.

I'll add it to the list to look at

Originally Posted by Paul*

The Nikon coolpix S3 is well over 7 years old, techno stuff moves on at an alarming rate.

Is the Camera for:
Holidays/family shots?
Hobby?
a convienient camera for those spur of the moment pics?

If you enjoy taking photographs and framing them get a DSLR, otherwise a decent normal camera will do the trick.

Why not go into somewhere like Jessops (other shops are availible) and get a hands on experience.

Camera will be used for everything but also an opportunity to make the best of picture opportunities that are not currently there when you only have an old digital camera.

It would become a part-time hobby but no more as I don't have the time.

I'd like to be able to take pictures that I could blow up to a decent size to frame them. I have read that it is possible to get that with DSLR pictures without loss of quality.

Flight on Friday is just under 8 hours so I may well buy a digital camera magazine for the flight and start the research. I went into Jessops on Friday but all camera's were in cabinets which put me off as I can't stand sales talk, especially on a subject that I am not clued up on myself.

I need to be careful with what I spend. Original budget was £400+. I am not adverse to price of the Cannon 550D 18-135 at £687 plus the extras but don't want to really go any higher than that. I have a bad habit of having a budget and the budget going through the roof as I see better and better spec. e.g. getting a £1,000 laptop and ending up with a £2,000 laptop.

[220coupe]

32gb micro sd card - minimal (<£20 from ebay). I also had a Branded camera case (from China ;-) ) from ebay for £15, which will do to start with, will get the better case in a few months from the UK, but for a starter bag - it does.

[JohnSwitzer]

Interesting question. I have both a DSLR and also a Fuji Bridge camera similar to this:

http://www.argos.co.uk/static/Produc...er/5596038.htm

I regularly take photographs for publication in magazines, brochures and sometimes to be blown up for use in exhibition graphics.

I've found the Bridge to be ideal and struggle to remember the last time I used the DSLR, aside from taking action shots e.g. aircraft on approach, racing motorcycles etc. In summary, the Bridge does 95% of what my DSLR does at a fraction of the cost and with much less hassle in terms of carrying lenses and set up adjustments.

I can't imagine me buying another DSLR again being honest - as the features on it are largely superfluous for my requirements.

[Daschin Stulic]

Originally Posted by JohnSwitzer

Interesting question. I have both a DSLR and also a Fuji Bridge camera similar to this:

http://www.argos.co.uk/static/Produc...er/5596038.htm

I regularly take photographs for publication in magazines, brochures and sometimes to be blown up for use in exhibition graphics.

I've found the Bridge to be ideal and struggle to remember the last time I used the DSLR, aside from taking action shots e.g. aircraft on approach, racing motorcycles etc. In summary, the Bridge does 95% of what my DSLR does at a fraction of the cost and with much less hassle in terms of carrying lenses and set up adjustments.

I can't imagine me buying another DSLR again being honest - as the features on it are largely superfluous for my requirements.

Now that I am not buying this week, I will look into everything in greater detail. Will look to buy by July so I get time to learn before the next holiday.

[Meths]

Originally Posted by Stu

An idiots advice; Go fill your boots and read up.

http://www.kenrockwell.com/

I fixed it for you

[Stu]

It obviously takes one to know one

[endoftheworld]

I worked with Canon DSLRs professionally for a few years. My knowledge is a bit out of date but if it's worth anything here's what I know.

Canon EOS range are unsurpassed for speed of use and good consistent image quality. The lenses (particularly the 'ultrasonic' ones) are totally silent, which is great for studio work, and the lens to body connection is non-mechanical which makes them more reliable. Nikons have a mechanical aperture lever which can fail to engage. Canons also survive better in the rain.

The lower end EOS cameras have navigation buttons on the back door, which is ok, but the better ones have a jogger wheel, which makes it a lot faster to play with exposure. Really handy if you're trying to get depth of field right for a 'portrait in the garden' shot. It saves a few seconds, but if the subject wants to get back to their pint you need to work quickly.

I wouldn't worry about this tech getting out of date. It isn't a smartphone. I never needed more than 6mp, and once you get the hang of it you won't need most of the program modes.

Lenses, the more you pay the better, these can get really expensive. For most work a 35-80mm zoom does well. Shoot people at the 80mm end. Studio work needs a prime lens of around 80 to 110mm, preferably with a big aperture.

Don't rely un the built in flash, get a decent flashgun (Metz is excellent). A lot of pros say their people shots improve dramatically when they buy a better flashgun.

Wide angles (28mm and such) always seemed to be of little use to me. Good for car photos though if you get down low. My favourite focal length was around 80mm.

Finally don't be tempted by the hybrid, or SLR lookalike cameras, these use an lcd display in the viewfinder, and you can't really see if someone has the right look when you take the shot. They also tend to have a shutter delay of a fraction of a second, which is infuriating and unworkable. We have one at work, I refuse to use the bloody thing.

Anyway that's just me and like I say I am out of date (stopped in 2006). Personally I would buy a Canon every time.

[Daschin Stulic]

Originally Posted by endoftheworld

I worked with Canon DSLRs professionally for a few years. My knowledge is a bit out of date but if it's worth anything here's what I know.

Canon EOS range are unsurpassed for speed of use and good consistent image quality. The lenses (particularly the 'ultrasonic' ones) are totally silent, which is great for studio work, and the lens to body connection is non-mechanical which makes them more reliable. Nikons have a mechanical aperture lever which can fail to engage. Canons also survive better in the rain.

The lower end EOS cameras have navigation buttons on the back door, which is ok, but the better ones have a jogger wheel, which makes it a lot faster to play with exposure. Really handy if you're trying to get depth of field right for a 'portrait in the garden' shot. It saves a few seconds, but if the subject wants to get back to their pint you need to work quickly.

I wouldn't worry about this tech getting out of date. It isn't a smartphone. I never needed more than 6mp, and once you get the hang of it you won't need most of the program modes.

Lenses, the more you pay the better, these can get really expensive. For most work a 35-80mm zoom does well. Shoot people at the 80mm end. Studio work needs a prime lens of around 80 to 110mm, preferably with a big aperture.

Don't rely un the built in flash, get a decent flashgun (Metz is excellent). A lot of pros say their people shots improve dramatically when they buy a better flashgun.

Wide angles (28mm and such) always seemed to be of little use to me. Good for car photos though if you get down low. My favourite focal length was around 80mm.

Finally don't be tempted by the hybrid, or SLR lookalike cameras, these use an lcd display in the viewfinder, and you can't really see if someone has the right look when you take the shot. They also tend to have a shutter delay of a fraction of a second, which is infuriating and unworkable. We have one at work, I refuse to use the bloody thing.

Anyway that's just me and like I say I am out of date (stopped in 2006). Personally I would buy a Canon every time.

Thanks for the advice. Still looking/deciding. Was hoping to get a decent buy in USA last week but no greats deals to be found.

[Gra]

On a personal note I bought a Canon EOS600D towards the back end of last year. It is an excellent camera. So easy to use even my missus has managed to get the hang of it, and she's a technophobe to put it mildly.

Excellent consistantly good images and ease of use so simple that I think my 7 year old son could manage it (if I let him near it).

Highly recommended!

[endoftheworld]

Even in the early 90s you could put a canon slr into auto mode and shoot away with good results. 20 years on the technology is amazing. Even the compacts now will recognize faces and adjust themselves accordingly, and even tell you when someone in the shot has blinked.

Was talking to a wedding photographer a few years ago and he was scorning these compact digitals. The guests would stand alongside him, wait for him to line up the shot and get the subjects and lighting right, then snap away, often with good results. Not as good as an slr and decent flashgun, but still impressive and perfectly passable.

[R420SLDI]

As a novice myself I like the Sony A33 which was due to the A200 which my dad had given to me a few weeks earlier being robbed from the house

I know there seems to be a lot more support around the cannons though regarding firmware mods and such, just all depends in what your after




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[R420SLDI]

Originally Posted by nicole17

.It is equipped with a superior 12-megapixel image quality, on screen feature guide and a 27" LCD display which provides access to the camera's quick control screen.

Sounds like a right sales pitch


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