Camera Guru Required - NLC!

MacK · Post by **MacK** » Fri Sep 15, 2006 1:37 pm

GregR wrote:Now I want a camera.....

Could I interest you in a VGC Canon EOS 5 ??

Stewart · Post by **Stewart** » Fri Sep 15, 2006 6:29 pm

All good choices but do what I did. Go into Jessops or somewhere and try handling the camera you fancy. I did this with a Canon 300D and Nikon D70. I ended up with the D70 as it felt right. The 300D felt a little cheap and less robust.
As for features the D70s and 350D are probably evenly matched. depending on budget, I would plump for the Nikon D200.
2p
Sample pics (much reduced in size) here http://s39.photobucket.com/albums/e196/bernie_eccle/

andy_snap · Post by **andy_snap** » Fri Sep 15, 2006 8:08 pm

Nikon always had an edge on build quality but they just can't compete on image quality or performance!

The in-house developed CMOS sensors that Canon use in all their digi cameras are much better that the Sony sourced chips that Nikon use, especially when it comes to noise at higher iso's.

Canon's autofocus systems also have an edge over the Nikon, and this shown by the vast number of sports shooter using Canon. Just check the vast number of 'white' lenses at F1 races or footie games; the Canon 'white' outnumber the Nikon 'black'.

Bernie's right though; very important to go in and see how the cameras feel in your hands. As elisers we all know how important handling is !!!

Post by **simon** » Fri Sep 15, 2006 9:35 pm

The other thing to consider is how good are you with it?
I have a 300D and it's more than enough for me. The obsession with megapixels goes on but unless you're printing out huge copies, you'll never notice the difference between 6, 8 and 10mp. 300Ds can probably be picked up fairly cheaply now and it's still a great camera.

Gareth · Post by **Gareth** » Sun Oct 15, 2006 8:17 pm

I went for the Canon EOS400...just need to learn to use it but I like photography

poah · Post by **poah** » Wed Oct 25, 2006 6:20 pm

shame the instructions are in french lol

Mr Momo · Post by **Mr Momo** » Wed Oct 25, 2006 8:42 pm

Also just bought a 400D - nice to handle and integrates all the info functions on to the 2.5" LCD.

Getting back into photography after years away and would always buy Canon over other makes IMHO.

Now off to buy this :

http://www.jessops.com/Store/s13802/0/L ... 143&comp=n

NOT !

but prefer this..

http://www.jessops.com/Store/s30794/0/L ... 143&comp=n

anyone else got recommendations on Canon lenses

Post by **simon** » Wed Oct 25, 2006 8:52 pm

Depends how good you are. I got a Canon 75-300mm lens for around £150 from Jessops. It's great for what I need and pretty cheap too.

This one to be exact:
http://tinyurl.com/y4jjsp

MacK · Post by **MacK** » Thu Oct 26, 2006 8:48 am

simon wrote:Depends how good you are. I got a Canon 75-300mm lens for around £150 from Jessops. It's great for what I need and pretty cheap too.

This one to be exact:
http://tinyurl.com/y4jjsp

I agree, that's a good lense,and good VFM.

Rag_It · Post by **Rag_It** » Thu Oct 26, 2006 9:15 am

The wife has asked what i want for Christmas, and i have to say it's going to be a DSLR, narrowed it down to the Sony A100 and Canon EOS 400D - Have read soooooo many reviews in Amatuer Photography, What Camera, http://www.dpreview.com everywhere! But alas i am still no further forward!

I am having read to very good reviews actually leaning towards the Sony, as i though i would be looking more at the 400d. I think it is down to the SSS image stabalization, as i think it will benefit me. The SSS is built into the body, whereas if you want any kind of stabalization with the Canon then you have to get it in the body!

Looking to do some amateur courses in Dundee if anyone knows any good photographers?

Dave

andy_snap · Post by **andy_snap** » Thu Oct 26, 2006 9:59 am

As Stewart says above, go into the shop and try the different cameras in your hands; see what feels the best to you. As has already been said picture quality between the current Canon, Nikon, Sony, Pentax or whatever is very small and all will produce good quality pictures.

Having said that I'd still go Canon as a tried and tested system against the new Sony DSLR. My left field choice would be the Olympus 4/3rds system. Very compact but good features and the choice of a very tasty selection of Zuiko lenses.

A point to remember about image stabalization is that it generaly only works when shooting static subjects. Not so useful when shooting action at Knockhill!

Andy.

JohnStewart · Post by **JohnStewart** » Thu Oct 26, 2006 10:00 am

Try http://photography-on-the.net/forum/ for Canon related talk.

http://bbs.scoobynet.com/photography-36 ... raphy.html is also a good concise thread that tells you most of the basic of photography.

I've just got a Canon 400D with the basic kit lens (was my birthday yesterday

), so am learning how to use it. I found the best deal on http://www.camerapricebuster.co.uk/ (AJ Purdy, who also give a free 1GB card with the 400D). Jessops now have a 110% price match policy on DSLRs on any advertised price (including on-line), so take full prints of the website prices, contact details and they will sell the same item and deduct 110% of the difference, and also throw in the free 1GB memory card. It does mean that you have to spend about 45 minutes in the store whilst they confirm the price, get management approval etc, but at least you get the kit there and then (no waiting in for the postman), and you can go to a local store if there are any problems. I think there's also a 30 day money back guarantee if you aren't happy with your purchase.

John

David Bryce · Post by **David Bryce** » Thu Oct 26, 2006 10:17 am

As a pro photographer I just have to give my 2p worth, whatever you decide on make sure you buy a decent lens!

Most kit lenses are to be avoided, buy a body and then spend some money on a Sigma or Tamron equivalent lens.

Too many times I see amateurs spending a ton of cash on cameras and then putting a crappy lens in front of it!

glass glass glass is the best route to quality images!

(oh, and purely as a Nikon man I would go for a D70s or maybe a D80, but if you could push yourself to £1000 then the D200 is a superb bit of kit, I know I have two of them)

Rag_It · Post by **Rag_It** » Thu Oct 26, 2006 10:22 am

Sell me your spare one then!

Seriously though, some very good points - it's not all about the camera, and to be honest i am half tempted to ditch the kit lens and go for a decent Sigma....

Thanks for all the points and tips.

Dave

JohnStewart · Post by **JohnStewart** » Thu Oct 26, 2006 10:38 am

I've only got the kit lens just now until I can afford some better lenses. At about £25 extra over the price of the body itself, it's better than nothing, and I can probably sell it for more than that on Ebay in a month or two.

At least I can use the camera and find out it's limitations (ie not wide enough for landscapes not long enough to get close-up to wildlife etc). At least I can work out what most of my photos will be, and hopefully choose lens(es) that meet the majority of requirements.

John