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So you are looking for a new camera.

  • 06-05-2009 08:37PM
    #1
    AnCatDubh
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 6,393 ✭✭✭


    The best place to start looking is probably not the boards photography forum. So where should you start? Well, one of the best places to assist you in your choices is the 'DP Review Buying Guide'

    If you want to compare one camera against another (or some others) then the DP Review site do a side by side comparison. Honestly - this will probably miss less detail than the entire collective brain power of all the forum members :rolleyes:

    So you don't believe our recommendation for DP Review? That's ok, we're not that proud. So next try Google. Wha? The thing is that you'll probably find an answer to your question much faster if you go looking rather than waiting and hoping for someone on the forum here to have the exact knowledge that you are looking for.

    Ok we'll save you some typing - Just click here if you have a general inquiry about what kind of camera might be appropriate for your needs: there is already a huge amount of information available on what kind of camera may be right for you. At time of writing, the first two results are "How to Buy a Digital Camera" and "Should you buy a DSLR or Point and Shoot Digital Camera?"; this information probably addresses any sort of generic question you may have about buying a digital camera.

    Starting to get close? But maybe you'd like to hear what others think of your intended purchase. If you have an enquiry about a specific model of camera or about what model of camera may be appropriate for your needs and budget: consult Amazon. Why Amazon - don't they just do books? Amazon maintains a list of their most popular cameras and also offers information on and reviews of a vast number of cameras and lenses. If you want to know what others think of a camera: search for it on Amazon and read the user reviews.

    But couldn't I just ask you guys? It is important to understand that there are a huge number of models of cameras, particularly smaller, cheaper, consumer-level cameras. It is unlikely that someone who frequents this message board has had extensive experience with the exact model of camera you are considering buying and will be able to provide any information other than a cursory opinion on whether or not it may meet a specific requirement you have stipulated. This is why the Amazon.com link can be so useful.

    Don't you forget about me (simple minds) Now that we've sent you away, don't forget there are thousands of previous posts waiting to be researched in the boards photography forum. This is where the boards forum search is your friend. Put in a few relevant keywords and select the forum from the list. Click search now and whoosh..... well maybe. Boards is already indexed by Google but consequently the results get mixed into the big search index in the www and if its boards ya want then the boards search is the biz.

    Help i'm still stuck - so you've done the dp review thing (check), you've googled (check), and you've looked up the amazon recommendations (check) and you've done the boards search (hand on the heart????) yet there is still a burning question. Ok, ok, we submit - fire ahead. That's what we're here for too - but in order to help you as best as possible please try and make it as specific and informative as possible with regards to your existing knowledge in the matter (what the various searches have yielded), your budget, and your specific needs.


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Comments

  • #2
    Thoie
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 6,340 ✭✭✭Thoie


    Looks good, though maybe we could also help out with the terminology in the Buying Guide a bit? Something like:
    =================
    If you want to learn more about cameras in general, you can also google the terminology used in the DP Review questionnaire. By reading around the subject you're sure to learn something new and interesting. Here are a few of the terms that might throw you.

    Format:
    SLR - big camera that you can add all kinds of bits to, and change lenses.
    SLR-like - big camera that you can add bits to, but you can't change the lens.
    Compact - fits in your handbag/pocket.

    Effective pixels and pixel density - if you don't know what these are, select "Don't mind". As a rough guide, the bigger the better, but bear in mind that the bigger the dearer can hold true.

    Sensor type - if you don't know, you probably don't care.


  • #3
    AnCatDubh
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 6,393 ✭✭✭AnCatDubh


    Just temporarily sticking this for a day or two at which point the abridged version will get merged into the FAQ's.

    Thanks.


  • #4
    Wile E. Coyote
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,558 ✭✭✭Wile E. Coyote


    I think this deserves to be a sticky on it's own where it's clear to see. I don't there's too many people who actually bother reading the FAQ's or Read before posting stickies on any of the forums.


  • #5
    the_syco
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 37,308 ✭✭✭✭the_syco


    Wile E. Coyote wrote: »
    I think this deserves to be a sticky on it's own where it's clear to see. I don't there's too many people who actually bother reading the FAQ's or Read before posting stickies on any of the forums.
    Agreed. The OP makes a lot of sense of camera n00bs like myself. The other FAQs are good, but lots of reading. The above is nice and simple.


  • #6
    MarthaT
    Closed Accounts Posts: 68 ✭✭MarthaT


    Great post, this will help a lot of newbie photographers. I wish i had read this before I started.

    ipod.gif


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  • #7
    alonso1983
    Closed Accounts Posts: 2 ✭alonso1983


    good post.......nice and quite informative


  • #8
    Jenny_Cork
    Closed Accounts Posts: 2 ✭Jenny_Cork


    Good post, certainly makes the topic very clear


  • #9
    redcat
    Closed Accounts Posts: 9 ✭redcat


    Hi guys,I want to buy a new camera.Im not really interested in SLR's as I cannot afford to go down that road at the moment.I however would like a bridge camera with a long optical zoom > 18 X ,Ive seen 26x. I would also want 10 mexapixel or greater, and a want a viewfinder on the camera and the means to attach an external flash. Can any of you advise me on a bridge camera that fits the above criteria? What brand is best? some people have said canon,more have said nikon? Advice please and where should I purchase,I live in Cork.Ive already googled and spent alot of time researching but Im just confused with the many makes available,I really would appreciate some advice.


  • #10
    AnCatDubh
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 6,393 ✭✭✭AnCatDubh


    If you follow the first link in the opening post and feed into the parameter selection;

    Format: SLR-like
    External flash: Yes

    - it will return 10 cameras with full comparison of the specs.

    A number of them have indepth reviews and sample shots.

    The dp reviews are really good and such that you can depend on them.

    There's normally not that much difference in the cost of a good bridge slr like camera and entry level slr. Even if it meant delaying the purchase for a few weeks, it would be worth considering.

    All the links in the opening post are intended to assist greatly - well worth giving it a shot.


  • #11
    redcat
    Closed Accounts Posts: 9 ✭redcat


    ancatdubh which camera would you recommend,im just very confused ,between canon powershot sx10is and nikon P90,which brand do you recommend.The specs seem to be similiar but the canon has a hot shoe the nikon doesnt.HELP


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  • #12
    melekalikimaka
    Moderators, Education Moderators, Music Moderators Posts: 10,686 Mod ✭✭✭✭melekalikimaka


    Thoie wrote: »



    Effective pixels and pixel density - if you don't know what these are, select "Don't mind". As a rough guide, the bigger the better, but bear in mind that the bigger the dearer can hold true.

    Sensor type - if you don't know, you probably don't care.

    those two are vitally linke, bigger is not better on anything but DSLRs, p and s and even bridge should be really researched well, alot more shoddy cameras on onto market in this bracket, hight mp means alot more noise...haloing... and other crap... anything over 6 on a compact for casual use imo is overkill


  • #13
    AnCatDubh
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 6,393 ✭✭✭AnCatDubh


    redcat wrote: »
    ancatdubh which camera would you recommend,im just very confused ,between canon powershot sx10is and nikon P90,which brand do you recommend.The specs seem to be similiar but the canon has a hot shoe the nikon doesnt.HELP

    Sorry had a busy day today and only replying now.

    I don't know either :rolleyes: but either brand is excellent to be honest;

    Trust someone who has one by checking the amazon reviews - SX10is and the P90 are both featured (also included in the opening post ;) ). Scroll to the bottom to get to the reviews.

    If I can be so bold having looked up amazon for each - can I ask if you have not considered a DSLR? The only reason that I ask is that you are in the price zone of some of the entry level DSLR's and I suspect the quality would be immeasurably better. You might have to stretch a little more on budget - maybe €50 or so. The DSLR would allow you to build and add to your system over time. If you can get to somewhere like harvey norman's, dixons or Gunns you would be able to try a demo model out just to see what you think of it.

    You might decide it isn't suitable at all and go back to the bridge type of cameras mentioned above (which I suspect are both really good cameras) but at least you'd have explored all options.

    Oh, one other thing - the hot shoe is a nice to have but may flashes can be fired wirelessly (optically) so you would still have some latitude in terms of using an off camera flash. This not as good (imo) as a hot shoe (mounted, wired, or wireless transmitter) but still an option.

    Hope that helps you along the way.


  • #14
    redcat
    Closed Accounts Posts: 9 ✭redcat


    thanks for that ancatdubh,the reason I dont want to get an dslr is Im afraid of the cost.Can you tell me what it would cost to get a lens that would give me a 20x equivilent zoom.I was told that the lens supplied with entry level slrs wouldnt be in that catagory and I want a good long zoom.If that were the case I would have to buy a second lens and they can be expensive so Im told and I dont have that kind of money to spend, but maybe youre right,maybe I shoould look into it.do you know anything abouot the type of lens supplied with the entry level dslrs?


  • #15
    CabanSail
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 9,046 ✭✭✭CabanSail


    Any lens with 20X zoom factor is going to have a lot of compromises when you are trying to illuminate a DSLR Sensor. You can get away with it more when you have smaller sensors like you find in compacts & bridge cameras. I have a Nikon 18-200 Zoom, which has a huge range for a cropped sensor (~ 10X) but there has been a lot of work put into it to reduce the distortions & so it's not a cheap lens (about €600 mark) It is still a compromise but having that range in one lens can be very handy. They do not produce (AFAIK) a similar lens for a full frame body.

    The typical lens supplied as kits lenses with DSLR's is about 18-55mm (~3x) or 18-70mm (~4x) which gives you a good average range. If you have a DSLR you have the flexibility to then move on to more speciality lenses (budget permitting) If you have need of a long lens then you will soon find out that length is not everything (ask most ladies!) but you have to consider the "speed" of the lens too, which is how much light you can get through to the sensor. A problem with a lot of the Ultra Zoom compacts is that they may have a 20x zoom but at the long end they will be very slow, so the software will bump up the sensor sensitivity to a high ISO. This on a small sensor will give a load of noise & make the image almost useless for most applications. The examples that the manufacturers will give will always be in very good bright light to overcome this, but in the real world you will invariably have crap light to deal with.

    Best thing is to work out what you want to shoot & how much your budget is. Start off with a camera that will do some of what you want to shoot well, because the camera/lens that does everything well is yet to be invented (if only Carlsberg would make Cameras!)

    Good luck


  • #16
    redcat
    Closed Accounts Posts: 9 ✭redcat


    cabanSail Thanks for a very informative post,it certainly is food for thought.


  • #17
    siobhan.murphy
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,340 ✭✭✭siobhan.murphy


    u will get a real class one in Rome where mine was robbed!


  • #18
    TheWealth
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 32 ✭TheWealth


    Does no one buy SLR's anymore? I think I'm the last person in the country who uses one


  • #19
    redcat
    Closed Accounts Posts: 9 ✭redcat


    wealth,the main reason im not considering an slr is the cost.I just cant afford all the different lenses,the bridge seems adequate for my needs if I d
    could only decide on which to get!


  • #20
    Rayne
    Closed Accounts Posts: 423 ✭✭Rayne


    Anyone own a Sony DSLR-A200K?

    Any good, price is very reasonable in comparison to Nikon D60 and the Canon 1000d


    Anyone have any experience with this?


  • #21
    coughlan08
    Closed Accounts Posts: 1,899 ✭✭✭coughlan08


    i currently own a fujifilm finepix s800.
    can anyone give me any general advice


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  • #22
    AnCatDubh
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 6,393 ✭✭✭AnCatDubh


    coughlan08 wrote: »
    i currently own a fujifilm finepix s800.
    can anyone give me any general advice

    Have you been through the opening post of this thread? If so you should be at a stage of knowing what it is you want to purchase and some possible options. Have a go and post back if you still have questions. Thanks.


  • #23
    beybi_KA
    Closed Accounts Posts: 1 ✭beybi_KA


    Hy can anyone tell me where can I get the cheapest version of camera D60. Was checkin in pixmania. If anyone know some good site or some shop around Cork.

    thx


  • #24
    Tallon
    Closed Accounts Posts: 22,565 ✭✭✭✭Tallon


    TheWealth wrote: »
    Does no one buy SLR's anymore? I think I'm the last person in the country who uses one

    I buy and use them alot, My GF is big into them too


  • #25
    Tallon
    Closed Accounts Posts: 22,565 ✭✭✭✭Tallon


    SapphireDiamond wrote: »
    Anyone own a Sony DSLR-A200K?

    i have a sony A200K, really like it. obviously its just an entry level DSLR but still produces some very nice photos.

    Check out my Pix.ie for examples


  • #26
    Rayne
    Closed Accounts Posts: 423 ✭✭Rayne


    Spotted a Sony A300(€350) and Canon 400D (€290) over in Adverts?

    Can anyone suggest one over the other? I feel prices are okay with both


    *Mods delete if necessary.


  • #27
    Tallon
    Closed Accounts Posts: 22,565 ✭✭✭✭Tallon


    SapphireDiamond wrote: »
    Spotted a Sony A300(€350) and Canon 400D (€290) over in Adverts?

    Can anyone suggest one over the other? I feel prices are okay with both


    *Mods delete if necessary.

    Well what exactly are you looking for?
    Sony is a great little camera but the Canon will have more / cheaper lenses should you choose to upgrade!
    Both have the same mega pixel so its really up to personal choice


  • #28
    Rayne
    Closed Accounts Posts: 423 ✭✭Rayne


    Thanks Tallon.

    Mainly looking at scenery photography and friends/family with the potential of broadening my horizons.
    I just want something that'll be multi functional I guess, easy enough to use and learn more about photography with.
    I've this obession with Sony's - Just been hearing good things about them.

    Have played with the Sony A200 before, felt good,(don't know how it compares tho) haven't held/played with any any Canon's tho.

    I think I'm just starting to get impatient, I've wanted a DSLR for a while now.


  • #29
    Tallon
    Closed Accounts Posts: 22,565 ✭✭✭✭Tallon


    SapphireDiamond wrote: »
    Thanks Tallon.

    Mainly looking at scenery photography and friends/family with the potential of broadening my horizons.
    I just want something that'll be multi functional I guess, easy enough to use and learn more about photography with.
    I've this obession with Sony's - Just been hearing good things about them.

    Have played with the Sony A200 before, felt good,(don't know how it compares tho) haven't held/played with any any Canon's tho.

    I think I'm just starting to get impatient, I've wanted a DSLR for a while now.

    Well I have the A200, love it. same as yourself just love sonys.
    The canon is a bit older but as I said lenses are easier accesable.
    i have a canon too and its nice to try other peoples lenses when out and about
    Its entirely up to yourself. Id say go for the sony but try get it off him for a bit cheaper


  • #30
    Rayne
    Closed Accounts Posts: 423 ✭✭Rayne


    Cheers Tallon.
    That was my next question, is it worth that price. Might put in an offer so, see how I get on. I'm excited already. :)


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  • #31
    Tallon
    Closed Accounts Posts: 22,565 ✭✭✭✭Tallon


    SapphireDiamond wrote: »
    Cheers Tallon.
    That was my next question, is it worth that price. Might put in an offer so, see how I get on. I'm excited already. :)

    Good luck, :)


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