Recommendations??

Setun

Hey,
Am going into Media NCAD next year and I'm looking to purchase a decent camera over the summer. I've been taking photos for a good while but I'm using an Olympus C770 (Ultra Zoom), and while it's ok for simple snaps or with a tripod etc, I find I don't really have enough manual control over how I want the camera to operate. Could anyone recommend me a decently priced all-rounder camera, preferably not a digita?

/EDIT sorry mods just saw the sticky now. Although if anyone can give advice it'd be much appreciated!

Zillah

Why not digital? Digital SLR = win.

Whats your budget?

Setun

I don't know, I like the ordeal of developing my own photos - but I haven't entirely crossed out the idea of an digi SLR. My budget would be about €600 I'd say? If it's worth saving up a bit more to get a much better camera though I wouldn't really mind.

Zillah

Well, for a digital SLR you could get a Nikon D50(review), or a D70s(review), or ideally a shiny new D80(review). I'm sure some of those canon losers will be around shortly to pawn their crap off on you, don't listen, most of them use pin hole cameras with a box and selotape because their canons give such bad results

If you want a simple film SLR that gives you full control you can't really go wrong with the F55.

il gatto

Hey:( I love my Canon. Either way, Canon or Nikon. It's all good. Seriously Daddio, I see your point, but in the long run, the hassle, cost and limitations of film mean I now only use it occasionally for old times sake and to remind me how much easier life is with a digital slr.

Setun

il gatto wrote:

Hey:( I love my Canon. Either way, Canon or Nikon. It's all good. Seriously Daddio, I see your point, but in the long run, the hassle, cost and limitations of film mean I now only use it occasionally for old times sake and to remind me how much easier life is with a digital slr.

Yeah fair point, I think I'll hold off a bit for film then. Thanks for the advice Zillah and Gatto, I think I'll check out one of the Nikon dSLRs. If you see me posting in the Photo Challenge in the next few weeks it means all is well!

Calina

If you're really interested in film, you can get fully manual SLRs second hand for not huge money. You should be able to get an Olympus OM10 for around 100E including a 50mm lens I think and speaking personally, it's a very, very decent camera for the money. Probably less online, tbh. I haven't used mine in ages but I got great pictures out of it. You will probably find you get more use out of your digital too.

Canon 400D is a decent entry level DSLR - I use a 350D and I love it.

Fajitas!

So you're gonna be joining me in the Media dept next year eh?

You won't nessicarily need a film SLR next year, there's several Nikon SLR's you can sign out. Personally, I'd be saving for a DSLR, but if you do want film you could check out some of the shops about Dublin for second hand deals.

I'd be going for either an Oly or Canon Eos film camera. Oly because of quality, Canon because I have lenses.

RichyX

You can pick up the Pentax K100D + kit lens for €450.

For the money there's nothing that can touch it.
Good kit lens, shake reduction, very nice to use.

Why pay nearly twice as much for a Canon 400D?

magicbastarder

Calina wrote:

You should be able to get an Olympus OM10 for around 100E including a 50mm lens I think and speaking personally, it's a very, very decent camera for the money.

if you go for an OM10, try to get it with a manual adapter (the camera doesn't have shutter speed selection built in, it's aperture priority only without the adapter), and beware of the sticking shutter magnets problem; buying from a shop and getting a six month warranty would not be a bad idea.
the camera exchange have a clean looking OM10 with adapter, and 50mm f1.8 for €150 at the moment.

Calina

I think my manual adaptor cost me about 15E when I tracked one down on d'intarweb...but I'd forgotten I'd had to buy it separately. :-(

magicbastarder

if you wanted to go the olympus rote, i'd suggest an OM2 as a starter camera.

run_Forrest_run

Zillah wrote:

Well, for a digital SLR you could get a Nikon D50(review), or a D70s(review), or ideally a shiny new D80(review). I'm sure some of those canon losers will be around shortly to pawn their crap off on you, don't listen, most of them use pin hole cameras with a box and selotape because their canons give such bad results

If you want a simple film SLR that gives you full control you can't really go wrong with the F55.

PaulieC

I got an old Practika camera with 50mm 1.8 lens a couple of years ago for 15 euros (incl postage) off ebay. I used it for a course I was doing and then passed it on the Wez who's here sometimes. Worked perfectly well and if it's only for occasional use then it wouldn't break the bank