Advice/Questions on buying Cameras & Accessories MkII. **Please read OP first**

hbr

alfalad wrote: »

Looking for the sort of lens that I will great to have as a walk around/everyday lens, something that I won't wish I spent a little more on in 6 months time. This will be the only lens i have for it for the next while so hence i'm trying to get the best of every world.

If you need the extra reach, the 15-85mm is probably the lens for you.
A two lens solution might be a better option, but maybe you don't like
changing lenses in the field?

rain on

hbr wrote: »

If she still has the 300D kit lens, that would work fine on the 40D. It might
be worth getting the 18-55mm IS anyway, just for the ~3 stops benefit of
the image stabiliser.

It is a grand lens generally and the IS is handy, but I find it completely useless for gigs unless it's on a body where you can go into the 3000s with your ISO.

The tiny depth of field on the 50mm 1.8 takes a bit of getting used to but it's well worth it for all the extra light you can get in.

Anyone know a decent P+S that has a decent optical zoom and time lapse?

fodda

I was in to photography for years and the last camera and lens i bought was a canon 20d and a canon ef 24-70mm L usm lens.

I have hardly touched this in 4 years are they both totally obsolete now, i should imagine the camera is but is the lens still usable to the latest cameras?

hbr

fodda wrote: »

I was in to photography for years and the last camera and lens i bought was a canon 20d and a canon ef 24-70mm L usm lens which has only been off twice i think when the camera was sent to be cleaned.

I have hardly touched this in 4 years are they both totally obsolete now, i should imagine the camera is but is the lens still usable to the latest cameras?

The 24-70mm is anything but obsolete. It will work on any of the newer
Canon DSLRs. The 20D has been around a while, but it is still a
fine camera. If the camera has been shelved for four years, the
battery may be in poor condition.

fodda

Thanks, no all is ok as used it recently for some pics for websites which it is great for but went past a photographers recently and they had large prints on the wall from 20 megapixal cameras?? I think my 20d was only 8.2 and did A4 pics.

Just wondered if it was worth keeping or get a new camera. I dont have time for taking pics anymore and early morning landscape photos are a killer as you get older but not interested in those anymore. Got a few other ideas though so worth upgrading camera or stay with 20d?

hbr

fodda wrote: »

I think my 20d was only 8.2 and did A4 pics.

Just to put things in perspective, full HD TV is just over 2MP. I have got some
very nice A4 prints from my 4MP Fujifilm compact. 8MP is more than enough
for most of us.

Just wondered if it was worth keeping or get a new camera. I dont have time for taking pics anymore and early morning landscape photos are a killer as you get older but not interested in those anymore. Got a few other ideas though so worth upgrading camera or stay with 20d?

I think you have answered your own question " I dont have time for taking pics anymore"
It would be a shame to buy the modern equivalent of the 20D (60D or 7D) and then leave
it on the shelf for the next four years.

The newer models have:
Greater resolution. Usually more than you will need.
Better sensitivity. Better high ISO performance.
Bigger LCD display. IMHO this is one of the most significant improvements.
Live view mode. So you can compose your shots on the LCD.
HD video. If you are interested in that sort of thing.
Advanced features like electronic level, HDR, panorama, in-camera
editing......

fodda

Thanks hbr i think you are right.:)

a1000pigeons

Hi,
I'm a multimedia student going for a canon 600 as my first proper camera in the next couple of weeks. Will opt for kit lenses to start & a 50mm prime asap. That should keep me going for a while as I'd consider myself a novice. However I'd like some advice on affordable essentials accessories. A tripod is a must as I'd like to do some video. Also should I consider a bundle with the camera from pixmania or are there better deals or recommendations out there. I'm definitely thinking budget for now on the accessories as most of the budget is going on the camera and future lens...all contribution appreciated.

gnolan

a1000pigeons wrote: »

Hi,
I'm a multimedia student going for a canon 600 as my first proper camera in the next couple of weeks. Will opt for kit lenses to start & a 50mm prime asap. That should keep me going for a while as I'd consider myself a novice. However I'd like some advice on affordable essentials accessories. A tripod is a must as I'd like to do some video. Also should I consider a bundle with the camera from pixmania or are there better deals or recommendations out there. I'm definitely thinking budget for now on the accessories as most of the budget is going on the camera and future lens...all contribution appreciated.

If you're going to be using your camera for video then the tripod will probably have to be a good one with a proper ball-socket head. Manfrotto (sp?) are often considered a good quality tripod manufacturer.

You'll probably want a wireless shutter release device of some kind at some stage down the line, they can be got quite cheap.

Depending on what you're shooting, you may want one or a range of neutral density filters - say if you plan on shooting long exposures in the daytime.

Other than that i don't really know, i haven't found myself needing anything else other than a lens cleaner. It really depends on what you're using it for.

Kenny Logins

Amazon seems to have the best price right now, £590 for the 18-55 kit and £70 for a 50mm f1.8.

maddog

Great camera for pics and movies, don't forget to upgrade the firmware when you do get it;);) My last pics in the random photo thread were from my 600d:)

Kenny Logins

maddog wrote: »

Great camera for pics and movies, don't forget to upgrade the firmware when you do get it;);) My last pics in the random photo thread were from my 600d:)

Magic lantern? Read a little about that... Is it much of an improvement?

pearljamfan

i have a lumix gf1, which i really love, have 3 lenses also, its 12megapixels, . what im wondering is if i upgrade my body to a g3 which is 16megapixels, will i notice a difference in quality??? is it worth it.

id like to upgrade by the end of next year, but it would be a pain to try and sell up and go with a different system so i was thinking just keep the lenses i have and get a 'better' body. any opinions??

should i just bite the bullet and get a 'normal' camera. the reason i went with m43rds was size and portability and the styling appealed to me.

im asking because a friend of mine has asked me to do her wedding next year and i dont want to be let down by my camera. would they even notice?

pixbyjohn

I don't think you will notice the difference in your photos. Maybe the extra pixels will allow you to crop a little more from your photos. Just my humble opinion

a1000pigeons

Anyone any experience with the 'trepix lightweight tripod' from pixmania? I understand its cheap but I'd like to find a review and if it is usable for novice video and photography with a canon 600 until I can make a more considerable investment further down the road, or is there anything similarly priced of recommendation?
Thanks.

Rainbowsend

a1000pigeons wrote: »

Anyone any experience with the 'trepix lightweight tripod' from pixmania? I understand its cheap but I'd like to find a review and if it is usable for novice video and photography with a canon 600 until I can make a more considerable investment further down the road, or is there anything similarly priced of recommendation?
Thanks.

Look on 7dayshop their prices are hard to beat and their own brand tripods are very good.

hbr

a1000pigeons wrote: »

Anyone any experience with the 'trepix lightweight tripod' from pixmania?

It looks identical to some of the Hama branded tripods.
http://www.amazon.co.uk/Hama-Star-Tripod-Free-Carry/dp/B0000WXD1G

Hank_Jones

I'm looking to buy a tripod for a DSLR.
I'll be using the camera almost solely for video, so am looking for something positive in that respect.

I was hoping to pay under €150, but would go over.

I don't want to spend a lot of money on a camera, only to skimp on the tripod.

Thanks.

OctavarIan

pearljamfan wrote: »

i have a lumix gf1, which i really love, have 3 lenses also, its 12megapixels, . what im wondering is if i upgrade my body to a g3 which is 16megapixels, will i notice a difference in quality??? is it worth it.

id like to upgrade by the end of next year, but it would be a pain to try and sell up and go with a different system so i was thinking just keep the lenses i have and get a 'better' body. any opinions??

should i just bite the bullet and get a 'normal' camera. the reason i went with m43rds was size and portability and the styling appealed to me.

im asking because a friend of mine has asked me to do her wedding next year and i dont want to be let down by my camera. would they even notice?

According to Snapsort the advantages of the GF3's image quality over the GF1 are pretty minor. It doesn't have a flash hotshoe either which would rule it out for any serious work.

http://snapsort.com/compare/Panasonic-GF3-vs-Panasonic_Lumix_DMC-GF1

Snapsort is a great site for anyone looking to quickly compare the tech specs of two cameras.

Ellie25

Im thinking about buyin a new camera im thinkin something like a nikon d3100 or d90 .. but I dont wana spend more then €300.... lik i wana have high megapixel etc ... im not a professional or even considering it.... but i want a good camera one..... can any one help? a

Gumbo

Ellie25 wrote: »

Im thinking about buyin a new camera im thinkin something like a nikon d3100 or d90 .. but I dont wana spend more then €300.... lik i wana have high megapixel etc ... im not a professional or even considering it.... but i want a good camera one..... can any one help? a

Dont think you'd get a D300 for €300, never mind a D3100?

D90 are €899 new - https://cameraexchange.ie/shop/product_info.php?cPath=22_32&products_id=64&osCsid=a559f6533a8cf3146d6c5f420af35254 so doubt they have dropped to the 300e bracket just quite yet.

you can get the D3000 here for 300e but its body only, its 399 with kit lens - http://www.connscameras.ie/nikon-d3000/p-018208916566pd.html

have you looked at second hand cameras on www.adverts.ie ?

hbr

kceire wrote: »

.... D300 here for 300e but its body only, its 399 with kit lens...

The D300 is a high-end model. Were you thinking of the D3000?

Ellie25

HI All!!

Right Im looking to buy a new camera.... I dont want to spend more then €300 though.... I had a look at Nikon website and I like the sounds of the D3100 and D90 although I want more then 12megapixel... this is not going to be used for professional use i just want to have a good camera that I can get nice clear crisp images that I can print up and frame etc...

Im a total newbie to all of this so If you have a clue as to what to pickand maybe where il get it cheap id really appreciate it!!
Thanks All

The Snipe

12mpx is loads! My 1D is only only 8.2 and I print up past A3 with it like!

PCPhoto

firstly.... the bigger the megapixel's does not mean its a better camera....I was working as a full-time professional photographer with a 4megapixel camera (only a few years ago...Canon 1D mkI)....some press photographers at the time were working on the Kodak DCS

secondly - your knowledge of photography will be what makes the picture great.

your budget doesn't really open you up to a lot of options in terms of photography kit.

Depending on your knowledge of photography you could also consider a bridge camera (a compact camera with the setting of a DSLR) - Do you really need a DSLR ?

Do you understand the relationship between aperture/shutter speeds ? do you know what difference changing the ISO makes ?

samhail

Does the front ring of the "Canon EF 28-135mm f/3.5-5.6 IS USM" lense (or without the IS) rotate when focusing ?

Just wonder about it with the graduated filter etc.

fox007

Lads I'm looking for a sigma lens 70-300mm zoom for a Nikon D3000.Does
anyone have any input on the sigma? I seen one in Harvey Normans €189 but can be bought cheapier on amazon etc so what are your thoughts cheers

mayo.mick

fox007 wrote: »

Lads I'm looking for a sigma lens 70-300mm zoom for a Nikon D3000.Does
anyone have any input on the sigma? I seen one in Harvey Normans €189 but can be bought cheapier on amazon etc so what are your thoughts cheers

pixmania have one here for €149,

http://www.pixmania.ie/ie/uk/741934/art/sigma/70-300-mm-f4-5-6-dg-macro.html

fox007

pixmania have one here for €149,

http://www.pixmania.ie/ie/uk/741934/art/sigma/70-300-mm-f4-5-6-dg-macro.html[/Quote]

Thanks Mayo Mick but I'm looking for people that use the sigma to tell me if there any good or avoid them

Kenny Logins

I'm currently torn between a Nikon D5100 and Canon 600D, my concern now is that although the image quality is reported to be slightly better with the Nikon (€60 rebate available now too) the range of lenses available for it may be limited in comparison, as there is no AF motor in the body. Is this correct?

I would like to add a 50mm and a maybe 55-200 at some stage, will I end up paying more for these than the Canon equivalents because of this?

Tips and guidance appreciated.

Tsukimi

Hey all,

So for a long time now I've wanted to get into producing decent video footage and now that I have the money to spend on a camera I'm looking for all the help I can get in picking an entry level camera that will take decent quality footage. The ideal standard would be that of the below video:

http://vimeo.com/13283874

I looked up the camera he used and it's quite expensive, I don't mind spending money on a camera but €900 is too much really for something that is mainly a hobby. I was wondering if someone here could possibly recommend a good entry level camera that I could get? Or failing that maybe there are good places to source second-hand cameras?

I was also wondering if anyone could help direct me to a tutorial for creating the flashing text/images effect that the photographer used extensively at the start of the above video.

Any help would be absolutely great, thanks!

Kintarō Hattori

Hey Folks,

A friend of mine has a D3100 and is looking to pick up a cheap 50mm for it. Can you give me an idea as to what's available. It must have autofocus.

As a Pentax user I don't have to worry so much about lens/mount compatibility. :P

Kenny Logins

Kintarō Hattori wrote: »

Hey Folks,

A friend of mine has a D3100 and is looking to pick up a cheap 50mm for it. Can you give me an idea as to what's available. It must have autofocus.

As a Pentax user I don't have to worry so much about lens/mount compatibility. :P

I've been doing a bit of window shopping and I think this is the cheapest, open to correction though -

http://www.kenrockwell.com/nikon/50mm-f18-g.htm

http://www.camerapricebuster.co.uk/prod2294.html

The 'D' is almost half the price but won't auto focus, you need the 'G' for that.

savagecabbages

fox007 wrote: »

Lads I'm looking for a sigma lens 70-300mm zoom for a Nikon D3000.Does
anyone have any input on the sigma? I seen one in Harvey Normans €189 but can be bought cheapier on amazon etc so what are your thoughts cheers

I've used this on a Canon 350d in college, and am looking to get one for my Pentax K-x as soon as i've enough €€ saved up...

The ones we were using were the Macro version with the APO coating. To be honest I dont have a whole pile to compare them to, but I found them very good. They work very well out to a certain level of zoom (+-250mm) and the macro is fantastic. Its aslo fairly compact for a 300mm lens when stowed away.
Been doing my own research, and it seems its hard to find a better specced lens for the money. Its also been pointed out to me that its vital to get the APO version -at a little extra cost- but I've never used the non-APO ones so have to take other peoples word on that;)

fox007

I've used this on a Canon 350d in college, and am looking to get one for my Pentax K-x as soon as i've enough €€ saved up...

The ones we were using were the Macro version with the APO coating. To be honest I dont have a whole pile to compare them to, but I found them very good. They work very well out to a certain level of zoom (+-250mm) and the macro is fantastic. Its aslo fairly compact for a 300mm lens when stowed away.
Been doing my own research, and it seems its hard to find a better specced lens for the money. Its also been pointed out to me that its vital to get the APO version -at a little extra cost- but I've never used the non-APO ones so have to take other peoples word on that;)[/Quote]


I was in Harvey Normans yesterday and bought the apo sigma 70-300 macro for €200 reduced from €279.99.

Can't wait to get outhe weekend and put it to the test!!!

Kenny Logins

Isn't HN the most expensive place to buy camera gear?

mayo.mick

Kenny Logins wrote: »

Isn't HN the most expensive place to buy camera gear?

Sure is expensive, priced a nikon 55-300 af lens there, €438:mad: got it on pixmania.ie for €321:)

Kenny Logins

mayo.mick wrote: »

Sure is expensive, priced a nikon 55-300 af lens there, €438:mad: got it on pixmania.ie for €321:)

...and €235 from Onestop Digital -

http://www.onestop-digital.com/index.php?dispatch=products.view&product_id=33276

I know, there is a a warranty return issue with them being HK based but for a €200 difference I'd give them a go.

mayo.mick

Kenny Logins wrote: »

...and €235 from Onestop Digital -

http://www.onestop-digital.com/index.php?dispatch=products.view&product_id=33276

I know, there is a a warranty return issue with them being HK based but for a €200 difference I'd give them a go.

:mad::mad::mad:And i thought i got a good deal:mad::mad::mad:

Kenny Logins

mayo.mick wrote: »

:mad::mad::mad:And i thought i got a good deal:mad::mad::mad:

Sorry, you did. €321 is a good price from a European supplier I think.

eyescreamcone

Heading to South America after xmas.
Taking in some spectacular sights - Machu Pichu and Galapagos Islands.

I'm looking for a good camera for the trip.
Any recommendations???

I don't want anything to bulky/heavy

Misstaken

Depends on how much you are willing to spend. So much choice out there.

dirtyghettokid

are you just looking for a point and shoot (small camera) ?
canon powershots are great little cameras. there's so many different models though.

Andrew33

Hi all, I have a 450D which I use and love a lot but don't like carrying it around in the boot of the car all the time for various reasons!
I'm thinking of buying a second hand Canon S3 just to leave in the glovebox/boot.

http://www.adverts.ie/digital-cameras/canon/998947

They seem decent enough but I've read somewhere that they're a savage on batteries (4x AA's I think), not just the Canon but bridgers in general.

Any thoughts or opinions welcome!

eyescreamcone

eyescreamcone wrote: »

Heading to South America after xmas.
Taking in some spectacular sights - Machu Pichu and Galapagos Islands.

I'm looking for a good camera for the trip.
Any recommendations???

I don't want anything to bulky/heavy

Micro 4/3's type camera gives good photo quality through large-sized sensor in small body. something like the gf2 is pretty small

http://www.dpreview.com/reviews/panasonicdmcgf2/page2.asp

get it here for €490 with 2 lens.

if you don't have that amount of money and want real pocket-size but decent pic quality go for a canon s95.

http://www.simplyelectronics.net/mainproduct.php?pid=11468&setcurrency=eur

it's small, has a nice fast lens (good in low light), reasonable zoom and will fit in your pocket.

Buceph

Isn't SimplyElectronics known to be fairly dodgy?

Phil Taz

I currently use a bridge, Finepix s6500fd, actually upgrading tomorow to an DSLR . Depends on the batteries really, Duracell ones will die in no time, I use rechargeable 1300mAh and there fine, ofcourse you could go bigger with the mAh so they last longer.

missloulou

Hi there,

Am looking for some recommendations on which DSLR to buy, I will be using it for Equestrian Photography and have a budget of up to 1k, any suggestions please!

thanks in advance.

Lou

CabanSail

missloulou wrote: »

Hi there,

Am looking for some recommendations on which DSLR to buy, I will be using it for Equestrian Photography and have a budget of up to 1k, any suggestions please!

thanks in advance.

Lou

The DSLR isn't the main factor you should be considering. The question you should be asking is;

"Which lens would be best for ..... ?"

You then buy that lens with a compatible body.

Tell us more about what you mean by "Equestrian Photography"? (I have a feeling that your budget is likely to be on the low side)