Which Camera? **Please read OP first**

CabanSail

This forum gets many posts seeking advice on purchasing a new camera and accessories. These posts are often along much the same lines and so the advice given out also tends to be similar.

There is already a lot of advice in the FAQ Thread where the first link is "What Camera should I buy?" This should be you first point of reference before posting. If you still have questions then see if an answer already posted here applies to you.

A few points to remember

The regulars here are not likely to be using Point & Shoot Cameras very often and as such will not be overly familiar with those type of cameras. They will still try to give advice but often that will be from reading reviews online and then passing on that information.

Many Photographers will be using a single system or brand. They will tend to be able to advise on that system but not as well on the others. Most will advise in which system they have familiarity.

System preference can become Tribal and advice can be sometimes not be impartial. It can be like asking someone wearing a Team Jersey which team is best. The reply can be predictable. This is not always the case with Cameras but is a factor to keep in mind.

Replies

Please quote the question which you are answering. If the question is long consider editing it down to make it more concise.

The previous posts in this thread can be found here

I don't know why I put up this post as those who read it are those who don't require the advice. The gormless will just plough on in, post and it will require a merge into this thread. Oh well, such is life.

Arrow in the Knee

What do you think of this camera?

Looking at getting one.

Does anybody have any knowledge of this camera like image quality,noise and other features?

Or are there other cameras that would be better than this one?

penev10

I'm heading to Tokyo soon and am going to get my first DSLR having tired of my limited bridge camera years ago.

Was thing of getting a Canon 600D which is about €450 over there. Would I better off just going the whole hog and getting a 60D which is just under €600?

PCPhoto

my advice is save as much as you can and purchase two - (assuming they are much cheaper there compared to here/online) one to sell off and one to keep - this way you are purchasing yours for less and making a small profit on the unopened one.

* requires them to be sold over there much cheaper than the online price

pixbyjohn

penev10 wrote: »

I'm heading to Tokyo soon and am going to get my first DSLR having tired of my limited bridge camera years ago.

Was thing of getting a Canon 600D which is about €450 over there. Would I better off just going the whole hog and getting a 60D which is just under €600?

Don't forget you may have to pay import taxes

penev10

pixbyjohn wrote: »

Don't forget you may have to pay import taxes

It'll be the green aisle all the way for me mate!

darren foran

hi can anybody recommend a wide angle lens for landscape photography ,im using a 400d and im an amateur thanks:o:o

rainyrun

i have the same camera and would love advise on this too...

thatsnotmyname

You can't go wrong with the Sigma "10-20"
i love it

Swampy

Hi all,

Could you please recommend a good dslr camera for approx €300. I know with this budget it will be second hand. It will be my first dslr and I just need a simple enough to use one with good results.

Thanks.

PCPhoto

do you NEED a DSLR ?

Why ? would a bridge camera be enough ?

(A bridge camera is a compact camera with adjustable settings like a DSLR)

AnCatDubh

lots of good options on adverts.

Take a look within your price range.

Canon and Nikon will be the more popular, but great value and equally well capable cameras in the Sony, Olympus, and Pentax offerings (just not as popular).

pawrick

I'd second the suggestion of a bridge camera unless you are ready to move to dslr, I had one for a few years before moving up and it gives more freedom in a lot ways due to size - I actually use my dslr a lot less then I did the bridge because of this.

Other then that adverts.ie does usually have a good selection of second hand cameras.

Good site also for looking at different models to compare new prices/specs www.jessops.co.uk

DotOrg

Swampy wrote: »

Hi all,

Could you please recommend a good dslr camera for approx €300. I know with this budget it will be second hand. It will be my first dslr and I just need a simple enough to use one with good results.

Thanks.

most digital dSLRs have full auto modes, as well as everything in between
a second hand Canon 20d or 30d or the equivalent from nikon should set you back around €300 with a basic lens

11811

I may be upgrading at some point in the future, so looking at either 7d or the 5d mkii (can't quite stretch to the iii unfortunately), any opinions? Im leaning toward the 5d due to it being full frame and that I've had a feel of one of lately and liked it.

zero19

Right finally dipping my toe in the world of DSLR photography, I've been looking at the D3100, 1100d and Pentax K-R and with each review I read of them I find it harder to choose! I don't particularly care about video capture, any thoughts/suggestions?

Budget would be around €600 max.

paul-2008

Recently bought a Nikon D80 and i have a small wide angle lens. I'm looking to get into motorsport photography, rallys, trackdays etc. just wondering could anyone recommend a good lens for this?

landsleaving

Hi all,

I picked up a 600D about a month ago now, and I've a few quid left in my budget to pick up a better quality lens. Thing is, I'm shooting 90% video at the moment, so I'm looking for something that would be either a big upgrade over what I have, or a good complement.

I'm working with a 50mm 1.8, 18-55 kit lens and the matching 55-250. I have no complaints about the results but at the same time the only lenses I've used that might be better are OM fits, and they're not a major upgrade, if at all. I can see the 50mm is a step up from the kit lens, but would spending €5-600 be a huge leap in quality? I was thinking something with a fixed aperture like the Sigma 24-70mm 2.8. The 50mm is the only lens I can reasonably use in low light video, so having a zoom for those situations would be nice

But would I maybe be better off with something like the tokina 11-16mm as a complement to give me more options on top of what I have, or even investing in an old lens or two and adapters? Manual focus only is fine for video so I might get more out of my money that way.

Thanks

boobar

My Sony Digital Camera is on the way out, optical zoom doesn't work anymore after dropping it.

So I'm looking for advice on a good value digital compact camera. My budget is €120 but I would stretch it a bit if someone was to point me in the direction of a serious bargain.

hbr

boobar wrote: »

So I'm looking for advice on a good value digital compact camera. My budget is €120 but I would stretch it a bit if someone was to point me in the direction of a serious bargain.

Canon PowerShot SX130 IS €122.99 Argos.

landsleaving

While I'm asking questions... :P

Girlfriend is after a camera that can shoot video, but a 550 or 600D is a bit out of her price range, and she wants fully manual control of exposure and focus.

Any recommendations for a bridge camera maybe that could shoot 1080p with manual controls? I'm finding it really hard to find out which cameras are manual, which probably means most aren't. And how would the video compare with a 600d, would she be better off waiting and saving for that?

kassie

anyone got one of these?

Thinking about purchasing it and just was looking for advice or hearing about it from those who own one!

dacogawa

Hi,

I'm looking for a bit of advice about which is a better camera, I'm a newbie at this so forgive my ignorance please

As I'm just getting started on stills my budget is around €200 so I've narrowed it down to these two

http://www.argos.ie/static/Product/partNumber/5597374.htm
http://www.argos.ie/static/Product/partNumber/5596007/Trail/searchtext%3ENIKON+COOLPIX+L120.htm

I was going to buy a sony a330 2nd hand but it had 45,000 clicks on it & I read a review that it was past it's prime then so I thought I'd go with a cheaper new camera to start

What I want it for is some close up shots with blur in the background, some shots of the night sky (Moon, etc) & the usual just taking better pictures than with my Fuji finepix Z or my Sony HDR-HC7

I read through the "What camera to buy" in the sticky but it didn't really answer my question so I hope asking this here is ok ? if not please delete

Thanks in advance for any help or pointers

BlastedGlute

Forget those tatty dslr wannabe's. Youll hate yourself. Buy this, or check out other deals on adverts: http://www.adverts.ie/digital-cameras/canon-350d-big-pack-mega-deal/1483228

mlumley

Dont but a bridge camera The 350D pointed out to you is a good buy. I started out with one, it is a good camera and will give you great results. Ad to that the extra lens and a tele converter youll be able to do moon shots. Make sure you get all the cables and disks that go with it, especialy the hand book. Read it and go out and shoot away, youll learn that way. Read the camera mags and keep them, youll find youll go back to them over again. There is one especialy for canon cameras, with a disk, its good. good luck, any advice needed, contact me.

dacogawa

Thank you mlumley & BlastedGlute, So the advice is to stay away from both those cameras & try to get a good 2nd hand DSLR, & to loosen the budget a bit... or offer €200 for the 350D :eek:

Thanks again for taking the time to respond, much appreciated

allydylan

Thinking about getting this camera:

http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B004MPQXZA/ref=noref?ie=UTF8&s=electronics&psc=1

Any advice you could give me? Thanks

GBX

I went for the Nikon D3100 and am finding it brilliant. Nikon had an update on fbook/twitter earlier in the week about a new cash back offer on the D3100 and other models. Might be something to consider.

http://snapsort.com/compare/Canon-1100D-vs-Nikon_D3100

Schorpio

Hi all,

I'm looking to get a present for someone who is mad into their photography. I know she has a Canon 500D, and only one lens, so I was thinking of getting her a new lens. The trouble is I know absolutely nothing about camera lenses! Would there be any lenses for €100 or less which would offer any improvement over the (standard?) lens she has already got?

Cheers!

zero19

Schorpio wrote: »

Hi all,

I'm looking to get a present for someone who is mad into their photography. I know she has a Canon 500D, and only one lens, so I was thinking of getting her a new lens. The trouble is I know absolutely nothing about camera lenses! Would there be any lenses for €100 or less which would offer any improvement over the (standard?) lens she has already got?

Cheers!

I assume she just has the basic kit lens? A lot of people seem to recommend 50mm prime lenses, I've no experience with them myself but I don't think you have many other options at that price range. I'm sure the regulars here can give you further advice.

ronanc15

Schorpio wrote: »

Hi all,

I'm looking to get a present for someone who is mad into their photography. I know she has a Canon 500D, and only one lens, so I was thinking of getting her a new lens. The trouble is I know absolutely nothing about camera lenses! Would there be any lenses for €100 or less which would offer any improvement over the (standard?) lens she has already got?

Cheers!

As Zero said your best/only real option is the Canon 50mm f1.8. Cracking lens for 100 bucks!

eagle10

Hi all I recently purchased a Olympus epl1 and really enjoy using it having great fun and also purchased a second lens 40-150.
I am considering buying another camera if I can pick something up second hand. Just something with a bit better image quality and in time more choice of lens available to get second hand.
Here is spec of epl1 pulled from Wikipedia


Sensor Four Thirds System 18.00 × 13.50 mm Live MOS
(12.3 megapixels)
Shutter 1/2,000 to 60 s – 30 minutes bulb

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Olympus_PEN_E-PL1

Also something with perhaps better options for bracketing.
I was thinking maybe a canon 400d but dont really know what to do

Dools2007

Looking for a camera for taking photos of newborn. Also, would like something pretty good for outdoor shots from time to time.

I am a relative newbie although I had the FZ38 which I liked but wasn't the best in low light conditions and the newer Panasonics seem to suffer from this also so this is one of the reasons that I am not rushing out to buy one again.

Trying to decide between Panasonic FZ-45 / 48 and the Nikon P500 and the Canon SX40

I think the Nikon and Canon would be better in low light conditions and also would like to see the high speed movie capture, sounds like a cool feature but is it overrated?

Any thoughts would be appreciated?

hbr

Dools2007 wrote: »

Looking for a camera for taking photos of newborn.

Newborns are not too difficult at first, but they become progressively more
difficult as they get older. Indoor shots of fast moving toddlers can be
very tricky unless you use flash.

Also, would like something pretty good for outdoor shots from time to time.

Outdoor shots in good light are relatively easy. Just about any camera
can produce good results in these conditions.

I am a relative newbie although I had the FZ38 which I liked but wasn't the best in low light conditions and the newer Panasonics seem to suffer from this also so this is one of the reasons that I am not rushing out to buy one again.

The FZ38 was one of the better bridge cameras. I have the older FZ28 which
is also great in good light, but not good for low light or the worst case scenario
of fast action in low light. This is an inherent limitation of superzoom/bridge
cameras which have a very small image sensor and a slow (small aperture)
lens.

Trying to decide between Panasonic FZ-45 / 48 and the Nikon P500 and the Canon SX40

None of them are ideal for your indoor shots. Of the available bridge cameras,
the Canon SX40 and the Panasonic FZ150 are probably best in class. Both
can be fitted with an external flash for the more challenging indoor shots.

These cameras are relatively big and quite expensive. I think
a camera with a larger image sensor would be better value for
the money. You have a few choices:

A compact camera with a larger sensor and fast lens.
Pansonic LX5, Olympus XZ-1, Canon S100... These
cameras trade zoom range for better low light performance.

EVIL/mirrorless/interchangable-lens camera.
Panasonic or Olympus Micro-Four-Thirds. Sony NEX. Samsung Nxxx.
Better low light performance and IQ than a compact. The better ones
like the Panasonic G3 are close to DSLR quality.

Basic DSLR
Canon 1100D, Pentax K-r, Nikon 3100....

Probably the best option for your stated requirements. Best quality
but potentially more expensive if you decide to buy extra lenses, flash etc...

I think the Nikon and Canon would be better in low light conditions and also would like to see the high speed movie capture, sounds like a cool feature but is it overrated?

It can be useful to have the ability to shoot HD movies. Your FZ38 makes a
reasonably good camcorder in good light. Shooting movies with a still camera
and particularly with some DSLRs can be difficult and frustrating because they
don't have proper full-time autofocus. I believe the Sony SLT cameras can
overcome this limitation. If video is a priority, they might be a good option.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sony_SLT_camera

roisiny

Okay guys, bare with me, I'm new to boards.
What I need in a camera:
♫ Fast shutter speed, suitable for taking pictures of horses in mid-jump (I do an awful lot of horse riding, show jumping, hunting etc, so I need a camera which my dad\mom\friend can just click and it takes)
♫ Produces good quality pictures in any setting (current one has about 15 settings and only one isn't blurry, which is black and white
♫ Optical Zoom. All ones I;ve had have been digital, and I've been doing research online, which says I want optical, as I;d need it for zooming in without loosing quality.
♫Something that can take videos with pretty good quality.
♫ *edit* I'll also need it to have a memory card that I can put into computer and download photos without too much hassle.

Also... Would it cost much more to get a rechargeable one? I don't really want to have to keep buying batteries for it
I am in Sligo
Thats about it. I'm willing to spend about 100€ which I know is nothing but I don't have that much to spend, as I'm 13 and this is coming out of my birthday cash.

bbbbb

Happy birthday!
You should probably have a look at the faq:
http://www.boards.ie/vbulletin/showthread.php?t=2055243345
My suggestion would be to have a look on adverts.ie for a second hand bridge camera.
http://www.adverts.ie/for-sale/photography/196/q_bridge/

Edit:
this one is asking €120, get one of your parents to see if you can negotiate it under 100 (assuming you're in Dublin)
http://www.adverts.ie/digital-cameras/fuji-finepix-s2800hd-14mp-18x-zoom-3-0-inch-lcd-screen-2gb-memory-card/1505954

rustbucket

Hi

Recently purchased nikon d3000 with 18-55 lens. Looking to get a lens suitable for shooting sports pics.

My budget is pretty low so looking at 2 options for 70-300mm lens

Does anyone have any advice or opinions on which one is better- Sigma or Tamron?

Have found 2 with autofocus features that are apparently compatible with the D3000

Sigma one for €139
http://www.pixmania.ie/ie/uk/741934/art/sigma/70-300-mm-f4-5-6-dg-macro.html

Interestingly the same one is being sold by cons cameras for €249. Non motorised version is €149

or Tamron one for €129

Any advice appreciated

http://www.simplyelectronics.net/mainproduct.php?pid=2376&setcurrency=eur

fox007

rustbucket wrote: »

Hi

Recently purchased nikon d3000 with 18-55 lens. Looking to get a lens suitable for shooting sports pics.

My budget is pretty low so looking at 2 options for 70-300mm lens

Does anyone have any advice or opinions on which one is better- Sigma or Tamron?

Have found 2 with autofocus features that are apparently compatible with the D3000

Sigma one for €139
http://www.pixmania.ie/ie/uk/741934/art/sigma/70-300-mm-f4-5-6-dg-macro.html

Interestingly the same one is being sold by cons cameras for €249. Non motorised version is €149

or Tamron one for €129

Any advice appreciated

http://www.simplyelectronics.net/mainproduct.php?pid=2376&setcurrency=eur

Hi I have the exact same set up as you 18-55 and I bought that sigma 70-300,I cannot not fault it from a zoom lens and the macro is great too very sharp! Now it depends on what sports your looking at if your trying to zoom into people and blur out the background neither lens will do that for you @300mm zoom the lowest F you will get down to is F5.6 and that will not do.If I had the money it be a Nikon 70-200 F2.8. going to the USA in the Sumer so I'm going trying to try get one there,
To give you a better idea on the capabilities on each lens head on to Flickr.com and search for both lenses it will give you plenty to look at and a better idea which is better in the field your looking into.

Don't forget there are loads of good second hand lenses on adverts.ie
Good luck

codrulz

Hi, recently got a Nikon D3000 in argos (on sale to € 339) it's a great camera but I only have the 18-55mm that come with the camera. I want to get another lens for wide angle shots but also a large zoom any lens like this? if not I wouldn't mind getting 2 if they're not too pricey!

Tragedy

There've been an awful lot of offers on the Panny GF3 w/ 14-42mm lens over the last week, and Panny are offering a £50 rebate on them too. Price is generally £199.99 after rebate, but Jessops have the GF3 + 14mm pancake lens + 14-42mm lens for £329.99 after rebate.

Seems to be a fantastic price and the two lens offer decent flexibility, anyone have any opinions on it?

St3ph3n

Hey everyone got a Canon 550D recently, i'm a bit underwhelmed by the performance of the kit lens though! So i've decided to save up for a couple months and invest in a L series lens. Can anyone recommend a L series lens that'll serve as my 'walk around lens'?Also, in the future I plan to upgrade to a full frame DSLR so it would be great if the lens in question would be equally good without the 1.6 crop factor!Thanks any help would be appreciated!

geoffraffe

Hi,

I've a canon rebel xti. I'm using the 50mm 1.8 fs more than the other 2 lens' I have (box lens and 300mm) and I'm looking to upgrade at the minute.

I love the light on the nifty 50 and I'm looking to keep this sort of lighting effect on my new lens, but with zoom. I'm not sure what zoom range I need, hence the post. I mainly shoot people and some landscapes.

Is there any lens that you might recommend.

Thanks so much.

pete4130

Sigma 18-50 2.8 macro is a good choice. It's not as bright as the 50mm 1.8 but its Sigma pro quality lens. I've had one before on a Nikon D200 and loved it on the crop sensor.

CabanSail

geoffraffe wrote: »

Hi,

I've a canon rebel xti. I'm using the 50mm 1.8 fs more than the other 2 lens' I have (box lens and 300mm) and I'm looking to upgrade at the minute.

I love the light on the nifty 50 and I'm looking to keep this sort of lighting effect on my new lens, but with zoom. I'm not sure what zoom range I need, hence the post. I mainly shoot people and some landscapes.

Is there any lens that you might recommend.

Thanks so much.

For shooting portraits the nifty fifty is your man.

For the Landscapes you don't need fast glass as you will be stopping down for a wide DoF. I quite like the Sigma 10-20 on a cropped sensor. It's a good workhorse lens and great value for money. It can also be useful for group shots.

DotOrg

St3ph3n wrote: »

Can anyone recommend a L series lens that'll serve as my 'walk around lens'?Also, in the future I plan to upgrade to a full frame DSLR so it would be great if the lens in question would be equally good without the 1.6 crop factor!Thanks any help would be appreciated!

Canon 24-70 f2.8 is the main lens for a lot of people
alternative, if you don't mind not having f2.8 is the 24-105 f4

SSS2012

Heading to Latvia tomorrow..want to buy an DSLR...should I buy it in Dublin airport which is a little bit cheaper than in shops here or do I wait and buy it in Latvia or one of its neighbouring countries. I am also worried about insurance as I will be living between three different countries in one year! HELP!

DylanK

Hi all I'm going to Norway/Sweden to chase down the Northern Light aka Aurora Borealis in Oct/Nov, therefore I'd need a DSLR to capture this spectacular phenomenon. What comes in mind is my budget is very limited, talking about 500 - 600e maximum.

Done lots and lots of research on the internet and found out what I'd need is a good wide angel fast lens and a good camera body which can handle high exposure without exposing the noise and also be able to survive under -40 degree extreme weather.

By having absolutely ZERO knowledge on photographing, I'd love to hear some advise from everyone. And I would not mind to pay for a used gear cuz I'd only use it for capturing the Northern Light.

Thank you in advanced

sheesh

have you considered a film camera and use high iso film. good quality kit can be had for a low price.


other than that i would a suggest a sigma 17-35mm hsm lens and possibly some sort of nikon semi professional model camera.

it is very unlikely that you will pick up a 30mm f1.4 or f1.8 cheaply but keep an eye out and you might get lucky

DylanK

sheesh wrote: »

have you considered a film camera and use high iso film.

never thought of that but if it is right thing to do I'd do it. but the disadvantage of the film camera is after capturing the image u cant review it immediately and not as easy to transfer it on to my computer. thanks tho

bullpost

Dont forget you'll need a tripod. This will take a chunk of your budget as you'll need a good one.

DylanK wrote: »

Hi all I'm going to Norway/Sweden to chase down the Northern Light aka Aurora Borealis in Oct/Nov, therefore I'd need a DSLR to capture this spectacular phenomenon. What comes in mind is my budget is very limited, talking about 500 - 600e maximum.

Done lots and lots of research on the internet and found out what I'd need is a good wide angel fast lens and a good camera body which can handle high exposure without exposing the noise and also be able to survive under -40 degree extreme weather.

By having absolutely ZERO knowledge on photographing, I'd love to hear some advise from everyone. And I would not mind to pay for a used gear cuz I'd only use it for capturing the Northern Light.

Thank you in advanced

trooney

Plenty of additional batteries too. Low temps will drain them a lot faster than normal conditions.