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09/22/2007 06:39:44 AM · #1 |
EDIT:yet another question: it's massively cheaper to buy in america. however will this mean that (as I'm in England) the plugs, charger etc will be different?
and do the s3/s5 take good motion shots?
I've been a member for a while now, as I love looking at all the pictures. However I decided that, having been an admirer for some time, perhaps I should have a go. I've just opted to take a photogrpahy course at my college but was after some advice on the subject of cameras. I've had a look online but generally, everything is well rated, which isn't exactly helpful, so I though I'd come to the experts :) I borrowed one camera but found that when it came to taking close ups of flowers etc, it just became blurry. Therefore I'd be looking for one that could do good close ups, but also as I'm a horse fanatic, I'd be wanting to take 'in motion' shots. I don't want to get a cheap one as I'm hoping to progress onto a more complicated course and therefore don't want to have to buy more than one. Also, I don't particularly want to spend much more than £250 (English pounds). I was REALLY hoping you could help with some recommendations?
Message edited by author 2007-09-22 16:48:35. |
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09/22/2007 07:33:39 AM · #2 |
| looking through all the cameras on here, my main query is, what's the difference between SLR and not? |
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09/22/2007 07:40:40 AM · #3 |
Yes, there are many choices. And there is lots of brand loyalty among owners. The decision is really what feels best for you rather than some objective decision! I recommend going to a camera store and trying out several that you can afford. You may also want to consider used cameras -- technology is advancing so rapidly that there are plenty of "virtually new but not the latest model cameras" out there at good prices.
See here for a description of SLRs. SLRs will give you the potential for better pictures and are recommended if you don't mind the bulk and can afford the cost.
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09/22/2007 07:43:12 AM · #4 |
| thanks, local Jessops is a bit low on stock but I'll talk to them. I'll have a look at the library which mags as well. thanks again |
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09/22/2007 08:18:23 AM · #5 |
It really depends on just what you want out of your camera, I think.
I'm brand-new into the DSLR field, so I'm not one to give you any technical advice, but I do know that they get expensive as you add lenses for macro, distance, etc., etc.
Until recently I've been using a Canon S2 IS and I really miss its zoom and super-macro abilities. I'll be waiting a while before I can afford lenses that can match them.
My daughter's been using it since I bought my Nikon D40, and today she bought herself the Canon S5 IS. It's right at your 250 price mark, and definitly one to look at if you decide to go point&shoot. There are some lenses you can add to it, as well.
That said, a DSLR does give a better quality shot (once you learn to use it ;) ) and gives more flexibility to add just what you need in the way of lenses, flashes, etc.
Some will tell you to start with a GOOD point&shoot, work with that a while while you discover just what you like to shoot and how (studio, landscapes, sports, for example) then move up to a setup that fits your needs, while some will tell you to start with a DSLR so that you don't have to adjust to a new system after being very used to one. (Kind of like deciding whether to learn to drive on an automatic first, getting the basics then learning standard, or learning standard first so you're not set in the ways of an automatic.) There are pros and cons to both :) |
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09/22/2007 09:11:30 AM · #6 |
A word of advice- don't shop at Jessops. They're prices are terrible and the service after the sale is hopeless.
You can shop around and get it cheaper a lot of other places- as an example: my 400d was £500 in jessops. I went to Jacobs and got it for £500 but it came with a free 2gb cf card, a free Lowepro camera bag and a bunch of lens cleaning stuff, worth about £40 over all. And they were great, and they knew what they were talking about and didn't just say "well... this ones more expensive so it's probably better".
Just my two pence.
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09/22/2007 09:27:55 AM · #7 |
I went through stages. Some people jump right in with a DSLR but I opted to not do that for not only monetary reasons, but the learning curve aspect. I'm sure there are different schools of thought, but I've been through 4 cameras in 1O years. LOL Each time, I progress, and with each step I'm learning more and more about not only composition, editing and camera usage, but just becoming more and more familiar with the intricacies of photography in general.
I think whatever you do, find something that you are comfortable with but that makes you stretch a bit, so you forcing yourself to do better (if that makes sense). Happy shooting!!! |
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09/22/2007 01:52:02 PM · #8 |
You might want to check with the instructor for your class. I have not idea how photography is taught today, but when I was in school we needed a very basic fully manual SLR with a 'standard' lens. A similar setup today might be a rebuilt Canon 10/20D and a 35mm prime. While this sounds limiting, a hug amount of famous photography has been done with tools that basic.
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09/22/2007 02:09:54 PM · #9 |
You might want to try the new Canon G9. It looks like a great all around camera and might be a good starting place. If your photo courses require a DSLR then that would nix that idea. But if you've got the extra pounds for it I think it would be a good compromise camera. With a closeup filter screwed on I suspect it would be pretty good with macro too. A great way to start out and see if you're really interested. If not you've got a great P&S for family shots or you can eBay it for not much less than you paid for it.
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09/22/2007 03:37:11 PM · #10 |
Originally posted by BeeCee:
It really depends on just what you want out of your camera, I think.
I'm brand-new into the DSLR field, so I'm not one to give you any technical advice, but I do know that they get expensive as you add lenses for macro, distance, etc., etc.
Until recently I've been using a Canon S2 IS and I really miss its zoom and super-macro abilities. I'll be waiting a while before I can afford lenses that can match them.
My daughter's been using it since I bought my Nikon D40, and today she bought herself the Canon S5 IS. It's right at your 250 price mark, and definitly one to look at if you decide to go point&shoot. There are some lenses you can add to it, as well.
That said, a DSLR does give a better quality shot (once you learn to use it ;) ) and gives more flexibility to add just what you need in the way of lenses, flashes, etc.
Some will tell you to start with a GOOD point&shoot, work with that a while while you discover just what you like to shoot and how (studio, landscapes, sports, for example) then move up to a setup that fits your needs, while some will tell you to start with a DSLR so that you don't have to adjust to a new system after being very used to one. (Kind of like deciding whether to learn to drive on an automatic first, getting the basics then learning standard, or learning standard first so you're not set in the ways of an automatic.) There are pros and cons to both :) |
thanks, this is really helpful as i was considering the s3/s5 but not really sure of its macro abilities etc. i think i may go for one of these. how good was it in terms of motion shots (i don't know if you shot horses, but that sort of thing)? a DSLR seems a little too fiddly (and rather expensive) ^^
Message edited by author 2007-09-22 15:37:34. |
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09/22/2007 03:39:55 PM · #11 |
Originally posted by fir3bird:
You might want to try the new Canon G9. It looks like a great all around camera and might be a good starting place. If your photo courses require a DSLR then that would nix that idea. But if you've got the extra pounds for it I think it would be a good compromise camera. With a closeup filter screwed on I suspect it would be pretty good with macro too. A great way to start out and see if you're really interested. If not you've got a great P&S for family shots or you can eBay it for not much less than you paid for it. |
there's no requirement for a DSLR, you can just get a 70 quid one from tescos if you want lol. but it ties in with an OU course I'm doing so I wanted a slightly more advanced camera. I'll have a look, but having to change filter etc isn't really my cup of tea (hence why I'm leaning towards an non DSLR). Thanks v. much for your advice though. |
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09/22/2007 03:42:55 PM · #12 |
Originally posted by Tez:
A word of advice- don't shop at Jessops. They're prices are terrible and the service after the sale is hopeless.
You can shop around and get it cheaper a lot of other places- as an example: my 400d was £500 in jessops. I went to Jacobs and got it for £500 but it came with a free 2gb cf card, a free Lowepro camera bag and a bunch of lens cleaning stuff, worth about £40 over all. And they were great, and they knew what they were talking about and didn't just say "well... this ones more expensive so it's probably better".
Just my two pence. |
COMPLETELY agree. canon S5 IS in jessops FOUR HUNDRED, online, 271. plus the man was saying, if i was going to pay four hundred pounds for a camera i might as well get one for 460 as it wasn't much more. I'm a student. 60 quid is a lot of money! Plus I had to wait ages for assistance, although it did give me a chance to feel the S5 to check the buttons were comfy etc (if that makes sense). I've never heard of Jacobs, but we have Currys etc so I might pop down there and have a look, thanks. |
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09/22/2007 03:43:22 PM · #13 |
| almost any ultra zoom camera will take a nice macro pic the s3/s5 are great cameras |
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09/22/2007 03:51:35 PM · #14 |
| so s3 or s5? having looked on here, the better pictures have been taken with the s3, but less people have the s5. The s3 is recommended in April which? magazine, but that might have been before the s5 came out? |
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09/22/2007 03:52:31 PM · #15 |
Originally posted by scwalsh:
almost any ultra zoom camera will take a nice macro pic the s3/s5 are great cameras |
thanks for confirmation. Just need to check if it does motion now. ^^
EDIT:terrible spelling
Message edited by author 2007-09-22 15:52:53. |
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09/22/2007 04:12:33 PM · #16 |
| yet another question: it's massively cheaper to buy in america. however will this mean that (as I'm in ENgland) the plugs, charger etc will be different? |
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09/22/2007 04:17:06 PM · #17 |
I like my S3, very versatile camera. Takes decent stills, great video, and the super zoom sure is handy. Unfortunately, I regret buying it when I did; I should have just bought a D50/Rebel/K100D instead. I'd been shooting with an A75 for 2 years already, and after only a month or so with the S3, I found myself wishing I had an SLR instead.
Superzooms are great for their versatility and ease of use, but if you want a camera you can really "grow into," I'd be looking at a Nikon D40, Canon 400D, Pentax K100D, or Olympus 410. |
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09/22/2007 10:18:41 PM · #18 |
the S3 takes 4 AA batteries so you shouldn't have an issue with the plugs
i have to agree with  option that you will grow into this camera VERY fast i bought my s700/s5700 in may and am already looking into getting an SLR
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09/22/2007 11:01:05 PM · #19 |
| Im not sure if you live anywhere where there are DPC get toghters through the site, but if you have the chance to go on one, it is a great way to met other DPCers and have a chance to get your hands on thier cameras, and have them explain why the chose them. |
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09/23/2007 01:26:21 AM · #20 |
Originally posted by ThinkHorses:
so s3 or s5? having looked on here, the better pictures have been taken with the s3, but less people have the s5. The s3 is recommended in April which? magazine, but that might have been before the s5 came out? |
I believe the S5 came out in June. It does have a specific sports mode, which the S3 hasn't and has higher ISO capabilities. Of course they tie in, since if you can shoot at a higher ISO you can use faster shutter speed. We haven't had a chance yet to check out how bad the noise is at the higher ISO's.
It also has a hotshoe where the S3 only has the onboard flash. It also has onboard flash which is "smarter" than the S3. Burst mode is slightly slower. Has "facial recognition" focusing mode, which apparently measures 9 separate points.
We haven't had a chance to compare these features in actual use, but they looked good enough that she went the extra $ for the S5.
Also, you may not find too many places still selling the S3. They want to sell them out, since the S5 was meant to replace it. But that can also mean a good markdown.
Now, I don't want you buying just becauseI like it. I haven't used much to compare it to, so there are probably lots others as good or better. I can only tell you why I like this particular one :)
Hope it helps! |
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09/24/2007 02:31:13 PM · #21 |
| ok, so I've bought an S5, if all goes according to plan it should be here within about 3 days. comes with a free 2G memory card, so i'm sorted. thanks everyone VERY VERY much for your help, and ill hopefully be posing pictures up here shortly! |
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09/24/2007 02:47:48 PM · #22 |
Originally posted by ThinkHorses:
ok, so I've bought an S5, if all goes according to plan it should be here within about 3 days. comes with a free 2G memory card, so i'm sorted. thanks everyone VERY VERY much for your help, and ill hopefully be posing pictures up here shortly! |
Oh you will NOT be sorry, get the grip (MB200) and a spare Fuji battery too you will need it if you plan on shooting all day. The S5 Pro only works with FUJI batteries not nikon or any 3rd party ones either. get yourself a nice walk around lens for it (Tamron 28-75 f2.8) and you will be in heaven. I LOVE mine, even sold my D200 and kept the S5, I put the D200 grip on it and it is brilliant. You will have a lot of fun, look forward to seeing your work and finally...
WELCOME TO THE FUJI CLUB! |
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09/24/2007 03:23:11 PM · #23 |
Originally posted by ThinkHorses:
yet another question: it's massively cheaper to buy in america. however will this mean that (as I'm in ENgland) the plugs, charger etc will be different? |
Yes, the US plugs will be for US outlets.
However, the charger itself should be dual voltage, that means it will accept 110-240V and 50-60Hz and be able to charge the battery safely. All you will need is the outlet adapter.
I use the charger for my G7 in Europe all the time.
Message edited by author 2007-09-24 15:24:05. |
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09/24/2007 03:25:20 PM · #24 |
| Are you talking about the Fuji S3/S5 DSLR or the Canon S3/S5 cameras? |
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09/24/2007 03:27:43 PM · #25 |
Originally posted by Spazmo99:
Are you talking about the Fuji S3/S5 DSLR or the Canon S3/S5 cameras? |
Judging by the stated budget, I'm going to guess the Canon ones.
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