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DPChallenge Forums >> Hardware and Software >> Really, really need some help
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 11/18/2007 06:49:09 PM · #26
Originally posted by Nichola:
Originally posted by jhonan:
Okay, let me attempt some answers;

Lots of helpful stuff


Wow, you are incredibley helpful, thank you very much :)

Ok, so now I have settled on a dSLR, know not to shoot in b&w, and to not bother about megapixel jargon....

Would you still say go with the Nikon or the Canon? And which ones.

*thank you*


Either will suit your purpose. It's best to go to a shop which has both so you can try both. One will probably feel better than the other.

To me, the controls on a Nikon are all backwards. A Nikon shooter may say the same for Canon. You need to decide this for yourself.
 11/18/2007 06:52:00 PM · #27
Originally posted by cpanaioti:
Originally posted by Nichola:
Originally posted by jhonan:
Okay, let me attempt some answers;

Lots of helpful stuff


Wow, you are incredibley helpful, thank you very much :)

Ok, so now I have settled on a dSLR, know not to shoot in b&w, and to not bother about megapixel jargon....

Would you still say go with the Nikon or the Canon? And which ones.

*thank you*


Either will suit your purpose. It's best to go to a shop which has both so you can try both. One will probably feel better than the other.

To me, the controls on a Nikon are all backwards. A Nikon shooter may say the same for Canon. You need to decide this for yourself.


Kinda like choosing a wand in Harry Potter eh?

Ha ha ha.

Thanks, I will go and see which feels best in my hands.
 11/18/2007 07:01:46 PM · #28
Originally posted by Nichola:
Kinda like choosing a wand in Harry Potter eh?

Nah, choosing between Nikon or Canon is more like choosing a religion. :)
 11/20/2007 07:44:38 AM · #29
Originally posted by fotomann_forever:
Nothing wrong with a Canon 350D (over the 400D), if you'd prefer to use the extra money on lenses.

As far as the Nikon D40 goes, I can't help but mention that it is fully compatible with only a very few Nikon lenses, including most of the good ones. You'll lose auto focus on all but a few Nikkor lenses. Because of that, I have a really hard time recommending it as a camera for anyone interested in getting into photography.


I have the D40 and it is fully compatible with the four very good Nikkor lenses we own with no loss of autofocus.
 11/20/2007 08:07:47 AM · #30
Originally posted by Nichola:

Something with a screen so I can see the picture before I shoot it
Something I can shoot with in b&w
Something that will take a few shots at once
Something which is versatile i.e. can take landscapes or close ups
Something which takes clearly and good quality

Does such a camera exist for under £300? :D


You could also consider a bridge. Personally, I'd recommend a dslr, because any other choice will likely be limiting on the long term. But some of the latest bridges have very interesting features.
let's for example mention panasonics' FZ18
to answer your points above:
* has a screen where you can preview it
* will shot in B+W (although any camera will do this)
* 3 frame / second (for 7 photo) in max resolution (according to panasonic), which if correct would be as good as any entry level DSLR. Performance as per dpreview.com slightly lower, but still not bad.
* quite verstatile: 28-500mm equivalent (ie fairly wide and very strong zoom - you won't get that soon with a DSLR with your budget) + stabilized (at 500mm you will need it). aperture of 2.8-4.2 is good too (that means that you'll be able to take pictures with less ambient light
* apparently good image quality (8mp although you cannot just look at that)

//www.dpreview.com/reviews/panasonicfz18/

price tag: £269.9 on amazon.co.uk

Message edited by author 2007-11-20 08:40:40.
 11/20/2007 09:49:42 AM · #31
I'm pretty happy with my Canon S5, though I know I deal with more noise in my photos that an SLR user does. For what is costs, though, it is a great camera. I would have to spend a lot more to get sigificantly better. It will be some time before I outgrow it and I will have a very good idea of what I want when I spend more on an SLR. The G7/G9 previously mentioned is a step up from the S5. If I'd had $200-300 more to spend at the time, I would have probably gotten a Nikon D40.

I believe there is some value in a bridge camera (superzoom? What are these really called?) Gives you an opportuity to experience some high end features and have a better idea of what you want when you get ready to invest a lot more money. But, you know what opinions are like... Only you will really know what class of camera you would be happiest with.

Message edited by author 2007-11-20 09:55:00.
 11/21/2007 03:28:01 AM · #32
The D40 is a great start. The Nikon D40 plus the stock kit lens, 18-55mm, is a pretty well balanced deal.

At 6.1 megapixels, it's a good camera.

Plus, it's a bit cheaper than most DSLR's out there, so with the extra cash, you can always "invest" in a new lens.

Canon's Rebel series are good too.

At the end, it's up to you. If there are any camera shops around you, or any electronic stores that sell cameras, definitely try to stop by and test the cameras out for yourself.

You'll find that the grip and build is different on all cameras.

The Nikon D40 is very user friendly as well, so it can make a great camera if you are beginning to get into more technical aspects of photography.

Either way, check out some of the specifications/reviews of some beginning dSLR's and see which one can work best for you.

11/21/2007 07:48:29 AM · #33
I would agree that you really need to handle the cameras before you buy them. In the end, the choice between Nikon and Canon for me and my husband came down to that - we both preferred the feel of the Nikons in our hands.

Good luck and have fun - a DSLR is a great step forward!
 12/12/2007 03:11:03 PM · #34
Thanks all for your input again :)

In laymans terms, can some describe the pros and cons with SLR and DSLR?

I've tried googling, but it's really confusing me.....
 12/12/2007 03:57:14 PM · #35
motherlee uses the Canon A630 P&S. It is slightly older than some suggested here, but this model or the A640 would suit most of your needs for the time being. Very good results and good size to carry. Just looked at the new model A650 IS is £249 from warehouseexpress online. 12.1 megapixel with 6X zoom lens.

I have the Pentax K100D, a 6.3 megapixel DSLR with IS built into the camera, rather than the lens. This has been upgraded to K100D Super, this also has dust removal from sensor. Comes with 18-55mm lens, but is just outside your budget at £370. Very good quality photos, nicely sized camera and takes a host of lenses, dating back to early manual Pentax and M42 lenses.

Good Luck, and go look at different models. Handle them and see what feels right for you:)

Message edited by author 2007-12-12 15:58:30.
 12/12/2007 04:15:47 PM · #36
Originally posted by Nichola:
Thanks all for your input again :)

In laymans terms, can some describe the pros and cons with SLR and DSLR?

I've tried googling, but it's really confusing me.....


"SLR" stands for Single Lens Reflex...in layman's terms this means you look through a through the lens by use of a nifty optical arrangement that involves a mirror. The mirror moves out of the way for the image to be recorded on either film or a digital sensor. dSLR is the digital type (thus the "d"). Just plain "SLR" may well mean the camera uses film.
 12/12/2007 04:38:23 PM · #37
Personally, I would recommend something like the Canon S5 IS. Since you're rather inexperienced you may be disappointed in a DLSR (unless you're the kind who reads and learns everything you can get your hands on fairly quickly :) )

I used an S2 IS and LOVED it. The main drawbacks for me were higher noise at higher ISOs and inability to shoot longer exposures. The supermacro mode allows you to shoot things that are actually TOUCHING your lens, and the optic zoom is better than you'll get on any DSLR kit lens. The S5 also has the choice of using viewfinder or a nice BIG swivel screen. Also pretty good battery life out of 4 AA's and quite a range of editing/colour-selection choices.

I switched to a Nikon 40D and have bought a couple lenses, and really like it on the whole, but there are still times I prefer the P&S.

I'd strongly suggest that anyone learning work up to a DSLR from a GOOD point and shoot.
 12/12/2007 04:41:59 PM · #38
The brother (Flann O'Brien, anyone?) just bought a Panasonic TZ3 on the recommendation of a chum who worked as cameraman for Yorkshire Television and has had pictures in National Geographic and all sorts... The important quality is compactness, as he likes to ski and hike and doesn't need the hassle of SLR camera gear's weight and volume. It's way under £300 anyway.
click
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 12/12/2007 05:04:27 PM · #39
canon g9 - even strobist loves his...
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