Want a new Camera - advice please!

[Mouse]

APS, that's it! Couldn't think what it was. It took three different size photos too, which was kinda cool.

 

[StormFeather]

Ok - I think I've made my decision. I'm now able to spend a bit more than initially expected, so after plenty of research, and a long chat with Bob at Jessops, I'm now going for the Nikon D90. It's a nice balanced weight, comes with an 18-105mm lens, and does everything I can think off, and then some.

Won't be able to get it until Thursday - but ridiculously excited. Can't wait to go and play . . . .

 

[StormFeather]

It's arrived!!!!!!

Now just need to figure out what I'm doing with it . . .

 

[The Judge]

Good choice! Hope it gives you many hours of pleasure.


EDIT: the other half suggests you buy a UV or skylight filter to protect the front of the lens -- it's cheaper to replace the filter than the lens if you scratch it. And if the lens doesn't come with one, do make sure you buy a lens hood. Oh -- and always back up your images, so you don't lose them!

 

[AE35Unit]

It all depends what you want the camera for, and how serious you are. A DSLR is great because it allows you to change lenses, use external flash etc and the prices have really come down. I got my Canon 30D for £250 from ebay in excellent condition-I believe if you buy second hand you can get a better camera for the money-a new DSLR for £250 is gonna be very basic and flimsy-mine is solid, pro spec. But there are issues to know with a DSLR. One is the sensor size which is smaller than film. So that means any lens you put on it is gonna be longer than the numbers tell you on the barrel. For example on a 35mm film camera a 28mm lens is a very useful wide angle focal length, but on my DSLR it becomes about 45mm-not wide at all! My 19-35mm zoom is fabulous on my film camera, but put it on my DSLR and it becomes like a 30-50mm-not near wide enough!
On the the hand if you like shooting distant wildlife or birds you gain at the other end! A 300mm lens on a film camera just isnt long enough, but on a DSLR it becomes longer!! So my 75-300 zoom becomes a 115-460mm zoom on the DSLR!
If you need an explanation why this is so let me know!
The other thing is MP size. Theres a myth that more MP=better image. Not necessarily so! If the sensor is too small thern cramming more MPs in just makes for more noise (electronic grain). Not such an issue with modern DSLRs but its a pain with compacts and bridge cameras. My Panasonic Lumix has a tiny sensor with 6MP, but the noise is terrible. If they'd made it a 3 or 4MP camera the quality would have been much better! But that same 6MP on the Canon 10D I used to have was fantastic because it had a bigger sensor. My current DSLR has 8.5MP-plenty for me as I dont print off. If I was doing huge prints then I'd benefit from a higher pixel count.

 

[AE35Unit]

I just googled it, Ace, as I'm too lazy to actually go upstairs and check. It's one of these:

A 'vectis.'

Oh dear, APS, the Betamax of the photography world!

 

[The Ace]

Sound advice, Your Honour.

As to flash, Jessops do their own flashgun (just check that you buy the correct version to fit your camera) at a far lower price than a Nikon speedlight. For lenses, I'd go for something in the 70-300/50-250mm range when you're ready for something bigger. See what's available used, though.

Most flashguns intended for film have too high a trigger voltage to work with digital, so you're better to buy new.

 

[AE35Unit]

Sound advice, Your Honour.

As to flash, Jessops do their own flashgun (just check that you buy the correct version to fit your camera) at a far lower price than a Nikon speedlight. For lenses, I'd go for something in the 70-300/50-250mm range when you're ready for something bigger. See what's available used, though.

Most flashguns intended for film have too high a trigger voltage to work with digital, so you're better to buy new.

Ah, Id be very wary of cheap flashguns! I had a bad experience with a Jessops unit recently! It stopped working for no reason, luckily I got a full refund. I then bought a lower spec Canon flashgun online that works a treat!

 

[LittleMissy]

WOW There's so much to learn about cameras... who knew!!!

I've always been amazed at the pictures that can be taken and, with my old standard digital, and now my better quality mobile phone camera, I'm not able to get nearly as good a shot... although every once in a while I get something that, I at least, think is pretty good! (Although I realise is nowhere near as good as what I want to achieve )

So, I nipped into this thread thinking it might help me to pick out a new camera... but, all the techo-mumbo-jumbo has my brain fried!

My question then, to an absolute novice, what do you suggest?

Thanks to the photography challenges my desire to learn more has multiplied!!! I'm seriously considering taking a 'beginners photography' course in the new year at a local college (funds allowing) and was wondering what is the best thing to start out with which doesn't cost an absolute fortune!? And, to me, triple digits is a fortune LOL

Just to give you a clue, I'm currently using the camera on my Nokia X6 (and, occassionaly, my FujiFilm F460 Digital Camera - which doesn't have nearly as many options as my mobile does )

Thank you, in advance!!!

 

[The Ace]

Try a used entry-level DSLR.

Canon, Nikon and Pentax have been around for donkey's. Samsung made a series of SLRs (the G-series) which were cheaper, rebadged Pentax.

Going secondhand will help your budget, but make sure charger, battery and USB cord are included. (Each manufacturer has a unique USB terminal in the camera and replacements are expensive. The battery and its charger are generally specific to a given make and model, can only be bought from the manufacturer and are very expensive to replace.)

The dealer may be nice and throw in a storage card, but if he doesn't, make sure you don't leave the shop without one (512mB minimum) of the correct type.

Also, beg, steal or borrow an instruction manual (they're often available online). You'll never do anything more than point the camera without one.

 

[LittleMissy]

Thank you Ace. I shall start searching through the shops at the weekend, when I have the actual time to have a proper look.

I have been looking on eBay, but, like I said, the techno-mumbo-jumbo confuses me so I tend to end up a little cross-eyed and having no clue which is the best to bid on LOL

Can I ask, what do you mean by 'entry-level', please? Or is that one of those things if I just go into a shop and ask they'll explain!? Although, I'm always concerned that because of my clear lack of knowledge they'll try selling me a dud!!!

 

[Mouse]

Entry level would be a cheaper beginner sort of camera. Something like I've got (the Sony I mentioned in this thread somewhere). Easy to use, not mega expensive, but better than a compact.

 

[The Ace]

And most assistants know what it means anyway. Just don't say your budget's too low.

 

[Allanon]

I just bought the Canon EOS 550D I LOVE IT!!!! Just need to learn how to use it now!!

 

[AE35Unit]

I just bought the Canon EOS 550D I LOVE IT!!!! Just need to learn how to use it now!!

Congrats- great choice! As a Canon user I can tell you you wont be disappointed! And cameras are that good these days you can put it in Auto (P or Green square) and still get a good shot. Of course if you want to get creative it's there for you! I use mine mostly on Av, where i select the aperture and the camera chooses the shutter speed.
You won't be short of advice and help on here! Any info you need just ask! Oh what lens did you get? Im guessing the 18-55 zoom.

 

[Allanon]

Yeah it did come with that lense and at the moment I'm uing the standard built in settings but they are good. I added an entry to this months comp using this camera.