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

ringoh

Thinking of buying a Cannon D10 camera for Kayaking/Mountainbiking etc and general use. Reviews online differ greatly. Anyone recommend this or any other similar. Not interested in waterproof housings!!!!

eddyk

well lads im buying a used slr for myself and stuck on making up my mind as to which to go for, its between sony a230, canon 350d/1000d etc, and nikon d40/d60, anyone able make up my mind for me. thanks

gbee

ringoh wrote: »

Thinking of buying a Cannon D10 camera for Kayaking/Mountainbiking etc and general use. Reviews online differ greatly. Anyone recommend this or any other similar. Not interested in waterproof housings!!!!

The Olympus Mju Tough line. My son took one through Cadet Training and had a tank drive over it and took it diving. We had the Pentax W version first, the tank won.

I'm a Canon person but I'd NOT buy D10, it's an afterthought design, trust me on this one, the Olympus MJU Tough is the ONLY option.

dinneenp

eddyk wrote: »

well lads im buying a used slr for myself and stuck on making up my mind as to which to go for, its between sony a230, canon 350d/1000d etc, and nikon d40/d60, anyone able make up my mind for me. thanks

There's many threads/posts on this exact topic.

• go instore and feel them in your hands, play with features. You might prefer the feel of one.
• If a few friends have one brand maybe go with that. You'll be able to borrow lenses and try them out easily.
• I have a Pentax K-X so am giving it a plug. It gets 'best intro dslr' in a lot of reviews/magazines. Downside is that lenses are a bit harder to get 2nd hand. Very nice camera though with in body stabilizer.

vixdname

Hi lads, I'm not a usual poster here on the photography threads but I'm seriously thinking of getting a semi-decent digital camera for xmas.
I'm looking to spend approx €300 - €350 on the camera.
Can any of you recommend any makes or models that are within this price range and are decent cameras.

Many Thanks !!!

5uspect

At that price range you're either talking secondhand SLR or shiny new point and shoot.
P&S cameras are a dime a dozen so they're not much to recommend in a particular model.

See above for SLR info.

AnCatDubh

vixdname wrote: »

Hi lads, I'm not a usual poster here on the photography threads but I'm seriously thinking of getting a semi-decent digital camera for xmas.
I'm looking to spend approx €300 - €350 on the camera.
Can any of you recommend any makes or models that are within this price range and are decent cameras.

Many Thanks !!!

If driven by budget but want to get into having a dSLR in your mitts then your won't go far wrong with this Olympus. New at €354 its hard to beat. Well capable. A niche following as is anything that's not Canon or Nikon but I wouldn't be too put off by that - there are many happy Oly users around this forum. If you had another €100 in your budget then you'd have another few options on the entry levels but to be honest in terms of value, I think the one i've linked above looks great.

Oh and by the way, I'm a Pentax owner not Olympus

EDIT: Oh, don't forget you'll need some memory cards to get you going "Memory card compatibility: Compact Flash, xD picture card."

Stevie Dakota

Looking to buy an entry level mode with lense, max budget is €450, can any one recommend a good model and a good place to buy it, online or Dublin shop?

Many thanks.

macnab

This looks good.

http://www.argos.ie/static/Product/partNumber/5593189/c_1/1%7Ccategory_root%7CPhotography%7C14419436/c_2/2%7Ccat_14419436%7CDigital+SLR+cameras+and+lenses%7C14419497.htm

Nikon D3000 with 18-55mm lens for €420, its not the VR lens but you wont need VR at 55mm.

Mr Spock

Right am putting a decent DSLR on my Santa list for this year and have been checking out the following two models, the Canon EOS 500D and the 550D. Both are super cameras but the 550D is the more up to date one with better features.
However the 550D is about 200 quid more expensive. So is there much of a difference between the 500 and the 550 that would justify the extra cash? I am just a beginner in the photography game and I already have a good point and shoot camera so I'd like to upgrade to a decent digital SLR.

Any advise?

Thanks!

Stevie Dakota

Didn't expect Argos to be cheaper than anyone else, you live and learn. Thanks for that recommendation, looks good.

5uspect

They'll both take excellent shots in the right hands. If I were you I would put the money into good glass. Any digital body will depreciate faster than it took me to write this post.

Jesper

Hi all,

I'm in the Philippines at the moment but I'm meeting a friend in Vietnam on the 20th Nov. I am going to get him to buy me a camera and bring it over for me. Ideally I'd like a waterproof and small one - travelling the world for a year etc. I am not an experienced photographer and don't want anything to expensive.

I was going to choose between one of these! All in argos.

Samsung PL201 14MP Camera - Black. 559/4834
Olympus FE-4040 14MP Compact Digital Camera - Indium Grey. 559/4126
Kodak M580 14MP Compact Digital Camera - Silver. 559/4724
FujiFilm JX530 14MP Compact Digital Camera - Black. 559/3756


There all 115 to 120 Euro.

Which is best?

5uspect

Jesper wrote: »

Hi all,

I'm in the Philippines at the moment but I'm meeting a friend in Vietnam on the 20th Nov. I am going to get him to buy me a camera and bring it over for me. Ideally I'd like a waterproof and small one - travelling the world for a year etc. I am not an experienced photographer and don't want anything to expensive.

I was going to choose between one of these! All in argos.

Samsung PL201 14MP Camera - Black. 559/4834
Olympus FE-4040 14MP Compact Digital Camera - Indium Grey. 559/4126
Kodak M580 14MP Compact Digital Camera - Silver. 559/4724
FujiFilm JX530 14MP Compact Digital Camera - Black. 559/3756


There all 115 to 120 Euro.

Which is best?

This is an almost impossible question to answer. There are so many P&S cameras on the market and so few here actually use them. You need to read online reviews on the likes on dpreview or Steve's Digicams to get a handle on a particular model.

Ultimately I'd imagine they'll all take decent shots, all be piss poor in the dark and all suffer from slow autofocus and shutter lag to some degree.

I would imagine that travelling around like that you would want to keep your luggage as light as possible and be relaively immume to losses from wear and tear as well as theft and the climate. I would nearly suggest using disposable cameras and post them home to be developed at a later date, but then again I'm a bit mad.

donutheadhomer

Guys any advise on the above to cameras please. Basically I want a DSLR with video recording that doesn't use AA batteries. I like the pentax K-x but it uses AA batteries. The pentax is a good price on pixmania. http://www.pixmania.ie/ie/uk/3832538/art/pentax/k-x-black-dal-18-55mm-len.html €570

I'm new to all this and looking to make a move to DSLR but not too costly. Any advise on which to choose with cost in mind also ease of use I supose. Moving from compacts and a rubbish mimidvd handycam.

Kintarō Hattori

I wouldn't let AA batteries put you off. With 2500 mAh batteries you can easily get 600-700 shots per charge which is not too shabby.

Cook my sock

I have a d5000. you will hve to constantly manually focus the video yourself. dont know about the other options, but that may be a outoff. as a camera for photos i cant fault it.

5uspect

Kintarō Hattori wrote: »

I wouldn't let AA batteries put you off. With 2500 mAh batteries you can easily get 600-700 shots per charge which is not too shabby.

+1, I'd actually prefer AAs with high capacity rechargables like the Sanyo Endelopes (sp?).

dinneenp

5uspect wrote: »

+1, I'd actually prefer AAs with high capacity rechargables like the Sanyo Endelopes (sp?).

++1. I have the Pentax K-X, which takes 4 AA batteries and I have the high capacity ones (were 1/2 price in some electrickal store). My camera can go for weeks without a charge.

donutheadhomer

dinneenp wrote: »

++1. I have the Pentax K-X, which takes 4 AA batteries and I have the high capacity ones (were 1/2 price in some electrickal store). My camera can go for weeks without a charge.

what is that pentax k-x like to use?can't see any in shops

dinneenp

EurasianBadger wrote: »

what is that pentax k-x like to use?can't see any in shops

I'm very happy with it anyway. I find it has a great menu system, with everything very easy to access. It's very good at high ISO, has in built stabilizer. It gets great reviews.
I know that Currys should have it.

The only downside is that less people have Pentax so it's a bit harder to get lenses 2nd hand and prime lenses seem to be a bit more expensive. If you have some friends with Canon/Nikon maybe go with that brand as you can borrow/swap lenses easily.

donutheadhomer

dinneenp wrote: »

I'm very happy with it anyway. I find it has a great menu system, with everything very easy to access. It's very good at high ISO, has in built stabilizer. It gets great reviews.
I know that Currys should have it.

The only downside is that less people have Pentax so it's a bit harder to get lenses 2nd hand and prime lenses seem to be a bit more expensive. If you have some friends with Canon/Nikon maybe go with that brand as you can borrow/swap lenses easily.

ever use the video function?+

5uspect

dinneenp wrote: »

++1. I have the Pentax K-X, which takes 4 AA batteries and I have the high capacity ones (were 1/2 price in some electrickal store). My camera can go for weeks without a charge.

Lack of use?

The li-ions will also last quite a long time but rechargable AAs give you so much more flexibility if you're caught out. In my old 350D I always use Uinross Hybros and the battery grip with the li-ion as a backup.

I'm very happy with li-ion in the 7D but getting the grip is at the back of my mind.

pearljamfan

ive been saving up to buy a panasonic gf1 system, and today i found out they are releasing the gf2 soon.

http://www.dpreview.com/previews/panasonicdmcgf2/

its upgraded with touchscreen, full hd and stereo sound, and is smaller, but will be packaged with different kit lenses .

i dont actually like the look of this one compared to the gf1, im wondering how it will be priced.

im also wondering how do the rest of u cope when u spend a chunk of money on a new camera and then u find out a newer version has been released?!

im so undecided now its doing my head in.

donutheadhomer

Does anyone know if the D3100 allows auto focus for video recording? Is it possible to use the lens for filin vidoe or just without lens? Anyone any experience of using. I'm torn between d3100 and eos500. can anyone advise.

AnCatDubh

pearljamfan wrote: »

ive been saving up to buy a panasonic gf1 system, and today i found out they are releasing the gf2 soon.

http://www.dpreview.com/previews/panasonicdmcgf2/

its upgraded with touchscreen, full hd and stereo sound, and is smaller, but will be packaged with different kit lenses .

i dont actually like the look of this one compared to the gf1, im wondering how it will be priced.

im also wondering how do the rest of u cope when u spend a chunk of money on a new camera and then u find out a newer version has been released?!

im so undecided now its doing my head in.

I think the cycle of new models are so quick at this stage that it is something not to worry about too much because you can rarely be up to date. I was once, for about 6 months, then a new release came out, and subsequent to that another release has come out.

If you are planning on holding onto your purchase then it makes very little odds and as soon as new version of the new version comes out, then second hand values won't make a terrible amount of difference.

Looking back on things now - well the camera I have does everything I knew about (and more besides) when I bought it (rationalising the investment made at the time) so that hasn't changed - it isn't any less valuable to me either.

My guess as to your dilemma is to have a look at the specs of the new model coming out and rationalise if it has better performance or not in desirable areas for you - if so, then wait and buy the new model; if not then still wait but when the new model comes out, but the old one and avail of what should be a natural cost reduction once the newer model has arrived on the scene.

5uspect

EurasianBadger wrote: »

Does anyone know if the D3100 allows auto focus for video recording? Is it possible to use the lens for filin vidoe or just without lens? Anyone any experience of using. I'm torn between d3100 and eos500. can anyone advise.

It certainly seems to be able to.
http://news.snapsort.com/2010/09/12/nikon-d3100-autofocus-movie-sample-hd/
No idea what you're saying in your second question.

milkjunkie90

Hi im looking to buy a camera bag for my canon 500D dslr. Im looking for a discrete one, all i need it to hold is the camera with the kit lens attached. Ill be using it for gig photography so it will need to be small and discrete. However because im going to be using it a concerts ill need it to be durable, somewhat waterproof, and padded enough that the camera will not get damaged from a bit of knocking around. A holster style bag would be ideal.
Budget is about 70euro but the cheaper the better!

Anyone recomend any particular one?
Thanks!

Effects

You didn't say where you are. If you're in Dublin then go to Gunnes and then you can try out the bag before you buy it.

Fionn

i have among others one of these - Urban Disguise by ThinkTank photo they do them in different sizes and are discreet enough too.

gsxr1

what I would love is f2.4 and 200mm zoom canon mount.

second hand.

what are the chances?

5uspect

You should have a look at adverts.ie but you're probably looking at a 70-300 f/4 - 5.6.

stcstc

what about 70-200 f4

gsxr1

i was thinking f4.5. But I would like to shoot fast motorcycles at mondello. As well as all the normal landscapes , portraits and so on.



I think 4.5 may be a little slow?? Could it work?

I am going to have to save a bit longer maybe?

Pete67

You might get one of these second hand. Keep an eye on adverts.ie

macnab

consider a fixed 200mm lens or this one

http://www.berminghamcameras.ie/store/index.php?target=products&product_id=4663

its a Sigma APO DG 170-500 for €425

Pete67

The fixed 200 is an excellent suggestion, Canon have a very nice 200 f2.8L however the Sigma 170-500 has a max aperature of f5 decreasing to f6.3 at 500mm. This may not suit the OP who is looking for a fast lens.

sonic.trip

Hi guys,

I am looking to get my first DSLR camera. I have a budget of around 500 euro or so. Will be travelling through singapore airport in January so hoping to get it there.

What are peoples opinions of both and which would you go with?

trying to decide between them but can't any help much appreciated

DotOrg

what experience do you have with dSLR's?

as the truth is that both cameras will produce stunning quality images in the right hands and both will produce utter rubbish in the wrong hands. Both cameras have good and bad points as regards their design and layout but both are more than capale of producing pulitzer prizewinning photographs

for technical things:
http://www.dpreview.com/reviews/sidebyside.asp
but obviously the main things that affect your photo is your skills, your eye and the lens you choose

hbr

DotOrg is absolutely right. I went through the same decision process early
this year. I bought the Canon 500D in the end. My friend bought the Nikon
D5000 at the same time. Both cameras are excellent and both of us are
happy with the choice we made.

Read the reviews. If possible, go to a camera shop and handle both
cameras. Also have a look at the Pentax K-x which uses the same
Sony sensor as the D5000. The Canon has the best range of new
and used lenses. Nikon also have an extensive range, but some
of them won't work properly on the lower end Nikon bodies.

As this is your first DSLR, I should warn you that buying
the camera body is just the initial outlay. All the other
stuff will end up costing more than you paid for the
camera.

sonic.trip

thanks for the comments guys. I have no experience with DSLR cameras at all. I have always been interested in getting good images but previously have only owned a good quality digital camera. I gave a family member a loan of this recently and they lost it, so it seemed like the right time to make the move.

I understand what you are saying about wrong pictures in the wrong hands, however I love messing around with all types of technology and am willing to research, practice etc with getting great images from DSLR cameras

So basically either will do a stunning job?

also, hbr when you say "All the other
stuff will end up costing more than you paid for the
camera." I presume you are talking about extra lenses and flashes etc when you become more advances?

DotOrg

sonic.trip wrote: »

So basically either will do a stunning job?

and either will do a **** job. it's all about composition, use of light, storytelling. good photography is virtually nothing to do with which camera you use

sonic.trip wrote: »

All the other
stuff will end up costing more than you paid for the
camera." I presume you are talking about extra lenses and flashes

yes, lenses that let more light in and let you shoot in a wider variety of styles are more expensive. Also, camera bodies you generally replace far more often than you replace lenses. I've owned certain canon lenses for about 6-7 years, in that time i've gone through 4 different camera bodies

gsxr1

if a lens has Macro in its title somewhere, can it still be used for getting close up to say , a football player from the sidelines?

5uspect

Yes, the Macro tag just means that it also has a short working distance. Just check online for other factors such as focusing performance that may affect sports more.

Raphael Mc Enroe

I would like to get a camera that has good quality video and pictures with a flash,basically for going on holidays and going out and such,nothing to pricey,like 50-150. Or would there be a place that sells them used. Basically a name of a decent camera,and i dont know the difference in a standard and digital camera or effects. Thanks.

cian_s_obrien

I hope to get one of the lowepro backpack for christmas. Got a Canon 55-250mm yesterday for my birthday, so need to upgrade to camera bag.
Good prices and cheap p&p
http://www.mymemory.co.uk/Lowepro

Borderfox

Have a look on www.adverts.ie for a bargain

Any of the big names like Canon/Nikon/Sony are grand with lots of different features
Some of the new Sony point and shoots cameras come with a feature called sweep panorama which is really good for getting an overall view of where you are in one shot

Boom_Bap

I'm looking to get the ball and chain a DSLR, looking for something entry level and reasonably priced. She is by no means a photographer so the plan is to get her something decent for a starter.

The 2 i've been looking at are the Sony A290 and the Canon EOS 1000D. Both seem like they would do the job and evenly priced.
I'm swinging in favour of the Sony as she has used one before and liked it, it's lighter, has more megapixels and a bigger screen.
But i believe the Canon has more features?

Would it also be worth going for the a390 instead of the a290?

AnCatDubh

Boom_Bap wrote: »

I'm looking to get the ball and chain a DSLR, looking for something entry level and reasonably priced. She is by no means a photographer so the plan is to get her something decent for a starter.

The 2 i've been looking at are the Sony A290 and the Canon EOS 1000D. Both seem like they would do the job and evenly priced.
I'm swinging in favour of the Sony as she has used one before and liked it, it's lighter, has more megapixels and a bigger screen.
But i believe the Canon has more features?

Would it also be worth going for the a390 instead of the a290?

Have a read back over the previous posts on this thread. The which manufacturer is trashed out again and again.

In terms of which is better - they are all very capable cameras more than enough for someone starting. Throw them into the DPReview comparison generator - yes, throw all three in there, to see the specific features that one has over the other. There's not a significant difference to be had.

dinneenp

Boom_Bap wrote: »

I'm looking to get the ball and chain a DSLR, looking for something entry level and reasonably priced. She is by no means a photographer so the plan is to get her something decent for a starter.

The 2 i've been looking at are the Sony A290 and the Canon EOS 1000D. Both seem like they would do the job and evenly priced.
I'm swinging in favour of the Sony as she has used one before and liked it, it's lighter, has more megapixels and a bigger screen.
But i believe the Canon has more features?

Would it also be worth going for the a390 instead of the a290?

A few bits-

• if you're buying locally ask them can she return it and get different brand if she wants?
• Sony are doing 'VAT' off deal at the moment.
• I don't know if cameras come down in price a lot after Xmas but maybe give her a card with homemade voucher (instead of cash in the envelope) so she can buy which one she wants in the sales.
• if buying from abroad and know anyone in the States Black Friday is this Friday. Big reductions.
• Not romantic (again) but look at adverts.ie etc for 2nd hand stuff. Get a lot more bang for your buck.