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

5uspect

johnmcdnl wrote: »

5uspect wrote: »

If you are going for the Nikon consider their 35mm instead of the 50mm.

why would you suggest the 35mm over the 50mm

On a crop sensor 35mm is close to a 50mm on a full frame. Also the nikon 35mm f1.8 is fairly cheap.

godtabh

I am getting married soon and going to Brazil and Argentina on honeymoon.

We want to get a good camera to replace our some what dated point and click. A family member wants to buy us one as a wedding present but as neither of us know much i was wondering what would a good beginner DSLR be and where to get it?

magicbastarder

would you consider a good quality compact - much easier to lug around on a honeymoon?

godtabh

i would consider that as well but has been suggested a few times about getting a DSLR as apparently i need a hobby!

I have lots of fancy fish (brundi frontosa - big lads) and would like to start photographing these as well

novarock

we bought the EOS450d second hand for that exact purpose.. great camera so far.. the only add-ons we got were a 50mm 1.8 lense and a few polarizers..

godtabh

would we be better of buying second hand? As I said a family member is looking to get it for us so I'm advising them on the purchase.

novarock

Well I would say it is, just to save money on it.. You could get the 450d second hand with the standard lense second hand for around 400 euro.

there are plenty on offer!

http://www.adverts.ie/for-sale/q_450d/sortby_best_match-desc/

dinneenp

Hi,
I've posted this question in another photography website forum but would like the opinion of anyone here who might have some advice:

I have the chance to buy one of these lenses, both at the same price (Pentax fit):

• Sigma 70-200mm F2.8 EX DG APOMacro HSM II
• Sigma APO MKI 70-200mm f2.8

My primary reason for purchasing would be for sports.But I imagine I'd use it too for my kids outdoors, in town etc.

Replies I got so far include:
The old MK1 because converters work with it
The old Mk1 because the 200m end isn't compromised by a floating element

The HSM because HSM is better at APS-c than screw drive
The HSM because if it breaks it can be fixed by Sigma (parts)
The HSM because silent AF is cool

HSM is an in-lens hypersonic motor which is quieter and faster than the conventional screw-driven autofocus which comes from a motor in the camera body. For 'normal' use the conventional AF mechanism is fine but if you are shooting sports the faster performance of the HSM system might be valuable,especially if you want to use continuous-AF mode on fast-moving targets where the lens continually adjusts to try and keep the subject in focus.

tigershould

oops, this is probably the right place for this...

Hi, go easy on me, i'm new to all this slr stuff.

just got my hands on a D3100 with 18-55 VR lens.
very impressed with my first dslr.

however, from playing around i'm not getting the long distance zoom i was expecting (i dont know what i was expecting:)

my concern is that i dont expect to be swapping lens for particular shots and would like to get an 'all encompassing' lens - i've read something about the 18-200 or 18-300.

so i'm thinking about selling the 18-55 on adverts and investing in a one of the above.

i was offered the nikon 55-200 for €150

does anyone have any advice? is it a good idea to sell my 18-55 and invest in the 18-200 or 18-300? or should i get the 55-200? which is the better choice? will i get much for the 18-55?

sorry for all the questions, any advice appreciated.

phily2002

hey guys, I'm a total noob when it comes to cameras, my wife's looking for a good camera with good video recording and zoom. Looking to spend 100 - 250ish. any advice would be great.
thanks Phil

PCPhoto

FishTaco wrote: »

I've decided to buy myself a new camera, and after much deliberation have settled on this http://www.photographyblog.com/reviews/panasonic_lumix_dmc_gf2_review/

It comes with a choice of two lenses, either; http://www2.panasonic.com/consumer-electronics/shop/Supplies-Accessories/Cameras-Camcorders/Digital-Camera-Accessories/Lenses/model.H-H014_11002_7000000000000005702 Or http://www2.panasonic.com/consumer-electronics/shop/Supplies-Accessories/Cameras-Camcorders/Digital-Camera-Accessories/Lenses/model.H-FS014042_11002_7000000000000005702

Could anybody give me an idea of the main differences between these two lenses?

if it might change your mind .... found this:
http://www.adverts.ie/digital-cameras/panasonic-lumix-g3/708055

Also...could be worth checking if the 14mm is compatible with the camera ...sometimes they aren't (older versions etc etc)

CabanSail

tigershould wrote: »

oops, this is probably the right place for this...

Hi, go easy on me, i'm new to all this slr stuff.

just got my hands on a D3100 with 18-55 VR lens.
very impressed with my first dslr.

however, from playing around i'm not getting the long distance zoom i was expecting (i dont know what i was expecting:)

my concern is that i dont expect to be swapping lens for particular shots and would like to get an 'all encompassing' lens - i've read something about the 18-200 or 18-300.

so i'm thinking about selling the 18-55 on adverts and investing in a one of the above.

i was offered the nikon 55-200 for €150

does anyone have any advice? is it a good idea to sell my 18-55 and invest in the 18-200 or 18-300? or should i get the 55-200? which is the better choice? will i get much for the 18-55?

sorry for all the questions, any advice appreciated.

I'm sorry to say that you seem to have missed the whole point of why you would buy a DSLR in the first place. If you want to have one lens which you don't change then it would have been best to get one of the super zoom bridge cameras. They are fitted with glass that will perform adequately over large range of focal lengths, greater than the 18 - 200 covers.

I do own a Nikon 18-200 zoom in my collection of glass. Its a Jack of all trades but master of none. It's not bad as a general walk about lens and is a bit like a kit lens on steroids. It's built a bit more solid and does have a good range of focal lengths. The problem with this sort of glass is by it's very nature it has loads of compromises. It's slow and gets soft towards the extremes.

The reason why DSLR's are so good is their flexibility to specialise to suit a vast variety of situations. This is where you pre-visualise what you are going to shoot and choose to take the right glass for the task. These days I'm grabbing primes a lot more than zooms.

My advice to you would be to keep some cash on your wallet and start to explore what you can do with your kit lens. See where that leads you and where you find limits. It's at that stage when you should look at what glass will be best to take you in the direction you want to go. Having extra focal length that is slow is not as big an asset as you may think it would be.

shemwhistler

Hi folks,

I'm looking to pick up a camera case for my first DSLR, a Canon EOS 1000D.

I've been told the Lowepro is the way to go, but honestly can't figure out which of the hundreds of bags they sell is right for this camera.

I'm looking for something as compact as possible, literally to hold the camera. This is due to the fact that I still haven't got used to be the camera guys walking round with a huge bag with everything in it.

For instance I'm visiting Dublin to see a friend for a couple of days this week, and I want something small enough to do the job whilst not getting on the way of a couple of beers along our travels.

Hope that makes sense and that someone can recommend the way forward for me.

Thanks
Matt

PS If it helps the one that seemed to fit the bill on the Lowepro site was the Apex 140.

CabanSail

It all depends on which len/ses and other accessories you walk about with. That's why there is a huge range of sizes.

shemwhistler

CabanSail wrote: »

It all depends on which len/ses and other accessories you walk about with. That's why there is a huge range of sizes.

Apologies, looking at my post I did ramble on, but yes, really just the camera and its stock lens.

Zascar

Check out CaseLogic too - this one is very nice http://www.caselogic.com/slr_camera_holster/product_detail/index.cfm?modelid=138048&productid=1357932

shemwhistler

Thanks Zascar, looks exactly what I'm after

Dionysus

I recently bought a Canon and just today used the Canon Digital Photo Professional for the first time. I'm trying to look at all my photos in it via a sideshow but cannot seem to find it. At the moment I'm clicking on 'Open in Edit Window' and then returning to the main photo section to see the next photo. Anybody know how I access the slideshow on this? (I want to use the 'info' details from each photo - e.g. what setting I used for each of my photos - so I can compare picture outcomes and learn that way - this program unlike my last allows me to do that.)

itsonlymesure

Hi All,

I'm looking to buy a DSLR (around 700 - 1000 dolla) in New York and I was just wondering can anyone recommend any bricks and mortar stores that I get a good package deal? I've looked at best buy and just wanna compare prices with other stores.

Thanks in advance

PCPhoto

B&H ... www.B&Hphotovideo.com

be careful of what day you visit - its run by hasidic jews so closed on Saturdays and ALL jewish holidays.

loads of decent photographic stores in New York - but also remember to add NY State Sales Tax (approx 8%)

zdooldreb

B&H, 420 9th Avenue New York, NY 10001. Class shop, could spend hours in there.

itsonlymesure

Thanks zdooldreb and PCPhoto..

I'll give the place a look

landsleaving

Just while bags are being discussed, I'm on the lookout for a decent backpack. Would this be worth getting - http://www.amazon.com/AmazonBasics-Backpack-Cameras-Accessories-Black/dp/B002VPE1WK/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1310583041&sr=8-1 or should I pay more for a better brand?

Need space for DSLR and lens, Film SLR and lens, 2 more lenses, tripod and the usual bits and pieces.

dwsl280

Hi, Just recieved a present of a NIKON D3100 18-55 VR Kit (D3100 -AF-S DX NIKKOR 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6G VR).

It came highly recommended, we currently use Sony Cybershot 10.1 mega pixel cameras and this is a big step up for us. The D90 has been recommended as a better camera but in the comparisons online it is very hard to say which is the better of the two.

We are going to be using the camera indoors and outdoors for family photos and hopefully take a course down the road to learn how to use the camera properly.

Should we hold on to the D3100 or upgrade to the D90? any advice would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks.

godtabh

dwsl280 wrote: »

Hi, Just recieved a present of a NIKON D3100 18-55 VR Kit (D3100 -AF-S DX NIKKOR 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6G VR).

It came highly recommended, we currently use Sony Cybershot 10.1 mega pixel cameras and this is a big step up for us. The D90 has been recommended as a better camera but in the comparisons online it is very hard to say which is the better of the two.

We are going to be using the camera indoors and outdoors for family photos and hopefully take a course down the road to learn how to use the camera properly.

Should we hold on to the D3100 or upgrade to the D90? any advice would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks.

i'm more or less in the same boat as you.

Just got a present of a D3100.

Any one know any good beginner classes in Dublin?

CabanSail

dwsl280 wrote: »

Hi, Just recieved a present of a NIKON D3100 18-55 VR Kit (D3100 -AF-S DX NIKKOR 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6G VR).

It came highly recommended, we currently use Sony Cybershot 10.1 mega pixel cameras and this is a big step up for us. The D90 has been recommended as a better camera but in the comparisons online it is very hard to say which is the better of the two.

We are going to be using the camera indoors and outdoors for family photos and hopefully take a course down the road to learn how to use the camera properly.

Should we hold on to the D3100 or upgrade to the D90? any advice would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks.

godtabh wrote: »

i'm more or less in the same boat as you.

Just got a present of a D3100.

Any one know any good beginner classes in Dublin?

The D3100 is a very good entry level camera. As a beginner the main reason you may consider the D90 would be the Video function. Personally I don't want Video on my DSLR.

As for courses etc. The best value would be to join a camera club as you will learn from other members and the talks/events at the club. There are quite a few around the Dublin area. Go along to a meeting or two to see if it suits you. Each one is different. The courses run by the IOP (Institute of Photography come well recommended as does the course run by Dublin Camera Club.

tigershould

CabanSail wrote: »

I'm sorry to say that you seem to have missed the whole point of why you would buy a DSLR in the first place...
My advice to you would be to keep some cash on your wallet and start to explore what you can do with your kit lens. See where that leads you and where you find limits. It's at that stage when you should look at what glass will be best to take you in the direction you want to go. Having extra focal length that is slow is not as big an asset as you may think it would be.

thanks for the advice CabanSail, much appreciated.

you got me thinking about the super zoom bridge but i think i made the right decision with the D3100 (there seem to be quite a few popping up, dixonstravel did a great deal for €376 for the kit)

anyhoo, i suppose i just a bit dissapointed with the zoom.

i will be shotting a variety of shots: gigs, football matches, scenery/landscapes and i hopinh to go on a safari on day so hope to hone my skills.

advice on zoom lens

is the 55-200 a good option or would you recommend another lens?

Claire de Lune

Hi there,

I am looking to buy a compact camera. I already have DSLR but I am looking for a good compact camera to fit in my pocket for basic family pictures and videos on family days out.

I saw the Nikon Coolpix s3100 :
http://www.pixmania.ie/ie/uk/9786162/art/nikon/coolpix-s3100-silver.html

But I read on several review sites that the image quality wasn't good.

Customer reviews on amazon are quite mixed. Half of them are super happy and the other half extremely dissatisfied

http://www.amazon.co.uk/product-reviews/B004L9KHUY/ref=cm_cr_pr_top_recent?ie=UTF8&showViewpoints=0&sortBy=bySubmissionDateDescending

I can't make up my mind!

Thanks for your help!

CabanSail

Claire de Lune wrote: »

Hi there,

I am looking to buy a compact camera. I already have DSLR but I am looking for a good compact camera to fit in my pocket for basic family pictures and videos on family days out.

I saw the Nikon Coolpix s3100 :
http://www.pixmania.ie/ie/uk/9786162/art/nikon/coolpix-s3100-silver.html

But I read on several review sites that the image quality wasn't good.

Customer reviews on amazon are quite mixed. Half of them are super happy and the other half extremely dissatisfied

http://www.amazon.co.uk/product-reviews/B004L9KHUY/ref=cm_cr_pr_top_recent?ie=UTF8&showViewpoints=0&sortBy=bySubmissionDateDescending

I can't make up my mind!

Thanks for your help!

A couple of years ago I was looking for a compact camera to have with me most of the time. I wanted something that I could get a good quality photo but without carrying around my D300 all the time. I had a list of things that it must have. These were;

Full manual control.
RAW File recording.
Good Quality Lens.
Compact as possible.
Hot Shoe.

There were a few choices but it came down to the Canon G9 or G10. I picked the G9 and still use it as a my walk around camera. The current version out now is the G12.

You may have a different list of priorities. I urge you to make that list before you look at cameras and then see how specific models stack up to what you require. Remember it's all about compromise but you have to make the decisions as to where and how much you are prepared to compromise and what is important for your use.

Jim

Looking to get a wide prime on a crop sensor for street photography. Anyone have any recommendations?

I'm looking at the Canon 24mm, 28mm and 35mm but not sure what separates them other than price. Would the 24mm be better than the 35mm due to the crop?