SLR Camera Hints

[Mick Saige]

Hey Everyone

I am starting to get that itch photography wise… I’m hitting the market for a good SLR camera. I’m pretty cluey with camera based technology; what I’m really looking for is anyone’s first hand experience with certain makes or models. Or any hints/warnings anyone has got when seeking out a solid camera.

Also it’s worth noting; I’m looking for something digital and preferably under $1000 if anyone has a specific camera you think I should check out.

Cheers

- M

[A13x]

Recommend the EOS 50D, which can be had for about $842 at Harvey Norman at the moment:

http://www.ozbargain.com.au/node/27737

Good solid body, better build quality and faster autofocus and frames per second than the 550D.

1000D, 500D, 550D etc are all baseline entry level models, and while they sometimes tout more features (550D has video etc), they tend to be pretty plasticy and not all that when it comes to speed.

If you want it with a lens for under a thousand, Cameras direct has the 50mm f1.8 for $120

https://www.camerasdirect.com.au/index.php/lenses/for-canon/canon-standard/canon-ef-50mm-f1.8-ii-lens-in-stock.html

That said, prime lenses are great for image quality, but lacking versatility of a zoom, so maybe consider an 18-135mm f3.5-5.6 like the one below for $397 which has image stabilization, handy at the Tele end or in low light.

https://www.camerasdirect.com.au/index.php/lenses/for-canon/zoom-lenses/wide-angle-telephoto/canon-ef-s-18-135mm-f/3.5-5.6-is-kit-box.html
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[Spanca]

Avoid the Nikon D3000 and Canon 1000D, they're rubbish. The 50D is great value if you get one from HN at the moment.

Failing that, take a look at the Pentax K-X, widely regarded to have the best APS-C sensor (ie non-full frame pro sensor) around at the moment. You'll get unbeatable low-light performance and a bunch of other features, with a kit lens for around $650-700.
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[MaTBoY]

http://www.d-d-photographics.com.au/

this is where i got my D90, and a replacement lens for the one i drunk dropped :/
pretty quick delivery and they ring you to confirm the order.
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[mclinton92]

I started onand just about to get rid of my 400d.

For an entry level camera they are great, really got my on my feet with SLR's and now i'm just about to upgrade (probably buy a 50d at that price)


If you start off with a 50d you wont have to upgrade for a while, so its definitely a good camera.


As a13x also said, a 50mm is a great choice. Really good low light lens and can take good photos including portraits, etc. Also backing up his choice with the 18-135. Relatively cheap lens and it provides a mid length lens, covering most situations.


Once your stocked up it'll be a good idea to buy a lens filter. Not for any effects, just a glass filter in case you bump your lens and scratch the glass of the lens (DO NOT WANT)


I would normally suggest second hand equipment (providing its in good nick, but most is as everyone takes good care of their camera) but with the 50d at that price, its an absolute steal!
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[Newland]

[Zhou]

[Spanca]

[mikezilla2]

cash converters some times sell lenses , least one on the gold coast a few months back had a heap.
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[mclinton92]

Yeah there are a lot of sources around. Forums tend to work really well, especially some of the bigger photography forums.


Got the ok for a loan from my parents today.


50d you are going to rock my world.
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[Spanca]

Personally I'd feel safer buying from forums. Sure you can't take it back and complain like you could with a real store, but if you're buying from big forums from seller's with good feedback, you're basically ensuring that the people selling the gear know their stuff. I wouldn't expect some guy at cashies to be able to tell you much about the lens, how it's been treated in its life, and any issues it may or may not have.
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[MaTBoY]

If you're the kind of person who enjoys learning the in's and out's and tries to master a new challenge I'd recommend you spend the the extra and get some gear that will last a bit longer. It's pretty easy to outgrow the basic camera's. If the money is there, or if the difference is just a few weeks of saving before you buy... save that money. I'm so so so glad I bought a mid range camera that has that extra depth and flexibility (Nikon D90) I've been out and about shooting with a mate who has a D3000 and the differences between the two when shooting side by side are more than you'd think.
focus time, time to bring up a review, resolution of screen. there's just lots of little things that add up.

2c added
Good luck with your choices boys (girls (if your hot)
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[Mick Saige]

Thanks so much everyone

I really like the look of the 50D, i think if nothing else your responses have given me a great idea of the options/quality i can expect from the amount I’m willing to invest at this stage in time.

I think over the next few weeks i might start doing some footwork; check out some stores/websites

If anyone else has anything to add please do so as ive found the above brilliant

Thanks again

[Shadow Wave]

<------ Happy 50D User...

The 50D is getting really cheap because the 60D is on its way soon
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[Mick Saige]

Thats the great thing about most technology.. if your happy to stand a few feet behind the 8 ball your always going to get the most tried and tested products with the best prices to boot.

I had to laugh the other day, my Grandmother has an 80inch 4:3 standard TV in her spare room... cost her $7000 as it was the largest TV you could get at the time.

The laptop i bought recently is about 5 times better than the PC i bought for uni 3 or so years ago, and cost me 1 dollar less. (literally one dollar)

I think high end digital SLR's are really starting to hit a great point of accessibility. My dream is to eventually set myself up with a digital video camera/editing suite and start on some short films/projects. Maybe even some freelance commercial work.

As for the time being i really miss being behind a camera, and i think getting some experience in still photography could really extend my abilities/idea's as a cinematographer.

That and i love the idea of doing some solid still editing, maybe putting together a small exhibition one day.

[InvivnI]

^Since you seem willing to take your time you might be able to get the 50D even cheaper since rumour has it the launch of the 60D may be just around the corner.
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[mclinton92]

Quick you better hurry up, the 50d sale ends today!


The 60d wont be that much of a step up, they will through in some megapixels, adjust a few things but nothing mind boggling.
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[Shadow Wave]

i'd say the main feature of the 60D will be HD video recording.
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[mclinton92]

^^^^

But if theres a difference between an 850 50d and a 1600 60d with the main difference being video recording, may as well spend the 750 on a decent hd camera.



Well i got my 50d today, I called up 5 stores, with the only store being chatswood with 1 in stock! The thing is, the sale finished yesterday, but the lady "pulled some strings" (no that wasn't a sexual innuendo) and gave it to me for 842.

Haven't played with it, but just checked then and they didnt give me a charger :s so ill have to mission it back to chatswood tomorrow.
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[Mick Saige]

Yeah im not to worried i missed this sale.. There will always be more; Mclinton, Tell me how you like it when you get a chance to check it out

[Puddingfork]

This thread came at a good time, it was only Tuesday that my family invested in a D90. Have been wondering, what's the best way to learn? We've ordered one of those $50 DVD+booklet things that apparently is really helpful, but in the mean time are there any sites that I could go to that could teach me some stuff to get me started?

Kind of annoying having this great camera, but not much idea what to do with it. Everyone else in the family is just going around using it in full-auto, but I kind of want to do it properly as that's kind of a waste, they say they will learn how to do it properly, but knowing them I doubt it (my Mum is always either busy or tired, and my brother and her husband will try but then get bored, frustrated and give up).

I did get some cool low light pictures involving a light and a beer bottle though with some pro-tips from Alex, I'll throw them up later when I can be bothered resizing them.
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[A13x]

Probably the best thing is to read the manual and the descriptions for each function, I know with the Canon's they are very thorough and a pleasure to read through, with a quick start guide provided to walk you through the basics.

Here's the one for one of my cameras for example

Now as far as functions, you'll most likely have Full Auto (Creative Assistant), Program, Aperture Priority, Shutter Priority, and Manual modes.

Auto pretty much controls everything for you, Program gives you more options as far as shooting in RAW instead of Jpeg, ISO speeds and the like, controlling the exposure and aperture by itself, while Aperture priority lets you set the desired aperture, and the camera decides on an appropriate shutter speed to get a good exposure, vice versa for shutter priority, and manual gives you the most control, being able to set the shutter speed and aperture to whatever you want.

Have a read through here for some basic tips on composition, though really it's up to you to be creative and not let the "rules of photography" stop you from trying something, as it may work out well for you.

Once you get into it you'll see the world in a different way.

I have nightmares at night of being in the right place, at the right time, with no camera.
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[Puddingfork]

Thanks, I'll defiantly look into all that.

Apparently the Nikon's have a manual built into the cameras (there's a button you hold that tells you what stuff does is how I think it works basically), so I'll check that out. Actually I think I'll make learning a bit about the camera my aim for tomorrow, and I'm probably heading to the big kart track tomorrow, might have some opportunities to get some good photos there if my lenses allow it, although emphasis on opportunities as I probably won't be able to take advantage of any I do get.
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[InvivnI]

The site below has decent guides in both photography and DSLR use. Scroll down a bit and browse the online guides. It's probably not as comprehensive as a photography book, but it's a great start and where I learned about many of the functions of my D5000.

(I'd recommend checking out the DSLR guide if you want to learn about functions on your camera. I haven't actually read the digital photography one since I did a whole subject on it last year, but I assume it's quite good!)

http://www.photoreview.com.au/guides/
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[MaTBoY]

http://www.kenrockwell.com is also good for camera reviews, shooting tips, and just generally a good read due to his laconic style and views on technology and taking pics.
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