Author Topic: SLR Cameras - recommendations and advice (Read 149020 times)

.adam · « **Reply #480 on:** October 18, 2010, 11:26:38 am »

Hi All,

I'm in the market for a new camera and would like to upgrade from a compact camera which I have always used in the past. The quality of images SLR's can produce is obviously very appealing but a lot of my travelling involves back-packing so I'm loath to get a full on SLR due to the lact of portability.

I've been looking at the compact system SLR's (specifically the Sony NEX-3) and I really like the portability aspect of it (without, it appears, sacrificing much in the way of image quality). Has anybody used one of these compact systems before and, if so, can you recommend them? Any input on the subject at all would be greatly appreciated.

Cheers,

Adam

timiano · « **Reply #481 on:** October 19, 2010, 09:03:25 am »

I use micro four thirds exclusively, in the shape of a Panasonic GH1, soon to be GH2. Although the camera body isn't the smallest of the range, it's the size and weight of the system that makes the difference, i.e. camera and lenses combined.

NEX is a good choice, and it's amazing what Sony have squeezed in. But lens choice and size isn't as good as mFT. I'd get yourself to a shop first and get the NEX with lenses in your hands, and also look at the GF1 and EPL1. And I'd also see if you would like a viewfinder too, so check out the G2/10 and the optional accessory viewfinder for the GF1 and EPL1.

Sat1 · « **Reply #482 on:** October 22, 2010, 01:58:57 pm »

Just purchased a Canon 50d body off camerabox for £575, will also get the VAT knocked off through my friends company. £480 for that and will sell my 400d on ebay for a couple of hundred I hope.

Main reason was holding the camera. Looking forward to this coming through.

timiano · « **Reply #483 on:** November 18, 2010, 12:33:33 pm »

Quite pleased as punch today. Back in October, someone announced on a forum that Amazon had cocked up their pricing on the new Panasonic 100-300/4.0-5.6 Mega OIS lens, and had it listed for £365. I quickly pre-ordered one at this price, and within hours the price had shot up to £546, some £180 more. Even at the cheapest place I've seen it (Mathers of Lancashire) at £449, it represents a significant saving. I was quite worried they wouldn't honour the price.

But they did! I received it this morning with free delivery, and I'm just astounded at the veritable bargain I have picked up.

So I've not got a lens with the equivalent focal length of 200mm to 600mm f4 to f5.6 for £365! Amazing!

timiano · « **Reply #484 on:** November 23, 2010, 03:35:39 pm »

And as if by magic:

Shot into sun, ISO 400, 300mm (600mm 35mm EFL), f5.6, 1/100, hand held!!
Processed in LR 3.2: Auto WB, Auto tone, no NR, default sharpen (25), default tone curve (medium), export JPEG 90%.

GBF · « **Reply #485 on:** November 23, 2010, 04:13:45 pm »

Anyone has a Nikon D3100 or used it recently? Is it any good for an entry-ish level?

mbroon · « **Reply #486 on:** November 23, 2010, 05:45:01 pm »

Quote from: GBF on November 23, 2010, 04:13:45 pm

Anyone has a Nikon D3100 or used it recently? Is it any good for an entry-ish level?

I bought one recently. Haven't had much chance to use it, but my opinion (biased, of course, since I will be trying to rationalise my purchase of it) on it so far is:

To me, as the first dSLR I've had, it's an impressive camera. It's got many useful features and they are easily accessible, you don't have to dig around deep in the menus. The image quality is good in terms of colours and exposure, even in auto mode. The camera handles high ISO numbers relatively well. Even at ISO 3200 the image quality is good. Depending on the lens used and the photographer on the trigger the camera can produce some stunning pictures (just like most dSLRs really, even some point-and-shoots).

The video function isn't that impressive. You can shoot in 1080p, and there is continueous auto-focus. But you can't use manual controls in video mode, there is no external mic input, the auto-focus is fairly loud and can be heard clearly on the videos shot, and the rolling shutter effecst are quite bad.

It's also kind of small, so if you have big hands its size might make it slightly difficult or uncomfortable to hold. Maybe you should try holding one in a store and find out if it is too small.

GBF · « **Reply #487 on:** November 23, 2010, 06:06:10 pm »

Quote from: Ackbaria on November 23, 2010, 05:45:01 pm

I bought one recently. Haven't had much chance to use it, but my opinion (biased, of course, since I will be trying to rationalise my purchase of it) on it so far is:

To me, as the first dSLR I've had, it's an impressive camera. It's got many useful features and they are easily accessible, you don't have to dig around deep in the menus. The image quality is good in terms of colours and exposure, even in auto mode. The camera handles high ISO numbers relatively well. Even at ISO 3200 the image quality is good. Depending on the lens used and the photographer on the trigger the camera can produce some stunning pictures (just like most dSLRs really, even some point-and-shoots).

The video function isn't that impressive. You can shoot in 1080p, and there is continueous auto-focus. But you can't use manual controls in video mode, there is no external mic input, the auto-focus is fairly loud and can be heard clearly on the videos shot, and the rolling shutter effecst are quite bad.

It's also kind of small, so if you have big hands its size might make it slightly difficult or uncomfortable to hold. Maybe you should try holding one in a store and find out if it is too small.

Thanks for the views on it. I was looking at a D5000 before but it is a bit pricey. ill probably go with your advice and check it in the shop before buying it.

LOKKO · « **Reply #488 on:** November 27, 2010, 05:12:37 pm »

going to pick up a camera next week looking to spend about £300, will be my first SLR, can i get anything good for around that price & any recommendations???

ta

red_lfc_costello · « **Reply #489 on:** December 6, 2010, 03:18:55 pm »

Might not be the right place, but hopfully someone can help me...

My girlfriend is getting into photography alot recently, playing around with a compact sony. I wanted to get her a decent camera for christmas, but she said she wanted to learn more about it before i spend SLR kind of money. So i am looking for somewhere that does photography lessons / classes, in or around London, that will teach about the camera etc then obviously taking the perfect shot!

Of course google has some answers, but im looking to see if anyone on here has any good experiences or any good ideas that would help!

Thanks!

timiano · « **Reply #490 on:** December 6, 2010, 06:29:47 pm »

Camera clubs. They'll be cheaper, better and more fun than formal tuition. Although a few lessons probably wouldn't go amiss, so maybe look for a night course run at a local college.

Sat1 · « **Reply #491 on:** January 11, 2011, 07:58:09 pm »

Picked up a Canon 60D and should get it end of the week. Would of gone for the 50D but its discontinued and want to start saving for a bit more equipment. Think I'll do a course too.

heatseeker · « **Reply #492 on:** January 11, 2011, 08:24:57 pm »

Quote from: Sat1 on January 11, 2011, 07:58:09 pm

Picked up a Canon 60D and should get it end of the week. Would of gone for the 50D but its discontinued and want to start saving for a bit more equipment. Think I'll do a course too.

Check out this link, some fantastic info etc to be found

http://digital-photography-school.com/forum/

sattapaartridge · « **Reply #493 on:** January 27, 2011, 02:26:48 pm »

just bought a 550D, but I also want a (not so expensive) zoom lens....any recommendations?

El Phes · « **Reply #494 on:** January 28, 2011, 12:28:04 pm »

Quote from: sattapaal on January 27, 2011, 02:26:48 pm

just bought a 550D, but I also want a (not so expensive) zoom lens....any recommendations?

Canon 70-200mm L f.4

Prob about £300-400 2nd hand, but a brilliant zoom for the price. Top range glass.

sattapaartridge · « **Reply #495 on:** January 28, 2011, 04:02:32 pm »

I've been looking at the older USM lenses namely the CANON 75-300mm f/4-5.6 MK III USM Ultrasonic zoom lens.

(came straight out of ebay that)

At around £90, how important is the Image Stabaliser stuff?

El Phes · « **Reply #496 on:** January 28, 2011, 05:26:29 pm »

Quote from: sattapaal on January 28, 2011, 04:02:32 pm

I've been looking at the older USM lenses namely the CANON 75-300mm f/4-5.6 MK III USM Ultrasonic zoom lens.

(came straight out of ebay that)

At around £90, how important is the Image Stabaliser stuff?

IS is pretty important if you can afford it. It'll help you about 2 extra 'f' stops.

Personally, I wouldn't touch the 75-300mm as I feel it's false economy, talking with hindsight. But I found that out and paid extra money to buy better glass. If that's all you have in your budget, then get it, but you will be delighted with the 70-200 I mention above.

ds2190 · « **Reply #497 on:** January 28, 2011, 05:26:52 pm »

Quote from: sattapaal on January 28, 2011, 04:02:32 pm

I've been looking at the older USM lenses namely the CANON 75-300mm f/4-5.6 MK III USM Ultrasonic zoom lens.

(came straight out of ebay that)

At around £90, how important is the Image Stabaliser stuff?

At higher focal lengths the IS is relatively important. Steer well clear of the 75-300mm lens - there is a reason it is so cheap!

gray19lfc · « **Reply #498 on:** August 3, 2011, 02:32:39 pm »

Starting a photography course at college in September, as a beginner. Only ever had a compact but I've played around with Photoshop and HDR stuff etc. Set myself a £500 budget for an SLR and a couple of lenses. Probably going to buy the Nikon D3100 with 18-55mm VR lens kit and add a 55-200mm VR lens on top of that. Anyone got a D3100?

Zlen · « **Reply #499 on:** August 3, 2011, 07:52:29 pm »

I've got a D5000, think they're pretty similar.
Also I sold the kit lens and bought a prime lens Nikkor DX 35mm f1.8 which is kickass in low light conditions. If you get a VR kit lens you might keep it, not a bad piece of glass. I think this camera is just about perfect for a beginner DSLR, that is if you're willing to learn controls and experiment.

gray19lfc · « **Reply #500 on:** August 4, 2011, 01:23:02 pm »

Found a D3100 on eBay that is £30 cheaper than the next lowest price. It is in Hong Kong from a top rater seller but in the listing it says...

Import duties, taxes and related charges are not included in the item price or shipping charges. Those charges are the buyer's responsibility.

I've bought things from China and the like in the past and never had to pay import tax. Could I get the seller to mark the package as 'gift'?

This guide on eBay - http://reviews.ebay.co.uk/Buying-from-China-Do-You-Pay-UK-Import-Tax-amp-VAT_W0QQugidZ10000000017669493 suggests I'll only have to pay any tax if customs happen to catch my item in a random spot check.

Zlen · « **Reply #501 on:** August 4, 2011, 01:28:35 pm »

No way will a DSLR camera pass off as a gift (if the package is checked), no matter what the package says.

gray19lfc · « **Reply #502 on:** August 4, 2011, 01:31:30 pm »

Quote from: Zlenpasha on August 4, 2011, 01:28:35 pm

No way will a DSLR camera pass off as a gift (if the package is checked), no matter what the package says.

I'm not saying it would. But that eBay guide says 90% of items pass through customs without a problem. If the package didn't get checked then I just want to confirm that I would have to pay no import tax?

Trump's tiny tiny hands · « **Reply #503 on:** August 4, 2011, 01:32:05 pm »

You'll get hammered by customs marked gift or no.

If you're going to buy anything from Asia, buy lenses. Digital camera bodies just aren't worth the risk.

gray19lfc · « **Reply #504 on:** August 4, 2011, 01:35:16 pm »

http://www.hmrc.gov.uk/customs/arriving/arrivingnoneu.htm

HM Customs website also states...

You can bring in other goods worth up to £390 without having to pay tax and/or duty.

Well the item I'm paying for is only £370?

Trump's tiny tiny hands · « **Reply #505 on:** August 4, 2011, 01:37:45 pm »

Quote from: gray19lfc on August 4, 2011, 01:35:16 pm

http://www.hmrc.gov.uk/customs/arriving/arrivingnoneu.htm

HM Customs website also states...

You can bring in other goods worth up to £390 without having to pay tax and/or duty.

Well the item I'm paying is only £370?

That is for items you bring in on your person no, ie fly in with them?

The threshold is/was £50 for parcels I believe.

Trump's tiny tiny hands · « **Reply #506 on:** August 4, 2011, 01:40:20 pm »

I have been charged VAT and duty for goods bought over the internet, why is this?
All goods imported into the UK from countries outside the EU are subject to Import Duty and VAT at the rates applicable.

However, import VAT is not payable on commercial consignments if the total value of the goods in the consignment does not exceed £18 (£15 with effect from 1 November 2011). If this tax was not applied, there would clearly be an unfair advantage to foreign businesses over UK trade. This limit is raised to £40 for personal gifts between private individuals.

Where the value of gifts is below £630 per consignment, a flat rate of Customs Duty of 2.5 per cent will be applied – but only if it is to your advantage.

Customs Duty becomes payable if the value of the goods is over £135 but duty is waived if the amount of duty calculated is less than £9.

Please note if your goods are subject to customs charges, there may also be a handling fee to pay to the carrier.

Ciara (with a capital "C") · « **Reply #507 on:** August 14, 2011, 08:43:39 pm »

I have been toying with the idea of buying an SLR for some time, but I've never felt like I could justify paying that much money without knowing them in-depth. I have had several compact cameras, always buy Canon and buy quality, as you get what you pay for with a camera.

To cut a long and boring story short I've plucked up the courage to buy one. I have a voucher for £160, I reckon I can get the Nikon D3100 for about £200-240. Great price for the camera. I've done my homework and it seems to be the best entry-level (perhaps doing it a dis-service) around at the minute.

Go ahead with this one, or is there a better option?

gray19lfc · « **Reply #508 on:** August 15, 2011, 09:12:11 pm »

Quote from: Ciara (with a capital "C") on August 14, 2011, 08:43:39 pm

I have a voucher for £160, I reckon I can get the Nikon D3100 for about £200-240. Great price for the camera. I've done my homework and it seems to be the best entry-level (perhaps doing it a dis-service) around at the minute.

Go ahead with this one, or is there a better option?

I just bought the D3100 tonight from Pixmania. £392.90 + £6.90 delivery but found a £5 discount code and I'll get £20 cashback with Quidco too.

[new username under construction] · « **Reply #509 on:** August 27, 2011, 12:45:21 pm »

Soooooooooo been looking at the Canon 550D ...anyone used it? have it?

ds2190 · « **Reply #510 on:** August 28, 2011, 01:54:26 pm »

Quote from: shadowbane on August 27, 2011, 12:45:21 pm

Soooooooooo been looking at the Canon 550D ...anyone used it? have it?

I've used the 500D and it was a noticeable impovement from other models (1000D, 400D, etc) so I would imagine that the 550D will be even better.

[new username under construction] · « **Reply #511 on:** August 28, 2011, 04:27:09 pm »

Quote from: ds2190 on August 28, 2011, 01:54:26 pm

I've used the 500D and it was a noticeable impovement from other models (1000D, 400D, etc) so I would imagine that the 550D will be even better.

thank you

the guy at the shop was trying to get me to buy the 500 over the 550 but having read the reviews on the 550 it seems like a fantastic camera

scouse29 · « **Reply #512 on:** August 28, 2011, 08:01:39 pm »

Quote from: shadowbane on August 28, 2011, 04:27:09 pm

thank you the guy at the shop was trying to get me to buy the 500 over the 550 but having read the reviews on the 550 it seems like a fantastic camera

I have a 550D and been impressed with the pics taken with it since purchased

scoresagain · « **Reply #513 on:** August 29, 2011, 07:47:12 pm »

Any advice for cleaning the image sensor? I've got a Nikon D300s and if i get the lighting a bit wrong, you can see bit of dust on the photos.

ds2190 · « **Reply #514 on:** August 29, 2011, 08:38:00 pm »

Quote from: scoresagain on August 29, 2011, 07:47:12 pm

Any advice for cleaning the image sensor? I've got a Nikon D300s and if i get the lighting a bit wrong, you can see bit of dust on the photos.

Camera shops will do it for you or you can give it a go yourself. If you damage it then the camera is pretty much fucked.

The Sky I Scrape · « **Reply #515 on:** August 30, 2011, 06:39:27 pm »

Just ordered the fuji finepix z90 after a friend who is a decent amatuer gig photographer recommended it to me.

Anyone got one? you like it? is it really any good? need to know i do.

scoresagain · « **Reply #516 on:** August 30, 2011, 08:39:27 pm »

Quote from: ds2190 on August 29, 2011, 08:38:00 pm

Camera shops will do it for you or you can give it a go yourself. If you damage it then the camera is pretty much fucked.

Thats a good shout that, never thought of going into a shop to get it done. Cheers mate.

El Phes · « **Reply #517 on:** September 1, 2011, 10:57:24 am »

Quote from: scoresagain on August 30, 2011, 08:39:27 pm

Thats a good shout that, never thought of going into a shop to get it done. Cheers mate.

London Camera Exchange will do it for about £25 (about £35/£40 if full sensor), or you could get 1 of these...

http://www.visibledust.com/products3.php?pid=3

It works using static, so the risk to your sensor should be minimal. I've just bought 1 but I'm yet to get round to using it.

Sat1 · « **Reply #518 on:** October 19, 2011, 01:31:41 pm »

Want a new lens and one I'd like is a canon 24-70. Cant really justify the cost of it but looks to take great shots.

Am I mad?

El Phes · « **Reply #519 on:** October 19, 2011, 03:51:49 pm »

Quote from: Sat1 on October 19, 2011, 01:31:41 pm

canon 24-70

Mmmmmm, what a lovely lens. No, you are not mad, but you're looking at around £1000 brand new or £800 for a decent 2nd hand one! Ouch! I have 1 myself, swapped it for a 24-105 f4 IS USM, but I prefer the wider aperture.