[Closed] Cameras

twixtor

and many other daydreams about expensive filming equipment.

filming + riding have changed my life for the better.

Just bought a Canon S95 - as an owner of (currently) 7 cameras and dozens over the last few years, this is so far the best camera I've owned, and that includes SLRs.

Yes cameras are great 😀

Good choice dazzlingboy, I love my little S95.

My SX200 has died though 🙁 , twas rubbish for photos, but great for videos and now will only show "Lens error".

I am looking for a tripod next. I already bought a ball head for my monopod for £15 from Jessops, works very well, so I am just after legs.

Then I think I want one of these:

[img] [/img]

Dazzlingboy, how much did you pay? S95 is at the top of my list at the mo, but just can't seem to find the cash. Was hoping they would drop a bit, but no joy.

Just bought a Sony A33. Just need to learn how to use it now...

Ben - took me weeks to read, re-read and digest the manual for my SLR. Enjoy. And since it's digital you get to snap away to your heart's content trying stuff out for no penalty.

I was messing with it the whole time we stayed at Mrs Grips' folks, and My Mother in Law even commented on how studious I was 🙂

>Then I think I want one of these:
a 300d with battery grip? I can sell you mine if you like 🙂

A copy of 'Light, Science and Magic' is on it's way to me.
A replacement set of RF-602 triggers, after the current transmitter died.
A compact to use when I'm out riding. What's the current fave?
It's difficult to decide whether to spend a little, or a little bit more.

I think an EOS 5d II is in order when the current one expires. I'm looking for some deals on the body and 24-105mm as we speak, then some longer fixed, 300mm, 400mm. 😀

Hm, riding compacts - I could use one. It'd have to be fully ruggedised to make it worth it, and very capable so as not to disappoint me after DSLR usage. I thought I liked those Oly ones but they haven't had good reviews.

Oh yeah and I also want the battery grip to help with using my long zoom handheld. They're 200 quid or something but when I got my camera Jessops had them for 30! I didn't get one despite advice on here, I thought I had no need for it.. d'oh!

Don't know anything about photography, but my wife occasionally mentions how much she'd like a decent dSLR. I can see her getting into it, so thinking of buying her one as a surprise present when she pops out our first kid in the summer. Something she'd have difficulty outgrowing over the next few years. Considering, in order of preference so far:

Olympus e-620 with 14-42 and 40-150 lenses ($650)
Pentax K-7 with 18-55 and 50-200 lenses ($1100)
Canon 550d with 18-55 lens ($705)
Nikon d5000 with 18-55 and 55-200 lenses ($800)

Comments welcome, as I have no idea, and am too lazy to systematically investigate what seems to be a pretty complicated world.

Camera upgrade due soon, Digital SLR needed for product shots ideally with HD video facility too, Canon best bet? and where is the cheapest for these?

TheyEye - I have that Olympus. It's brilliant, lovely and light and the lenses are very good, but on the other hand you can't go into shops and browse tons of second hand kit. This is a bummer, but on the other hand it means you don't end up spending lots of money aimlessly shopping 🙂 The Oly lenses are mostly all you will get. However they are excellent and cheap.

Are you in the USA? There might be more Oly stuff available there.

Also check out Sony.

HD Video is a bit of a minefield. The Olympus GH2 and Sony a33/a55 are the only ones with effective auto focus. The GH2 has a clever digital zoom (which doesn't 'cost you anything' as HD video is actually low definition compared to the sensor resolution).

There's some good stuff on Luminous Landscapes ([url= http://www.luminous-landscape.com/reviews/cameras/gh2_discoveries.shtml ]GH2[/url], [url= http://www.luminous-landscape.com/reviews/cameras/sony-a55-preview.shtml ]a55[/url]).

Thanks molgrips. I'm in Italy, but travel back and forth quite a bit, therefore will probably end up buying it in the states.

From what I've read the Olympus seems very interesting and excellent value, but have been somewhat put off by comments of poor performance at higher ISOs, 800 up. Now, I don't really know what that means, but assuming that photos taken in poor light will turn out grainy and therefore rubbish. Is that the correct interpretation, and have you experienced problems with this?

[i]If there's anything dafter than people waffling on about hifi it's people waffling on about bloomin kitchen knives ffs![/i]

Can I add cameras to that 😉

get clicking....

Kuco - Member

If there's anything dafter than people waffling on about hifi it's people waffling on about bloomin kitchen knives ffs!

Can I add cameras to that

Or commenting on threads marked 'cameras' to say they don't like cameras. 🙄

From what I've read the Olympus seems very interesting and excellent value, but have been somewhat put off by comments of poor performance at higher ISOs, 800 up. Now, I don't really know what that means, but assuming that photos taken in poor light will turn out grainy and therefore rubbish. Is that the correct interpretation, and have you experienced problems with this?

If you don't plan on printing over A4 then it probably won't.

If you plan on printing 6x4 / photo books / shots on the web etc then it's completely irrelevant.

This is only an issue if you shoot high iso of course. Which is unusual for most people. Generally you need low light and action - indoor basketball, floodlit football etc.

[url= http://www.singletrackworld.com/forum/topic/performance-kitchen-gear ]What ever[/url]

molgrips:

I am looking for a tripod next.

The Manfrotto ones are very good value, I've found.
For real tripod porn ( 😯 ) look at Gitzo - the best, but very pricey.
Why do tripod manufacturers have such great names?

Cheers 5thElefant, that's a great piece of practical advice that I can understand: high ISO usage is unusual.

I expect to sometimes blow the photos up fairly large, say A3, but the scenes to be pretty middle of the road -- i.e. no skew towards floodlit football.

theyEye
I have a Nikon d5000 with 18-55 and 55-200 lenses. I'm very new to photography, it was something I occasionally had to do for work but didn't like it much at all. Since buying the d5000 set I don't leave my house without it. I have a whole new love for taking pictures and I even enjoy reading about it. It is very early days, especially with what it can do compared to what I can do with it, but I love it.

S95 is next purchase.

I'm really getting into Lightroom at the moment, I think it's amazing, so that's keeping me out of mischief.

Red Snapper tripods are worth considering ... great value, solidly constructed, pretty versatile. This one for £50.

http://www.redsnapperuk.com/camera-accessories/RS-283_tripod_and_RSH-24_3-way_head_.html

On my current wish-list is an Olympus XZ-1 and a second-hand Sony a700 body.

I just bought a Nikon D7000 body and boy is it fast compared to my old D80 - blisteringly quick...

Dazzlingboy, how much did you pay?

£299 on Amazon. I shopped and shopped and that was as low as I could get it. Next day delivery too. Thought what the hell and bought it - worth every penny.

Have already sold my G9 on ebay - now planning on selling Olympus EP1 and Lumix FT2 - all redundant now I have the S95. It is that good.

Keeping my 7D though!!

Looking to change from my old Canon Digital Rebel (300d) which I've had since consumer DSLRs were launched - it's getting a bit old in the tooth for my liking/few too many bashes/etc.

Got my eyes on a 60d - best buy seem to have some good deals with the 18-135 or 17-85 lenses (sub 1k, quidco do 10% back as well) or the more sensible 500d with 50mm prime at 490 off the 'bay.

Anybody got any of this kit and can spare a thought?

Cheers 5thElefant, that's a great piece of practical advice that I can understand: high ISO usage is unusual.

Depends though - I shoot a lot of gigs etc where light is very bad, so high ISO is useful. But then I manage with a GF1 which has the same size sensor as the Olympus (and thus probably similar high ISO performance).

Usual and sound advice imo is to take her to a shop and let her have a play with the ones on the shortlist - buy the one that feels right. They are all good cameras - all have pros and cons but not enough to stop anyone taking decent pics.

Second Lightroom being amazing, and Redsnapper tripods being amazing value.

I just tried out my new filters today - good to get to use them as they cost me over £200 for the holder and the set!!!! I also just bought a Blackrapid RS7 sling strap which cost £50!! 😯

It's basically a form of mental illness.

I'm trying to overcome my innate politeness and get a flash (or two) next. I'm struggling to convince myself I'd ever use one, but IA's [url= http://www.singletrackworld.com/forum/topic/photos-you-have-taken-in-the-last-month-which-you-are-proud-of/page/34 ]SUS student champs[/url] shot has convinced me I should try...

I was having a play with a 60d a few days ago, it seems a reasonable piece of kit and the lens wasn't to shabby. I haven't had a good look at the pictures taken though. As a mid range and Canon, you won't go wrong. Taking pitures while videoing is an interesting option, not sure how useful but interesting. The moveable screen again is interesting and I'm not sure how useful it'd be. I was impressed with the video though.

I also just bought a Blackrapid RS7 sling strap which cost £50!!

Made a DIY one for my G1 for pennies, it's ace 🙂 Did take me 3 iterations to get a good design though.

I'm trying to overcome my innate politeness and get a flash (or two) next. I'm struggling to convince myself I'd ever use one, but IA's SUS student champs shot has convinced me I should try...

Wow, thanks 🙂 Glad to inspire you. I posted a bit about my flash kit on that thread, it needn't be too expensive to try out.

I've used the flippy screen on my G1 - I think it's a great feature and wish it was on more 'pro' level cameras. It's great for using with a tripod low down for instance. I reckon it would be particularly useful for video.

Some people are weirdly snobby about them for some reason.

Made a DIY one for my G1 for pennies, it's ace Did take me 3 iterations to get a good design though.

I have a lack of patience and craft skills! (and thus no money)

600D has just been released, which seams very close to 60D, but cheaper...might be worth a look?

I've used the flippy screen on my G1 - I think it's a great feature

Yeah, flippy screen is ace, especially for landscape and macro (on the tripod), or lower level stuff (common for me, as I'm very tall! handy to shoot from the waist).

I've used the flippy screen on my G1 - I think it's a great feature and wish it was on more 'pro' level cameras. It's great for using with a tripod low down for instance. I reckon it would be particularly useful for video.

Wasn't saying you were being snobby about them btw - have just seen lots of people on Talk Photography dismissing them as a gimmick without ever having used one.

18-135

I had this lens for a week or so - took it back as just wasn't impressed with the image quality - very average. Now have the 15-85 which is more expensive but a much better lens in several respects.

A great resource for Canon lens info (as opposed to camera review) is

[url= http://www.the-digital-picture.com/Reviews/Canon-Lens-Reviews.aspx ]Here[/url]
[url= http://www.slrgear.com/reviews/index.php ]Here[/url]
[url= http://www.photozone.de/Reviews/overview ]and here[/url]

Some people are weirdly snobby about them for some reason

I can't understand it either...they are a big help in getting good composition for stuff at low level....anybody who takes pictures of kids for example, the shots look so much better shot from low level, rather than looking down.

That's interesting lodius - if only cos it means the 550d will come down in price soon or there'll be some run out 500d's around...

Does anyone use a Pentax?
The K-7 is talked about as well built and weather-resistant, which appeals. But the 2 lens kit is two thirds more expensive than the Olympus E-620...

Wasn't saying you were being snobby about them btw - have just seen lots of people on Talk Photography dismissing them as a gimmick without ever having used one.

I didn't even relate the snobby comment to the flip screen. I know I often only think about how kit will work for me and not the bigger picture.
The guy whose camera I was playing with mainly works in video and is used to this type of flexible viewfinder and is both impressed with the viewfinder and the video quality. For my photography I don't think it would be useful, for my bones, yes!

Does anyone use a Pentax?
The K-7 is talked about as well built and weather-resistant, which appeals. But the 2 lens kit is two thirds more expensive than the Olympus E-620...

But... other than sensor size there's not much to choose between the e-620 and the k7: [url= http://front1.dxomark.com/index.php/Camera-Sensor/Compare-sensors/(appareil1)/588%7C0/(appareil2)/615%7C0/(onglet)/0/(brand)/Olympus/(brand2)/Pentax ]DXO[/url]

I'm hoping Nikon will bring out a full-frame FX DSLR that's reasonably compact, and doesn't cost a fortune like the D-700, which is a huge great lump.

something like an FM2 in dijical form would be absolutely perfect...

[img] [/img]

I really want my own camera again soon, had a 350D which was great. I have a 7D which I use at work and love it. Want something a bit more compact for personal use though. Not sure if I really need the video modes though but still tempted by a 550D as I've heard it's basically a budget 7D but without the dust/splash protection.

From what I've read the Olympus seems very interesting and excellent value, but have been somewhat put off by comments of poor performance at higher ISOs, 800 up

The pixel peeper websites do comment on that, but there didn't seem much practical to be much difference on the sample images I saw. I usually don't go above ISO800 since that's how far the camera goes on auto. I only used higher ISO on one occasion I think, taking pictures of my daughter inside a castle with cool light streaming in through the window (but dark overall) and I printed it out 8x10 ish and gave it to my mum in a frame. Nuff said.

Flip out screens are fab I reckon and one of the main criteria I had when choosing a camera. Not only good for low down macro but also candid photography. You can position the screen and hold the camera out at arm's length pointing sideways to get to see someone's profile/face without them seeing you, or not til it's too late. I have also got some lovely family Christmas type shots by standing on a chair and holding the camera high in the corner of the ceiling at arm's length with the screen pointing down to frame the shot. Simple, but I really love the shots becase they totally capture the atmos.

But... other than sensor size there's not much to choose between the e-620 and the k7

What about lenses? Great lenses for really quite cheap seems to be a feature of Oly.

I quite fancy an LX5. And maybe a gopro for an upcoming special holiday.

still tempted by a 550D as I've heard it's basically a budget 7D but without the dust/splash protection

Don't think the AF is quite as good on the 550D either. The dpreview of the 550 covers the differences...

http://www.dpreview.com/reviews/canoneos550d/

I'm hoping Nikon will bring out a full-frame FX DSLR that's reasonably compact, and doesn't cost a fortune like the D-700, which is a huge great lump.

something like an FM2 in dijical form would be absolutely perfect...

That'd be ace.

Why d'you want full frame?

Full-frame (FX) sensor = focal length of my current lenses is unaffected; larger sensor = better quality pics.

The small sensor size is what's put me off buying a DSLR. It's a compromise over the 36x24mm 35mm film/FX sensor size. The 1.5x increase in a lens' focal length means a lovely wide 24mm becomes a not too exciting 36mm lens, necessitating further lens purchases.

I always said I'd only go dijical once dijical completely matched film. The FX size sensor is what marks that moment. I just can't afford a bloody D700, nor do I want to lug such a monster about everywhere.

The 1.5x increase in a lens' focal length means a lovely wide 24mm becomes a not too exciting 36mm lens, necessitating further lens purchases

Swings and roundabouts. You get better zoom capability.

Course I didn't have a film legacy so I am using lenses redesigned purely for digital.

Swings and roundabouts. You get better zoom capability.

The only real downside (other than cost) from FF is body and lens size.

Eh? Wouldn't the a900 have to have twice the mp of the Oly for that to be the case?

Anyway I was talking about Elf's case - if you are retrofitting 35mm lenses onto a DSLR yes your wide angle lenses would get narrower but your zoom lenses would get more zoomy.

Full frame for crazy high iso possibilities, and being able to use old nikon wides as per Elfin. E.g. already got a nikon 20mm - a panasonic 7-14 is about £800 to get the same FoV on my G1.

The only real downside (other than cost) from FF is body and lens size

Well, if you don't need telephotos there's always the M9, the cost becomes an even bigger downside mind!

footflaps - Member
I just bought a Nikon D7000 body and boy is it fast compared to my old D80 - blisteringly quick...

Don't say that!! No way I can afford to replace my D80 just yet!

At the moment I am close to buying a flash - probably gonna get the SB-700. Just waiting to see how much spare cash I should have at the end of the month.
Also want a macro - probably around the 90mm-105 mark, and at the moment the Tamron 90mm is looking like a contender. Not sure where the money for that is coming from....

Or the money for a 'take everywhere' compact too. Something that's small but with decent manual control & handling. Aaaarrgghh! Need a lotto win!

In terms of what I'll be taking pics of this year....need to get back on it but hoping to do some 'macro' tinkering and experimenting with the flash once I get it. Also use the flash for some 'riding' pics with mates.
Other half bought me a Wild Arena voucher for Chrimbo so I think I'll be doing a Big Cat day with that somewhere.
And I want to get to more car/bike racing events this year; definitely BTCC, but also some classic car stuff and perhaps BSB....

Eh? Wouldn't the a900 have to have twice the mp of the Oly for that to be the case?

Leica M9? Isn't that about eighty-five thousand pounds or something mad? 😯

Full frame '35mm' sized sensors is the natural evolution for dijical cams. Everything up 'til now has been a compromise.

[url= http://www.mirrorlessrumors.com/exclusive-nikon-to-launch-a-mirrorless-system-in-april-with-sony-sensor/ ]Nikon may well agree with you...[/url]

Well, having just bought a car, it'll probably be a while before I buy any more camera gear. That said, I did treat myself to a very nice Gitzo tripod over xmas, which has probably saved as much weight in my kit bag as two new lenses. Now which ones should I get.....

Last lens was a 18mm f/3.5 Olympus OM Zuiko, which now lives on the front of my Canon 5D MkII most of the time - amazing lens for the (andmittedly not cheap) price.

Oh, pre-edit: At some point I'm rather hoping Warehouse Express finally get my filters in, so I guess that's £100 or so I am comitted to spending in the future.

Anyone need a 52mm UV filter? I've ended up with two.

Anyone need a 52mm UV filter? I've ended up with two.

I've just got a Canon 500D, great camera.........& a UV filter. 😉

Anyone need a 52mm UV filter? I've ended up with two.

Just keep it to replace the first one once you make a mess of it.

Perhaps I'll hold it in the smoke from a fire to make an ND filter.

Actually whilst we're at it, anyone want an old Pentax full manual film camera? Mint condition?

Yes please.

There was talk, ten years back, so I guss its not going to happen 😉 of a 35mm digtal cassette which would replace a film in a 35mm film camera.

Guess its not a runner for a number of reasons.

But the idea was neat & I still have a mint Nikon F2 which I refuse to part with, up in my loft just in case 😉

Elf, I asked you if you wanted it before and you went quiet.

Terms and conditions?

Anyone had experience with a Panasonic GH2? Philip Bloom is always raving about them. Apparently the AF is really quick due to some kind of processing I don't understand, and supposedly they're excellent for video - seems like an ideal bike camera if the AF is as good as he says. Oh and it has touch-screen focus for doing focus pulls if that takes your fancy, a lot easier than messing around with the focus ring on a lens.

If I had the money I would probably take the plunge and get one!

Elf, I asked you if you wanted it before and you went quiet.

Oh yeah forgot. Was that when you were wrong over a 'Ti' dijical cam? 😀

Terms and conditions?

You give to me it; I am grateful.

No?

a 35mm digtal cassette which would replace a film in a 35mm film camera.

I would love something like this. A dijical back for old cams. Ooohhh...

Yes, it was when I was wrong. Glad you remember it, doesn't happen often 😉

I think last time I suggested I give it to you in person, perhaps involving a ride.. but that's not so easy now. In any case it's back at my house where I won't be for a while so we still could...

Oh. Are you living in Germany now?

Yeah, til August.

A sony 18-250 lens for my a300 and maybe some 35mm fast(ish) prime if funds allow

This deal (E-620) is insane IMO, yes its ebay blah blah.. but take a look

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/NEW-OLYMPUS-E620-SLR-CAMERA-2-LENS-14-42-40-150mm-E-620-/110649691057?pt=UK_CamerasPhoto_DigitalCameras_DigitalCameras_JN&hash=item19c33c4bb1

I've used the flippy screen on my G1 - I think it's a great feature and wish it was on more 'pro' level cameras. It's great for using with a tripod low down for instance. I reckon it would be particularly useful for video

IIRC the flagship Oly - Olympus E-5 has both weather sealing and flip out screen

http://www.dpreview.com/reviews/olympuse5/

Would you buy the K7 instead of the K5 though? Might be worth getting the K7 to invest the difference in Glass. The low light capability of the K5 though seems pretty hard to beat.

Glass is probably more important than bodies though.

This looks interesting can anyone give me a grand to buy it? 😆

http://www.dpreview.com/news/1009/10091910fujifilmx100.asp

I really want a wide for my camera (G1) but cant bring myself to spend the money on the 7-14mm Panasonic. Yeah the 9-18mm Olympus looks decent, but those extra 2mm can be amazing in some of the shots I've seen.

Holy crap that is an amazing deal. Does have flip-out screen and fully articulated too not just up and down.

Yes, not weatherproofed, but so I gather only those new Pentax ones are weatherproof at sensible (ie sub grand) prices.

That fujifilm - fixed focal length lens? Not interchangeable?

Indeed, its a fixed lens compact but with a more beastly sensor

Fujifilm has closely studied the current line-up of professional cameras and feels that there is a strong need for a compact high-quality (APS-C based) camera as a counterpoint to an SLR.

Inevitably people will compare it to a m43 Olympus/Panasonic camera with the Panasonic 20mm mounted.

But [i]Snot[/i] quite the same 🙂 . The Fuji is smaller, better sensor, different dials, built in hybrid VF. The bad point being the price. Some people are saying Panasonic should of made a compact like this though.