Camera advice

[Sardonicus]

It's about time I bought a real camera to compliment our Exlim, which doesn't take the best pics but is very portable.

This is one of those depends-what-you-want and budget things, since I don't really know and just want to step up in terms of picture quality and learning how to take better pictures by learing 'real' photography, which I guess is like golf, a lifel-long endeavour.....

What I had in mind, for no real particular reasons I can justify, are:
Olympus E-PL1
Nikon Coolpix L110

and in a different league, Nikon Coolpix S8000

Basically I want a camera I can learn on, not have to upgrade for a few years, and can change lenses. The S8000 can't do the latter but looks like a nice step up from what I have. I also don't want to buy something I won't be able to use properly being somewhat of a PHD user. Having said that I should probably take a course or something.

Also none of these are available yet but should resemble earlier models to discern what they'd be like and what level and type of cameras they are from the specs. I use CNET and CNET Asia for reference as a start.

A lot of people seem to swear by Canon.

[expat yorkshire]

I think the Entry level Sony DSLR are very good for a beginner and are an easy way to learn digital photography e.g something like the A230

Sony seems to be targeting those who want to upgrade from a point and shoot but are looking for an easy way in without the jargon

This is illustrated below

http://www.sony.net/Products/dslr/camer ... tures.html

Looking forward to seeing your pictures on the photo thread

[baloo]

Conversely you could by an older DSLR that was fairly top of the range a few years ago but the megapixels is tiny by today's standards.

The Canon EOS 10D is a good example. A prosumer Digital SLR, fully featured, but only 6.43megapixel, which is actually good enough for up to A4 prints.

The are selling for around $300-$350 body only.

Oh, actually, I think I may have one for sale too

[Burbage]

I have the 20D and it's as good as most people would need. You can pick them up fairly cheaply from eBay.

[Burbage]

I have the 20D and it's as good as most people would need. You can pick them up fairly cheaply from eBay.

[expat yorkshire]

Although there is no doubt that 20d and 10d are great , I wouldn't say they are that user friendly , for somebody who is going into Digital SLR photography for the first time.

[baloo]

Although there is no doubt that 20d and 10d are great , I wouldn't say they are that user friendly , for somebody who is going into Digital SLR photography for the first time.

I beg to differ. I stick it on Auto mode and it does everything I need

[Burbage]

Did the 10D have a rear wheel?

I only use the 20D in manual and roll the shutter speed with the dial by the shutter release and the aperture with the wheel on the back. Easy as pie. In my view, if you want to learn how to take photos you should spend a lot of time with a Nikon FM2. Pity there isn't a digital version.

[Bender]

I know it's not a SLR, but have a look at something like Canon SX20IS - you get a lot of camera for the money, and you can go a long way along the learning curve with it. As a bonus, it comes with a 20X optical zoom. Sony, Nikon, Olympus and others make similar cameras.

[expat yorkshire]

Although there is no doubt that 20d and 10d are great , I wouldn't say they are that user friendly , for somebody who is going into Digital SLR photography for the first time.

I beg to differ. I stick it on Auto mode and it does everything I need

i noticed

[Fat Bob]

Did the 10D have a rear wheel?

Does that means it does have a front wheel too?

[Burbage]

I think all Canon slrs have the front wheel. I see from a review that it does have a rear wheel. It's not impossible, but much more annoying, to shoot in manual without it. I think you have to hold down a button somewhere to switch from aperture to shutter speed.

In the end all the auto modes do is set aperture and shutter speed for you. If you know what you're doing then it's important to have direct control over those two things.

[baloo]

I beg to differ. I stick it on Auto mode and it does everything I need

i noticed

All of my shots are taken with the Ixus 120i.....

[Rosbif71]

I know it's not a SLR, but have a look at something like Canon SX20IS - you get a lot of camera for the money, and you can go a long way along the learning curve with it. As a bonus, it comes with a 20X optical zoom. Sony, Nikon, Olympus and others make similar cameras.

Would second the SX20IS. We've only been using auto-mode so far and been getting great photos

[Sardonicus]

While I consider all of your valued feedback, a question about something that keeps coming up in my investigation -

what is your opinion on four-thirds, is this a new trend and one to start out with?

[expat yorkshire]

One thing about DSLR camera and lens is they hold their pretty well . You could probably buy one second hand and then see how you get on with it. If you don't get on with it you can sell it for the same or slightly less than you paid for it

e.g canon 450d going for $620 http://www.clubsnap.com/forums/showthread.php?t=650485

The other alternative is to hire a camera for the weekend

[scubasteve]

I think the 4/3rds option is a good one. I have just bought the panasonic gf1 and love it. I have a canon 40d for home/serious use but i wanted something with interchangeable lens option and fully manual that was still small enough to take on the road with me.

The other upside of the panasonic is that it takes 720p video and has a built in flash (unlike the olympus). i have also purchase the viewfinder that allows me to use like an SLR rather than the LCD.

Cannot recommend it enough, especially with the 20mm pancake lens.

[Sardonicus]

While I consider my budget, needs and advice here so far I must admit I am becoming quite interested in the Lumix GF1. http://www.dpreview.com/reviews/PanasonicGF1/

[Sardonicus]

Oh fickle me, today's camera of the day is the new Olympys E-PL1, a step below the Lumix GF1 and Olympus P1/P2, and about half the price. But we will know more when it's released, I think it's out in March.
http://www.engadget.com/2010/02/03/olym ... -thirds-c/

Might be worth getting a cheaper one since micro 4/3rds is still new and there should be more choices from more makers soon.

I like this kind of pre-shopping, it's a good way to supplement advice in learning new things. Let's see how long it takes for me to actually spend any money....