new camera

hargi · 5 Aug 2006 at 13:28

hi,
thinking about getting a new digital camera, got a normal one at moment with zoom and that , but was thinking about getting a SLR one, are these easy to use and do you get better pictures with them? what kind of things and features should i be looking for in this kind
TIA

antc · 5 Aug 2006 at 14:28

hargi said:
hi,
thinking about getting a new digital camera, got a normal one at moment with zoom and that , but was thinking about getting a SLR one, are these easy to use and do you get better pictures with them? what kind of things and features should i be looking for in this kind
TIA

getting a digital slr is a great idea in my opinion. something like a canon 350d or a nikon d50 is what im assuming you will be looking at as a good entry level dslr.

i wouldnt say they are easy to use, infact there is quite a steep learning curve to them i would say, but once you are over this and become familiar with the controls of the camera i believe you will get better phots than a p&s camera in my opinion.

with regards to the features to the 2 cameras i have mentioned are both very very similar.

one thing that might in advising you would be if we knew what type of photography you are into.

one thing you really need to consider is the system you are buying into. it may be worth doing some research into the types of lenses and accesories that the manufacturers sell, as buying the camera is the easy bit.

hope this helps

Raider · 5 Aug 2006 at 14:30

I wouldn't say it was a steep learning curve to jump to an SLR.

You can get very good results within a few minutes of opening the box, but you then get the fun of learning how to use it properly to get great results.

I'd say go for it

And yes D50 or 350D are probably the way to go.

antc · 5 Aug 2006 at 14:34

Raider said:
I wouldn't say it was a steep learning curve to jump to an SLR.

You can get very good results within a few minutes of opening the box, but you then get the fun of learning how to use it properly to get great results.

I'd say go for it
And yes D50 or 350D are probably the way to go.

I agree with what your saying partially but bear in mind we dont know if hargi has is used to using certain settings on the camera he has know or if he has been using it in full auto.

i suppose its all down the to experience and level of knowledge hargi has.

TheBigCheese · 5 Aug 2006 at 14:36

The best advice I can give you (after working in camera sales for five years) is not to just buy the best specified camera over the internet.

Don't buy anything until you have tried it...some cameras just 'click' (no pun intended) with you, others you just can't get on with.

If they don't feel right in your hands then you won't get a good picture as you are constantly fidgeting trying to get a good grip.

The prime example of this is the Canon EOS 350D. It's a superb camera but the number of men that came into the shop wanting one and either having to settle with a Nikon or a Canon 20D as they are easier to hold with big hands, you wouldn't believe!

hargi · 5 Aug 2006 at 14:54

ok thanks guys,
dont really have any experince with cameras other than point and shoot,
think it would just be like general stuff id be photographing, im into sport somaybe some action shots but other than that just scenery and maybe some close up macro stuff.

hargi · 6 Aug 2006 at 15:08

I read a few posts on here that say go into the shop and try them, are the people in the shops ok with you going in and having a play? Also what kinda questions should i be asking as im a total newb to this? is there any sites aimed at people like me?
The other thing is looking at the prices or the digital ones new and even second hand they are a bit expensive, would i be better off saving up for a good digital one, or should i get a cheep second hand 35mm film one the practice with?

antc · 6 Aug 2006 at 15:15

hargi said:
I read a few posts on here that say go into the shop and try them, are the people in the shops ok with you going in and having a play? Also what kinda questions should i be asking as im a total newb to this? is there any sites aimed at people like me?
The other thing is looking at the prices or the digital ones new and even second hand they are a bit expensive, would i be better off saving up for a good digital one, or should i get a cheep second hand 35mm film one the practice with?

If you go into a shop and they dont let you try the cameras walk out and go to another shop dude. a good shop will always let you handle the cameras!!

i would save up and make sure you get a digital slr, i personally wouldnt bother with a film camera. in my opinion digital is definately the way forward.