New slr.

[austravel]

Hi everyone.

Ok well with a new born on the way, and hoping to do a decent amount of touring, for the first time i thought it would be nice to actually capture those great moments, as apposed to saying "should have taken some photos".

So, i have heard that a digital SLR is a pretty good all round camera. I am no photographer so don't want to stretch the budget.

I would like to;

- Be able to slow the shutter right down to get that blurred effect.
- Speed it right up to get the most detail i can.
- Zoom into things a long way away and still take detailed shots.
- Something relatively easy to use.
- Perhaps be able to put filters on lens?

What i would like to know;

- Good brands, bad brands.
- Optical zoom, digital zoom?
- What sort of megapixel?
- Any other features i should look for, and / or stick clear of.

Thank you kindly in advance for your advice guys.

Sam.

[goingbush]

I have a Olympus OMD E-M5, tho technically not an SLR , (it is mirror less) its possibly the best Camera I've ever owned, if it broke or it got stolen I'd buy another without hesitating, dust & water resistant - lightweight & small, ideal for touring, about $1500 , you can spend another couple of grand on lenses and accessories, but gives results like a $15,000 Pro kit.

Alternitavely consider a camera like the Panasonic Lumix, FZ200 , (not a SLR and dosen't look like one) I just bought one for my wife to replace her old FZ50 which started playing up. The FZ200 is an amazing camera with 35mm equiv zoom from 25 -600mm with a wide f2.8 all the way thru the zoom , another excellent camera for someone thats not 'into' cameras, a great buy at around $500.

[austravel]

Woah, $1500 a bit rich. I was thinking along the lines of $500 give or take. I probably should have mentioned that.

I was checking some nikon and cannon cameras out on the jb hi-fi website. They seem to be of decent quality. I just cant remember whether digital or optical zoom was the better one.

[p38arover]

At a recent Camerally, I had a look at an Olympus Micro Four Thirds camera. Very nice.

I don't recall the model but it was not much bigger than my Pentax Q and smaller than my Pentax K-7. Possibly an OMD?

Had I not owned a string of Pentaxes, I'd have been tempted - except for the price.

I'd look for something with a viewfinder, electronic or optical. Working off the LCD screen at the back isn't good.

[goingbush]

definetly go optical zoom, you can do your own "digital zoom" post processing in photoshop etc.

Theres still lots of great cameras in the $500 range, probably not SLR tho, the above mentioned Lumix FZ200 would be my choice, other brands probably have a similar model, the the Lumix has a Leica lens which you cant fault.

[p38arover]

If you can stretch the budget, maybe a Fuji X100? Home | The FinePix X100 Professional Photographer's compact digital camera from Fujifilm (http://www.finepix-x100.com/)

Have a look at the gallery.

[austravel]

If you can stretch the budget, maybe a Fuji X100? Home | The FinePix X100 Professional Photographer's compact digital camera from Fujifilm (http://www.finepix-x100.com/)

Have a look at the gallery.

WOW!!! I absolutely love the look of that thing. Brings back memories when I was a kid, and my parents had a camera that looked similar, however it was obviously film not digital.

[loanrangie]

A couple of the big brands make similar style camera's if retro is your thing.

[austravel]

A couple of the big brands make similar style camera's if retro is your thing.

Definitely my thing. But I want to be able to put bigger lens on etc. And I noticed that fuji doesn't allow it.

[goingbush]

The Fuji X100 has interchangable lenses, its a great camera.



if retro is your thing you will also like the Olympus OMD , (altho its out of your price range) it looks just like the old Olympus SLR from the 1970's

Olympus OM-D E-M5 Review | Gapey's Grub (http://www.gapeysgrub.com/2012/07/olympus-om-d-e-m5-review.html)

[slug_burner]

This is at the edge of your budget and you can put another lens on it.

Canon EOS 600D Digital SLR Camera kit with 18-55mm IS II Lens | Crazy Sales (http://www.crazysales.com.au/canon-eos-600d-kit-with-18-55mm-is-ii-lens-digital-slr-camera-dgscad600d1855ii.html?utm_campaign=Digital%20SLR%2 0Cameras&utm_term=DGSCAD600d1855ii&utm_source=google&utm_medium=GPS&aid=11&CAWELAID=1178815709&catargetid=1891860142)

here is a review
Canon Rebel T3i / EOS 600D Review: Digital Photography Review (http://www.dpreview.com/reviews/canoneos600d)

here is another option within your price range

Canon EOS 1100D with 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 IS II Lens Kit - Canon Cameras - DSLR Cameras - Digital Cameras | ValueBasket AU (http://www.valuebasket.com.au/en_AU/Canon-EOS-1100D-with-18-55mm-f35-56-IS-II-Lens-Kit/mainproduct/view/10814-AA-NA?gclid=CIe20IGYi7cCFUohpQoduSkAHw)

and here is a review

Canon EOS 1100D - Photo Review (http://www.photoreview.com.au/reviews/dslr-cameras/entry-level/canon-eos-1100d)

Please note that the kit lenses will get you started and are probably as good as what you get on many of the non SLRs but the true joy of a quality lens can not compare with that obtained with the kit ones.

I have a two 400D and have fallen out of what is the latest and greatest with these cameras now about 5 years behind the current releases. I still get from them what I need in a camera and have invested in lenses that I will use on other bodies should I ever see the need to get one.

I think these days most of the SLRs also allow for movie modes, that is the only thing that I would currently look for although a GoPro would most likely fit that requirement in a smaller package.

Most will advocate the brand they are familiar with, if you are really going into it big time, lens quality and variety is to be had in the big two Nikon and Canon. Nikon appears to have more professional users although sports photographers appear to use Canon a fair bit. After a while it is a bit like the Holden vs Ford choice. You invest money and time and people get comfortable with what they know.

Good luck with your choice.

[MichaelJR]

Sam,
I picked this camera deal up last year as my first SLR (even cheaper now at $619)

Canon EOS 600D DSLR Camera Twin IS Lens Kit 18-55mm & 55-250mm - Buy your Canon EOS 600D DSLR Camera Twin IS Lens Kit 18-55mm & 55-250mm from Kogan Australia (http://www.kogan.com/au/buy/canon-eos-600d-twin-is-lens-kit/)

Haven't been disappointed in the quality and range of things I can do.
Cheers
Michael

[Paulie]

Long time lurker here but happened to see this thread...

Is 2nd hand an option???

Paul

[austravel]

I actually wouldn't mind seeing one or two pics. More so of outdoor sort of shots as apposed to indoor artistic stuff. (If that makes sense)

I have been looking at the canon eos range that some of you guys mentioned. Have looked at them on jb hifi site. They look good, well priced, and seem to be what I'm looking for. Would love a vintage style one. My only problem is, I don't see what the difference is between all the numbers. The specifics seem to be the same, just the numbers in the name are different.

[Paulie]

Austravel,
A couple of photos below...

Mostly landscapes from my last trip to UK / Europe and a candid portrait. Hopefully nothing too artistic :)

Links should open the uncompressed originals.

All were taken using a D200 (10.2 megapixel) with 18-200mm VR lens.

http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii549/wildrova/GOLIATH/DSC_0133.jpg~original

http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii549/wildrova/GOLIATH/2011/2011_01_01%20honeymoon/Paul_s%20card%201/DSC_0002.jpg~original (http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/wildrova/media/GOLIATH/2011/2011_01_01%20honeymoon/Paul_s%20card%201/DSC_0002.jpg.html)

http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii549/wildrova/GOLIATH/2011/2011_01_01%20honeymoon/Paul_s%20card%201/DSC_0152.jpg~original (http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/wildrova/media/GOLIATH/2011/2011_01_01%20honeymoon/Paul_s%20card%201/DSC_0152.jpg.html)

http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii549/wildrova/GOLIATH/2011/2011_01_01%20honeymoon/Paul_s%20card%201/DSC_0303.jpg~original (http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/wildrova/media/GOLIATH/2011/2011_01_01%20honeymoon/Paul_s%20card%201/DSC_0303.jpg.html)

http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii549/wildrova/GOLIATH/2011/2011_01_01%20honeymoon/Paul_s%20card%202/DSC_0444.jpg~original (http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/wildrova/media/GOLIATH/2011/2011_01_01%20honeymoon/Paul_s%20card%202/DSC_0444.jpg.html)

Regards,
Paul

[austravel]

What's that green laser in one of the photos? That's cool.

I don't know why I didn't think of this earlier, a girlfriend of mine is a professional photograoher and she tells me go nikon. And she will most likely take me shopping for one.

Have been looking at the nikon d5100. Anyone have one? Thoughts?

[lebanon]

Mate,

check the link below

Canon (http://www.photocontinental.com.au/categories/P010/P011/P001)

I just received mine today, excellent quality. This is my second purchase from them.

The 50d I received had 9500 shutter actuation.

Mate it with a good lens and you're a winner.

L series lenses are excellent, but you could start with the bundle they offer, or get yourself a prime lens.

Canon offers the 50mm 1.8II, a brilliant and cheap option.

CANON EF 50mm f1.8 II LENS (http://www.photocontinental.com.au/products/101002521000)

[mowog]

Nothing to see here

[austravel]

Why the change? Just an update to better model or?

[mowog]

Nothing to see here.

[Chucaro]

What's that green laser in one of the photos? That's cool.

I don't know why I didn't think of this earlier, a girlfriend of mine is a professional photograoher and she tells me go nikon. And she will most likely take me shopping for one.

Have been looking at the nikon d5100. Anyone have one? Thoughts?

The camera body it is not important, before use all your money in a new camera with a kit lens get a used body with little use and a decent lens or two, that it is my opinion.
A Nikon D200 if you like Nikons or a Canon 50D both for under $500 will serve you well.
The simple rule for taken good sharp shots are:
1) The best glass that you can afford
2) The best tripod that you can afford
3 Camera body

This is what you can do with a Nikon D200

https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2013/05/771.jpg

https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2013/05/772.jpg

[austravel]

Top photos. That beach one is great.

She tells me, if i can afford it, to get a full frame camera. That coupled with a good lens, is better than max megapixel. I always thought that the more megapixels, the better the pic, but supposedly that's not true.

It's not so much the budget side of things, i have more of a problem with justification. So spending that little extra for a full frame and good lens, and something that is going to last a long time, i don't mind. I would rather that than spending $500 on a camera that i start to use, and find i can't do everything i want and have to update.

Looking at the nikon D600 - D700 at this stage.

[Chucaro]

The D700 have been replaced by the D800 so you should be able to get a very good deal.
The D600 is a new model and a good one as well.
I have a D300s, I like it because the crop factor of 1.5 is very good for avina and wild life photography.
My lens are a Tokina 12-24 f/4 for landscaping and the awesome good glass an value the 70-300 VR
If you like to see some examples of the images with this set up there are plenty in my page Arthur Plottier - arthur-plottier.megashot.net (http://arthur-plottier.megashot.net/)

Cheers
Arthur

[theresanothersteve]

She's right about megapixels...

I have an old 300d (relegated to backup duty now, bought a 60D) with 6 megapixels. Can crop images and print on A3 without pixelisation. Much clearer images than the wife's 14 megapixel point and shoot.

Given your budget I'd consider second hand, although I recommend buying through a reputable outlet if you're not clear on what's what.

[phl]

Do you really need an SLR? For most things, I find a P&S more convenient and faster; also being lighter, you are more likely to have it with you. For travel, I mainly use a Sony HX9V which is a few years old now.

For some macro photography, where focus is critical, I do use my D300. I was going to get the D600, but could not justify getting yet another SLR when I have another 2 which are sitting idle (D100 and F4s).

[austravel]

Well I think I just liked what I could do with a slr. I have a little digital camera which I hate because by the time I take the photo, the moments over haha

But, my photographer friend has told me that if I want to get a good dslr, she'll take me to all sorts of places and teach me, then get me selling photos, so its a win win really. I am looking for a new career so could be a start.

Only time will tell, next couple days she'll take me to camera place to make a purchase :)

Edit: as for point and shoot, I have a galaxy s3, and the way technology is now, a phone can be perfect for a quick p&s.

[mowog]

Well I think I just liked what I could do with a slr. I have a little digital camera which I hate because by the time I take the photo, the moments over haha

But, my photographer friend has told me that if I want to get a good dslr, she'll take me to all sorts of places and teach me, then get me selling photos, so its a win win really. I am looking for a new career so could be a start.

Only time will tell, next couple days she'll take me to camera place to make a purchase :)

Edit: as for point and shoot, I have a galaxy s3, and the way technology is now, a phone can be perfect for a quick p&s.

Converting a hobby to an income can be a challenge. Because of the Digital camera lots of people are trying to do the same thing. Best of luck.

[Chucaro]

Converting a hobby to an income can be a challenge. Because of the Digital camera lots of people are trying to do the same thing. Best of luck.

I agree with you, I have a big exposure for the last 10 years or so and even if I have sold images the income is not enough to live out of it.
Even participating in exhibitions and competitions it is not enough.
In arts it is not what you know but who you know to be able to sell your work.

[austravel]

Converting a hobby to an income can be a challenge. Because of the Digital camera lots of people are trying to do the same thing. Best of luck.

Totally agree. I've done it before, and some times it takes the fun out of the hobby. Luckily for me it doesn't have to be a income, more of a bonus if I make a couple bucks. But I have a main income.






In arts it is not what you know but who you know to be able to sell your work.

Sad thing is it's not just arts this applies to. You could have all the skill set in the world, but doesn't mean you'll get the job. However in saying this I'm lucky because my friend is a professional photographer and is already sayingn she wants to train me. So yes you're right! Haha

[mowog]

I sell the odd print every now and then its a nice ego boost to think someone likes your work.

Since "For Sale" is a dirty word here... :nazilock:

Here is a site where I don't have anything for sale.

Flickriver: Photos from mowog (http://www.flickriver.com/photos/mowog/)

[phl]

Well I think I just liked what I could do with a slr. I have a little digital camera which I hate because by the time I take the photo, the moments over haha

[quote removed]

Edit: as for point and shoot, I have a galaxy s3, and the way technology is now, a phone can be perfect for a quick p&s.

The lag is why you have to spend more on the P&S you choose, which in a way takes it up to low end DSLR range, but excludes the DSLR lenses. Having had to use an older Panasonic P&S during a recent trip, as I left the Sony charging at home by mistake, I know about lag.

It's funny you should say that about the moment being over; it was precisely that reason that I went with a P&S with a wide range optical zoom, as by the time I got the DSLR out, selected the right lens (wide or tele), and took the photo, it was over. If planned shoot, different story. Also hard to be discrete with a DSLR.

Having used the iPhone 5 for photos, and used the Sony, and also seen friends S3 and Experia Z, again the results are chalk and cheese. The lack of optical zoom and image stabilisation, as well as rear shutter sync, is a huge drawback of smartphones.