Digital Camera - Compact or SLR

[stevo-08]

Guys, thanks a million. great advice and the general consenus is to go for the D SLR, and in particular Nikon or Canon.

I did check out the Canon 450D, but it looked a bit pricey. I might do a search for the earlier model 400D - should get it cheaper and it's not all that different to the 450D (I think!!).

thanks again.

Only real difference between the two is the fact you can see what your shooting through the lcd and it has a couple of extra mega pixels. Not worth paying the extra for the 450d

If you're any way serious into your photography, you won't be using the LCD screen when taking you shots. As for megapixels, unless you're needing to make massive prints, 7 ir 8 megapixels is more than sufficient.

Yea, thats what I figured alright. I see most of the newer SLRs have a Live View display, which is probably only included to entice the digital camera user to move into SLRs. I also see that Nikon have even got a video mode on their N90. Nice features indeed, but as you say if serious about photography, you wont really need these.

PQ, thanks for the links on price comparisons, very useful. Also seems to be a few Canon 400d cameras floating about on ebay for £300. Definitely worth considering.

On the lens, apart from the size, what else should I be looking for in the spec? I'll probably go for a basic enough lens to start with, and then my wife can upgrade as she gets more used to the camera.

thanks again guys, some great info here.

[thebigfella]

Guys, thanks a million. great advice and the general consenus is to go for the D SLR, and in particular Nikon or Canon.

I did check out the Canon 450D, but it looked a bit pricey. I might do a search for the earlier model 400D - should get it cheaper and it's not all that different to the 450D (I think!!).

thanks again.

Only real difference between the two is the fact you can see what your shooting through the lcd and it has a couple of extra mega pixels. Not worth paying the extra for the 450d

If you're any way serious into your photography, you won't be using the LCD screen when taking you shots. As for megapixels, unless you're needing to make massive prints, 7 ir 8 megapixels is more than sufficient.

Yea, thats what I figured alright. I see most of the newer SLRs have a Live View display, which is probably only included to entice the digital camera user to move into SLRs. I also see that Nikon have even got a video mode on their N90. Nice features indeed, but as you say if serious about photography, you wont really need these.

PQ, thanks for the links on price comparisons, very useful. Also seems to be a few Canon 400d cameras floating about on ebay for £300. Definitely worth considering.

On the lens, apart from the size, what else should I be looking for in the spec? I'll probably go for a basic enough lens to start with, and then my wife can upgrade as she gets more used to the camera.

thanks again guys, some great info here.

Disagree about the live view, the reason took so long to get live view on a SLR is because of the technical difficulties rather than the need. It's really only good for photos of static objects (macro or landscapes etc) but it can be really handy when taking a photo from an awkward position. The D90 is serious bit of kit and it borrows from the more expensive models in Nikon's range as well as the compact range. It's not really aimed at a pro photographer though.

Go to a shop first and try some of the camera's out first, ergonomics will also influence which one you buy as some camera's just don't feel right at times. Especially DSLR's which can be quite heavy and if your serious about taking up photography, you will spend lots of time with the camera in your hands.

 

[lob her in lad]

I know this is off point from the original posters question, but has anybody got one of the new D-SLR's that can take live HD video. Would be interested to know whether it would be worth an investment. What is quality like etc.

[stevo-08]

Disagree about the live view, the reason took so long to get live view on a SLR is because of the technical difficulties rather than the need. It's really only good for photos of static objects (macro or landscapes etc) but it can be really handy when taking a photo from an awkward position. The D90 is serious bit of kit and it borrows from the more expensive models in Nikon's range as well as the compact range. It's not really aimed at a pro photographer though.

Go to a shop first and try some of the camera's out first, ergonomics will also influence which one you buy as some camera's just don't feel right at times. Especially DSLR's which can be quite heavy and if your serious about taking up photography, you will spend lots of time with the camera in your hands.
 

Yea, thats a fair point, and I'll bow to your better knowledge on the matter.

You mentioned the Nikon D60 before. I've also read good reviews on the D40x, with some reviews rating it better than the D60. Do you know much about the D40x? At the moment, I've narrowed it down to either the Canon 400D or Nikon 40x, and leaning towards the 40x because of the better kit kens and slightly better image quality. Both good entry level D-SLRs, I'd imagine.

But as you say, I should go to a shop and try the cameras out first.

[Aerlik]

On the lens, apart from the size, what else should I be looking for in the spec? I'll probably go for a basic enough lens to start with, and then my wife can upgrade as she gets more used to the camera.

thanks again guys, some great info here.

Actually, invest in the best lens you can afford and look after it and you'll still be using it in 10 years' time.  I bought a Tamron 28-200mm AF model in 1996 in Japan for my SLR and have been able to use it for my DSLR.  It has a 72mm diameter too, which makes it great for fast photography.  Canon/Nikon/Nikkor lenses are very expensive but definitely great quality.  It's down to how much you would like to spend.

Also - consider buying an attachable flash unit for the hot shoe.  Again, I bought a Canon 380EX 13 years ago and it works perfectly well with my DSLR.  Don't believe the shite shop assistants tell you about them not being compatable. 

[Carmen Stateside]

Steve what did you go for?
Thinking of purchasing myself, have my eye on the Nikon D40.  Only thing is i would like video included. Any ideas anyone?

[aontroim]

No matter what camera you get it is going to be superceded by something better very quickly as has been the trend in digital.  Residual value is terrible on camera bodies so dont focus on spending a pile on the body, rather spend as much as you can on the lens(es).  If you invest in top quality lenses they will be worth virtually the same price you paid for them 5-10 years down the line (if they are Nikon / Canon).

These links will give unbiased reviews on most of the cameras available and recommended lenses.

http://www.kenrockwell.com/nikon/index.htm

http://www.kenrockwell.com/canon/index.htm

Final word though is that its not that much to do with your camera/lens rather knowing how to use them properly that will get you good results - dont drop the head if you are not getting good photos or feel overwhelmed by all the controls on the camera - stick with it and look online for tutorials on how to use the camera properly.

[Aerlik]

Aontriom that is a quare and handy website.  I've had a look at the Canon lenses and with the Aussie dollar practically the same as the US dollar I might have to go on a wee spending spree.  I might look into the 5.6mm fisheye as it's one lens I'd love to get.  that and the Tokina 11-18mm.  You're right about the lenses.  I still use the Tamron 28-200 I bought for my film cameras 12 or 13 years ago.  A wee bit slow in low light but the photo of my young lad on the cricket thread was taken with it at 1/1500 at F5.6.   It is great with the Speedlite 380ZX on my 400D as it can be fixed at 1/200 unlike the standard 1/90 on film cameras.  Mind you, I also use the DSLR to set up my shots for slidefilm which I still love to use as the colours and sharpness are hard to beat.

[Tony Baloney]

No matter what camera you get it is going to be superceded by something better very quickly as has been the trend in digital.  Residual value is terrible on camera bodies so dont focus on spending a pile on the body, rather spend as much as you can on the lens(es).  If you invest in top quality lenses they will be worth virtually the same price you paid for them 5-10 years down the line (if they are Nikon / Canon).

These links will give unbiased reviews on most of the cameras available and recommended lenses.

http://www.kenrockwell.com/nikon/index.htm

http://www.kenrockwell.com/canon/index.htm

Final word though is that its not that much to do with your camera/lens rather knowing how to use them properly that will get you good results - dont drop the head if you are not getting good photos or feel overwhelmed by all the controls on the camera - stick with it and look online for tutorials on how to use the camera properly.

You do any sports photography?

[aontroim]

No matter what camera you get it is going to be superceded by something better very quickly as has been the trend in digital.  Residual value is terrible on camera bodies so dont focus on spending a pile on the body, rather spend as much as you can on the lens(es).  If you invest in top quality lenses they will be worth virtually the same price you paid for them 5-10 years down the line (if they are Nikon / Canon).

These links will give unbiased reviews on most of the cameras available and recommended lenses.

http://www.kenrockwell.com/nikon/index.htm

http://www.kenrockwell.com/canon/index.htm

Final word though is that its not that much to do with your camera/lens rather knowing how to use them properly that will get you good results - dont drop the head if you are not getting good photos or feel overwhelmed by all the controls on the camera - stick with it and look online for tutorials on how to use the camera properly.

You do any sports photography?

Only nude wife carrying & shin kicking.  Widely published in both of those.

[EC Unique]

Lads can somebody explain to me what the actual difference between an ordinary Digital camera and an SLR digital camera? What does SLR stand for?

[Tony Baloney]

Lads can somebody explain to me what the actual difference between an ordinary Digital camera and an SLR digital camera? What does SLR stand for?

Very simply put your average "digital camera" is the point and click type with a fixed lens. A slr is the one you see professionals use with interchangeable lenses. The big difference is thousands of pounds.

[aontroim]

EC have a look here - pretty good description on both types of camera;

http://www.kenrockwell.com/tech/2dig.htm (from 2005 though so some cameras mentioned are now obsolete)

[Carmen Stateside]

No matter what camera you get it is going to be superceded by something better very quickly as has been the trend in digital.  Residual value is terrible on camera bodies so dont focus on spending a pile on the body, rather spend as much as you can on the lens(es).  If you invest in top quality lenses they will be worth virtually the same price you paid for them 5-10 years down the line (if they are Nikon / Canon).

These links will give unbiased reviews on most of the cameras available and recommended lenses.

http://www.kenrockwell.com/nikon/index.htm

http://www.kenrockwell.com/canon/index.htm

Final word though is that its not that much to do with your camera/lens rather knowing how to use them properly that will get you good results - dont drop the head if you are not getting good photos or feel overwhelmed by all the controls on the camera - stick with it and look online for tutorials on how to use the camera properly.

Cheers for the links Aontroim.  Great help.  Still no further forward have my eye on a few now!

[stevo-08]

Steve what did you go for?
Thinking of purchasing myself, have my eye on the Nikon D40.  Only thing is i would like video included. Any ideas anyone?

Carmen, I ended up getting the Canon EOS 450D, and very happy with it. Doesnt have a video but we werent really too bothered about that. Went to a very good camera shop to get a feel for the various Nikon and Canon models, and we just preferred the 450D. We then bought it brand new on Ebay including a host of extras and saved a fortune.

Good luck..