View Full Version : Simple(ish) photography question?
MisterTommyH
08-01-12, 07:41 PM
Is this a good deal?
Canon EOS 1100D + lenses (http://www.currys.co.uk/gbuk/canon-eos-1100d-digital-slr-camera-with-18-55mm-f-3-5-5-6-and-75-300-mm-f4-5-6-iii-lenses-11099693-pdt.html?intcmp=currys_seg_s1_DSLR_Canon1100DSave£ 100)
I don't know that much about 'advanced' photography yet. But from what I can tell this has a kit lens and a telephoto lens? Which are the two best starter lenses.
Specialone
08-01-12, 07:52 PM
2 Biggest problems i see there Tom,
Its a Canon,
Its from Currys. ;)
Surely they cant be the cheapest for cameras? have you considered buying a 2nd hand one?
For the same money you could pick up a good guranteed 2nd hand one from a dealer.
I subscribe to practical photography and there are dealers in there who specialise in pre owned stuff.
MisterTommyH
08-01-12, 07:58 PM
Can get the same price from Jessops with a bag, but the 70-300 lens wouldn't be Canon.
Isn't the whole Canon Vs Nikon argument a bit like curvies vs pointies? I have a sony compact, but have been told that to move up you should really be looking at one of the above makes.
Any links you can share?
Just to add confusion to the mix. Sony are apparently catching the other big two SLR companies. So if you're a sony fan...
try digitalrev.com and compare their prices.
Brettus
09-01-12, 09:32 AM
Isn't the whole Canon Vs Nikon argument a bit like curvies vs pointies?
:winner:
The debate is moot, they are both good in their own right, there is nothing to say you can't swap later on although it can be expensive but as for one being "superior" its a non issue IMHO.
Personally I've always used http://camerapricebuster.co.uk/ since I discovered it, great for getting a feel for prices and trends of prices.
I'd say the deal looks alright, might be able to save some with shopping around but there is something to be said for the ability to walk into a shop and pick an item up or hand it back to a real customer service desk (even if you buy online) so that has to be weighed against a potential saving.
and +1 to the Sony comment BTW, heard a lot of positive things about them as a nice entrance. My only hangup with it is they are still the smaller player and there aren't quite as many accessories made. There are a lot of cheap chinese knockoffs of canon/nikon accessories which are perfectly serviceable but I don't remember seeing many Sony things, but that might just be because I haven't been looking I guess.
Second hand might be a cheaper entry into the DSLR world as people have said but I was apprehensive about buying second hand when I first started and don't regret spending on a new one even now, when I don't use it as much as I should I know I have a camera that still exceeds my requirements.
maviczap
09-01-12, 10:02 AM
Isn't the whole Canon Vs Nikon argument a bit like curvies vs pointies? I have a sony compact, but have been told that to move up you should really be looking at one of the above makes.
+1 I agree with Brettus.
For the money its going to be far superior to your compact, plus your getting 2 lenses.
Last year Jessops were doing a similar deal on the Nikon 5000 as they tried to off load surplus stock before the 5100 arrived.
No such luck this year on the Nikon, but even so I'd still be happy with the Cannon at that price, which is what the Nikon bundle was going for last year.
Its better than the compact you've got
manicjazz
09-01-12, 11:11 AM
I got in on the Nikon D5000 with 2 lenses last year. Glad I did!
Looking up the price of a package deal against buying a single lens is a good idea. I wouldn't have bought the 2 lenses at their retail prices, but I was happy paying a little extra for the camera and getting it all together.
Try it!!!! If you like it, fair enough. If not find something else.
I went in to the shop already knowing what I was after but I tried the Canon equivalent as well just in case. Compare pictures.
stormingjoe
09-01-12, 11:34 AM
Go to Jessops, handle the cameras, I had, Canons better for smaller hands/fingers, Nikon better for pudgy hands. You can get real good deals at mo. I am using Nikon D5000/40 as got pudgy hands(had Canon film cameras before) my first digi was an Olympus C2500l first consumer slr/bridge digi camera.
P.S As an after thought try and get a kit with vr/image stabilizer, god send with the longer telephoto
Podgey on a bike :)
As above, I have an old EOS 400d, which is in every way less advanced than the 1100D you're looking at now.
I clubbed together with my sisters and bought my dad the 1000D a couple of years ago and he's loved it.
Try a Nikon and Canon, one will feel slightly more natural I suspect. The other consideration is whether any of your mates already have cameras of a certain type. I've got a few good friends with Canon gear, and it's meant I could borrow an item from them, or loan one so we don't all have to own everything we might want. For an item that's used infrequently this can be brilliant.
There is, of course an argument that an older, higher-spec body can be had for the same money as a new base model. And that's true, but you then consign yourself to ages of learning camera histories, which can be exceedingly tricky. Then you need to buy the camera (with no guarentee, usually) and hope that it will be reliable, and that they older interface is as easy to get on with as the one you tried in the shop.
I, for instance, have always bought 2nd hand bikes. More bang for your buck, certainly, but I've never owned a bike with a warrently and been lucky only one, exceedingly cheap one was a dog :D
Jambo
Bought the 1100D for my mrs for xmas. I'm no expert on modern cameras but it seems to do everything you could possibly want, + a lot more.
They build a lot of features into entry-level SLRs these days. I was once quite experienced with old 35mm kit, and none of my old cameras did a tenth of what this one does.
So ummm... it's really good. And use quidco for a few pennies back.
kiggles
09-01-12, 01:07 PM
got gf nikon d90 for birthday. she likes it alot cost £650 for body, lens, carry bag, memory card, and remote. she happy with it and there of stuff you can get for the camera. its semi pro camera so unless you know your stuff the camera is more then good enough. got it from jacop's digital in kingston.
stormingjoe
09-01-12, 01:15 PM
If you get the bug, it will cost you!!!
Littlepeahead
09-01-12, 01:33 PM
I use Canon, progressed from a 350D to a 30D and then last year Canon gave me the 60D which I'm really enjoying.
But some advice I'd give you whichever camera you evetually go for:
1. Spend a couple of pounds extra on clear filters for the front of your lenses - so much cheaper to replace than a new lens. And some clear screen protector film for the viewing screen on the back is a good investment too.
2. Buy 2 memory cards of 8gb rather than say one of 16gb and as soon as you take one out and stick it in your card reader put the other one in your camera - that way you'll never take your camera out for the day only to switch it on and see 'No memory card' flash up on the screen. Doh! (I've even known a pro do it here at Lord's and luckily for him I had a spare card on me.
3. Never ever change the lens with the power switched on as it will attract dust to your sensor (which gives those grey blotches on the sky in landscape shots.) When you are new to changeable lenses it's easy to forget.
7dayshop http://www.7dayshop.com/catalog/default.php?cPath=777 are great for all of the above. (http://www.7dayshop.com/catalog/default.php?cPath=777)
And these are a useful addition to your bag without the need for a heavy tripod http://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B000KFRSG4/ref=asc_df_B000KFRSG46043727?smid=AJ9HG9PKGCYUM&tag=googlecouk06-21&linkCode=asn&creative=22242&creativeASIN=B000KFRSG4
mister c
09-01-12, 04:05 PM
I bought a 2nd hand EOS300D & a couple of Canon lenses off a mate of mine beginning of last year. I was worried that, with it only being 6MP, the pics would be pants, but I have taken (in my eyes) some brilliant pictures. It is an old, entry level DSLR, but it does everything I want it to do & it is teaching me how to use Manual instead of fully automatic photographs :)
maviczap
09-01-12, 04:08 PM
I bought a 2nd hand EOS300D & a couple of Canon lenses off a mate of mine beginning of last year. I was worried that, with it only being 6MP, the pics would be pants, but I have taken (in my eyes) some brilliant pictures. It is an old, entry level DSLR, but it does everything I want it to do & it is teaching me how to use Manual instead of fully automatic photographs :)
I can vouch for some of Mr C's photos, one is exceptional
Specialone
09-01-12, 05:14 PM
If you can take quality pics, you can take them with pretty much anything, but for us mere mortals we rely on the best kit we can afford and hope it will help us take better pics.
My d90 is brilliant and ATM is far better than me but when I get more experienced I'll upgrade to a full frame body.
A friend of mine who's into photography and has about 3 DSLR's was raving about a Sony DSLR he'd bought and claimed it was much better than his others.
I don't remember the model but it was only £500.
MisterTommyH
20-01-12, 11:18 PM
Well after listening to a few opinions I went ahead and bought it, but went for the Jessops option (same price but with a bag and lens filters but a non-canon zoom lens).
It can do far more than I'll be able to for a long time so I'm quite happy with it.
Couple of shots taken in the auto modes (already better than anything I've got on the compact) - just trying to learn to use the manual ones:
http://i815.photobucket.com/albums/zz78/Thomas_Nathaniel_Hender/DSLR/IMG_0213.jpg
http://i815.photobucket.com/albums/zz78/Thomas_Nathaniel_Hender/DSLR/InTheShadowofaTrojanHorse.jpg
Stop worrying about non canon lenses.
Tamron / Sigma are great lenses to! Canon add a load of money on top because it says 'canon'.
However, that said... The best lens money can buy is the Canon 70-200 f/2.8
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Specialone
21-01-12, 08:52 AM
They are very good lenses for the money but you can tell the difference between a good lense and a cheaper one.
The weight, feel, and quality of photograph taken is noticeable.
Tom, I'm fairly new to DSLR's, had my D90 nearly two years now, but I would recommend ditching auto setting and just try taking the same shot 10-20 times on manual settings and seeing what you like the look of.
A good way to start which I read in a mag was, take a shot on auto and note what settings the camera thought it needed then you can use these as a base to transfer to manual then just play adjusting them either side of those.
I shoot most of my pics on a wide aperture as I like the depth of field that gives, so I tend to adjust all my other settings to achieve / allow this.
bikeramy
21-01-12, 03:07 PM
If you get the bug, it will cost you!!!
yup £1000 a lense infact ;)
Sir Trev
21-01-12, 04:56 PM
A good way to start which I read in a mag was, take a shot on auto and note what settings the camera thought it needed then you can use these as a base to transfer to manual then just play adjusting them either side of those.
This.
After a while you get the feel for light and aperture which saves you time. I was quite good at this with my 35mm SLR before some git stole it and all my lenses, tripod, flashes, bags in a burglary...
+ another 1 for the filters on the lens. Very cheap to replace if you scratch them.
Have fun!
They are very good lenses for the money but you can tell the difference between a good lense and a cheaper one.
The weight, feel, and quality of photograph taken is noticeable.
Tom, I'm fairly new to DSLR's, had my D90 nearly two years now, but I would recommend ditching auto setting and just try taking the same shot 10-20 times on manual settings and seeing what you like the look of.
A good way to start which I read in a mag was, take a shot on auto and note what settings the camera thought it needed then you can use these as a base to transfer to manual then just play adjusting them either side of those.
I shoot most of my pics on a wide aperture as I like the depth of field that gives, so I tend to adjust all my other settings to achieve / allow this.
Also, sign up to a good photography forum, a great one is: www.photography-on-the.net
Another good bit of advice is to get an EXIF viewer. Google chrome do a great adding to their browser. The EXIF viewer will give you all of the info from the picture - setting used, shutter speed - aperture etc etc etc
Member of the 1 litre club...
MisterTommyH
21-01-12, 06:50 PM
Cheers guys,
you're right - the biggest 'worry' is not knowing the settings to use - so taking an auto photo then looking at the settings to use as a guide is a brilliant idea. Anyone tell me how you can view these for a photo on the camera when you're out and about rather than having to transfer it to a PC and use an EXIF viewer?
I know that in some modes it shows the data through the viewfinder, but I am apparently using the wrong eye through the camera so it's not the easiest to see.
Currently using picasa which shows all of the exif data.
Specialone
21-01-12, 06:58 PM
Tommy, doesn't your camera give you the details on the display when you have the photo up?
I assumed all DSLR's did tbh.
On my nikon, I just press up on the cursor pad and it gives me a graph showing the exposure and then the settings I used.
bikeramy
21-01-12, 07:06 PM
I wish it was simple to describe all the uses in photography, but behind the curtains there is so much to take into account and quite frankly after 5 years of education in photography i would say don't over complicate it for your self, if you find program mode and auto mode works for you then do it. :( I wish i could go back 3 years ago when I would take a pretty photo and let it be just that...now it's 75% friggin theory and I have slightly lost my passion :(.
I'm hoping motorsport photography will help regain my passion :).
one rule i go by is try not to use the cameras flash, it produces crap results. x
Yea, flash is no good. It's better just to learn about your white balance and aperture to get the right kind of lighting.
You can view the data on the LCD although the process I couldn't tell you as I dont have my camera with me..
I love long exposures by the way...! Bulb mode is like a drug haha
Member of the 1 litre club...
Another good bit of advice is to get an EXIF viewer. Google chrome do a great adding to their browser. The EXIF viewer will give you all of the info from the picture - setting used, shutter speed - aperture etc etc etc
Good stuff, but it doesn't work on all pics :/
Good stuff, but it doesn't work on all pics :/
That's an annoying bit... If the user has edited the photo then it won't show any exif data.
But it does on most and the data you can see you can learn an awful lot from! Just keep on looking/practising
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