Looking to buy a DSLR camera. [Archive] - SV650.org

Seggons

10-08-13, 06:34 PM

I've been keeping an eye on Davey's "Recommend me a camera" thread and I seem to be settled on the idea of a Cannon 1100D. I've always liked the idea of owning a DSLR camera but have been scared off by all the technical jargon and settings on them. But I reckon with a bit of Youtube and Google-flu I should be alright.

As I'm new to this I'm not quite sure what I'm going to need to get me going? I've got a budget of about £300, could push to £350 if I really had to. I like the idea of a brand new camera but I've seen used ones going cheap. Is it a good or bad idea to go used?

Comments please as it's all new to me. Thanks. :)

Specialone

10-08-13, 06:47 PM

Nikon end of :)

Jackie_Black

10-08-13, 06:50 PM

I have always used canon DSLR's. I had a 350D when they came out and now have a 5D MK2 (which is phenomenal). One of my favourite things with canon is that no matter how flash a body it is. There is always a NOOB function to allow you to just point and shoot, so you wont miss a picture. As you get more confident you can play about with the other functions of the camera until you feel the need to spend a months pay on one lens!

I always buy camera bodies new but lenses i'm not quite as bothered about. The only reason i buy new is that technically a shutter has a limited number of actuations (in theory) and you never know how much its been used.

Before you buy anything though. Go to a shop and play with both Canon and Nikon. One will feel better, buy that one. You will either be canon or nikon. I love Canon and me dad swears by Nikon so go check them out before you part with cash. The 1100D is a good camera and you can probably get it with a twin lens kit too, this will give you more options.

kaivalagi

10-08-13, 07:29 PM

Before you buy anything though. Go to a shop and play with both Canon and Nikon. One will feel better, buy that one.

+1

Start with an okay body with kit lenses and go from there if you get into it properly. I went for a Canon 450d with 2 kit lenses with a cash back thing at the time. If you look out for those cash backs on a 1100d kit you wont go wrong.

Either Canon or Nikon are a good shout....might be worth giving the Sony stuff a look in too...

You could go second hand, there are plenty newish models available that wont have had much use, as the camera makers bring new models out most years you should be able to gauge how old a S/H camera can be.

http://www.dpreview.com and http://www.cameralabs.com/ provide decent reviews and details on all the cameras you will be interested in.

Kenzie

10-08-13, 07:39 PM

Nikon end of :)

This! Just picked up a D3200 twin pack from Jessops for £449. Camera with a 18-55mm lens is available for £355 from Amazon. Has a great guide mode for beginners. Have a Fuji HS10 and it's night and day different with the Nikon!

Before you buy anything though. Go to a shop and play with both Canon and Nikon. One will feel better, buy that one.

+2. Tried a Canon and it didn't feel right

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Nikon-D3200-Digital-Camera-18-55mm/dp/B007VBGTX8/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1376163796&sr=8-1&keywords=d3200

This is what I got:

http://www.jessops.com/online.store/categories/products/nikon/d3200-18-55mm-tamron-70-300mm-bundle-89152/show.html

Bluepete

10-08-13, 07:44 PM

I'll put this link up for used parts. I've had several used bodies and lenses from them and never had a problem.

http://www.mpbphotographic.co.uk/used-equipment/used-digital-slr-cameras/used-canon-digital-slr-cameras/

Plenty of EOS 1100's there. Put this lens on it. http://www.mpbphotographic.co.uk/used-equipment/used-lenses/used-canon-fit-lenses/sigma-18-125mm-f3.8-5.6-dc-os-hsm-lens---canon-fit-2/. And you'll be a happy bunny.

Pete ;)

Seggons

10-08-13, 07:45 PM

But other than the camera what else would I need? I'm guessing it won't come with a memory card so what sort of card would I need? Also what size if I wanted to take a mixture of photo's and video's? I'm also guessing a bag of types would be a good idea? What about battery's, is it a double A jobby or do they come with battery packs and chargers?

Thanks for the links Pete. :)

Kenzie

10-08-13, 07:47 PM

Most dslrs will have a battery pack rather than AA batteries. You will need a carry case, high capacity memory cards, spare battery. I also fit my lenses with a UV filter as it is cheaper than replacing a lens if it gets scratched.

Bluepete

10-08-13, 07:48 PM

All those used bodies have the battery and charger. As for memory, you only need the really fast cards for really fast cameras. Amazon etc will sort you out for very little. As for a case, the price is only dependent on what you want to spend. I use a Crumpler holster type when I can be bothered.

Pete ;)

Dabteacake

10-08-13, 07:51 PM

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Nikon-Digital-Camera-18-55mm-14-2MP/dp/B00403MA4M/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1376164156&sr=8-2&keywords=nikon

My wife uses this camera and has good results with it plus you could buy a case and card and not be much over you £300

Littlepeahead

10-08-13, 09:21 PM

While I agree about speed of cards and cameras the Sandisk Extreme Pro are more durable. I've dropped them, splashed them, left them in a pocket of my bag all out of the case and they survive. I've had and known cheaper cards corrupt. I'd also advise buying 2 x 8gb rather than 1 x 16gb. That way if you put one in the camera while the other one is in your card reader you never accidentally go out with a camera and no card, which is easily done.

Jackie_Black

10-08-13, 09:49 PM

If you get into it and want a bag I can recommend the Lowepro stuff. Go on ebay and find the bag you want. It's usually half the price from hong kong, which is where I got mine from.

keith_d

10-08-13, 10:13 PM

Q. Should I buy Nikon or Canon?

A. Yes.

If you're dipping your toe in the water and aren't sure what you want to shoot, I'd look for a used body from either of the big manufacturers, and add a mid-range zoom.

I'm a Nikon user, so I'd suggest something like a used D90 with an 18-70mm zoom. The D90 has an auto everything mode to get you started, and the important P,A,S & M modes for when you want to take more control. It will also work well with the vast majority of Nikon lenses.

I'm sure the Canon users can recommend something equivalent from their range.

Bluefish

11-08-13, 01:29 AM

Agree with the d90, i love it, it just fits, a 6-8 gig card will be fine, and i find on the d90 the battery lasts for ages, ie 500 pics guaranteed, I used mine on holls a couple of weks ago, charged battery once in two weeks and took close to a thousand pics including some video, so no need for an extra battery straight away, if ever.

Specialone

11-08-13, 07:26 AM

I've got the D90 as well, I bought an extra battery when I first got it and I've never taken it out the packaging, the original lasts ages and you can leave it in the camera dormant for weeks and it's still got charge.

11-08-13, 07:48 AM

I've had an 1100D and now a 600D, so I obviously prefer canon. Much easier to learn with I felt but all you can do is play with different brands and make you own opinion.

One thing is for sure, unless you plan on buying different lenses and learning to shoot in manual and RAW then I wouldn't bother getting a DSLR. You would be much better investing your £300 in a very very good point and shoot. A £300 SLR with a kit lens that never leaves auto is worse than a good point and shoot camera.

The number of people I see walking around with a £600+ camera, with a kit lens and always leaving it in auto is depressing.

It's very quick and easy to pick up how to shoot in manual, and once you start shooting in RAW and processing the photos yourself you'll be blown away.

Seggons

11-08-13, 08:52 AM

Thanks for all the comments so far everyone. :D

It's very quick and easy to pick up how to shoot in manual, and once you start shooting in RAW and processing the photos yourself you'll be blown away.

That's what I'm hoping to achieve. If I had any thought that I'd be leaving it in auto I know a DSLR is the wrong camera to buy. But I've had a point 'n shoot for ages and it's so frustrating when you cannot get the pictures to come out how you want them to.

There doesn't seem to be much saving to be had by buying used unless I'm missing a trick? For example...

This used body: http://www.mpbphotographic.co.uk/used-equipment/used-digital-slr-cameras/used-canon-digital-slr-cameras/canon-eos-1100d-2/
This random used lens: http://www.mpbphotographic.co.uk/used-equipment/used-lenses/used-canon-fit-lenses/canon-ef-s-18-55mm-f/3.5-5.6/

Comes to ~£250. Yet if buy brand new http://www.jessops.com/online.store/categories/products/canon/eos-1100d-digital-slr-18-55mm-dc-lens-80181/show.html it's only £30 more. I take it camera equipment holds it's value well?

kaivalagi

11-08-13, 09:01 AM

May be better buying 600d+ S/H when comparing to new prices...not sure on the prices of those S/H though, you may find them within budget too though

I would go to a store and compare the quality/options/feel of the 1100d with something next up on the range such as a 650d etc...then look at what's available S/H

Kenzie

11-08-13, 10:19 AM

LCE seems to have good used stock

http://www.lcegroup.co.uk/Secondhand-Search/

For Canon: http://www.lcegroup.co.uk/Secondhand-Search/?Order=Latest&View=Grid&SHMake=Canon&SHModel=&SHType=Digital+SLR+Cameras&Location=&Results=100

For Nikon: http://www.lcegroup.co.uk/Secondhand-Search/?Order=Latest&View=Grid&SHMake=Nikon&SHModel=&SHType=Digital+SLR+Cameras&Location=&Results=100

Seggons

11-08-13, 12:13 PM

Right I've just been out and played with the Cannon 1100D and the Nikon D3100 (both at similar prices) and I much prefer the look and feel of the Cannon. Now on to the shopping list...

Cannon 1100D £280: http://www.pcworld.co.uk/gbuk/cameras-camcorders/digital-cameras/digital-slr-cameras/canon-eos-1100d-digital-slr-camera-with-18-55-mm-zoom-lens-09819591-pdt.html (PC World are doing 2 year warranty on it)

2x 8GB 30 MB/s Memory Cards £17.50: http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/SANDISK-8GB-EXTREME-SDHC-MEMORY-CARD-VIDEO-HD-CLASS-10-/290947025678?pt=UK_AudioTVElectronics_PDAsAccessor ies_MemoryCards&hash=item43bdcb4b0e

Camera Bag £10: http://www.pcworld.co.uk/gbuk/cameras-camcorders/accessories/cases/dslr-cases/manfrotto-mb-sv-h-10bb-vivace-10-camera-bag-black-21246101-pdt.html

Tripod £12: http://www.pcworld.co.uk/gbuk/cameras-camcorders/accessories/tripods/hama-star-61-tripod-00777353-pdt.html

Spare Battery £6: http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Brand-New-Battery-For-LP-E10-Canon-EOS-1100D-Camera-EOS-Kiss-X50-EOS-Rebel-T3-/330938852631?pt=UK_Camera_Batteries&hash=item4d0d7e2517

Total: ~£325

Anything I should change, add or remove from that little lot?

kaivalagi

11-08-13, 12:51 PM

Can you stretch to the same camera with an additional 75-300mm lens all in at £379: http://www.pcworld.co.uk/gbuk/cameras-camcorders/digital-cameras/digital-slr-cameras/canon-eos-1100d-digital-slr-camera-with-18-55mm-75-300mm-zoom-lens-11099693-pdt.html - they're a cheap and cheerful lens with the best deal I could find on Amazon (http://www.amazon.co.uk/Canon-75-300mm-4-0-5-6-III-Lens/dp/B00005K47Y)at ~£125 but with this deal you get one added to the job lot for under £100...

You may find the upper 55mm limit on the single kit lens limiting...

Stuuk1

11-08-13, 02:28 PM

I spent a little bit of time on eBay for my first dslr, got hold of a 350D in silver and mint condition for £120.

Fantastic camera and still have it along with a new 60D.

Brettus

12-08-13, 10:17 AM

Lots of very good points made already in here so I won't bother echoing them but I will add a web address I find rather useful: http://www.camerapricebuster.co.uk/
I usually use it to gauge the price of anything new, pretty handy for accessories too.

Littlepeahead

12-08-13, 11:08 AM

OK here's some other advice - use 7 Day Shop for some of the extra bits and pieces. They are similar price to Ebay but everything is genuine, quick delivery, good quality on their own brand products too. And you may save on delivery costs if you buy from one place. Check them out for tripods, filters, bags, batteries and general add ons.

Memory card:

http://www.7dayshop.com/sandisk-extreme-hd-video-sdhc-uhs-i-memory-card-8gb-class-10-30mb-s-120min?backUrl=L2NhdGFsb2dzZWFyY2gvcmVzdWx0L2luZGV 4Lz9xPXNhbmRpc2sjcD0y

Good selection of bags

http://www.7dayshop.com/catalogsearch/result/index/?q=camera+bag#dir=asc&order=qty_ordered

Batteries

http://www.7dayshop.com/7dayshop-compatible-canon-lp-e10-digital-camera-battery-1020mah?backUrl=L2NhdGFsb2dzZWFyY2gvcmVzdWx0Lz9xPW Nhbm9uKzExMDBk

Seggons

12-08-13, 03:19 PM

Thanks for the links and info everyone. I'm going to see what money is like at the end of the month and go from there. One thing I've learned, it can be a very expensive hobby if you get seriously sucked into it.

The Guru

12-08-13, 03:27 PM

The Cameras the same price on Jessops... and you can pay it over 6 months 0% interest with only a 20% deposit.

Makes perfect sense.

Kenzie

12-08-13, 05:53 PM

The Cameras the same price on Jessops... and you can pay it over 6 months 0% interest with only a 20% deposit.

Makes perfect sense.

This is what I did. Makes it more bearable without paying extra!

Seggons

12-08-13, 06:05 PM

When your busy paying off an ex's debt (long story and one where I win the worlds most stupid man) that last thing I kind of want is a bit more debt. :p But if I save enough this month hopefully I'll be able to buy the camera and pay off some more debt.

jambo

13-08-13, 01:18 PM

I'd say you've got a good kit list there to get you started. And enough to take some really nice pictures. As you use the camera you'll find out what you do and don't like.

For instance the longest lens I own is 85mm, and it's very rare I go longer than 50mm. This makes me something of an oddity as everyone else would have you buy a telephoto lens as a key bit of kit. What I tend to photograph is family & friends, landscapes, set pieces on a table-top. What I do need is high shutter speeds so I use a Tamron 17-50mm f/2.8 and a proper flash which can be gelled, zoomed and bounced off walls and ceilings to stop people looking like deer in headlights.

Other people exist almost solely in Macro, telephoto, wide angle, whatever works for them.

This is why buying a basic kit is a good idea, there's no point buying an expensive telephoto lens if that's just not the way you see the scenes.

Just a note, like motorcycling it's easy to decide you now need lots of extra kit. You only need what you deem necessary. Much like you don't need a ZX10R, Arai, BKS leathers, Daytona Boots etc before you start riding, and frankly most of us don't ever invest that kind of money even when we get a bit better :)

Jambo

600+

13-08-13, 01:59 PM

even when we get a bit better :)

Jambo

We are still your mates even though you can't ride :)

jambo

13-08-13, 02:14 PM

We are still your mates even though you can't ride :)

Thank you, that just goes to show how generous and lovely you all are.

Perhaps.

Jambo

Seggons

13-08-13, 05:10 PM

I think I'm only going to know what I want to shoot when I get into it. But right now I love the idea of long exposure night time shots. Then hopefully buy a nice Macro lens and get into that side of things. But mainly it's to get me out and about while I save up to get the bike sorted.

Littlepeahead

13-08-13, 07:55 PM

Good advice from Jambo. I own an F2.8 70-200 IS L series and 2 x converter. Cost me a fortune. Weighs a ton. But for photographing cricket for work it's the minimum I can get away with. Other than a bit of wildlife and a couple of trackdays I hardly use it for personal stuff. I also have the 10 -22mm wide angle. Love this on holidays for fantastic landscapes. And very occasionally I pop it on for the prettiest cricket grounds. But I rely most on my 24 -70mm F2.8 L series which is an amazing lens. A flash is also as Jambo says a good investment.

Jackie_Black

13-08-13, 08:25 PM

LPH you have some amazing lenses there!!! What is the 24 - 70 mm L series like? It's next on my want list for my 5D Mk2. I'm actually shooting using a 50mm 1.8 standard lens at the moment as my old zoom I used with my 350D isn't doing the camera justice. Is yours the one with IS or without?

Littlepeahead

13-08-13, 09:37 PM

It's without. The Mark I version. Cost about £900 new but I picked mine up 4 months old for £600 from a student. Absolute bargain. There's one for sale on the GSer forum at the moment. He wants £850 plus postage so this may be the IS version.

Jackie_Black

13-08-13, 09:45 PM

I would love one (budget has been restrained by forthcoming bairn). It's on my wish list though. The 50mm 1,8 is very nice for the pennies I paid. But i'm missing the wide angle of my old zoom (24-200).

Braindead101

13-08-13, 09:57 PM

The EOS 1100D is certainly a good price new at the moment. Having said that, I saw one in my local second hand store the other week for just £130! (Not there when I looked today!) The first DSLR I bought was a Canon EOS 350D. I bought the body only for about £100 and grabbed my father-in-law's old film SLR for the lens. I later bought a telephoto lens second hand on the market for £35 so managed to kit myself out for less than £150. If cash is tight, an older model and a bit of patience may reward you!
I now have a Nikon D5100 but if I'm brutally honest, I still prefer Canon. The deal I got was too good to pass up though.

metalmonkey

13-08-13, 11:44 PM

I'd buy all your kit second hand, you will get more for money.

Try here;

http://www.apertureuk.com/ or London Camera Exchange you know or something similar.

My mate is a DOP told me about this shop, its a good one otherwise he wouldn't buy kit from there.

Buy the best lens you can afford too, they hold the value more than camera bodies. I'm not a fan of kit lens they are too slow, dislike the feel of them but you can still get good results of them. It won't matter that much for you just work on the basic, you need to get those right before worrying about what camera you have.
I'd also buy descent memory cards, I have had £800 cards fail on me before I'd hate to think what the cheap stuff is like.

Enjoy:D

NTECUK

14-08-13, 06:40 AM

As your all quite clued up on this thread ,Id like to ask a question.
Its about bridge cameras.( easy shoot,Less complex types).

Mark_h

14-08-13, 07:03 AM

I had a previous generation bridge camera (Fuji S5000) and to be honest I thought it was the worse of both worlds. None of the quality or speed of a real SLR and bulkier than a point and shoot. I got some decent shots but I never use it now.

One thing it does do though is test whether or not you are prepared to lug something bigger around with you all the time. I suspect there will be quite a few bridge cameras available second hand as people either give up with bulky cameras or quickly upgrade to SLR.

If on the other-hand you are still looking for a bridge camera we may be able to do a deal on a Fuji S5000.

NTECUK

14-08-13, 07:20 AM

I find the little point and shoot annoying when it comes to bike action shots ,air craft and pets.
Its to slow to capture multi shots. Not enough zoom .
But the SLR looks a bit complicated!

Mark_h

14-08-13, 07:45 AM

SLR is just bigger. Leave it on auto and it's a big, expensive point and shoot. Move it to Programme and you get control but hard to mess it up. Move it elsewhere and you can get fancy depending on what you are trying to achieve. You'll learn about priorities, metering, depth of field and all that as you go along. For day 1, leave it in auto, point it at something you like, press the button and you'll get a decent picture.

However >90% of the quality of a picture comes down to what you point it at not what it is. Some of my best pictures have been taken with my worse cameras.

Also don't worry about getting uber-expensive lenses right away. If it comes with a kit lens it will already be 100x better quality than your phone or point and shoot. Once you've used it a while you'll work out what you need next.

The problem with asking folks is people that get really into it get really into it and think nothing of spending hundreds or thousands on kit that a beginner doesn't need.

If a mate was looking to get into bikes you'd suggest they got a cheap simple SV or a Hornet or something however some would say you need a 1098 or KTM990 because they're better. Keep it simple to start as chances are you don't know what you want yet.

With cameras so long as you stick to a brand (Canon, Nikon etc) the kit is largely interchangeable so get a basic canon body with kit lens. If you want a better lens you can get one later once you know what you need it to do; if you then want to upgrade the body you can and if you get another canon your cheap and your decent lens will still fit.

NTECUK

14-08-13, 07:52 AM

The one that caught my eye was a fugiefilm 45000.
14Mp sensor and 30x zoom. But if yours is simular ?
http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/aw/d/B0082B35VU/ref=mp_s_a_1_13?qid=1376467021&sr=8-13&pi=AC_SX110_SY190

Mark_h

14-08-13, 08:00 AM

Mine was an S5000. Personally I'd not recommend it or anything like it as like I said before I think it offers the worse of both worlds. It's not all about mega pixels. A Hi resolution crap image is still a crap image. The sensor and lens on an SLR will typically gather more info than the pin hole on a point and shoot. if you capture crap at 14 MP or quality at 8 MP I can guarantee the 8MP will be better unless you want to blow it up to the size of a bus or crop it really really tight.

I'm sure folks will be along shortly to shout me down but we'll see how we go.

Google the S5000, and if you're interested (despite my recommendations to avoid) I'll see what they go for. Mine's mint and boxed :)

Littlepeahead

14-08-13, 08:56 AM

Martin, what Mark says is very true, it's a lot more to do with sensor size than megapixels.

Taking a portrait on a point and shoot you won't be able to meter very well and if you do use a flash it will be right next to the lens so you get the startled rabbit look and probably red eye. You can use a pretty basic SLR but use an external flash, bounce the light off the ceiling, wall or use a flash diffuser and you will get a portrait 100 times better and much more flattering. That's why I do take mine along to things like the Org Soho Christmas parties as it's so much better than using a compact. With a SLR you will also pay the money for an f2.8 lens or even an f1.4 - which is what gives you that nice fuzzy background on your portraits and wildlife pics or allows you to shoot in lower light conditions with a faster shutter speed. Also don't be duped by a huge number before the zoom amount. A lot of these cameras are basically cropping the image in the camera so you may be able to get closer to the plane in the sky on the view finder but quality will be pants.

I would at this stage like to point out that we have a KTM990 in the garage, but despite me owning some incredibly expensive and well designed kit Mr LPH is one of the worst photographers on the planet. In 23 years he's managed to take about 4 photos of me in focus with both my head and limbs in the shot but he'll have still cut off the top of St Paul's or I'll be out of focus while the bin behind me is pin sharp!

Brettus

14-08-13, 09:04 AM

Kenzie

14-08-13, 06:27 PM

I have a Fuji HS10 bridge camera. Has a cool 30x zoom but the sensor is so small the image quality isn't bad but not great.
Sensor size comparison:
http://j.mp/16l1HgW

Physical size comparison:

http://i250.photobucket.com/albums/gg268/kenzie2k3/DSC_0221_zpsfc5186f3.jpg (http://s250.photobucket.com/user/kenzie2k3/media/DSC_0221_zpsfc5186f3.jpg.html)

http://i250.photobucket.com/albums/gg268/kenzie2k3/DSC_0220_zps3053ba9b.jpg (http://s250.photobucket.com/user/kenzie2k3/media/DSC_0220_zps3053ba9b.jpg.html)

Low light on my bridge isn't great without ramping up the iso but the reach with it's 30x zoom is amazing

Some shots from the HS10
http://i250.photobucket.com/albums/gg268/kenzie2k3/eb48c73e-ef17-4a40-bbb5-bfe34eee850f_zpse98107c9.jpg (http://s250.photobucket.com/user/kenzie2k3/media/eb48c73e-ef17-4a40-bbb5-bfe34eee850f_zpse98107c9.jpg.html)
http://i250.photobucket.com/albums/gg268/kenzie2k3/S0115472.jpg (http://s250.photobucket.com/user/kenzie2k3/media/S0115472.jpg.html)

24mm wide angle: (Mav will know this area well)

http://i250.photobucket.com/albums/gg268/kenzie2k3/HS1044_zpsb552ca70.jpg (http://s250.photobucket.com/user/kenzie2k3/media/HS1044_zpsb552ca70.jpg.html)

720mm tele:

http://i250.photobucket.com/albums/gg268/kenzie2k3/HS1043_zps4ebbac63.jpg (http://s250.photobucket.com/user/kenzie2k3/media/HS1043_zps4ebbac63.jpg.html)

dirtyred619

16-08-13, 09:49 AM

Damn this thread! I was quite happy taking pics on my phone and point and shoot camera but have fancied buying a DSLR for a while now. I used to have an SLR camera in my mid to late teens and used it mainly for timed exposures (remember cable release!) and messing around really trying to get pics of star trails (camera was constantly set to infinity) etc but although the kit was cheap it turned into an expensive hobby with all the processing and films!

I think the 1100D looks like a good reintroduction into 'proper' cameras and being able to spread the cost over 6 months is handy too.

Just a couple of questions, can the 1100D do timed exposures (assuming it can). I'm imagining this is done by some kind of little remote though now rather then a cable release!

And secondly I'm assuming it can shoot in RAW?

Cheers
Mike

Brettus

16-08-13, 10:03 AM

Yes to all, the "cable release" remotes (they still come cabled although you can get IR but I prefer to have it cabled TBH cost a couple of pounds off ebay and given that it is just a switch on a wire you can cheap out on them ;)

you can also get intelligent ones that have timers built into them for precise multiminute shots but you get a second timer on the back of the camera when shooting in bulb mode anyway. Anything up to 30 seconds the camera can handle by itself BTW.

Bluepete

16-08-13, 10:48 AM

For a really good interval release, timer and remote control, look at Triggertrap. It's a phone/tablet app that connects to the camera. You can do all sorts of clever exposures like start trail, auto HDR bracketing and much more. It can even be triggered by sound.

The app is free, the connector costs and is on Amazon. I also bought a 20ft extension so I can do star trails in winter from inside!

Pete ;)

dirtyred619

16-08-13, 12:34 PM

Yes to all, the "cable release" remotes (they still come cabled although you can get IR but I prefer to have it cabled TBH cost a couple of pounds off ebay and given that it is just a switch on a wire you can cheap out on them ;)

Just had a look at them, slightly different to the one I used to use. Had to push the trigger in and turn a screw to hold it for the duration of the exposure!

For a really good interval release, timer and remote control, look at Triggertrap. It's a phone/tablet app that connects to the camera. You can do all sorts of clever exposures like start trail, auto HDR bracketing and much more. It can even be triggered by sound.

The app is free, the connector costs and is on Amazon. I also bought a 20ft extension so I can do star trails in winter from inside!

Pete ;)

I'll bear this in mind too although I couldn't find the adapter for sale anywhere to weigh up the price. The 20ft extension sounds sensible but I suppose to get decent skies I'll have to be out in the sticks anyway.

Bluepete

16-08-13, 03:11 PM

Just had a look at them, slightly different to the one I used to use. Had to push the trigger in and turn a screw to hold it for the duration of the exposure!

I'll bear this in mind too although I couldn't find the adapter for sale anywhere to weigh up the price. The 20ft extension sounds sensible but I suppose to get decent skies I'll have to be out in the sticks anyway.

http://www.amazon.co.uk/s/ref=nb_sb_noss?url=search-alias%3Daps&field-keywords=Triggertrap

dirtyred619

16-08-13, 03:15 PM

http://www.amazon.co.uk/s/ref=nb_sb_noss?url=search-alias%3Daps&field-keywords=Triggertrap

Cheers I saw those but it didn't mention trigger trap in the description so wasn't sure. Will certainly have a look at this once I'm all set up.

metalmonkey

17-08-13, 10:10 AM

I disagree with Mark here, I had a bridge camera before I changed to a DSLR and I've still not rivalled some of the pictures I took with it. The main thing about a decent bridge camera (especially if it does RAW) is that it is a pretty comprehensive "kit" in itself some of them now cater to ranges from 24-1200! try to kit a DSLR out with that kind of range and you'll carry 3-4 lenses and spend a fortune getting them.

The lenses aren't nearly as good for shallow depth of field but that only really comes into it when you start trying to be particularly creative. For a quality re-production of events or places you have been then a bridge can be a great option. Mine had the option of 15 second long exposures so I could do a fair amount of night shots and things with that.

The bridge camera I had is currently the one making it's way around the globe as part of the OTaL experiment (Canon S3IS)

One point to mention, I had a friend with a Fuji bridge camera and he hated it, image was constantly muddy but I really liked my canon bridge. I guess that is why Fuji are always at the cheaper end of the bridge market. With cameras you DO get what you pay for, regardless of type.

There is a good reason for that, the more glass you have in front of the sensor (film gate) the more distorited the image will become. Hence why prime lens are used, or top end quality zoom lens. Thats why cameras such Red, Alexa use IRND filters, again to reduce the glass in front of the camera.

So a set of Ziess Comapct primes on EF mount is about 30k a set or £225 a day to rent plus vat. The Cannon primes are about 15k to buy, but the speed of lens vary across the range. Just go give you an idea, what things cost.

Also people are getting hung up on resolution, don't just think dam that 21MP over that camera which 18MP whats more important is the size of pixles the bigger the pixel the more light sensitve its is. If you want something like shallow depth of field, fast lens with ND filters is the way I would shoot.

Just work on the basic, loads of people don't know how to frame, get a shot in focus ect then don't do anything else until you can. Well I have one day to prep before my next shoot:smt104

NTECUK

17-08-13, 10:41 AM

The DSLR would be better if you want the hassle but I just want a good point and shoot .
I'm liking the FinePix HS20 EXR
if i caould get anywere close to Kenzie (http://forums.sv650.org/member.php?u=14992) pics I will be happy

Kenzie

17-08-13, 04:30 PM

Here is one I really like from my HS10

http://i250.photobucket.com/albums/gg268/kenzie2k3/DSCF5078_zps8042a75f.jpg (http://s250.photobucket.com/user/kenzie2k3/media/DSCF5078_zps8042a75f.jpg.html)

This one is processed with AutoHDR

http://i250.photobucket.com/albums/gg268/kenzie2k3/DSCF5270.jpg (http://s250.photobucket.com/user/kenzie2k3/media/DSCF5270.jpg.html)

Sorry to post up snaps, Bridge cameras can be pretty good when you realise their limits.

NTECUK

17-08-13, 04:51 PM

Well got a win on fleabay for the HS20 .
So will see how i get on for now;-)

Kenzie

18-08-13, 05:15 PM

Well got a win on fleabay for the HS20 .
So will see how i get on for now;-)

With a 16mp EXR sensor over the HS10s 10mp the quality should be good. I have read they improved the AF and write times on this as well. Get some snaps up!

Ch00

18-08-13, 07:01 PM

dirtyred619

22-08-13, 02:44 PM

Ordered my 1100D on Tuesday, came yesterday. Only had a little play with it so far, it's a great step back into the (D)SLR world. Figured out the settings for the things I want to do first like HDR and Astrophotography. I guess this is where it starts getting even more expensive, already ordered a tripod and a cheap cable release today and looking for a carry case now! Will look at Triggertrap further down the line though.

Any suggestions for cheap/free software for combining the HDR images?

Brettus

22-08-13, 03:48 PM

Photomatix is pretty good for HDR, some good tutorials out there and they have a demo version IIRC

NTECUK

22-08-13, 04:11 PM

The Luminace crowed are still on fliker
http://www.flickr.com/photos/mstumme/9481293951/in/pool-qtpfsgui

http://qtpfsgui.sourceforge.net/

Kenzie

22-08-13, 05:30 PM

Any suggestions for cheap/free software for combining the HDR images?

I use AutoHDR, it's free which is a bonus!

http://www.autohdr.co.uk/

Seggons

24-08-13, 03:51 PM

Just to round up this thread from me I decided to go for the twin lens 1100D kit that Kai linked to at the top of page 3. Reserved it online and picked it up today...

Had I realized when I walked out of the shop that the woman had give me the twin lens 600D kit I would've gone straight back in. But now I'm home and I've not got any diesel left in the car...

Oh and Curry's/PC World are throwing a free Canon bag into the deal at the moment too.

http://s15.postimg.org/hrsg1g1wr/2013_08_24_12_09_57.jpg

http://s15.postimg.org/wc9iw9wvf/2013_08_24_12_10_04.jpg

kaivalagi

24-08-13, 04:16 PM

Nice one, you got a bargain there!

When you're on the look out for a half decent macro later I can recommend the Tokina AT-X Pro D 100mm f/2.8 Macro (http://www.kenrockwell.com/tokina/100mm-f28.htm), I bought one a couple years back and it's a damn good fixed lens for the money, great to doing those funky pics of strange teeny weenie stuff :) Not that you probably want to think about spending any more just yet.....lol, but at some point you will I am sure

phil24_7

26-08-13, 01:29 PM