camera advice wanted

[Bob]

I lost my tiny Optio S camera on the Oberammergau trip and need to replace it.

I loved its weightlessness and its size; it allowed me to slip it into my pocket or attach to my belt. The pictures were good too!

However, now that I need to replace it I remembered that it wasn't too good indoors such as taking pictures of cathedrals, churches etc. SO, I thought about going back down the SLR route but using the new digital format. The trouble is that they are much heavier and not as easily transportable - unless you've got a very big shirt pocket!!

Anyone got any steers on whether to stay with the compact or go for the SLR? Any advice on current models ?

Cheers guys - must be a pro or semi pro out there whose been through this.

Bob

 

[Kropotkin]

Check out http://www.dpreview.com/ and http://www.steves-digicams.com/ for starters. Excellent background info.

 

[-Robbo-]

Bob,

I have just replaced my Canon G3 with the Canon Ixus 700 (eBuyer £270) 7.1mp camera it is absolutely the mutts nuts and takes fantastic pics, PM your email address if you want and I can send you some sample pictures.

 

[StooL]

I've recently purchased a Canon EOS 350D. It has received great reviews and I'm impressed with its performance. I only have the 18-55mm lense at present but this is ample for day to day shots. It is small for a SLR but easy to handle. Obviously this is much bigger than what you had but you did say you may go the SLR route. I guess it depends on what you're going to use it for. I really bought mine to do wildlife snaps and am currently saving up for a large telephoto lense. If I was going to be content keeping only the 18-55mm lense it would have been better value for me to buy a cheaper more compact camera with fewer features.

I'm sure you'll find a review on the links posted above.

 

[MasterDabber]

StooL. the Canon 350D is the one I'm currently considering. As you say, it has had very good reviews and it's good to hear that you are pleased with yours.

Bob.. the standard, packaged lense that StooL refers to with a focal length spec of 18-55 equates to a film SLR lense of approx. 28-90.

 

[ianboydsnr]

Dont get a kiddies one, you know the type, with a kalidascope, doesn't take pictures and you soon get bored with the changing patterns

 

[nadeem]

Sounds like you managed fine with the compact, the SLR will mean a big bag with you and not something you can slip into a pocket - there's plenty of decent compacts out now - my fav at the moment is the Canon Ixus 70 - 7.0 megapixel and small enough to be pocketable.

see here

 

[-Robbo-]

Sounds like you managed fine with the compact, the SLR will mean a big bag with you and not something you can slip into a pocket - there's plenty of decent compacts out now - my fav at the moment is the Canon Ixus 70 - 7.0 megapixel and small enough to be pocketable.

see here

I agree the fact that you had an Optio S before I think you'd find the 350D to big and bulky, thats the reason I sold my G3 and replaced it with the Ixus 700, all down to personal choice of course.

 

[half_empty1]

how about a superzoom digital

can be had fo under 200 quid

http://www.steves-digicams.com/2005_reviews/z740.html
http://www.megapixel.net/reviews/kodak-z740/z740-gen.php

its only 5megapixel but 10Xoptical zoom and 5Xdigital zoom.
i find 4-5mega pixel adequate for my own needs.

 

[hops]

Camera

Anyone got any steers on whether to stay with the compact or go for the SLR? Any advice on current models ?

Cheers guys - must be a pro or semi pro out there whose been through this.

Bob

I recently got a Canon 10D and am very pleased with it. However it is not a cheap option, normally available on ebay for about £500 (body only). A friend at work has a Fuji Finepix S602. This seems to be good little unit with manual focus and settings if you like to be a bit more in control. They go for around the £150 - £200 mark. Worth a look at but I'm no professional and often talk bowlocks

 

[StooL]

Bob.. the standard, packaged lense that StooL refers to with a focal length spec of 18-55 equates to a film SLR lense of approx. 28-90.

Yes, should have mentioned that as the digital processing thingmejig equates to a 1.6x a standard 35mm SLR (I haven't digested the manual yet so it's all a bit above my head at the moment). I haven't got a film SLR to compare shots with but I think I'll borrow my dads and use the same lense to see the difference. I would say that even zoomed to 55mm, my 350D doesn't seem to bring me any closer to the action than the naked eye.

I'm just getting to grips with all the functions and the software provided and really feel like a kid with a new toy. This is definitely the kind of camera to go for if you want to expand your interest in photography. I only wish the good lenses didn't cost more than the camera!......is anyone going on holiday to Hong Kong?

 

[Davel]

Olypus Mini Mju for £130 @ Jessops?

 

[Bob]

Thanks guys

Thanks for the advice guys and taking the time out to respond. I'm still "doing the rounds" and hopefully come to a decision !!

Bob

 

[Scuff]

You mention that you wished to shoot some wildlife, I would definately reccomend an SLR.

The Canon 350d uses the same CMOS sensor as the proven 20d. This chip allows you to shoot at higher ASA rating with very well controlled 'noise' this combined with the excellent image stabilisation with some of the EOS lenses will help you to get that long shot when the typical UK light is low.

Obviously the SLRs and lenses are not exactly compact and certainly not light, but the advantages to the photographer are instant start up and virtually no delay when pressing the shutter, as well as fast lenses (if you are willing to pay the price!!!)

Here are some examples (including wildlife) shot on the EOS 20d for your perusal. My Galleries

Good luck with you choice.