another digi camera (SLR) thread

[andygrif]

Originally Posted by Bifta

Have you tried the 'undutchables' firmware on your 300d yet?

http://www.gpi.dk/300d/

No, I decided not to do it (at least until the warranty runs out!) To be honest there's only a couple of 'nice' features on there, neither of which I really need for my shots, that's the mirror lock-up and the higher rating ISO, so it's really not worth it.

Originally Posted by SMHarman

As does my baby Canon A85, as I was saying the software and user interface of the EOS has trickled all the way down the range, it has a massive amount of functionality for what should be a point and click.

Fabulous little cameras those!

This is turning into the Canon appreciation thread...and about time too

Originally Posted by Graham

I've also noticed, however, that the D50 doesn't have Depth of Field preview which is something I'd definitely want.

Blimey, I thought all SLR's had that these days...it's a necessity, especially for some more tricky shots. I can't believe Nikon omited it.

[Bifta]

How does the DOF preview work on a 300D? If I press the relevant button all it seems to do is darken the subject in the viewfinder.

Edit: never mind idiot boy discovered that small aperture = less light = darker subject.

[SMHarman]

Originally Posted by Bifta

Edit: never mind idiot boy discovered that small aperture = less light = darker subject.

= exposed aperture = exposed depth of field.
Strange in this digital, soft press button world when you press a button like that on the camera and hear the iris mechanics closing up.
__________________

Originally Posted by andygrif

This is turning into the Canon appreciation thread...and about time too

I originally was a big Olympus fan, OM10 > OM1, all sorts of lenses etc, then the house got burgled.
My failing eyesight (well I'm short sighted anyway) meant I wanted something with autofocus to replace it and at the time looked at Minolta, Canon and a good few others and settled on the EOS10, the only regret is I got the 35-135 as my base lens, not the 28-80 as I don't feel I have a sufficiently wide angle lens these days.

I also have a lovely little IXUS from the days when they took APS film and were the size of cigarette packets. Nowdays My SE K750i makes a very good replacement.

[andygrif]

Originally Posted by SMHarman

settled on the EOS10, the only regret is I got the 35-135 as my base lens, not the 28-80 as I don't feel I have a sufficiently wide angle lens these days.

Is that the film EOS10 or the 10D digital? If it's the digital I can understand what you mean, with the focal magnification length you're starting length is about the same a 50mm lens - which would be quite restricting.

It's a shame that you can't use the 18-55 kit lens in the 10D, as there's a boat load of those available for about 50 quid each - which is an absolute bargain - but not compatible with the 10D (as you probably know!)

You could probably pick up an old 28-80 on ebay for next to nothing. I've got an old one around here somewhere (in the loft probably) which was the kit lens for my ancient film EOS1000FN...not a bad lens as it goes, but should be pretty cheap.

[SMHarman]

Originally Posted by andygrif

Is that the film EOS10 or the 10D digital? If it's the digital I can understand what you mean, with the focal magnification length you're starting length is about the same a 50mm lens - which would be quite restricting.

EOS10 (wet), I had a 24mm f1.4 lens with the Olympus (fantastic lens), so to go to a 35mm as the widest was a bit of a step backward.
I was umming and aahing about a Digital SLR when I got the A85 but it can wait a while, the 4mp and control on that is adequate for what I do these days. A 2yr old means I take a lot less photos (well of things other than a 2 yr old).

[altis]

Here's a quick pictoral comparison of most of the curent superzoom prosumer cameras:
http://www.pbase.com/viztyger/image/47495182

Note that many include manual focus, zoom and exposure - just like DSLRs.

If you are going to China for a long time then you'll need to think about batteries. If you are going for a camera with rechargables then how are you going to charge them? From my trips to Nepal, I've found non-rechargable AAs to be ideal. In particular the Lithium Iron Disulphide ones such as the Energizer Lithiums currently available in a good BOGOF offer from Argos:
http://www.argos.co.uk/webapp/wcs/st...oductId=151389
... or Eurobatteries' own brand here:
http://www.eurobatteries.com/sitepag...on%20Batteries

[andygrif]

Personally I'd take the charger (which weighs next to nothing) and a travel adapter. Also it depends on how many shots you're taking, whether you're using flash etc - but my 300d is good for over 500 shots on a single charge.

[andygrif]

Daniel, you might be interested to see this month's Practical Photography where they have a big test of all the key consumer digital SLRs, including the both the Nikons and both the Canons plus the others like the *ist (that name always makes me smile).

Anyway, PP this September edition - came out last week.

[danielf]

Originally Posted by andygrif

Daniel, you might be interested to see this month's Practical Photography where they have a big test of all the key consumer digital SLRs, including the both the Nikons and both the Canons plus the others like the *ist (that name always makes me smile).

Anyway, PP this September edition - came out last week.

Cheers for that. I'll definitely have a look!

[danielf]

Well... On the basis of the PP test (thanks Andy), and the gf having been to the shop to look at the actual thing, she has decided on the Canon. (that'll please some people that have posted in this thread )

Next step: the purchase Best price off the web (from places with a good rating from the likes of kelkoo) is £600 (Body and kit lens). Jacobs (we have one locally) is £630 according to their website. It doesn't say it's a web exclusive offer, so I'm presuming that's the physical shop price.

I think £30 more is not a great deal to pay for getting it from an actual shop where you can return the item and speak to a person in case something is/appears wrong, so that is tempting. The other benefit might be that we could flog off the old 35 mm kit as part exchange.

Questions:

Do Jacobs do part exchange?
Is a part exchange worthwhile given the following kit:
Pentax MZ-5 + kit lens (35-80)
Sigma 7-300 Zoom
Sigma EF-430 ST External Flash

p.s. I'm not interested in getting into Ebay to flog off the old kit.

[andygrif]

To be honest the value of 2nd hand film kit as trade-ins is minimal. I know that Jessops will match prices, but pick a quiet branch, as they like to pick and choose which offers they will match if the store is hitting targets. They also do trade-ins. Get them to match your price first, then present them with your trade-in kit and beat them up on how much you want for it. Offer to take accessories such as memory cards instead of the cash for your trade-in.

I had a play with the EOS350D the other day...It's a great bit of kit and much improved on the 300D. It's just a bit small for my liking, so I'm probably going to upgrade to a 20D next year...especially as I seem to be doing more freelance photography these days.

Good luck!

[danielf]

Originally Posted by andygrif

To be honest the value of 2nd hand film kit as trade-ins is minimal. I know that Jessops will match prices, but pick a quiet branch, as they like to pick and choose which offers they will match if the store is hitting targets. They also do trade-ins. Get them to match your price first, then present them with your trade-in kit and beat them up on how much you want for it. Offer to take accessories such as memory cards instead of the cash for your trade-in.

I had a play with the EOS350D the other day...It's a great bit of kit and much improved on the 300D. It's just a bit small for my liking, so I'm probably going to upgrade to a 20D next year...especially as I seem to be doing more freelance photography these days.

Good luck!

Ta. Will do that. The gf was a bit concerned about the 350 being a bit small (as per the review), but didn't think so after handling it. Girl's hands I suppose

[kookook]

why dont you check this site :

http://www.hometownnewsmn.com/tech/42/term5934.html

[Bifta]

Originally Posted by kookook

why dont you check this site :

http://www.hometownnewsmn.com/tech/42/term5934.html

What is that site exactly? Look like a load of rubbish to be honest.