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RVFmal
12-09-2008, 12:04 PM
Game currently have the Canon 350D Bundle on special again at R 4999.

Good buy or not?

bwana
12-09-2008, 12:14 PM
Maybe its just me but I have an issue buying these older - often out of production - cameras when there are better ones for not a lot extra. The memory is nice but do you really need a printer? The labs do a much better job imo for less money too.

EDIT - that said its not a bad camera.

jacqvt
12-09-2008, 11:21 PM
I like that camera, not very expensive but it takes good pics. What I dislike of a slr is that you cannot view the image on the screen before taking it, like the normal p&s. Thats why I like the canon 45nd so much, but I didn't get the lotto numbers correct!

ToxicBunny
12-09-2008, 11:33 PM
Damn.. now I'm torn.. I was only going to spend bit of cash this weekend.. but i REALLY want an SLR..... *sulk*

bwana
13-09-2008, 12:11 AM
Damn.. now I'm torn.. I was only going to spend bit of cash this weekend.. but i REALLY want an SLR..... *sulk*So go get one. :)
I like that camera, not very expensive but it takes good pics. What I dislike of a slr is that you cannot view the image on the screen before taking it, like the normal p&s. Thats why I like the canon 45nd so much, but I didn't get the lotto numbers correct!I'll only get a P&S if it has an optical viewfinder.

jacqvt
13-09-2008, 01:39 AM
So go get one. :)I'll only get a P&S if it has an optical viewfinder.
I think it's betterto use the viewfinder, it's just not so easy to get used to it, if you wear glasses. Thats my only problem with it.

BigAl-sa
13-09-2008, 06:49 AM
I really like using the 350d, but I think for what you're getting, R5k is a bit much. You may also want to look at this Sony deal (http://www.makro.co.za/IntelliWeb/ClientFiles/PDFCatalog/multimedia/p10+11.pdf) at Makro - a lot more value there (the flash is worth more than a printer to me).

Sony a200 at dpreview
http://www.dpreview.com/reviews/sonydslra200/

bwana
13-09-2008, 07:27 AM
I think it's betterto use the viewfinder, it's just not so easy to get used to it, if you wear glasses. Thats my only problem with it.
What about taking your glasses off? I know many (most?) dSLRs come with a built in diopter adjustment. My canon ranges from -3 to +1.

jacqvt
13-09-2008, 09:27 AM
I found this on an australian website last night. Maybe thats a solution. I really suffer without my glasses, and dont like the on-off-on-off thing. And my glasses get smeared by that rubber adapter around the viewfinder. Maybe it's silly, but I dont like it. http://mybroadband.co.za/photos/showphoto.php?photo=6199&cat=500

ToxicBunny
13-09-2008, 09:50 AM
hmm choices... damnit... *sulk*

bwana
13-09-2008, 09:53 AM
hmm choices... damnit... *sulk*iirc Pooky has the Sony - if you go for that one perhaps you two can become photobuddies? I'm sure he's picked up loads of tips n tricks he'd like to share with you :)

ToxicBunny
13-09-2008, 09:57 AM
You suck.. you know that? :p

Although thanks, I think you just removed one of the choices from the list... I'm down to the canon or the nikon now.

bwana
13-09-2008, 10:06 AM
You suck.. you know that? :p

Although thanks, I think you just removed one of the choices from the list... I'm down to the canon or the nikon now.Not helpful? :( Sorry.

Out of the 350D and the D40 I'd get neither. Spend a little more and move up a notch. The 350D is dated and the D40 is missing a few features that I'd pay extra for including Auto Exposure Bracketing. Neither (afaik) has auto sensor cleaning. AEB is a plus if you a want to easily make HDR images and also if you need to be sure you're going to nail the exposure.

I'd stay away from the Pentax K100D Super purely out of my concerns for it's build quality. My mate has one and when went to stick in his USB cable recently the camera end came loose and is now somewhere inside the body. :eek:

ToxicBunny
13-09-2008, 10:10 AM
I'm just kidding mostly...

I should have been more detailed... its the Nikon D60 or the Canon D400 i'm looking at.

The game bundle is nice, but its a dated camera and I can get the newer model for a lil more, seems like a no brainer IF i decide to go canon

bwana
13-09-2008, 10:14 AM
I'm just kidding mostly...

I should have been more detailed... its the Nikon D60 or the Canon D400 i'm looking at.

The game bundle is nice, but its a dated camera and I can get the newer model for a lil more, seems like a no brainer IF i decide to go canonBoth nice cameras - I dont think you'll go far wrong with either.

I have a natural bias towards Canon by now but both have excellent glass (not sure if you can use all of Nikons on the D60 to its full extent?).

ToxicBunny
13-09-2008, 10:21 AM
Its kinda looking like its either the Canon or the Sony actually at the end of the day... The "deals" i'm seeing on the Nikon aren't actually that appealing really... and the Canon deal is decent enough, you get a printer etc etc for free at the end of the day.

The sony with a flash is very appealing to be honest.

bwana
13-09-2008, 10:29 AM
Do you really need a printer? Labs do a better job and often cost less per print.

ToxicBunny
13-09-2008, 10:32 AM
I actually have too many printers at home to be honest.... so the printer is just fluff in my books.. and the printer I would use(if i ever did) is infinitely better than the POS you get in the bundle.

Right, just need to check how much decent lens cost for the sony to see that I'm not making a bad choice in terms of addiction cost.

BigAl-sa
13-09-2008, 10:59 AM
Right, just need to check how much decent lens cost for the sony to see that I'm not making a bad choice in terms of addiction cost.Even though I have a 350d, I'm with Bwana and would rather go with a more modern camera. Lenses are going to cost you whichever cam you buy. Buying Sigma (http://www.sigmaphoto.com/lenses/lenses_all.asp) rather than the manufacturers kit can save you appreciable amounts though.

ToxicBunny
13-09-2008, 11:04 AM
BigAl : I've pretty much decided on the Sony, since the deal from Makro is actually VERY good...

As for lenses, I know they'll cost me a bomb, but I do remember almost buying a camera that used 4/3rd's(I think it was called) lenses and holy cow they were STUPIDLY expensive... but the Sony lenses look like they're reasonably priced.

bwana
13-09-2008, 11:06 AM
BigAl : I've pretty much decided on the Sony, since the deal from Makro is actually VERY good...

As for lenses, I know they'll cost me a bomb, but I do remember almost buying a camera that used 4/3rd's(I think it was called) lenses and holy cow they were STUPIDLY expensive... but the Sony lenses look like they're reasonably priced.You dont want to know what my latest Canon L glass cost in that case.

Fortunately sigma and tameron do make some nice glass. :)

ToxicBunny
13-09-2008, 11:11 AM
I am not THAT addicted yet.... soon enough maybe.. but not just yet :p

Think I'm going to mosey along to makro and just have a look see...

BigAl-sa
13-09-2008, 11:13 AM
Nikon is even more expensive: prime (http://www.outdoorphotoshop.co.za/category.aspx?categoryID=91) zoom (http://www.outdoorphotoshop.co.za/category.aspx?categoryID=92)

ToxicBunny
13-09-2008, 11:15 AM
:eek: thats madness....

bwana
13-09-2008, 11:51 AM
Nikon is even more expensive: prime (http://www.outdoorphotoshop.co.za/category.aspx?categoryID=91) zoom (http://www.outdoorphotoshop.co.za/category.aspx?categoryID=92)The manufacturers love to do the nasty to SA consumers. I see my new 16-35mm is r18k there - imported it for r5k less from the US. :)

ToxicBunny
13-09-2008, 02:12 PM
Oh well, been playing for 20 or 30 minutes with muh new toy...

Gotta say I loves it so far... and its just going to end up costing me a boat load of money..... :D

bwana
13-09-2008, 02:18 PM
sony?

ToxicBunny
13-09-2008, 02:20 PM
Yeah.. the Sony.

At the end of the day the deal was the best value for money. Should I outgrow it and need something better then I'll cross that bridge when I get there :).

Need to find a decent bag for it now, and of course another memory card or 4...
What software would you recommened bwana? I can't seem to get Adobe Camera Raw anymore (at least until monday when I can unlock my damn install of Photoshop)

PostmanPot
13-09-2008, 02:22 PM
Nice TB, enjoy!

ToxicBunny
13-09-2008, 02:25 PM
I already am! :)
Just waiting for the battery to charge fully before I start going mental just now :p

BigAl-sa
13-09-2008, 03:28 PM
Congrats! :D Enjoy the new toy (and enjoy spending the money on the accessories!)

Why don't you play around with the software that came with the cam for now?

Telkomisaloser
13-09-2008, 03:30 PM
/me suspects /me will see a lot of TB photos from now on :eek:

bwana
13-09-2008, 03:38 PM
Yeah.. the Sony.

At the end of the day the deal was the best value for money. Should I outgrow it and need something better then I'll cross that bridge when I get there :).

Need to find a decent bag for it now, and of course another memory card or 4...
What software would you recommened bwana? I can't seem to get Adobe Camera Raw anymore (at least until monday when I can unlock my damn install of Photoshop)Aperture . . . but you're going to need a mac for that - got any room left on the card? :D

RVFmal
13-09-2008, 06:29 PM
I sense a hijacking of my thread :D:D

Thanks for all the input guys. Went to cameraTek today to collect a 350D for R 3799 (better value than the Game offer as I didn't need the printer - already got one).

We eventually settled on the Canon 400D for not a lot more. (with the standard EF-S 18-55 glass). SO is absolutely over the moon with the purchase and hasn't put it down since we collected.

Next on the list is a decent zoom lense for longer distance shots and lanscapes.

Pooky
13-09-2008, 06:31 PM
Lightroom Lightroom Lightroom is like THE COOLEST program for RAW editing!

Devill
13-09-2008, 06:47 PM
Both nice cameras - I dont think you'll go far wrong with either.

I have a natural bias towards Canon by now but both have excellent glass (not sure if you can use all of Nikons on the D60 to its full extent?).

Does the Nikons not have the same qaulity lenses for cheaper on the lower range of cameras?

ToxicBunny
13-09-2008, 08:32 PM
Lightroom seems to do the job for now....

bwana : A mac is on the cards for purchase sometime soon :).. I've wanted one for ages and now its not too far out of my reach thankfully.

koffiejunkie
13-09-2008, 09:57 PM
Oh well, been playing for 20 or 30 minutes with muh new toy...

Congrats dude. Flickr profile and first shot is expected, OK? :D

Side note: I think we should make it compulsory for this forum - you have to have a flickr (or something similar) account and post your stuff :)


Why don't you play around with the software that came with the cam for now?

If it's anything like the software that came with my Sony Cybershot, that CD becomes a coaster right away :)


We eventually settled on the Canon 400D for not a lot more. (with the standard EF-S 18-55 glass). SO is absolutely over the moon with the purchase and hasn't put it down since we collected.

Congrats dude! See my comment about flickr :)


Next on the list is a decent zoom lense for longer distance shots and lanscapes.

You really need a wide lens for landscapes. I love this one (http://www.sigmaphoto.com/lenses/lenses_all_details.asp?id=3301&navigator=6) for that kind of stuff.


Lightroom Lightroom Lightroom is like THE COOLEST program for RAW editing!

Aperture FTW!

To be serious, I like Lightroom too. I bought Aperture and prefer it, but I keep a copy of Lightroom around and play with it every now and then.


Does the Nikons not have the same qaulity lenses for cheaper on the lower range of cameras?

They have the cheap 50mm f/1.8 just like Canon's one. Dunno about the rest.

ToxicBunny
13-09-2008, 10:04 PM
koffiejunkie : Already have some photos that will be put up on flickr... :) I'll get my ass into gear tomorrow and get it all sorted out :D

I'm liking lightroom on my PC.. but I've wanted to get a Mac for ages, and something like Aperture will be just the kind of incentive I need. As for the software that came with the Camera... it may be good, but i've learnt in all my years in IT that Sony is carp when it comes to software, and would NEVER be able to match something like Lightroom.

Pooky
13-09-2008, 10:28 PM
Oh how I would love a MAC...... *carries on dreaming*

RVFmal
14-09-2008, 10:36 AM
Congrats dude! See my comment about flickr :)

You really need a wide lens for landscapes. I love this one (http://www.sigmaphoto.com/lenses/lenses_all_details.asp?id=3301&navigator=6) for that kind of stuff.


Don't know why I am still posting as I bought the camera for the SO. :D

Thanks for the link. Want to get her a decent wide angle, macro and zoom lense in the next couple of months.

bwana
14-09-2008, 10:44 AM
Don't know why I am still posting as I bought the camera for the SO. :D

Thanks for the link. Want to get her a decent wide angle, macro and zoom lense in the next couple of months.Sigma does a nice 28-300mm F3.5-6.3 DG Macro (http://www.sigmaphoto.com/lenses/lenses_all_details.asp?id=3305&navigator=2) that is pretty affordable. It's not all that big so it makes a great walkabout lens.

koffiejunkie
14-09-2008, 02:45 PM
Don't know why I am still posting as I bought the camera for the SO. :D

Just wait and see, before long you'll want one too. :D

RVFmal
14-09-2008, 05:34 PM
Sigma does a nice 28-300mm F3.5-6.3 DG Macro (http://www.sigmaphoto.com/lenses/lenses_all_details.asp?id=3305&navigator=2) that is pretty affordable. It's not all that big so it makes a great walkabout lens.

Almost as much as the camera LOL!

What is the distinct difference between the above and the Sigma 70-300mm f/4-5.6 DG Macro Telephoto Zoom Lens?

bwana
14-09-2008, 06:25 PM
Almost as much as the camera LOL!

What is the distinct difference between the above and the Sigma 70-300mm f/4-5.6 DG Macro Telephoto Zoom Lens?The difference?

Roughly this:

http://mybroadband.co.za/vb/picture.php?albumid=19&pictureid=712

koffiejunkie
14-09-2008, 09:13 PM
Almost as much as the camera LOL!

The body is the cheap part of photography...


What is the distinct difference between the above and the Sigma 70-300mm f/4-5.6 DG Macro Telephoto Zoom Lens?

If you're considering the Sigma 70-300 you'll want to make sure you get the one with 'APO' in it's name. The non APO model is not great at all, the APO model is pretty good (for the money - it's still outclassed by Canon's offerings).

Wynsam
16-09-2008, 12:46 PM
Well done to you for joining the DSLR club guys. Now go and shoot!!

I use Photoshop CS2 for all my work. I find it great. Yes its old but it works for me

bwana
16-09-2008, 12:53 PM
Well done to you for joining the DSLR club guys. Now go and shoot!!

I use Photoshop CS2 for all my work. I find it great. Yes its old but it works for meMy problem for using Photoshop for everything is the sheer size of the files once they're converted from RAW - 10mb quickly becomes 50mb.

Do you have a method of circumventing the bloat or do you just live with it?

Wynsam
16-09-2008, 01:48 PM
Lots of ram? I run 4gig, actually the pc only sees 3gig.

Yes the files become huge, I live with it while working with the file. I save as Jpeg, max quality using the save for web feature.Its a bit slow but woks. I dont do this for every file though.Most raw files I open in camera raw, crop a bit, fiddle a bit with the exposure etc and then then save directly from camera raw. These then que up converting and saving while I move to the next one. I spend about 30 -60 secs per shot. Otherwise I just batch convert, and afterwards look at the ones I want and delete the rest. The special ones I want to keep then get the full PS treatment.

bwana
16-09-2008, 01:50 PM
Lots of ram? I run 4gig, actually the pc only sees 3gig.

Yes the files become huge, I live with it while working with the file. I save as Jpeg, max quality using the save for web feature.Its a bit slow but woks. I dont do this for every file though.Most raw files I open in camera raw, crop a bit, fiddle a bit with the exposure etc and then then save directly from camera raw. These then que up converting and saving while I move to the next one. I spend about 30 -60 secs per shot. Otherwise I just batch convert, and afterwards look at the ones I want and delete the rest. The special ones I want to keep then get the full PS treatment.I try to avoid the save to web option as much as possible - I like to keep the exif data embedded in the photo.

Wynsam
16-09-2008, 02:01 PM
Yes losing it is a pain. I don't understand why it strips it out.

But for me I tend not to look at the data after the raw file. If want to know how/why that shot worked or did not then I see it then. Still its it would be better if it did not lose it.

Does CS3 fix that?

bwana
16-09-2008, 02:02 PM
Yes losing it is a pain. I don't understand why it strips it out.

But for me I tend not to look at the data after the raw file. If want to know how/why that shot worked or did not then I see it then. Still its it would be better if it did not lose it.

Does CS3 fix that?Regrettably not. You can still "save as" and it will retain it though.

I embed GPS in a lot of my stuff these days and I really dont want to lose that if I can help it.

mercurial
16-09-2008, 02:11 PM
What I dislike of a slr is that you cannot view the image on the screen before taking it, like the normal p&s.



Then you need to get a dSLR with Live-View mode :) The Canon 450D, 40D as well as the 1000D has this. I think the Sony A350 also has it.

koffiejunkie
16-09-2008, 03:32 PM
Yes losing it is a pain. I don't understand why it strips it out.

But for me I tend not to look at the data after the raw file. If want to know how/why that shot worked or did not then I see it then. Still its it would be better if it did not lose it.

Does CS3 fix that?

I'm falling more and more in love with the concept that Aperture and Lightroom builds on. Everything is structured in such a way that the whole process, from importing to printing/publishing, and everything in-between, just flows (forgive the buzzword, but it's really appropriate here) so nicely.

Another thing that I've come to appreciate, is the way in which building out my image library, and spending some time keywording images, is building a nice profile of my usage. I can see, for example, that about two thirds of my images are shot below 35mm (50mm equiv on FF), so if I'm going to invest serious money in another lens, equipped with this knowledge it's easy to decide that it will more likely be the 16-35L or 17-40L than say, the 70-200L. (all other considerations ignored, for the sake of the argument).

I've started pulling my jpegs from the P&S into Aperture as well.

bwana
16-09-2008, 03:45 PM
I'm falling more and more in love with the concept that Aperture and Lightroom builds on. Everything is structured in such a way that the whole process, from importing to printing/publishing, and everything in-between, just flows (forgive the buzzword, but it's really appropriate here) so nicely.

Another thing that I've come to appreciate, is the way in which building out my image library, and spending some time keywording images, is building a nice profile of my usage. I can see, for example, that about two thirds of my images are shot below 35mm (50mm equiv on FF), so if I'm going to invest serious money in another lens, equipped with this knowledge it's easy to decide that it will more likely be the 16-35L or 17-40L than say, the 70-200L. (all other considerations ignored, for the sake of the argument).

I've started pulling my jpegs from the P&S into Aperture as well.I guess I'm doing the opposite - In order not to stagnate and to improve my proficiency I'm making a conscious effort to spend entire sessions shooting at set focal lengths.

koffiejunkie
16-09-2008, 04:16 PM
Well, I do that too. I often go out with just one prime on, nothing else with me. But the artistic side of me really loves the wide angle much much more. Long range shooting really doesn't do much for me. Unless I discover a big passion for wild life or birds (unlikely), I don't see much point in investing in that. Maybe sports, if I get paid, but again, not an interest for me, so not something I want to invest in.

devjeeb
16-09-2008, 06:53 PM
Hi,
I bought one of these. I think its an excellent buy.

Bhavesh
http://www.digicube.co.za

bwana
16-09-2008, 07:02 PM
I can see, for example, that about two thirds of my images are shot below 35mm (50mm equiv on FF), so if I'm going to invest serious money in another lens, equipped with this knowledge it's easy to decide that it will more likely be the 16-35L or 17-40L than say, the 70-200L. (all other considerations ignored, for the sake of the argument).I noticed a fairly conspicuous absence (http://www.the-digital-picture.com/reviews/Canon-EF-S-17-55mm-f-2.8-IS-USM-Lens-Review.aspx) wrt your considerations. :D

koffiejunkie
16-09-2008, 07:13 PM
I noticed a fairly conspicuous absence (http://www.the-digital-picture.com/reviews/Canon-EF-S-17-55mm-f-2.8-IS-USM-Lens-Review.aspx) wrt your considerations. :D

Naah, I just used those as an example. The 17-55 will most likely be my next lens, assuming I don't pick up a 5D in the not too distant future. Not that I'm planning to, but the 17-55, annoyingly, makes that a harder decision - it costs as much as a second hand 5D, and only a few hundred £ less than a new 5D body, which would make needing a 17-55 useless, as the 24-105L would be even wider at the wide end (17x1.6=27.2). Hmmm... :D