Help with a camera.
Discussion
It's like a what car thread but with a camera. 
I'm after my 1st camera and have been looking at a range of options.
I don't want to spend too much and have been looking at used DSLRs and new Bridge cameras.
I'm settling on a Bridge more and more as I'm not too confident with all the variations that can be used on a DSLR.
The lenses scare me so I think a fairly decent fixed lens is probably my best option.
So, I'm after recommendations for a good Bridge for around £200-250. Preferably a bit less but will pay that bit extra if quality is 'guaranteed'.
I'd like to be able to take Macro photos, occasionally some longer star exposures but mainly stills of scenery, landscapes and cars.
Cheers.
I'm after my 1st camera and have been looking at a range of options.
I don't want to spend too much and have been looking at used DSLRs and new Bridge cameras.
I'm settling on a Bridge more and more as I'm not too confident with all the variations that can be used on a DSLR.
The lenses scare me so I think a fairly decent fixed lens is probably my best option.
So, I'm after recommendations for a good Bridge for around £200-250. Preferably a bit less but will pay that bit extra if quality is 'guaranteed'.
I'd like to be able to take Macro photos, occasionally some longer star exposures but mainly stills of scenery, landscapes and cars.
Cheers.
PHuzzy said:
So, I'm after recommendations for a good Bridge for around £200-250.
Here's one for free! 
Going Home by Dibbly Dobbler, on Flickr
DibblyDobbler said:
On a different note, how can I take a picture like that on a non DSLR for less than £250?
Is there a decent beginners guide to DSLRs that you know of, I have a basic understanding of photography but know nothing of apertures, focal length, crop ratio... Etc.
From what I've read, a bridge is basically a dslr body but with a fixed lens that has a range of optical zoom to equal a variety of dslr lenses. I.e good for beginners like me who wouldn't know which lens to use for the shot I'd like.
From what I've read, a bridge is basically a dslr body but with a fixed lens that has a range of optical zoom to equal a variety of dslr lenses. I.e good for beginners like me who wouldn't know which lens to use for the shot I'd like.
Spend some time here: http://www.dpreview.com/reviews
Quality of glass and size of sensor are the most important features in any camera.
Many compacts can give you this result:
But you need to spend proper money to get "guaranteed quality" when you get up close and personal. Below a 100% crop from the above:
Quality of glass and size of sensor are the most important features in any camera.
Many compacts can give you this result:
But you need to spend proper money to get "guaranteed quality" when you get up close and personal. Below a 100% crop from the above:
We need to define this 'kwalitee' issue.
Is it resolution (as above), or colour accuracy, or focus, or exposure, or are results poor because the lightng is hopeless?
I don't have a bridge camera but the ones I've seen look just as complex as a DSLR if not more so, as so much stuff is hidden in menus that are hard to remember and slow to get at.
You could easily choose an entry-level DSLR, with a 'kit' lens like an 18-55, and set it all to Auto, and shoot JPG just like a bridge camera, but have so much more control and flexibility under the bonnet if and when you need it. It's certainly nothing to be intimidated by.
Is it resolution (as above), or colour accuracy, or focus, or exposure, or are results poor because the lightng is hopeless?
I don't have a bridge camera but the ones I've seen look just as complex as a DSLR if not more so, as so much stuff is hidden in menus that are hard to remember and slow to get at.
You could easily choose an entry-level DSLR, with a 'kit' lens like an 18-55, and set it all to Auto, and shoot JPG just like a bridge camera, but have so much more control and flexibility under the bonnet if and when you need it. It's certainly nothing to be intimidated by.
Well as what usually happens when people ask for advice, they get given it and then ignore it, I decided that today was camera buying day.
So sitting next to me is a Canon 450D with a 28-80mm lens.
The next few hours shall be spent working out how to do what, with which settings for the type of picture I'd like.
I've taken a few quick point and shoots, are there any software packages for a PC like snapspeed for iOS where I can make quick edits to the whole picture rather than take ages with photoshop, gimp etc.?
So sitting next to me is a Canon 450D with a 28-80mm lens.
The next few hours shall be spent working out how to do what, with which settings for the type of picture I'd like.
I've taken a few quick point and shoots, are there any software packages for a PC like snapspeed for iOS where I can make quick edits to the whole picture rather than take ages with photoshop, gimp etc.?
First, congrats on your purchase; it will keep you busy for days
Second, read the manual. All of it. It won't be easy going but afterwards you will know (a) what your camera can do, where everything is and how to find it (b) equally valid, the bits you don't need to worry about yet.
Can't recommend a simple edit programme as I use Photoshop but I'm sure someone will be along soon.
Second, read the manual. All of it. It won't be easy going but afterwards you will know (a) what your camera can do, where everything is and how to find it (b) equally valid, the bits you don't need to worry about yet.
Can't recommend a simple edit programme as I use Photoshop but I'm sure someone will be along soon.
Start here: http://www.alexandrebuisse.org/resources/photo-cla... A very good quick explanation of the basics.
For quick edits is Picasa is free and works, but I'd suggest looking in to lightroom or similar soon.
For quick edits is Picasa is free and works, but I'd suggest looking in to lightroom or similar soon.
PHuzzy said:
I've taken a few quick point and shoots, are there any software packages for a PC like snapspeed for iOS where I can make quick edits to the whole picture rather than take ages with photoshop, gimp etc.?
As mentioned above, i'd give the Lightroom demo a download and see if you like it. It's a nice enviroment for quick changes and also does the photo management side too. It'll work on JPG or RAW. It's around £90 to buy.Brilliant, cheers guys.
I'm so glad I got the dslr now, I'm a lot more confident with it even after a few hours of getting to know it. Manual mode isn't as complicated as I expected it to be.
My only problem now is attempting not to spend too much money on lenses and accessories as it is merely a hobby.
I have been scouting around for lenses on ebay/amazon.
Any recommendations from you guys? I have found this at which looks like a fair price...
http://www.amazon.co.uk/Canon-EF-S-55-250mm-4-5-6-...
Anyone have any experience of it?
I'm only really after 2 lenses. The 25-80mm which I currently have is ok, not amazing but can do the job for now. So would like something with a little more length and which is ok with macro.
I'm so glad I got the dslr now, I'm a lot more confident with it even after a few hours of getting to know it. Manual mode isn't as complicated as I expected it to be.
My only problem now is attempting not to spend too much money on lenses and accessories as it is merely a hobby.
I have been scouting around for lenses on ebay/amazon.
Any recommendations from you guys? I have found this at which looks like a fair price...
http://www.amazon.co.uk/Canon-EF-S-55-250mm-4-5-6-...
Anyone have any experience of it?
I'm only really after 2 lenses. The 25-80mm which I currently have is ok, not amazing but can do the job for now. So would like something with a little more length and which is ok with macro.
For less thst £90 you can get Photoshop Elements.
Note that for genuine macro, which means 1:1 magnification, you need a dedicated macro lens (they also work as very good portrait lenses too). It can really open up a new world, as the current macro thread shows.
Other things competing for your wallet might be a flashgun, or a tripod (you mentioned star trails).
PHuzzy said:
Any recommendations from you guys?...
I'm only really after 2 lenses. The 25-80mm which I currently have is ok, not amazing but can do the job for now. So would like something with a little more length and which is ok with macro.
Ah well now you see you are probably wishing you got the 18-55 for more wide angle and then the 55-200 adds on nicely I'm only really after 2 lenses. The 25-80mm which I currently have is ok, not amazing but can do the job for now. So would like something with a little more length and which is ok with macro.
Note that for genuine macro, which means 1:1 magnification, you need a dedicated macro lens (they also work as very good portrait lenses too). It can really open up a new world, as the current macro thread shows.
Other things competing for your wallet might be a flashgun, or a tripod (you mentioned star trails).
Simpo Two said:
Ah well now you see you are probably wishing you got the 18-55 for more wide angle and then the 55-200 adds on nicely
Note that for genuine macro, which means 1:1 magnification, you need a dedicated macro lens (they also work as very good portrait lenses too). It can really open up a new world, as the current macro thread shows.
Other things competing for your wallet might be a flashgun, or a tripod (you mentioned star trails).
Amazon list Lightroom 4 for £56, I will be heading out to take some pics tomorrow and have a play with the trial.Note that for genuine macro, which means 1:1 magnification, you need a dedicated macro lens (they also work as very good portrait lenses too). It can really open up a new world, as the current macro thread shows.
Other things competing for your wallet might be a flashgun, or a tripod (you mentioned star trails).
Indeed I do, however the 25-80mm came with the 450D and I got a steal at £200 for the pair.
A tripod is on it's way along with a wireless remote.
I'm just after one, possibly two lenses and I should be satisfied for a year or two.
PHuzzy said:
Indeed I do, however the 25-80mm came with the 450D and I got a steal at £200 for the pair.
Well the nice thing about a DSLR system is that you can buy and sell bits as you go. What seems perfect now may seem less so later on; it's all part of the fun... One day you may get the bug for 'fast glass' and then it will all go in the bin along with your freshly emptied wallet! Well after a day of bidding and losing on eBay I've finally managed to pick up 2 lenses for a price I'm happy with.
I picked up a Canon EF-S 18-55mm for £50ish delivered and a Canon EF 75-300mm for £77 delivered, both described and looked like as new.
Hopefully now I can start to take some pics worthy enough to post on here.
So thanks for the advice and look out in future for some pics from me.
I picked up a Canon EF-S 18-55mm for £50ish delivered and a Canon EF 75-300mm for £77 delivered, both described and looked like as new.
Hopefully now I can start to take some pics worthy enough to post on here.
So thanks for the advice and look out in future for some pics from me.
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