Made a decision..
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Discussion

Comacchio

Original Poster:

1,544 posts

210 months

Tuesday 18th January 2011
quotequote all
Afternoon,

Last month I made a post asking for advice on getting my first 'real' camera. I've been looking around and I think that a Canon 550D will be a good starter for me. The kit 18-55 lense will be a good start I've heard. If i want to get a zoom/macro lense I'm sure I can find that out later on.

I will be getting this for my 21st birthday present, and so I'm now looking for the cheapest price available to help persuade the old parentos! I think the lowest I've found so far has been £605.

Are there any comparison websites that are particularly good for cameras?

Cheers,

-Allan

AndWhyNot

2,359 posts

228 months

Tuesday 18th January 2011
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http://www.camerapricebuster.co.uk/ - real time prices but doesn't list absolutely everyone

dibbly dobbler

11,492 posts

226 months

Tuesday 18th January 2011
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Are you anywhere near Edinburgh ?

If so, go for body only on the 550D and I'll let you have my 18-55 for a nominal fee biggrin

Comacchio

Original Poster:

1,544 posts

210 months

Tuesday 18th January 2011
quotequote all
I'm 20 minutes to the west of Glasgow. I'll speak with my parents and keep that in mind! bow

-Allan

dibbly dobbler

11,492 posts

226 months

Tuesday 18th January 2011
quotequote all
Bung me a pm if you are keen smile

Failing that, don't rule out eBay - if you are sensible about choosing a vendor (ie UK only, good feedback record etc) you can probably get a bargain on there. I've bought a few things with no problems.

GetCarter

31,250 posts

308 months

Tuesday 18th January 2011
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DD: is that stupid bridge still as busy in rush hour? I sold my P&J as it was such a pain driving to Edinburgh to service/repair it. The thought of that bridge at 08:00 was enough to chill the spine. (Esp after a 4 hour drive).

Allan... bite DDs hand off.

Edited by GetCarter on Tuesday 18th January 13:29

dibbly dobbler

11,492 posts

226 months

Tuesday 18th January 2011
quotequote all
GetCarter said:
DD: is that stupid bridge still as busy in rush hour? I sold my P&J as it was such a pain driving to Edinburgh to service/repair it. The thought of that bridge at 08:00 was enough to chill the spine. (Esp after a 4 hour drive).

Allan... bite DDs hand off.

Edited by GetCarter on Tuesday 18th January 13:29
Alas yes - thankfully I don't need to cross it very often aside from the odd visit to the badlands of Fife but at rush hour it's a no go area !

Comacchio

Original Poster:

1,544 posts

210 months

Saturday 2nd April 2011
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Well to finish off this topic... Here she is! Its been a long wait but my birthday finally arrived bringing my new toy and hobby!

I got a Canon EOS 550D and a Redsnapper RS284 with an RSH-12 ball head. Cant wait to get out and get shooting once i find some time to stop partying beer

Please excuse the poor iPhone pics (i'll just link them to save time resizing tongue out )..

http://i.imgur.com/AVALs.jpg
http://i.imgur.com/ks97R.jpg
http://i.imgur.com/IYUv5.jpg

The flash is an old Praktica BC2400 from my parents old SLR. Have absolutely no idea what all the numbers mean on it, but im sure i'll work it out!

Thanks for all the good advice smile

-Allan

SamHH

5,078 posts

245 months

Saturday 2nd April 2011
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GetCarter said:
DD: is that stupid bridge still as busy in rush hour? I sold my P&J as it was such a pain driving to Edinburgh to service/repair it. The thought of that bridge at 08:00 was enough to chill the spine. (Esp after a 4 hour drive).
The Aston? You'd think the dealer would offer a pick-up and drop-off service.

GetCarter

31,250 posts

308 months

Saturday 2nd April 2011
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SamHH said:
The Aston? You'd think the dealer would offer a pick-up and drop-off service.
If only!

markmullen

15,877 posts

263 months

Saturday 2nd April 2011
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Comacchio said:
The flash is an old Praktica BC2400 from my parents old SLR. Have absolutely no idea what all the numbers mean on it, but im sure i'll work it out!
Check the flash's trigger voltage before you try it with your 550, older flash guns can work at a higher voltage than digital SLRs use and can fry the flash circuitry.

Comacchio

Original Poster:

1,544 posts

210 months

Saturday 2nd April 2011
quotequote all
From what i can see online, the trigger voltage is 7.5V on the Praktica. Would this be safe to use?

Simpo Two

92,730 posts

294 months

Saturday 2nd April 2011
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Dig a little deeper and buy a modern flashgun, preferably Canon or at least properly compatible.