Digital SLR Question - purchase advice

[BretMorris]

i know this is not actually a Ducati Monster question but there is some relevance.  I am looking at getting my 1st digital SLR camera so that I can take some shots of the Monster as well as some holiday snaps.  I do have an Olympus water/shock proof digital camera that I use when I go fishing in NZ but would like a "better" camera for more all round photography.  I know that most of the input to a good photo comes from the person looking through the view finder or at the screen.  The ability to see a good shot and to frame it is something you cant really purchase with the camera.

However, I am thinking of getting a Canon EOS 450D with the standard lens. 

I know there are some really good amateur and professional photographers on the board and would appreciate any advice on what camera to get inthe price range of $1,000 - $1,200 or thereabouts.

Would appreciate any help....

Bret

[Betty]

Your help will come, just not from me. Sorry for the bullshit post but I think your thinking is one of the things I love about this place:

'So I am thinking of making a major investment in camera equipment, where should I turn for advice ..... oh that's right the Monster Forum'

[Super T.I.B]

Here we go......

Go and shop around and have a look/play with a few brands.

I'm sure you will find one you like but I have got myself a Nikon D80 & I love it, just don't use it enough. 

You can't go wrong with either Nikon/Canon.

I bet Matty's radar is picking up something about this right now.

But Canons really do suck arse.

[Betty]

Here we go indeed, had to pick a fight didn't ya Super 

[Super T.I.B]

Here we go indeed, had to pick a fight didn't ya Super 

[bazz20]

i like the cannons cause ther bloody good cameras but you can youse any ef lens on them and theres heaps of film lens about 

[Super T.I.B]

i like the cannons cause ther bloody good cameras but you can youse any ef lens on them and theres heaps of film lens about 

AF lens, you mean.

And same with Nikon.

Bloody Canon people, don't know what they are talking about. grumble, grumble.

[sydmonster]

my 2c worth...

I find full sized DSLR's a pain. Too big, too slow to set up, a little on the fragile side, high maintenance.

Modern bridge cameras, Such as Panasonic LUMIX, CANON G9 Powershot etc can do very good shots, quickly and easily. The trick is not the camera but a tripod and learning how to use ALL the features in the right setting ; either in manual or auto at the right time will do more than a rookie with the best DSLR in the market.
Bridge cameras are also considerably smaller and easier to carry, something you may want to consider when on holidays as you can often be distracted.... whoops bang! broke my expensive DSLR.
These are some bridge cameras I suggest, they take pro-like quality shots, with the size and ease of use of a compact...

Panasonic LUMIX
http://panasonic.com.au/products/details.cfm?objectID=4611

CANON G9
http://www.canon.com.au/products/cameras/digital_compact_cameras/powershotG9.aspx

NIKON P6000
http://www.nikon.com.au/productitem.php?pid=1277-04d9c9c633

This FUJI is also worth considering
http://www.fujifilm.com.au/products/item.asp?id=2&sid=1&pid=430

Hope that helps... - Chris

[mattyvas]

Super's initial advice is best,  go out shop around have a play and see what you like.
I am a Canon user have always been, well since I was the one paying the bill for the gear.
And since I use mine professionally they are a level above what most have.

But yes the 450 is a great camera and would serve many people well, as you say it is not what you have but how you use it.
I also shoot alot with my G7 which does give excellent results for something in the $600-$700 range.

cheers
Matty...

[Big T]

Hey Bret

Totally agree with the likes of the Canon G9. This cam has most of the SLR functions in a strong semi compact form. Also has a few nifty functions of its own. I have just used this cam in some of the most extreme conditions nature has to offer (-20C to plus 45C) and it performed above and beyond expectations.

So check it out and see if it meets you requirements.....

Big T

[Ita]

I've had an eos 350D for about 2 years....

Brilliant camera...  One of my mates has the 400D which he bought because he used mine for me at a track day and loved it!!!

Highly recomended...

Ita

[kursed]

I have used a variety of dslr cams and far and away the best brand for final image quality (in the prosumer market) have been nikons. get yourself a proper flash unit a few months after the initial purchase and you will be shooting pics like a semi-pro in no time. lighting is so key to good photography, and a decent flash changes EVERYTHING.

[heatherp]

I have owned a Canon 350D for 3 years, have ended up buying a wide angle lens (not canon tho), tripod, cokin filters. I love this camera although agree with the comments about bulk and weight - I lugged mine around South America on foot for 3 weeks. I would class myself as an enthusiastic amateur photographer. lol

I've seen good shots from the Canon Ixus point 'n' shoots.

Cheers
Heather 

[brimo]

I hope this is still on subject, but do you reckon my old Pentax K mount lenses will fit on a Pentax DSLR body?

[mattyvas]

Most likely no, the only manufacture who still has the same lens mount is Nikon.
Canon changed in the 90's when AF came about and many of them did the same.