Need HONESTY,Thanks!

ContactingLens · 06-10-2009, 12:06 PM

Ok, getting a new camera on Monday. I am looking at , the Canon PowerShot SX1 IS with megazoom. Or possibly the Panasonic Lumix DMC-G1, (this is a spiffy crossbreed of sorts, yet it is heavy). Now, before you tell me how silly it is to buy a camera at a SLR price that is not SLR, let me just say I have looked at SLR's and I am not really sure I am at that point yet. I don't really care about video, even though HD is neat. I have a camera for that type of stuff already. I want a camera for great pictures yet, the ease of being able to use it without wanting to chuck it at a tree because I didn't memorize a 300 page manual. As of now, I have a Canon PowerShot A630. PnS. Basic newbie gear. I do have some great shots though, so I am ready to advance to something a little more difficult yet, I enjoy grabbing camera at a moments notice and getting the shot. (I fear with a SLR I will spend more time trying to set up the shot and not get it, this is ok when you get your tripod and scope a shot out for hours but, sometimes I just want to whip it out and click something). I also, use Mac's. Canon seems to be the better choice for them? So, if you know a thing or two, or if ya have an abundance of free time perhaps you could google the two and see what you think, I'd like input before I commit. I know there are some other killer cameras out there, I just want something that fits me, where I am artistically now. So give it to me, let me have it...tell me what ya think! Thanks!

JayT · 06-10-2009, 02:29 PM

why not go with an entry level dslr like the XSi? it has the basic zone modes that do alot of the work for you. This leaves you with alot of room to grow.

ContactingLens · 06-10-2009, 02:36 PM

Jay,
This is what I keep hearing. Perhaps I should take the leap. I am googling my rear off on info and reviews on SLR's. I am not sure how to feel about battery packs. If I were somewhere, (I hike and camp a lot), and the rechargeable battery died oh man. I fear going to a camera shop and being sold something I don't need, or will be frustrated with.

JayT · 06-10-2009, 02:37 PM

XSi or XS

Canon EOS Rebel XSi / 450D Digital SLR Camera Review

JayT · 06-10-2009, 02:38 PM

find a good used one on craigslist.

ContactingLens · 06-10-2009, 02:45 PM

Jay,
Thanks! Man..Craigslist equipment..I dunno... If you know what you are looking at and what to look for this is probably a great venue. As a novice, I'd feel like the sucker born a minute ago. Scares me a little to get something used, is that common?

JayT · 06-10-2009, 02:50 PM

I usually am okay with buying used lenses on there, but no so much for bodies. I prefer new bodies that comes with a warranty. Lenses don't have as much electronics to fail as bodies. I haven't had to send any of my lenses in for repair, but I've sent each of my bodies in once.

jezterr · 06-10-2009, 02:50 PM

with growth in mind, and spending that much money, i would go ahead and get an entry level slr.

you don't have to memorize a manual to work one, just know the basics. and if it comes down to trying to get a quick shot you can always just turn a dial to complete auto and you're set.

ContactingLens · 06-10-2009, 02:54 PM

Jay,
Thanks for your help...I think I am converting haha. I looked at your website....well it is no wonder I have never sold a shot, geesh you really should issue an apology for putting people to shame lol. Great photos and eye! Ok, unless it is like asking weight or age, if you don't mind what camera took those pics?

ContactingLens · 06-10-2009, 02:57 PM

Jazterr,
Ahhh auto-pilot.... might come in handy for a bit and help with a transition. Thanks! Do all SLR's have battery packs and is this something to fear..... searching forum posts for answers on this. AA's are so easy to get...

jezterr · 06-10-2009, 03:01 PM

no aa's for slr's.

once you have a battery or two (good to have a spare) then you're always good to go. for convenience sake, people get grips to switch batteries less often.

JayT · 06-10-2009, 03:16 PM

I'm not that good, but thanks. I currently shoot with a 1D Mark III and a 40D. Some of my older shots came from an XTi.

Quote:

Originally Posted by ContactingLens

Jay,
Thanks for your help...I think I am converting haha. I looked at your website....well it is no wonder I have never sold a shot, geesh you really should issue an apology for putting people to shame lol. Great photos and eye! Ok, unless it is like asking weight or age, if you don't mind what camera took those pics?

PhaQGM · 06-10-2009, 03:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ContactingLens

Jazterr,
Ahhh auto-pilot.... might come in handy for a bit and help with a transition. Thanks! Do all SLR's have battery packs and is this something to fear..... searching forum posts for answers on this. AA's are so easy to get...

I don't know of any that don't use battery packs. However, I do know that you can can get (for Canon at least) vertical battery grips that house two battery packs. Or, if you're in a pinch they will also support the use of AA batteries instead. Also, if you have a couple of battery packs you'll be fine. I can easilly take several hundered photos on a single battery pack.

Tofu Anonymous · 06-10-2009, 03:34 PM

Battery grips also add faster FPS sometimes. Though absolutely not necessary. And I agree with everyone else, go with an entry-level SLR. Nikon D40, D60, D40x are all good options along with Canon XS, Canon XSi. Finding a nice used one on craigslist would be good too--though take caution. Contact them, via e-mail or phone, get their name.

Do keep in mind though that manufacture warranties are not transferable. So when people advertise that it still has X amount of months left on the warranty, it doesn't matter. The only transferable warranties are third party warranties if they bought it, but it's not such an easy process.

I don't think I've ever read a camera manual completely..I'm more of a hands on guy and just explore all the menus and what not. Only when an option doesn't seem like something I should be messing with will I resort to the manual.

Things to look for when buying on Craigslist:
1) If the seller offers the box with accessories
2) Provides proof of purchase receipt or shipping statement from online retailer. Though most of the time people won't have the receipt, some do.
3) If the seller has a photography website. This usually lessens the chance that s/he stole the camera. Also, you can Facebook stalk the person
4) Check if they have recently taken the camera in to be checked out by a reputable camera repair shop or will be willing to take it to the repair shop and provide proof of doing so. If the person really wants to sell the equipment, this small task wouldn't be much of a problem.

Red Flags for buying on Craigslist:
1) when prices end in 9s such as 399 or 479 or 289 etc. Most normal people would just keep the prices at multiples of 5s--especially for something as much as a camera.
2) When the seller doesn't have the battery charger. Big big big red flag that it's a stolen item.
3) When the seller doesn't have the box along with the mauals and software but has the charger and a transfer cable. Typically this is a dude who doesn't keep his boxes or is very unorganized. However, a charger and transfer cable are the two easiest things to replace for someone who stole a camera.
4) When they offer to ship and refuse to meet up. That's just always a no no on craigslist.

ContactingLens · 06-10-2009, 10:29 PM

Ok, so I talked with a friend earlier and they showed me their SLR and all the lenses. Needless to say, it scared the crap out of me!!! I am going from a tiny little basic point and shoot...I hardly know what photo terms mean, so as you can imagine SLR's, lenses, settings, oh man tad intimidating -for now. I plan to keep on advancing though, just have to start in the shallow end, I just got out of the kiddie pool!

That being said I went and got a camera earlier, I settled on a Canon PowerShot SX10- IS. Couple hundred cheaper then the SX1-IS, I didn't want HD vid anyway. I took it out of the box earlier and went out in the yard and shot these pics without reading 1 word in the manual.
http://c2.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/i...61d4b20359.png

http://c4.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/i...9ccee230ab.png

http://c4.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/i...e8b811e04f.png

Now, I know they aren't wonderful, or up to SLR par but, I think this is probably a good step for me for now. Lots of settings, and a lot to learn still with it.

06-10-2009, 12:06 PM	#1
ContactingLens Member Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: Olympia Posts: 40 My Camera: Old Canon and a new Canon	Need HONESTY,Thanks! Ok, getting a new camera on Monday. I am looking at , the Canon PowerShot SX1 IS with megazoom. Or possibly the Panasonic Lumix DMC-G1, (this is a spiffy crossbreed of sorts, yet it is heavy). Now, before you tell me how silly it is to buy a camera at a SLR price that is not SLR, let me just say I have looked at SLR's and I am not really sure I am at that point yet. I don't really care about video, even though HD is neat. I have a camera for that type of stuff already. I want a camera for great pictures yet, the ease of being able to use it without wanting to chuck it at a tree because I didn't memorize a 300 page manual. As of now, I have a Canon PowerShot A630. PnS. Basic newbie gear. I do have some great shots though, so I am ready to advance to something a little more difficult yet, I enjoy grabbing camera at a moments notice and getting the shot. (I fear with a SLR I will spend more time trying to set up the shot and not get it, this is ok when you get your tripod and scope a shot out for hours but, sometimes I just want to whip it out and click something). I also, use Mac's. Canon seems to be the better choice for them? So, if you know a thing or two, or if ya have an abundance of free time perhaps you could google the two and see what you think, I'd like input before I commit. I know there are some other killer cameras out there, I just want something that fits me, where I am artistically now. So give it to me, let me have it...tell me what ya think! Thanks! __________________ HALT!!! Or I'll shoot....with my digital bullets.... Last edited by ContactingLens; 06-10-2009 at 12:10 PM.

06-10-2009, 02:29 PM	#2
JayT Super Moderator Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Darkness Posts: 724 My Camera: must take pretty pictures	why not go with an entry level dslr like the XSi? it has the basic zone modes that do alot of the work for you. This leaves you with alot of room to grow. __________________

06-10-2009, 02:36 PM	#3
ContactingLens Member Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: Olympia Posts: 40 My Camera: Old Canon and a new Canon	Jay, This is what I keep hearing. Perhaps I should take the leap. I am googling my rear off on info and reviews on SLR's. I am not sure how to feel about battery packs. If I were somewhere, (I hike and camp a lot), and the rechargeable battery died oh man. I fear going to a camera shop and being sold something I don't need, or will be frustrated with. __________________ HALT!!! Or I'll shoot....with my digital bullets....

06-10-2009, 02:37 PM	#4
JayT Super Moderator Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Darkness Posts: 724 My Camera: must take pretty pictures	XSi or XS Canon EOS Rebel XSi / 450D Digital SLR Camera Review __________________

06-10-2009, 02:38 PM	#5
JayT Super Moderator Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Darkness Posts: 724 My Camera: must take pretty pictures	find a good used one on craigslist. __________________

06-10-2009, 02:45 PM	#6
ContactingLens Member Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: Olympia Posts: 40 My Camera: Old Canon and a new Canon	Jay, Thanks! Man..Craigslist equipment..I dunno... If you know what you are looking at and what to look for this is probably a great venue. As a novice, I'd feel like the sucker born a minute ago. Scares me a little to get something used, is that common? __________________ HALT!!! Or I'll shoot....with my digital bullets....

06-10-2009, 02:50 PM	#7
JayT Super Moderator Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Darkness Posts: 724 My Camera: must take pretty pictures	I usually am okay with buying used lenses on there, but no so much for bodies. I prefer new bodies that comes with a warranty. Lenses don't have as much electronics to fail as bodies. I haven't had to send any of my lenses in for repair, but I've sent each of my bodies in once. __________________

06-10-2009, 02:50 PM	#8
jezterr Moderator Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: a cesspit. Posts: 854 My Camera: disposable	with growth in mind, and spending that much money, i would go ahead and get an entry level slr. you don't have to memorize a manual to work one, just know the basics. and if it comes down to trying to get a quick shot you can always just turn a dial to complete auto and you're set. __________________ photos.juniormonkey.com \| www.juniormonkey.com

06-10-2009, 02:54 PM	#9
ContactingLens Member Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: Olympia Posts: 40 My Camera: Old Canon and a new Canon	Jay, Thanks for your help...I think I am converting haha. I looked at your website....well it is no wonder I have never sold a shot, geesh you really should issue an apology for putting people to shame lol. Great photos and eye! Ok, unless it is like asking weight or age, if you don't mind what camera took those pics? __________________ HALT!!! Or I'll shoot....with my digital bullets....

06-10-2009, 02:57 PM	#10
ContactingLens Member Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: Olympia Posts: 40 My Camera: Old Canon and a new Canon	Jazterr, Ahhh auto-pilot.... might come in handy for a bit and help with a transition. Thanks! Do all SLR's have battery packs and is this something to fear..... searching forum posts for answers on this. AA's are so easy to get... __________________ HALT!!! Or I'll shoot....with my digital bullets....

06-10-2009, 03:01 PM	#11
jezterr Moderator Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: a cesspit. Posts: 854 My Camera: disposable	no aa's for slr's. once you have a battery or two (good to have a spare) then you're always good to go. for convenience sake, people get grips to switch batteries less often. __________________ photos.juniormonkey.com \| www.juniormonkey.com Last edited by jezterr; 06-10-2009 at 03:03 PM.

06-10-2009, 03:34 PM	#14
Tofu Anonymous Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: Seattle, WA / Vancouver, WA Posts: 147 My Camera: Nikon D300/Panasonic Lumix ZS-3/iPhone 4	Battery grips also add faster FPS sometimes. Though absolutely not necessary. And I agree with everyone else, go with an entry-level SLR. Nikon D40, D60, D40x are all good options along with Canon XS, Canon XSi. Finding a nice used one on craigslist would be good too--though take caution. Contact them, via e-mail or phone, get their name. Do keep in mind though that manufacture warranties are not transferable. So when people advertise that it still has X amount of months left on the warranty, it doesn't matter. The only transferable warranties are third party warranties if they bought it, but it's not such an easy process. I don't think I've ever read a camera manual completely..I'm more of a hands on guy and just explore all the menus and what not. Only when an option doesn't seem like something I should be messing with will I resort to the manual. Things to look for when buying on Craigslist: 1) If the seller offers the box with accessories 2) Provides proof of purchase receipt or shipping statement from online retailer. Though most of the time people won't have the receipt, some do. 3) If the seller has a photography website. This usually lessens the chance that s/he stole the camera. Also, you can Facebook stalk the person 4) Check if they have recently taken the camera in to be checked out by a reputable camera repair shop or will be willing to take it to the repair shop and provide proof of doing so. If the person really wants to sell the equipment, this small task wouldn't be much of a problem. Red Flags for buying on Craigslist: 1) when prices end in 9s such as 399 or 479 or 289 etc. Most normal people would just keep the prices at multiples of 5s--especially for something as much as a camera. 2) When the seller doesn't have the battery charger. Big big big red flag that it's a stolen item. 3) When the seller doesn't have the box along with the mauals and software but has the charger and a transfer cable. Typically this is a dude who doesn't keep his boxes or is very unorganized. However, a charger and transfer cable are the two easiest things to replace for someone who stole a camera. 4) When they offer to ship and refuse to meet up. That's just always a no no on craigslist. __________________ http://www.timothyniou.com

06-10-2009, 10:29 PM	#15
ContactingLens Member Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: Olympia Posts: 40 My Camera: Old Canon and a new Canon	Ok, so I talked with a friend earlier and they showed me their SLR and all the lenses. Needless to say, it scared the crap out of me!!! I am going from a tiny little basic point and shoot...I hardly know what photo terms mean, so as you can imagine SLR's, lenses, settings, oh man tad intimidating -for now. I plan to keep on advancing though, just have to start in the shallow end, I just got out of the kiddie pool! That being said I went and got a camera earlier, I settled on a Canon PowerShot SX10- IS. Couple hundred cheaper then the SX1-IS, I didn't want HD vid anyway. I took it out of the box earlier and went out in the yard and shot these pics without reading 1 word in the manual. http://c2.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/i...61d4b20359.png http://c4.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/i...9ccee230ab.png http://c4.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/i...e8b811e04f.png Now, I know they aren't wonderful, or up to SLR par but, I think this is probably a good step for me for now. Lots of settings, and a lot to learn still with it. __________________ HALT!!! Or I'll shoot....with my digital bullets.... Last edited by ContactingLens; 06-10-2009 at 10:40 PM.

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