Digital SLR Shop

Hi guys, I'm thinking about buying a new SLR.

Mcrow, OD and Teeroy, and anyone else whos into the art.

could you post what gear you're using (cameras and lenses) and rate them for the type of work you've used them for.

cheers

Well I work mostly in video editing but I also freelance a bit of photography.

I own a Canon 7D and a few different lenses. Mainly prime lenses because they are better for video (better aperture ranges and the like). However for zoom lenses I can't go past my trusty 24-70mm L Series Canon. Good looking glass and very adaptable for most shooting environments.

I mostly do portraits when I do photography (alternative models mainly) but this really isn't the best camera for that style. I'm not saying it's crap, it does a great job, but again I got it mainly for the video options with photography being a bonus. I'd be looking at a Canon 5D if I was using it for those purposes, purely because the larger sensor is more suited to that style.

However if you're looking into sports photography or band photography the 7D would be a great choice due to it's fast frame rate. 8fps is nothing to joke about.

Here is a link to my photography:

http://mikecrick.daportfolio.com/

Again, mainly freelance fun in this field and the site needs updating but hopefully that gives you an idea.

Lastly here is a link to a music video that I worked on, shot with a combination of Sigma and Canon lenses:

http://vimeo.com/20249550

Any questions, feel free to ask

how much you want to spend? you can spends thousands on gear, but if your just starting out there is no point getting top of the line gear.

i started out with the Canon 550d (which has now been replaced with the 600d) with the twin lens kit (18-55mm and 55-250mm lens') and i still use the 550d today. after i got used to the lens and i found that i was in need for a new one, i did my research and found the lens' that i needed.

another thing to consider is the type of photography you want to get into. for landscapes, a wide angle lens is what you will need. i have the Canon 10-22mm lens, and it does a great job. it does have a few limitations though down at the 10mm to about 12mm range. if you want sports photography, a telephoto zoom lens is what your after. the 55-250mm kit lens is great to start out with (i still use it, but i do want a longer lens). if you want portrait shots, the 50mm f1.8 is great for the price, sharpness beats some of the L series lens', but if you can afford it, the Canon 24-70mm lens is the best.

i can only speak about Canon products, i have no idea when it comes to Nikon. but id suggest thinking about what sort of photography you want to get into, and find the camera and lens' to suit that style.

and since you asked about what gear i have;

Canon 550d
18-55mm kit lens
55-250mm kit lens
10-22mm wide angle lens
24-105mm L series lens
430EX2 flash
a tonne of filters

Thanks Mike & Mcrow5,

I started dabbling in photography about 40 years ago.
Spent quite a bit of time behind a lens concentrating on 35mm B&W and did my own processing for a while.

Eventually got sick of humping 35mm cameras and assorted lenses everywhere, especially when travelling and out and about.
So I scaled down to a compact digital and in recent times just take happy/holiday snaps.

I think thats about to change, specially with some time coming available and the creative possibilities in digital processing.

Early days yet, but I'll likely end up with a Canon, maybe a 600d or the 60d which has a higher continuous frame rate. Depends on what sort of deal I can get.

I still prefer to travel light if possible, so I'll have to work out which lenses best meet the needs. Possibly look at non genuine if they're decent quality and compatible with the camera body.

My ex has a Nikon D200. The guy she was working for had a Nikon so between the two of them they had plenty on lenses to share while doing weddings and other shoots. Before that she had a Fuji that took Nikon lenses so upgrading to the Nikon saved her money as she had some lenses and the flash to start with.

Seems to me that both Canon and Nikon are the better choices as there are heaps of lenses and extras either new or even 2nd hand. And both are widely used by professionals.

I have a Canon Powershot SX10IS, an all in one camera. Does the job for me and the 20x optical works great. Still playing with the manual settings but very happy over all.

i have what Mcrow has but only 2 filters.

I find mine, whilst im no hardcore photographer, a great camera able to do anything from point and shoot and get a great shot, to spending a long time to get the right effect and insanely focussed shot.
its good for the point and shooter and for the prof photographer imo

now i have it i wouldnt go back to anything else.
the more time you put into the manual and trying stuff out, the more you get out of it.

The 60D is a great camera if that's what you're looking at. It's also quite portable.

The higher you go the less portable they become, not so much in size but weight. I teach at a Uni in Sydney and they have a 550d for the students to use and I teach them with it. I can say whilst I'm not a fan of the overall interface (I like using buttons not scrolling through menus) that it's a very nice camera for the price. It's also very lightweight and quite small. Naturally that makes the camera less rugged but unless you're throwing it around in weird situations (like me) that shouldn't be a huge problem.

For portability I'd also recommend these bags: http://www.lowepro.com/
I use the Fastpack 100 when I'm out and about and it has quite a small form factor while being able to carry two nice lenses plus batteries etc.

oh also (sorry for the walls of information)

Just because I know it's a 'thing' with photographers. There is nothing wrong with a Kit lens. Alright they aren't brilliant but the majority of my photography is done with the stock 18-135mm from Canon. You don't need to break the bank with lenses, the expensive ones are better for sure but the stigma about kit lenses is a little bit pretentious so don't feel like they are crappy because they are 'stock'.

MikeCrick wrote:For portability I'd also recommend these bags: http://www.lowepro.com/

+1, i use a lowepro and its brilliant, apart from being too small to hold all my gear now

MikeCrick wrote:You don't need to break the bank with lenses, the expensive ones are better for sure but the stigma about kit lenses is a little bit pretentious so don't feel like they are crappy because they are 'stock'.

also true, this is what id recommend for anyone who hasn't had a DSLR before. just get the kit lens', learn how every thing works and if you feel the need for a different focal length, have a look at lens' and find the best for your needs.

also Wolfy, if your planning on shooting video, the 60d is better than the 600d for that purpose. if you want to just get used to the whole manual settings and everything, a canon 1100d will do you just fine.

not much more I can add to the above.
Just a +1 to how useful kit lenses can be. I bought an old Canon Film Camera back in '03 with a 28-90mm and 70-300mm double lens kit. They were plastic and lightweight, but I've taken some great photos of the years with them.
This year I've had to turf the 28-90 as the aperture started jamming up and repair cost is way more than the lens was worth.
My gf bought a Canon 450D last year and instead of the kit lens, she went for the 28-200 (or something like that). It's good quality and the photos are clear (even over such a huge range). It's a heavy bugger though. She often just puts on the $100 50mm lens as it's easier to carry around (very light and cheapo, but takes not bad photos).

I've started looking at more portable options lately - there are some really high quality smaller cameras now with good optical ranges. Fuji, Nikon, Canon, Sony, etc. A light lighter and tougher.

Check out www.dpreview.com for lots of good info.

Chris

Guys thanks heaps for the mass of info you've posted.
It would be so easy to get carried away with this, lol.
I'm taking your comments on board and will get something sorted soon.

MikeCrick wrote:
Just because I know it's a 'thing' with photographers. There is nothing wrong with a Kit lens. Alright they aren't brilliant but the majority of my photography is done with the stock 18-135mm from Canon. You don't need to break the bank with lenses, the expensive ones are better for sure but the stigma about kit lenses is a little bit pretentious so don't feel like they are crappy because they are 'stock'.

Ain't it the truth, I think the depth of my pockets will help my decision process all round. Besides, I doubt my efforts will suffer much for not having "the best".
Interesting that you're using the Canon 18-135mm lens. I'm thinking it would work well as a one lens option on a 600d or 60D, it would be roughly 28-200mm in 35mm equivalence, yes/no?

mcrow5 wrote:
also Wolfy, if your planning on shooting video, the 60d is better than the 600d for that purpose. if you want to just get used to the whole manual settings and everything, a canon 1100d will do you just fine.

Good points mcrow, I've really been thinking about stills rather than video, but you never know. Manual controls is all I had old skool - I'll just need to learn the digital camera arts that go with it.

OctarineDream wrote:not much more I can add to the above.
Just a +1 to how useful kit lenses can be.
I've started looking at more portable options lately - there are some really high quality smaller cameras now with good optical ranges. Fuji, Nikon, Canon, Sony, etc. A light lighter and tougher.
Check out www.dpreview.com for lots of good info.
Chris

Thanks for the voice of reason about options in smaller cameras OD, and the link.
I was initially thinking of a fixed lens big zoom compact and that could still happen.

If all else fails there's still the Canon 5mp compact that I carried on our last 2 trips.

there is a 18-200mm lens as well Wolfy, a more handy focal length range as well.

how you going with this Wolfy?

mcrow5 wrote:how you going with this Wolfy?

Nothing at the moment mcrow.

Just replaced the family digital compact cam (nikon s6100) and too busy thinking about FM4, designing my race rig and home renos to think about getting my SLR right now.
You got any goss on whats hot?

iWolf wrote:You got any goss on whats hot?

me haha!!

i only know about Canon products, but it is rumored that a 5D mk3 will be coming out soon. very expensive though. but everything you can buy now, there is no news of replacements.