Help choosing a camera!! >.<

ZerocoolAstra · Aug 15, 2009

thanks for your honest reply.
I'm sorry if my ramble about the entry-level cameras offended you in any way.

When I got the D80 I was a bit clueless about the differences as well, but over time I've learnt to maximize it, making full use of the AF motor, CLS capability, slightly faster FPS, etc.

Hope that TS (janicia) is happy with whatever camera chosen!

daredevil123 · Aug 15, 2009

ZerocoolAstra said:
thanks for your honest reply.
I'm sorry if my ramble about the entry-level cameras offended you in any way.

When I got the D80 I was a bit clueless about the differences as well, but over time I've learnt to maximize it, making full use of the AF motor, CLS capability, slightly faster FPS, etc.

Hope that TS (janicia) is happy with whatever camera chosen!

Bro, I was not offended. I appreciate your comments. It just shows every one has different priorities. Thing is, you thought it through, and that is important.

We are all newbies in one way or another. And I am a newbie with a newbie cam. hahahaha.

janicia · Aug 15, 2009

daredevil123 · Aug 15, 2009

janicia said:
Thanks all.

Ok, prosumer, not semipro. Apparently the lingo is different for different groups of people...

Well, ask for a semi pro camera in a store and you will get directed to a D300 or 50D. You can try it.

I like snapping pictures. Is that a reason enough? I can learn, can't I? Just saying. I'm just interested in photography. And btw, I have have no idea how daredevil123 takes such awesome pictures with a pns. I don't use a tripod. I don't have an artistic eye. I don't know how to compose my shots. So does this mean I shouldn't get a DSLR? O.O

Everyone has to start learning somewhere, and if I want to sell the camera, so be it. I'm a girl. I buy on impulse. Is that ok?

You have the prerogative to do whatever you want. Coz it is your life your money and your time.

You were saying in your post that you are dissatisfied with the quality of the pictures and want to buy a prosumer or DSLR to improve that. I am merely responding to that statement of yours and saying buying bigger and better camera will not improve your picture taking. You will have to do that yourself (which is my point, YES! You CAN learn). I am also saying that a PnS has the potential for good pictures too. You may not believe me, so I showed you mine to show you that you may not have a need to upgrade. A DSLR at this time may make it even harder to learn the right techniques, because you have to learn the basics of photo-taking, and also learn the operation and the complex relationship between the components/settings. So instead of climbing one small hill first, you will be facing a much bigger mountain.

I don't mean to sound rude or anything but I don't like the way daredevil123 phrases his sentences.

It's cool. If you don't like it, I apologize. This will be the last post from me to you, if you feel I am not helping, and my intention is to help. Hey i did spend my time to type out a fairly long response to you with examples and all. I didn't have to do it, and you didn't have to 'suffer' reading it.

It's not that I didn't consider a prosumer, but really, nobody around me carries more than a pns. I read reviews online before narrowing down my choices, but seriously, the reviews provided by people who tried prosumers are 75% people who owns a DSLR. And the comparisons are unfair. And when I go to shops, salespersons are biased to a brand/model. IT'S NOT EASY OK?!?! I've been mulling over buying another camera for a long time already.

i know it is not easy, and I know salespeople will try to get you to buy big ticket items because it helps THEIR bottom line, not fulfill your needs. That is the manner the business world works. We all know that. We all went through it. Night86mare gave you a good link to his prosumer thread which is jam packed with info. A few other members also told you that the camera does not matter that much now. I was just trying to show you another point of view different from your own. I am not trash talking you, neither am I saying you are wrong or you should do this or that. I was just hoping you will consider the other side of the coin. It seems like you did not take it well. Anyway, that's fine with me.

Look, I have no vested interest in which ever way you decide in the end. You are free to do what you please. And I do honestly wish you all the best in your next purchase, really.

Take care.

Octarine · Aug 15, 2009

janicia said:
I like snapping pictures. Is that a reason enough? I can learn, can't I? Just saying. I'm just interested in photography. And btw, I have have no idea how daredevil123 takes such awesome pictures with a pns. I don't use a tripod. I don't have an artistic eye. I don't know how to compose my shots. So does this mean I shouldn't get a DSLR? O.O

daredevil123 has just a camera that many other people consider as "lower end". So what makes the difference? Seems it's not so much about the camera, right? Check for yourself: What makes his photos so special to you? What makes you look at them and go "wow"? Seems it's something about the points you have listed as "I don't have": - artistic eye, composition ...
It's good that you have already touched this topic now, ways before you go into any purchase because many people do it the other way around: buying new gear and wondering why the pictures don't get better. So new gear won't help much, you need to do something about the picture taking itself, the artistic parts. Better cameras can support you along that way, but the camera alone is just a light capturing electronic device.

Everyone has to start learning somewhere, and if I want to sell the camera, so be it. I'm a girl. I buy on impulse. Is that ok? I don't mean to sound rude or anything but I don't like the way daredevil123 phrases his sentences.

Give him the benefit of doubt that he meant well. I can't find anything in his phrases that is somehow offending or otherwise rude. Since we can only read here but not see the person's phase let's not put too much emphasize on it. Use smileys

My personal opinion: Buying on impulse is ok as long as the amount is small compared to your overall monthly cash budget. But cameras are not cheap (new entry models start above $1000) and the resale value drops after purchase like a ripe coconut from the tree. It would be a very costly impulse purchase. So it's easily worth some hundreds of Dollars to think twice and even longer.

It's not that I didn't consider a prosumer, but really, nobody around me carries more than a pns. I read reviews online before narrowing down my choices, but seriously, the reviews provided by people who tried prosumers are 75% people who owns a DSLR. And the comparisons are unfair. And when I go to shops, salespersons are biased to a brand/model. IT'S NOT EASY OK?!?! I've been mulling over buying another camera for a long time already.

Sounds much better than impulse buying

but you also see how little you can rely on people around you. The reviews (like dpreview) might sound unfair but how much would it help if you read a review that you can find in the weekend issue of a daily newspaper? I browsed a few and all were abysmal. Reason: the reviewer only judged according fancy features like face recognition and other .. crap. Nothing that you need when you want to take good pictures like those you have seen from daredevil123. So if you want to understand the (sometimes very technical) reviews you need to dip into the topic and read a few technicalities. Keep in mind: no camera can read your mind, it waits for your instructions. The clearer the instructions (based on understanding and knowledge) the better the results will be.

My current camera was a birthday gift last january, and I didn't even pick it. I have no idea what constitutes a good camera, so I'm not one to talk. I should listen to the pros. But isn't liking photography a good enough reason?
So what do you want me to do??

Why did you never take that camera? Any good reason? Take that camera and start shooting. Shoot whatever you want and analyze if the result is what you had in mind. If the result differs then it's time for the learning. Why does the camera not do what you want? What is a camera doing anyway when you press the shutter? How does the image come to the memory card? How can you change the way the image is captured? ... etc.
The difference between a camera user and a photographer is the conscious application of knowledge to take (or make) the image in a certain way instead of just snapping the reality and freeze the moment (e.g. for the holiday records). Even if you just snap street life there is already more intention then the weird smiling and V fingers on any beach shot. Intention needs to be converted into camera settings, which requires a bit of knowledge.
For the knowledge part you can start here: zoossh's great posting Guide to DLSR photography for Newbies - Not only for DSLR

hetfieldpaul · Aug 15, 2009

Get a 500D , you wont regret it.

janicia · Aug 15, 2009

Ehhh. Thanks for the replies. "I didn't pick it" meaning I wasn't the one who chose which camera to buy... I'll see how anyway, about buying. thanks

Lx3ChuA · Aug 15, 2009

janicia said:
Oh.. ok~~!! =D Thanks thanks! How much does a macro lens usually cost?? For Nikon/Canon. The camera bag does not come with the camera?

U need not buy macro lens... Just a close up lens will do... Like the Raynox 250 will do just nice...

Lx3ChuA · Aug 15, 2009

janicia said:
Ehhh. Thanks for the replies. "I didn't pick it" meaning I wasn't the one who chose which camera to buy... I'll see how anyway, about buying. thanks

U ask this question here u will get a sort of answer, so ask urself wat u wan... N & C u may alredi koe what there is other brand like the P or S... Look at the photos and review.. Make ur own decision not blindly fellow...

Just my 2 cents tot..

daredevil123 · Aug 16, 2009

A goodbye gift.

Ok folks, I'm outta here. *thread unsuscribed*

ZerocoolAstra · Aug 16, 2009

sorry to see a nice guy like daredevil123 chased out of this thread like that.
That's the reality of our email/sms world... sometimes our words get interpreted differently.

I honestly think he had VERY good intentions to help you with your camera-buying decision.

Ok we go back to the facts:
You're unhappy with your present camera (which you didn't purchase yourself) because the pictures turn out blurry.
You're considering a camera upgrade because you think this will solve the situation, but now you're confused about which camera to upgrade to.

It would be a lie to say that an equipment upgrade to a DSLR won't be beneficial, but the point that most people want to point out is that improving the photo-taking technique would likely reap faster and greater benefits. What we'd hate is for you to go out and spend $$$ to get a DSLR kit, and then feel frustrated because it STILL doesn't give you what you want, then give up photography.
The DSLR is certainly an amazing tool, but it's not an easy one to master, that's all.
I do think that a fair bit of technical knowledge about how the camera captures images is required.

DSLR means large and bulky equipment, and possibly expensive and heavy accessories. If you're mentally prepared for all this, then certainly, by all means.

Consider your purchase carefully. If you have any queries (and I'm certain you do), we can help clarify them one by one before you arrive at a decision.
Try to ignore those "get a _____. It's a good camera" comments. They aren't really helpful.

LomoPhotographer · Aug 16, 2009

Cartman2000 said:
Patient yes, unbiased no

Agree. Haha.
My friend kena psycho into getting some model and brand, I wont name out.
To my friends they said it is really good, the salesman know the stuffs and all and they bought what the salesman push.
So to me I think - unbiased, no.
Wahaha.

ZerocoolAstra said:
It's always hard to predict how far one will venture into photography when first starting out, and that is the biggest headache, especially when working with a limited budget.

Haha yup yup, it happens to me recently when I have some friends 2-3 trying to get dslr, and it is damn hard to know how far they are really into photography.
What if I recommend something 'okok' then they are damn into photography and found out the limits in the 'okok' cam and blamed me for recommending that cam to them in the first place!!

T.T

LomoPhotographer · Aug 16, 2009

Actually, I really understand what TS is undergoing now haha.
It happens to me 3 months ago.
Buy and sell, being regretful of buying something or whateverso is part and parcel in photography.
Let's all learn.
Yea man! :thumbsup:

TS, the 3 choices that you have narrowed down, are good for beginners. Really.
Don't read up too much, just go get either one, don't read too much about the brands too tho.
Just get one soon,
and start shooting!
Haha enjoy your photography!

josshing · Aug 16, 2009

LomoPhotographer said:
Actually, I really understand what TS is undergoing now haha.
It happens to me 3 months ago.
Buy and sell, being regretful of buying something or whateverso is part and parcel in photography.
Let's all learn.
Yea man! :thumbsup:

TS, the 3 choices that you have narrowed down, are good for beginners. Really.
Don't read up too much, just go get either one, don't read too much about the brands too tho.
Just get one soon,
and start shooting!
Haha enjoy your photography!

Agreed. Think it's very hard to get a "bad" DSLR nowadays...then standard and image quality are all there...especially as a newbie...i think should just get one and start shooting...all the 3 choices you had are great camera. I was thinking of these 3 before i got my 500D as well. Reason for getting? cheapest (canon buy back program) and branding issue (my gf, sharing the cam, lk canon than nikon). Well. No regret for me. am enjoy every single shutter....

spheredome · Aug 16, 2009

Buy lah buy lah. No need to get so complicated getting a dSLR. All models will do fine once you get accustom to it, regardless of entry, semi or high end and fits your budget. Once you hear enough, lock on to your favourite item .... buy.

Other than human, family and pets. If you are not satisfied with your purchase, just sell it away or give it away, then get another. :bsmilie: Camera is like clothing. :sweat:

Cartman2000 · Aug 16, 2009

Agree. Haha.
My friend kena psycho into getting some model and brand, I wont name out.
To my friends they said it is really good, the salesman know the stuffs and all and they bought what the salesman push.
So to me I think - unbiased, no.
Wahaha.

I find the boss quite okay actually. It's just some of the assistants that are slightly brand biased. I don't know, maybe it was just me. For my purchase I went into the shop, said I was going to buy either a 40D or a 50D, tried both and eventually got the 50D because of the LCD screen;p

YSLee · Aug 16, 2009

That's because you were choosing Canon.

Evilchaosz · Aug 16, 2009

To all: My goodness. Please stop advertising the brands of the DSLRs you use. (E.g Nikon, Canon). If you want to give a good suggestion, USE ALL BRANDS OF DSLRs BEFORE GIVING YOUR INPUT. Don't give shitty comments like "Get a 500D , you wont regret it. "

spheredome said:
Buy lah buy lah. No need to get so complicated getting a dSLR. All models will do fine once you get accustom to it, regardless of entry, semi or high end and fits your budget. Once you hear enough, lock on to your favourite item .... buy.

Other than human, family and pets. If you are not satisfied with your purchase, just sell it away or give it away, then get another. :bsmilie: Camera is like clothing. :sweat:

Also, refrain from giving incredibly dumb comments such as this which helps no one. It simply shows how much you fail as a human being.

Anyway, TS, it's best for you to try out all brands and models of cameras, as I see you only tried the Canons and Nikons. Go try the others too. Feel your camera before you buy it. If the camera feels good in your hands, go ahead with the purchase. Nothing sucks more than realising that the camera feels uncomfortable for your hands and you don't feel like taking photographs because of this.

LomoPhotographer · Aug 17, 2009

Evilchaosz said:
To all: My goodness. Please stop advertising the brands of the DSLRs you use. (E.g Nikon, Canon). If you want to give a good suggestion, USE ALL BRANDS OF DSLRs BEFORE GIVING YOUR INPUT. Don't give shitty comments like "Get a 500D , you wont regret it. "

Also, refrain from giving incredibly dumb comments such as this which helps no one. It simply shows how much you fail as a human being.

Anyway, TS, it's best for you to try out all brands and models of cameras, as I see you only tried the Canons and Nikons. Go try the others too. Feel your camera before you buy it. If the camera feels good in your hands, go ahead with the purchase. Nothing sucks more than realising that the camera feels uncomfortable for your hands and you don't feel like taking photographs because of this.

I agree.
But the bold part is so LOL and cant agree.
He is just trying to give some input, don't like it, your prob. It is towards TS anyway.
Just trying to be helpful tho, he. No wrong.
:thumbsd:

Octarine · Aug 17, 2009

Evilchaosz said:
Also, refrain from giving incredibly dumb comments such as this which helps no one. It simply shows how much you fail as a human being.

He may have failed cracking a good joke. About his abilities and success as human being we don't know enough to make any fair judgment.

Help choosing a camera!! >.<

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