Need advice on SLR Camera

[KANdaddy]

Not sure if this is the best area to post this but I couldn't find anywhere more appropriate. Anyway, does anyone have an opinion on the Olympus E-330 SLR? I found a super price on one and want to know if this is a good camera. I want to be able to take better-than-average pics of my car, etc. but not looking for a full blown pro camera. Will this fit the bill? Thanks for any insight.

[UdubBadger]

Originally Posted by KANdaddy

Not sure if this is the best area to post this but I couldn't find anywhere more appropriate. Anyway, does anyone have an opinion on the Olympus E-330 SLR? I found a super price on one and want to know if this is a good camera. I want to be able to take better-than-average pics of my car, etc. but not looking for a full blown pro camera. Will this fit the bill? Thanks for any insight.

I'd personally advise you to stick to the big 2 manufacturers (being Canon or Nikon). So much more available for them equipment wise, top quality build and LOTS of tech help since they are both pretty much the standard of DSLR's so they are the most common which means lots of others have the same equipment. I personally prefer Canon cuz the glass is a bit better, however they are a little more expensive. Nikons are also very good and usually starting price is a little cheaper too, you could probably snag a D40 for the same price or maybe even less than that Olympus.

[KANdaddy]

Originally Posted by UdubBadger

I'd personally advise you to stick to the big 2 manufacturers (being Canon or Nikon). So much more available for them equipment wise, top quality build and LOTS of tech help since they are both pretty much the standard of DSLR's so they are the most common which means lots of others have the same equipment. I personally prefer Canon cuz the glass is a bit better, however they are a little more expensive. Nikons are also very good and usually starting price is a little cheaper too, you could probably snag a D40 for the same price or maybe even less than that Olympus.

Cool. I'll look into the D40 b4 making my choice. Thanks

[dawgdog]

I bought the Canon 40D and I'm very happy with it. The difficult decision for me was lenses. Since I am somewhat of a novice I bought the Canon 18-200 IS lens as an all arounder. If and when I develop more proficiency I will go for more specific lenses.

[E39hijinks]

I'm sure there's knowledgable people here but if you're on the wrong forum in general if you want photography advice/tips. Go to www.photography-on-the-net.com in case i screwed up the url just google photography on the net. Would you ask a BMW-related question on a photgraphy forum?

[BMW F22]

Originally Posted by E39hijinks

I'm sure there's knowledgable people here but if you're on the wrong forum in general if you want photography advice/tips. Go to www.photography-on-the-net.com in case i screwed up the url just google photography on the net. Would you ask a BMW-related question on a photgraphy forum?

photography-on-the.net I know I know, the name is a little tricky.

[E39hijinks]

Yeah a little haha thats why i google it every time. ive been on there a while and i still dont remember lol.

[UdubBadger]

thephotoforum.com is also a good place to check stuff out, lots of good product reviews and knowledgeable members.

[dcstep]

You might look at the reviews on DP Review at:
http://www.dpreview.com/

[scollins]

Originally Posted by UdubBadger

I personally prefer Canon cuz the glass is a bit better, however they are a little more expensive.

I'm not sure that is the case anymore, after Nikon's price increase on glass back in February.


24-70 F/2.8:
Canon - $1,190
Nikon - $1,700
HOLY PRICE GAP BATMAN! $510 more the Nikon is just ludicrous.

70-200 F/2.8 IS/VR
Canon - $1,699
Nikon - $1,900
$201 premium on the Nikon version...

All prices as found on Adorama's website.

I might have opted for the 50D instead of the D300 if I knew the price gap on the lenses I was most interested in was going to be so high. That is especially compounded by the fact that the D300 was a few hundred more than the 50D to begin with. Double whammy....

[UdubBadger]

where'd you get that pricing info from?


EDIT: duh sorry... i was so surprised I didn't see Adorama

B&H has the same prices listed. hmmm wheird

[Carrera RSR]

Price increases have taken effect here in the UK for both Nikon and Canon of around 20% plus. Expect to see Canon increases soon in the US as you have seen from Nikon.

http://www.camerapricebuster.co.uk/prod35.html

[KANdaddy]

Originally Posted by E39hijinks

Would you ask a BMW-related question on a photgraphy forum?

Well considering this is an off-topic forum dedicated to photography and that my interest is in photographing my BMW, I do think it appropriate. It seems many memebrs here are decent photographers.

Thank to everyone for the advice

[UdubBadger]

Originally Posted by KANdaddy

Well considering this is an off-topic forum dedicated to photography and that my interest is in photographing my BMW, I do think it appropriate. It seems many memebrs here are decent photographers.

Thank to everyone for the advice

yeah no worries... you came to the right place.

[KANdaddy]

Now I can't decide between SLR and hi-end point and shoot. My Mom is an accomplished photographer and she says the Canon G10 would probably be good for my needs.

[sgar0777]

I have owned several G series point and shoots, the latest being the G7, and have access to a couple of Canon SLR's with L series lenses, and there is NO comparison. The SLR's smoke the point and shoots in every category except size.

FYI, the lens makes the SLR, so make sure you research the lens as much as the body. Also, don't get hung up on MP count, it can be misleading (i.e. 10MP SLR > 12MP P&S)

Good Luck!!

[KANdaddy]

Originally Posted by sgar0777

I have owned several G series point and shoots, the latest being the G7, and have access to a couple of Canon SLR's with L series lenses, and there is NO comparison. The SLR's smoke the point and shoots in every category except size.

FYI, the lens makes the SLR, so make sure you research the lens as much as the body. Also, don't get hung up on MP count, it can be misleading (i.e. 10MP SLR > 12MP P&S)

Good Luck!!

Cool....thx! What is a good entry-level lens. Are the ones that come with the cameras garbage?

[dcstep]

Originally Posted by KANdaddy

Cool....thx! What is a good entry-level lens. Are the ones that come with the cameras garbage?

I never have seen you budget.

Of course, a Canon 5D MkII with L-series lenses will smoke a G10 or G9, but that's comparing $450 to $4,000. Getting good lenses is a very important part of getting the most out of a DSLR. The kit lens that comes with a 5D is a $1,000 L-series lens. As you go down the chain the lenses drop off. The built in 35-200 mm equivalent lens on the G9 is part of the deal. It's relatively slow, but it works for many purposes.

You started the thread saying you want a DSLR, so that's fine, but what's your budget and where do want to end up? Will you be doing travel photography, scenics, documenting the kids' soccer, flower photography, art photography or what? What camera do you have now and how many images do you take in an average month? That'll influence the our advice.

Dave

[forza1976]

Dude, read this link here:

http://www.kenrockwell.com/tech/recommended-cameras.htm

[BMW F22]

Originally Posted by forza1976

Dude, read this link here:

http://www.kenrockwell.com/tech/recommended-cameras.htm

Howcome so many people always point others to his site? IMO he seems to have a bias toward Nikon simply because he uses it. In the photography world there's no such thing as a person whom you should always take advice from. It's basically your preference that should do that talking.

[forza1976]

Originally Posted by BMW E90

Howcome so many people always point others to his site? IMO he seems to have a bias toward Nikon simply because he uses it. In the photography world there's no such thing as a person whom you should always take advice from. It's basically your preference that should do that talking.

You must be a canon person. He does shoot everything if you take a bit more detailed look at his site (nikon, canon, leica, etc.). Was just a suggested site buddy!

But just to make you happy, here is a canon specific review site:
http://the-digital-picture.com/

[KANdaddy]

Originally Posted by forza1976

Dude, read this link here:

http://www.kenrockwell.com/tech/recommended-cameras.htm

nice. I was leaning toward the D40...seems like a no brainer when compared to the G10 (the other camera I was seriously considering). More potential for the same amount of $. I can get in for under $500 and get better lenses as my skills and needs improve. Thanks