[Sazzy]

I am thinking of treating myself to a new camera but I have no idea what I should look out for/what to avoid/whats good/which make.

Does anyone have any tips? Does anyone own a SLR Digital Camera - pros and cons?

Many thanks

[BenderBends]

are you looking for pro models, or consumer models?

what type of photographer are you?

experienced?

if you answer those i can recommend something for you

[Lammarite]

I use the canon 20D for both business and pleasure but find it a bit too complex for a first time user. I had a long discussion with someone else in your position and he finally settled for the Canon 350D. He was initially looking at the 20D or even the 5D as he had the money for them- instaed he bought the 350D and has accessorised.
When you price these cameras bear in mind that the lens you get with the kit option is as good as the lenses bought separately and you will bore of it quite quickly. You should also budget in a couple of 1GB CF cards, screen protectors, UV filter, a flash, a tripod and a good bag.

If you want to have a good read at what photographers are saying, go to www.photography-on-the.net/forum.

[marcuslai]

all depends on how much u are budgeting for this hobby. 3 big groups :

~ $8000 - nikon D70s, Canon 350D
~ $18000 - upcoming nikon D200 (dec05-jan06), Canon 20D
~ $30000 - nikon D2X, Canon 1D Mark II

all these cameras are capable of shooting delicious photos. more $ means a more comfortable / versatile camera. there are canon and nikon zealots who will tell you the other brand is rubbish. (don't listen to them. suffice it to say, you can't tell from a photo whether it was shot with a nikon or a canon.)

more $ buys you better environmental sealing (against rain, snow, ..) a siginficantly larger viewfinder and LCD review screen, higher shooting frame rates (3 fps to 8 fps). resolution also increases, but pixel count is not really important if u're not submitting ur work to magazines or photo houses.

note these prices do not include lenses which also vary dramatically in prices depending on focal length, max aperture, and build quality (amateur/professional). u might want to discuss with someone what type of photos you will want to be taking first, before deciding on the lens(es).

you can find a list of very accurate camera and lens prices in hk at
http://www.ygdragon.net/index.php?pa...ameraprice.htm

i use a Nikon D2X myself, you can see some of my pics at http://www.wereamshallbe.com/.

[BenderBends]

i like a few pics marcuslai...

just my opinion though...redesign your site to get rid of side scrolling... or at least limit the site to one direction of scrolling....

it makes viewers uneasy and tend to not want to be in there


if you have the money...you should by the leaf....that thing is awesome by any means...but alas it costs over 200,000 HKD

i got the 20D too...and it is good

but again...if you are a beginner or dont shoot much...it seems to be a waste to buy the pro versions...

there are many great priced consumer ones that will do the job you want...

it all comes down to what you plan to do with your images now, and in near future

[kristof]

I just bought the EOS 350D yesterday, kit body and lense for 6400 HK$ with a 2 year HK Canon warranty.
You can also buy that one for 5900 maybe a bit less without any warranty.

ToF

[KnowItAll]

One of our writers has several reviews here...

http://www.devlib.org/resources/gadg...l-slr-cameras/

Just MSNed him .. and his opinion is, just like wine ... if you know what you want then look at the features. If you don't know jack about photography and are just looking for a gadget, then go with the price point that suits you.

[Sazzy]

Many thanks

More info : I am an amateur photographer but I would love to do more. At the moment, I would use it only for holiday snaps - but good holiday snaps. I especially like taking landscape photos.

I am moving to Singapore so I am worried about the humidity affecting the camera - will this be ok?
I am going back to the UK for Christmas and I was thinking of buying one in the UK in the sales. Will HK be cheaper?

Kristof - where did you buy yours from?

[Lammarite]

My 20D was over HKD4,000 more expensive in the UK!

[kristof]

Hey Sazzy,

I bought it from a store in Wanchai, I Pm you the exact adress and name.
When it comes to make a choice anyway, just find your budget first, then check what's in the range.
If your interested in the same than me means you'll consider Canon Eos 350 D, Nikon D70, and an Olympus kit.
Then it's pretty much up to you to chose which one you like, got a headaque reading tons of reviews, at the end of the day these cameras are all good. I chose Canonn fr the Eos system and coz I know how to use them, anyway once you pick yours, you'll have a great time taking great pictures.

ToF