Camera advice.

[stephentross]

I am looking at the Leica Vlux 30 but the Dlux5 has a better sensor. Then again if you look at the Dlux5 you could just go with a panasonic Lumix 5. I am thinking leica was built off of the "lasts a lifetime" phrase and that does not really mix with digital cameras. May go for a nice upscale point and shoot and a vintage lecia film camera.

[Langleyz]

Originally Posted by psv

Start off reasonable and grow if you like it. I'd rather spend money on lenses than houses as they come and go.

I've used Canon a lot but really I prefer the more intuitive user interface of Nikon. I'd say that the Nikon D7000 is a great house to start with, then buy a macro (Nikon calls in micro) lens for watch/product shots. Get a fast 35mm or 50mm fast prime lens for available light stuff, especially portraits. Learn to shoot in full manual mode instead of all that auto cr-p. Invest equal amount of time to learn the post-processing side. Have fun!

Those are beautiful shots, Patrick.

Thanks for the ongoing advice, guys. I'm doing lots of reading at the moment.

[psv]

But if I was going to buy a travel camera I'd probably go with a Canon S100 or the new Panasonic http://www.dpreview.com/previews/panasonicdmcgx1/ or the new Sony NEX-7 http://www.dpreview.com/reviews/sonynex7/

[Langleyz]

Cheers once again for all the great advice. I'd narrowed it down to two cameras. The Nikon 5100 and the Canon 600D(T3i). After spending some time in the city this morning having a play with both models, I decided on the Canon. I just love the ease of changing settings. Very user friendly.

Here are my first two shots. Very happy!

[Langleyz]

Dexter the cat.

[2careless]

Beautiful shots (especially the cigar one)!
Now, try some of these shots


Coronet by 2careless, on Flickr


Blue hours CBD Melbourne by 2careless, on Flickr


St Kilda Pier sunset by 2careless, on Flickr

[Langleyz]

Man, they're awesome photos! Love that St Kilda sunset. I'll keep practicing.

[Grissom]

Here is a quick shot using a Nikon D700 with a Nikon 85/1.4 shot at f/1.8 at 1/2000


Bird by PC832, on Flickr

There will be lots of opportunities to make interesting and fun shots, as you play with your equipment more and more.

Have fun with your Canon, Ben, and keep posting your pics!!

(A big thanks to Kai (2careless) for taking the time to help me with posting from flickr!!) :THUMBSUP:

[2careless]

Oh man, this is the 2nd beautiful 85 F/1.4 shot I saw today that's got me very itchy...
I was thinking I could live with a 85 F/1.8 for a long time...
Resist temptation! no GAS!

[Langleyz]

Should I swap the zoom lens I got with the camera for a 50 1.8?
Do I need a zoom lens? It's a 50-250? I'm not sure I'll use it for what I want the camera for.

[masterserg]

Great shots man. Any camera works when there is talent!

That goes for all photos on the thread. Dexter the cat and the Bird are pretty cool!

Personally, I got a Sony NEX-7 on pre-order. I am sick of my d300. I can't be bothered with the weight / bulk.

[meloncap78]

My D7000 has treated me very well thus far. The glass used to shoot this particular shot is from the early 90's believe it or not.

[bodybump]

I have the S95 and one of the best point and shoot i ever used...Now need to sell this to get the S100

Originally Posted by psv

But if I was going to buy a travel camera I'd probably go with a Canon S100 or the new Panasonic http://www.dpreview.com/previews/panasonicdmcgx1/ or the new Sony NEX-7 http://www.dpreview.com/reviews/sonynex7/

[JimSnyder]

Put your money in good glass. The camera's will come and go but a good lens will always hold it value

[Grissom]

Originally Posted by Langleyz

Should I swap the zoom lens I got with the camera for a 50 1.8?
Do I need a zoom lens? It's a 50-250? I'm not sure I'll use it for what I want the camera for.

If your prime focus (no pun intended) will be macro, then I would recommend you consider the Canon 100mm f/2.8 L Macro (read what my buddy Ken Rockwell has to say, via the link below) - Check out Samy's Camera, B & H Photo, Adorama, and Calumet, for pricing and availabilty, along with Amazon) - GOOD LUCK!!

http://www.kenrockwell.com/canon/lenses/100mm-macro.htm


At close focus limit, 1:1 (complete image)


100% crop, unsharpened. This is the small dial in the center of the above image! The full image would print 3 feet wide at this magnification.

(images above courtesy of Ken Rockwell and (c) KenRockwell.com)

[2careless]

Or get the MP/E 65mm macro lens. It's 5x magnification is just revealing
Or if you want to save some money, get a kenko extension tube (set of 3) adaptors and fit them onto the 50 F/1.8 (nifty fifty). It's as good as a macro. This is my 50mm F/1.8 (Nikon) fitted with a Kenko tube.

Pelikan Green o Green by 2careless, on Flickr

[Dilemma]

Canon 5D. Outstanding body.

[bodybump]

Nikon D7000 105mm Nikkor lens