Digital SLRs?
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Digital SLRs?
I'm contemplating buying a serious Digital SLR camera to replace my Leica M4-2 and various lenses. Any recommendations? Nikon, Canon?
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Twitter: @BritishChess
Facebook: facebook.com/groups/britishchess
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Re: Digital SLRs?
I suggest something which takes in enough light that you do not need the flash during chess tournaments. Even a barely visible infra-red range-finder red dot can give arbiters anxious moments as I discovered at the British Champs.
Re: Digital SLRs?
"... barely visible infrared range-finder red dot..." Sounds like somebody's playing the 'sniper'!
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Re: Digital SLRs?
20 years ago I got a Canon EOS-10s in the States - an old fashioned 'analogue' film camera. It is a nice piece of kit.
A few years ago I wanted to modernise to a DSLR and so bought a Canon 350-D, which took my 10s lens. Again I'm very pleased with this. On the strength of this I had a friend who later bought a 450D, and he's very pleased with his. I also know another couple of people who have bought EOS 550D and 600D models. Both are highly delighted with them, although I must admit that to me the newer models don't seem to feel as robust as their older brothers.
I only know Leica cameras through reputation for high quality lenses and bodies and so I'd recommend that if you're looking at Canon you avoid the 3 digit camera models as these are 'entry' level, and go for either the 2 digit (e.g. 60D) or better still 1 digit (e.g. 5D) models.
When it comes to lenses I got mine with the standard 18-55 zoom lens which is fine. Last year I bought a 55-250 lens and I'm still trying to get used to it's autofocusing 'characteristics' - usually I switch it to manual for long range shots at 250 mm.
Although you can get cheaper deals on the internet I think you'll find it worthwhile to cultivate a relationship with a proper dealer - especially when it comes to lens selection (see my experience above) - there are lots of overlapping lenses out there and it's important you get the right one for what you want.
Hope that helps.
A few years ago I wanted to modernise to a DSLR and so bought a Canon 350-D, which took my 10s lens. Again I'm very pleased with this. On the strength of this I had a friend who later bought a 450D, and he's very pleased with his. I also know another couple of people who have bought EOS 550D and 600D models. Both are highly delighted with them, although I must admit that to me the newer models don't seem to feel as robust as their older brothers.
I only know Leica cameras through reputation for high quality lenses and bodies and so I'd recommend that if you're looking at Canon you avoid the 3 digit camera models as these are 'entry' level, and go for either the 2 digit (e.g. 60D) or better still 1 digit (e.g. 5D) models.
When it comes to lenses I got mine with the standard 18-55 zoom lens which is fine. Last year I bought a 55-250 lens and I'm still trying to get used to it's autofocusing 'characteristics' - usually I switch it to manual for long range shots at 250 mm.
Although you can get cheaper deals on the internet I think you'll find it worthwhile to cultivate a relationship with a proper dealer - especially when it comes to lens selection (see my experience above) - there are lots of overlapping lenses out there and it's important you get the right one for what you want.
Hope that helps.
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- Location: Liverpool
Re: Digital SLRs?
As you are currently using an absolutely excellent camera already with various lenses the choice (in my honest opinion) has to be made by handling some cameras in a store and going with what "feels right" - this is going to be an emotive decision.John Upham wrote:I'm contemplating buying a serious Digital SLR camera to replace my Leica M4-2 and various lenses. Any recommendations? Nikon, Canon?
I am personally a Nikon man - have been for years and have multiple bodies and compacts. I started off with a Canon, bought lenses and was happy with the results. THEN I HANDLED AND BORROWED A FRIENDS NIKON D100
If I am honest, the photographs were not any better, but I enjoyed the taking of the photos more... the camera just fitted in my hand better, I preferred the position of the adjustment dials.
So, I sold and traded in all my Canon kit (at a loss) and bought into the whole Nikon package. Please don't do the same as me. Go and handle some of the equipment in a friendly store before committing to either Canon or Nikon.