Questions regarding a camera

[FeelingTheBlues]

Greetings TRF,

I've seen my share of great pictures around here with an amazing zooming job and I got to think I should get myself a camera to take pictures like that and, perhaps, make this my hobby to occupy myself from times to times. Therefore I started to take a look on the net for used equipment and came across this person selling his camera as well as a great load of accessories with it:

http://montreal.kijiji.ca/c-buy-and-...AdIdZ335769274

Unfortunately, I'm far from being a camera expert and I don't know if the price is good or if I should have any reason not to buy this stuff (maybe it's a cheap camera? I don't know if somebody could tell me). As well, with that lens coming with this baby, would anybody be able to tell me if I'll be able to make some great zoom shots?

I know this is a lot of questions but I would just like to know if I should go for it and if I'll be able to take some good pictures with that (can't be worse than my cellphone but I'd like to get something decently good).

Thank you very much!

[bayerische]

I would get a small camera, pocket size to start with. Say a Canon ixus.

If you want something a bit better get a Canon G12.

By "zoom shots" I reckon you mean Macro, Close-ups? Almost all cameras have this feature. Of course the SLR does have Macro "functions", but you will need a dedicated Macro lens to get as close and closer than you will get with a Canon G12.

A great Macro lens for a digital SLR will cost you 1-4 G12's...

So if you don't want to invest a load of money, but want close to SLR performance, get the G12.

[masterserg]

Carl,

I would not recommend that Canon. It is fairly obsolete by now (It is the first gen digital rebel). There's been quite a lot of advancement in the technology (and price drops) since then.

If you want a reflex camera, you can pick something like a Nikon d3100 or an entry level Canon for not a whole lot more cash (of course a good macro lens will be more expensive at about 800 or so).

Andreas suggestion above is good. The G12 is an excellent little camera (or alternatively the Canon S95).

[FeelingTheBlues]

Originally Posted by bayerische

By "zoom shots" I reckon you mean Macro, Close-ups?

You know, when I said I knew nothing about cameras, it pretty much meant I can barely use those technical words!

Yes I meant Macro and Close-up shots and, of course, thank you very much for that answer! I understand a lot of cameras have this option but so far I haven't "met" one (my sister had a couple of digital cameras but I've never been able to take a close-up picture nor any good picture for that matter). I understand I'm probably not going to take pictures that are as good as Jocke's or other great photographers around here but I'd just like to have some good fun with a camera from times to times.

Your suggestion for me to get a smaller camera to start is much appreciated but may I ask the reason for it? Is the one in my original post to difficult to handle? I guess it would be unfortunate for me to buy a camera I can barely use but I'm patient and willing to take the time I need to handle it perfectly and I must add that a part of this baby will be a Christmas gift so it's going to be a bit cheaper than that, therefore I feel like I could spoil myself a bit more with some accessories (hence that big kit in the ad ).

Once again thank you very much for your answer!

[masterserg]

Check out this thread:

http://www.rolexforums.com/showthread.php?t=206694

The suggestion re. the small camera is just about finances. A good SLR set up for macro photography will run you well in excess of 1k.

[FeelingTheBlues]

My apologies for a second ad but I just made a quick search on the Canon G12. Would it be something like this one specifically?

http://montreal.kijiji.ca/c-buy-and-...AdIdZ335137070

I'd just like a camera to make some nice shots and great macro pictures. I believe you gentlemen said I would be able to do so with that camera but does this model have the capacity of having a lens fitted on it?

Sorry for all the questions, I'm trying to educate myself a little bit!

[FeelingTheBlues]

Originally Posted by masterserg

Check out this thread:

http://www.rolexforums.com/showthread.php?t=206694

The suggestion re. the small camera is just about finances. A good SLR set up for macro photography will run you well in excess of 1k.

I'll have a look, thank you very much!

[bayerische]

Carl,

A camera like the G12, even though it has pretty much the same advanced functions as an SLR is easier to operate. It has simple auto modes. Also, the fact that you get actual Macro, wide angle and tele, into something that slips into your pocket is another plus.

Getting a let's say Canon SLR with a macro lens is going to set you back a lot more.

But it's all in the preference's...

I have a Leica M9, and while it's a camera I love, it's a camera that most people would see as extremely expensive, and too many drawbacks.

Another thing, most concerts, venues etc don't allow you to bring an SLR, but a pocket camera, no problem. Not sure if this is something you are going to use your camera to do? While I'm writing another thing popped up... Do you dive or snorkel? If, remember a dive housing for an SLR is usually in the thousands of euros, for the pocket sized camera you'll part with a few hundreds.

[bayerische]

Originally Posted by FeelingTheBlues

My apologies for a second ad but I just made a quick search on the Canon G12. Would it be something like this one specifically?

http://montreal.kijiji.ca/c-buy-and-...AdIdZ335137070

I'd just like a camera to make some nice shots and great macro pictures. I believe you gentlemen said I would be able to do so with that camera but does this model have the capacity of having a lens fitted on it?

Sorry for all the questions, I'm trying to educate myself a little bit!

The G12 has a fixed lens. You can't change it. However wide angles and such can be fitted "ontop" of the lens.

[FeelingTheBlues]

Originally Posted by bayerische

Carl,

A camera like the G12, even though it has pretty much the same advanced functions as an SLR is easier to operate. It has simple auto modes. Also, the fact that you get actual Macro, wide angle and tele, into something that slips into your pocket is another plus.

Getting a let's say Canon SLR with a macro lens is going to set you back a lot more.

But it's all in the preference's...

I have a Leica M9, and while it's a camera I love, it's a camera that most people would see as extremely expensive, and too many drawbacks.

Another thing, most concerts, venues etc don't allow you to bring an SLR, but a pocket camera, no problem. Not sure if this is something you are going to use your camera to do? While I'm writing another thing popped up... Do you dive or snorkel? If, remember a dive housing for an SLR is usually in the thousands of euros, for the pocket sized camera you'll part with a few hundreds.

Andreas,

Thank you once again for your advice. I do not dive nor do I have the intention of starting to do this activity anytime soon, I appreciate the fact that you thought about it and warned me about that tho!

I must say I was probably very wrong about that whole photography world. In my mind I thought it was necessary to have a big camera with a bunch of different long lenses in order to take good pictures but after seeing that other thread I think I'll stick to the idea given in mine and concentrate my efforts into trying to find a good camera that can take close-up and shots for a decent price.

Thank you once again guys for your help. Before I let this thread go away may I ask if you have any idea about the average price of a G12 or anything that would fall into that category? I just have to fix my budget before I start shopping around!

[bayerische]

I think the G12 would be around 500? For that money or a tad more you are going to get a good camera.

And no, you don't need a HUGE camera with a bunch of lenses to get good pics.

I teach photographic art on the side.

The SLR's are great, and better than the G12 types, but they are also very different from each other.

To shoot watches, I can't use the M9, I use my iPhone or my wife's Leica D-lux 4.

[FeelingTheBlues]

Originally Posted by bayerische

I think the G12 would be around 500? For that money or a tad more you are going to get a good camera.

And no, you don't need a HUGE camera with a bunch of lenses to get good pics.

I teach photographic art on the side.

The SLR's are great, and better than the G12 types, but they are also very different from each other.

To shoot watches, I can't use the M9, I use my iPhone or my wife's Leica D-lux 4.

All I needed to know in less than half an hour, I love you guys!

Thank you again! Now I shall begin my search for the ultimate camera!

[masterserg]

Look at the S95 as well. Pretty much the same as the G12 in a much smaller package. You can find them at a great price these days (Amazon or B&H Photo for example).

I used to have a G9 (back around 07/08) and it was a lot of fun to go around with (much more so than my big Nikon D300 SLR which rarely leaves the house ... so bulky and heavy).

[daveathall]

I would echo the recommendations by Andreas and Serg, I have the camera a couple before the G12 (G10), I find it very versatile and small enough (not overly though) to take to most places, tis also great for close ups. I leave it in the boot of the car.

[316lad]

Dear Carl,

It's obvious to me that you know absolutely nothing about cameras whatsoever and as 'You can't teach an old dog new tricks' I would forget the whole business altogether until you at the very least have a mechanical watch.

Here we are old friend:
Here's an excellent guide to getting started with whole 'digital thing'...

http://www.digitalphotoguides.com/

and a camera model guide here: http://www.digitalphotoguides.com/buycamera.html

[FeelingTheBlues]

Originally Posted by 316lad

Dear Carl,

It's obvious to me that you know absolutely nothing about cameras whatsoever and as 'You can't teach an old dog new tricks' I would forget the whole business altogether until you at the very least have a mechanical watch.

Here we are old friend:
Here's an excellent guide to getting started with whole 'digital thing'...

http://www.digitalphotoguides.com/

and a camera model guide here: http://www.digitalphotoguides.com/buycamera.html

Dear James,

It is obvious that you're right about my ignorance! Therefore I shall follow your instructions and completely forget about those fancy and very high quality cameras! As well, I shall go at this very moment to the nearest jeweler and buy myself a nice, old mechanical watch and perhaps one of those babies to share jolly good pictures with you guys.



Thank you for the links my friend, it is appreciated!

[wantonebad]

Some of the pros here have posted many times that the camera is almost secondary, well not entirely but really it's the picture taker and cutting edge technology is not important. I think the camera that our favorite Sweed uses is a 5-6 year old Nikon Cool Pics 4500, it's not even their SLR model and it's probably 10 years old now. Here is a post by him:

Jocke

[316lad]

Originally Posted by FeelingTheBlues

Dear James,

It is obvious that you're right about my ignorance! Therefore I shall follow your instructions and completely forget about those fancy and very high quality cameras! As well, I shall go at this very moment to the nearest jeweler and buy myself a nice, old mechanical watch and perhaps one of those babies to share jolly good pictures with you guys.



Thank you for the links my friend, it is appreciated!

Carl, that picture is of an awesome large plate 'Field' camera - ideal for landscapes - you get a massive negative to enlarge to print from (basically, bigger the negative, bigger and better the final print quality)

I want one, and, I want the time to be able to spend days out there using it.

[JasoninDenver]

You guys are killing me....

The advice here is spot on as far as the S95 and G12 being GREAT options.

For a newbie, I would seriously give the nod to the S95.

The G12 has a touch more options at the higher end of the range. More features to grow into, so to speak. However, the S95 easily fits in your pocket and you will find yourself carrying much more frequently. This really will help spark your interest in photography.

Remember to post a couple of watch shots when you get the new camera.

[Rolex Junky]

If I may suggest try the new sony tx55. It is easy to use. Just point and click. The autofocus does all the rest. It only costs $350. I have included a link.


http://store.sony.com/webapp/wcs/sto...mber=DSCTX55/B

[316lad]

Originally Posted by Rolex Junky

If I may suggest try the new sony tx55. It is easy to use. Just point and click. The autofocus does all the rest. It only costs $350. I have included a link.

http://www.rolexforums.com/newreply....te=1&p=2915124

Nice one Rolex Junky - that's a good choice.

Welcome back btw

[Rolex Junky]

Originally Posted by 316lad

Nice one Rolex Junky - that's a good choice.

Welcome back btw

Fixed the link. Thank you. I've been through the ringer and back again.

[FeelingTheBlues]

Thank you Lorenzo and all of you guys, I'm going to take a look at all that and make my choice soon!

[Watch Professor]

Canon S100

[Grissom]

Carl, Myron's recommendation of the Canon S100 is solid! I also recommend you consider a Canon S95 (now less than $300 on Amazon, as the S100 is now out). Great place to start, excellent macro capability as well as a great overall little camera.

Read up on www.kenrockwell.com for more info (from his perspective) on the Canon S95 as well as cameras and photography in general.

Good luck!

Nathan

[rr-nyc]

As a life long Nikon fan, I will second the Canon G12... its an amazing camera.

[FeelingTheBlues]

I've been taking a look at the Canon G12 and so far it's the one I find more often on internet, it seems to be quite popular! However I will surely look for the other models you guys have suggested!