Advice on New Camera

[MezzaMezz]

Hi All,

I need your advice on buying a new Camera, I have until now bought simple cameras for simple use. I'm looking into Pro Cameras SLR just because I'm starting to travel more now and I think its only fair to pictures that can truly capture the feel of the moment, just starter cams and I have found this one can anyone tell me if its good quality?

Sony Alpha 200 Bundle

[+Tantawi Subscriber²]

What's your max budget?

[giga Veteran]

What's your budget?

[MezzaMezz]

?600

I was looking for Starter Kits for my first holiday in Venice, what sort of price range do you think i should be looking at?

[giga Veteran]

I didn't like the lens choices on the Sony. Both the Sony 18-70 and Tamron 55-200 are a bit soft.

The Pentax K200D is ?450: http://www.amazon.co.uk/Pentax-K200D-18-55...0869&sr=1-1

The Canon 450D is ?490: http://www.amazon.co.uk/Canon-Digital-Came...0426&sr=1-1

Both excellent choices.

[MezzaMezz]

I didn't like the lens choices on the Sony. Both the Sony 18-70 and Tamron 55-200 are a bit soft.

The Pentax K200D is ?450: http://www.amazon.co.uk/Pentax-K200D-18-55...0869&sr=1-1

The Canon 450D is ?490: http://www.amazon.co.uk/Canon-Digital-Came...0426&sr=1-1

Both excellent choices.

They both look pretty cool, do you have to buy the Flash separate? Sorry if I seem abit Noobish when it comes to this sort of stuff!

[giga Veteran]

They both look pretty cool, do you have to buy the Flash separate? Sorry if I seem abit Noobish when it comes to this sort of stuff!

They have pop up flashes built in, but try and avoid flash whenever you can. They're both image stabilized (the pentax sensor-stabilized, the canon lens stabilized) so try and take advantage of that.

[MezzaMezz]

They have pop up flashes built in, but try and avoid flash whenever you can. They're both image stabilized (the pentax sensor-stabilized, the canon lens stabilized) so try and take advantage of that.

Avoid using it for taking Pics or avoid getting a cam where I need to buy a flash?

[giga Veteran]

Avoid using it for taking Pics or avoid getting a cam where I need to buy a flash?

For taking pics. Direct on flash gives that washed out look on pictures if you've noticed.

[MezzaMezz]

What accessories would you all recommend to buy? I have heard about UV lenses or something today would i need one of those?

[+Tantawi Subscriber²]

What accessories would you all recommend to buy? I have heard about UV lenses or something today would i need one of those?

The UV "filter" is a piece of glass used nowadays mostly for lens protection (if you hit it to something or so, the cheap filter will break instead of the $400+ lens). Unless this UV is from a high quality maker, it'll degrade image quality and isn't worth it.

I'll recommend the following accessories:

- Memory card(s), since the camera won't come with any.

- Nice bag.

- External flash unit.

- Sensor/lens cleaning kit.

As you learn more about photography, other accessories will be handy :)

[MezzaMezz]

The UV "filter" is a piece of glass used nowadays mostly for lens protection (if you hit it to something or so, the cheap filter will break instead of the $400+ lens). Unless this UV is from a high quality maker, it'll degrade image quality and isn't worth it.

I'll recommend the following accessories:

- Memory card(s), since the camera won't come with any.

- Nice bag.

- External flash unit.

- Sensor/lens cleaning kit.

As you learn more about photography, other accessories will be handy :)

I really want to get into it, I will have some spare cash soon to start this new hobbie! I've got some artsy photos I took on my Phone but their low quality I will show you guys when I get my USB lead back!

[MR_Candyman]

The UV "filter" is a piece of glass used nowadays mostly for lens protection (if you hit it to something or so, the cheap filter will break instead of the $400+ lens). Unless this UV is from a high quality maker, it'll degrade image quality and isn't worth it.

I'll recommend the following accessories:

- Memory card(s), since the camera won't come with any.

- Nice bag.

- External flash unit.

- Sensor/lens cleaning kit.

As you learn more about photography, other accessories will be handy :)

have to disagree with the statement that only a very good one will not degrade quality. I've been using Hoya, Kenko, and Tamron UV filters for many years and they have in no way degraded the image quality. On film they definitely improved the image quality. Digital I've tried swapping them off and seeing if there's a difference and I see none at all, so they are definitely not hurting anything. Of course these are more mid-range filters and not absolute crap. For a UV filter I see no point of going with anything higher end.

[giga Veteran]

have to disagree with the statement that only a very good one will not degrade quality. I've been using Hoya, Kenko, and Tamron UV filters for many years and they have in no way degraded the image quality. On film they definitely improved the image quality. Digital I've tried swapping them off and seeing if there's a difference and I see none at all, so they are definitely not hurting anything. Of course these are more mid-range filters and not absolute crap. For a UV filter I see no point of going with anything higher end.

I've seen degradation (usually bad reflections, flare, etc) with low end tiffen filters. Hoya/Kenko Pro1 filters are perfectly fine since they're multicoated.

[MezzaMezz]

I think I'm going to get this one:

Canon E0S 450D

Its the same as the one mentioned by Giga but with more specs, I think I might have to buy a flash unit separate though! do you guys know any sites in the UK for good prices on lenses and Accessories?