Camera talk

Okey, it is some time ago I talked about cameras.

For the moment I make use of 2 different types of camers. Both of Canon.

The 10 mp Powershot SX1 is and the 15 mp 50D.

Canon SX1

The SX1 is a light weight small camera compared to the SLR 50D, it has a LCD screen wich you can flip out and turn, very handy for candids and for filming. The quality of the HD movie is amazing, I decided to sell my camcorder right the other day! Also it uses SD cards, wich are available in sizes up to 32 GB. Thats important if you video a lot. In good light conditions I favor this camera because of the low weight, the flippable LCD screen and 20 times optical zoom (520mm lens!) But… if the light fades in the evening, authumn or winter, you can put this camera in a draw. You need high ISO to get anything on film at all, and get a lot of grain.

There is where a SLR camera beats the CCD’s. In low light conditions, cloudy weather, wintertime or artificial light you make great pics. The contrast is also a lot better than on bright days.

Canon 50D

Usually I use a Canon telezoom 55-250mm IS (a test with a much cheaper Sigma lens was a big disappointment, fully zoomed in this lens had real focus problems.) I was more pleased with some older 2nd hand analogue lenses from Canon, you can buy for real bargain prices.

This year Canon introduced new models.

The latest powershot f.e. is the SX20 with 12 mp.

Canon SX20

And for me, if I had the budget for it, would buy the 60D. This camera combines all the goodies from the SX1 and the 50D in one! A flippable LCD screen, HD movie, 18 mp and real life view (the 50D has life view but you have to make your settings in advance) The 60D is available from € 999,- in special offers with a 18/55 mm kit lens, but in shops they ask about € 1200,- so negotiate! With the introduction of the 60D you can expect the 50D in sale now.

Canon 60D

Now what if you ask me to look for a camera in the € 350,- range? Considder to go for an occasion. But then you have to negociate the price, people ask up to 600,- for a 50D occasion but you can buy the same in shops now! ( Ebay or Marktplaats). Or go for a 40D almost simular to the 50D but 10 mp, prices go from 300,- to 400,- € .

Of course there are different brands, not to mention Nikon. But Canon has a lot more experience with video. The D600 looks competative though.

The Canons 50 and 60D’s are ofcourse semi professional cameras, you could grade down to the 400D; 500D or 550D, but they have a plastic body in stead of titanium. But they are good enough for high quality holliday pics.

Also I tried the Sony Alpha cameras (former Minolta), these cameras are more heavy and I found the shutters noisy. I was disapoited how they preform in low light conditions. But if you happen to have alreay a range of Minolta lenses, you might considder Sony. All electronic Minolta lenses fit on the Alphas, and those are very cheap in 2nd hand shops. Price range 200,- to 400,-€ new.

But everthing depends on your expectations and what you want to do. Taking pics of nature or moving items like scaters I would advise at least a SLR camera. SLR is more sensitive and has better results with high ISOs. If you want to stay in the budget of € 350,-, try to get a Canon 40D or 500D occasion. You always can trade the camera lateron for a good price if you want to upgrade, and keep the accessories for the next model.

Good luck!