The Breitling Watch Source Forums

Hi everyone,

I figured this would be the place to ask about cameras as I notice alot of you (excluding myself!) have posted some amazing photos and obviously have good knowlage/experience with DSLR cameras. I'm thinking of purchasing something in the Nikon/Canon range, maybe something in the D series.
Can anyone give me some recomendations? Any advice welcome

Thanks in advance,

Ken

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Super Avenger (White/Bracelet) soon to follow!!

Sorry, can't help you there - I'm only taking pics with my Panasonic Lumix FZ18 which is much less sophisticated. But, I'm happy and enjouy it nevertheless... I have discovered (from my amateur point of view) that getting the best out of the lighting is much more important than which type of camera I use. But that might be because I'm not in your camera range...

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Prediction. Everyone who owns a Canon will recommend a Canon. Everyone who owns a Nikon will recommend a Nikon etc.

I have used Canons for the last 15 years or so and before that I used Pentax and Olympus. IMHO, it's not which badge is on the camera but what the guy holding it does with it.

I learnt on a Pentax K1000. 100% manual exposure meant you had to learn about f-stops, shutter speed, depth of field, etc to take good photos. Tips such as inverting focal length to set shutter speed, exposure compensation for back lit subjects and learning to follow focus meant that with much trial and error (and paying for every frame exposed!) I improved my technique and began to take decent photos.

I'm not suggesting a return to the dark ages but all the built in gizmos in the world wont compensate for a lack of basic technique. Whichever brand you buy, get to know the camera and don't treat it as a "point and shoot" with interchangeable lenses.

As far as watch photography is concerned, you will need a lens with a macro facility (and maybe a polarizing filter), a rock solid tripod, a light box of some sort (angle poise lamp and a couple of pillow cases will do to start with), remote shutter release and loads of patience. You'll find what works and what doesn't and improve your technique.

I have a Canon D400 but the newer D450 is a much better camera for not much more. If you need a top speed of 1/8000, 6fps motordrive or a metal body, by all means go for the D40 but otherwise, stick with the 450. I'm wasn't impressed with the spec on the D1000 though. Can't remember exactly what it was but it didn't look a patch on the 450.

I've never used Nikon but their equivalent models will be just as good and the differences only marginal. Visit a Jessops store if you have one near you. Try them all out and get the one which feels right in your hand. (Bit like buying a watch really!) Be aware they will often price match the better known internet retailers.

Best of luck with your photography.

Thanks aleister. I have a Sony W55, its a great all-rounder. Great photos, colour and quality. However, I sometimes find the zoom not good enough for some of my photo's. Thats why i want to upgrade to DSLR. Thanks for the input all the same! Thats what makes this forum great

Anyone have any experience on the Olympus e510?

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Navitimer 50th Anniversary Edition A41322

Super Avenger (White/Bracelet) soon to follow!!

Thanks sharkmouth, some handy info there!

Cheers!

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Navitimer 50th Anniversary Edition A41322

Super Avenger (White/Bracelet) soon to follow!!

Agree with Sharkmouth's prediction, camera owners are pretty partisan. Canon and Nikon have the advantage of having the biggest range of the brand and 3rd party lens, accessories and what have you, but any SLR will be up to the job.

Personally I've got a Canon 30D which is far more than you'd need for watch photography. A macro lens would be useful if you're photographing movements but otherwise modern DSLR's have a enough resolution you can probably just crop unless you want to do large prints. A good tripod makes things a lot easier for close up photos.

Ian

I have a Nikon D100, which was my first foray into digital SLRs. I chose Nikon over Canon simply because of their amazing 400mm vibration reduction zoom lens, but you really can't go wrong with either.

The modern digital SLRs are amazing - the entry level Nikon D40 blows my D100 away in terms of features - mine cost over $2,000 6 years ago, the D40 costs $400.

You are tied into Nikon or Canon once you make a decision because of the investment in lenses, realistically there isn't much difference for the amateur user so go with whichever you are more comfortable with.

Broadway photo carries them all, and at great prices. I've been thinking about the D80 myself.

http://www.broadwayphoto.com/viewproduct.aspx?id=829670

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Yup - I'd go for the Nikon D80 as well.

Of course, as the others have said, it depends on your preference for which brand.

One thing I will say is that when I was buying my present DSLR (Nikon D50) a few years back I did look at the Canon EOS350 at the same time. One reason I went for the Nikon (apart from a slight bias) was the fact that the Canon was a lot smaller to handle and didn't feel right. So try before you buy - same as a watch.

Another thing to bear in mind is the storage media you'll prefer. SD cards, Compact Flash - etc. This is less of a problem than it used to be as these are a lot less expensive than they were. However you may have cards which you use for other gadgets or maybe an SD card slot on your laptop but not one for a CF card.

Lots to consider. Hope you're not too confused!

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That's a good point. It's like comparing the D80 to the D60, the specs are very similar, heck even the pictures they take are spot on. The 80 has a heavier steel body that just feels better, plus it accepts the power grip which makes it look and feel meaty and professional (even if you don't need the additional battery life).

Remember the lens choice is far more important!

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