Please recommend a Canon Auto-SLR cam :)

Want to learn more about print/slide photography. Been reading about the Canon EOS Auto-SLR cameras (not the Pro-SLR ones yet... my skills not even close yet).

Could someone recommend me a good mileage starter's kit which would include a useful wide angle and zoom lens?

I am thinking of getting the EOS 66 to start with, but I know it does not have Depth of View preview... is this a very important function to have?

I am also thinking of getting the EF 75-300mm USM lens, will it work well with the EOS 66?

Or should I get the EOS300 instead?

Quite a few qns I know, but I really need the experts' advice here Thanks!

[Kit]

Quote: Originally posted by Fastbreak Want to learn more about print/slide photography. Been reading about the Canon EOS Auto-SLR cameras (not the Pro-SLR ones yet... my skills not even close yet). Could someone recommend me a good mileage starter's kit which would include a useful wide angle and zoom lens? I am thinking of getting the EOS 66 to start with, but I know it does not have Depth of View preview... is this a very important function to have? I am also thinking of getting the EF 75-300mm USM lens, will it work well with the EOS 66? Or should I get the EOS300 instead? Quite a few qns I know, but I really need the experts' advice here Thanks!

Why would you equate photographic skills with the camera you use? Nevermind, that's another story.

Without any mention of your budget, we can't really offer any good recommendations.

DOF preview is pretty handy to me and I think its a good feature to have. Useful or not, its really up to you.

All EF lenses will work with any AF Canon body.

Should you get the EOS 300? I think only you know yourself. Like I said, you have to give us your budget.

Sleepy head not think "thonk!" (reminds himself never to post so late at night...)

Yes, I shouldn't equate skills to equipment: But just noting that Pro-equipment would be wasted on one who is just starting out.

Still, I appreciate your kind reminder

My budget would be ard SGD800-900. I hope to gain more insight into print photography and also have a camera that I can grow into.

My main interests is taking landscape and nature shots, esp with plenty of sky and water. Close ups of special architectures too. I like taking nite shots too.

Pls tell me what other info I need to include, to finalise my choice. Thanks for the help so far

Well I guess most probably the EOS300 for you. The EOS 30 is just beyond your $800-900 budget. You may want to read up on the features and limitations of the various models and have some hands-on opps to decide. How about the Nikon F80? The body comes in ard $660 and it has the 'grid lines' to help aligning the horizons of your landscape shots and probly helpful in architecture too.

Have FUN shopping!!

[Adam Goi]

Do consider used camera bodies and lenses...they can be picked up @ very good prices and some of their conditions are pretty good too!

[Bluestrike]

Will you be into photography for long?
If the ans is yes, I think it better to invest in a better body like the EOS300 or EOS30. (I would go for the EOS30). Anyway, due to budget constraint, a EOS300 is a good bet.

Do consider The F80 too as it is a solid piece of equipment. The only thing I don't like abt it is that it does not support high-speed sync of the flash. Only the Pro bodies of Nikon support that function. For Canon, I know that for EOS300 and above, all the cam support that function. Note oso that The F80 has a notch over the EOS300/30 in a way that it has spot metering.

Hope the technical term don't scare you off.

[charvy]

EOS 30 cost abt $945.. just slightly above ur budget but u can consider that..

[nuts]

I highly agree on AdamGoi's suggestion. EOS300 2nd-hand can be had for $300-$400, and u have spare change for some very decent lens....

..NuTs..

Quote: Originally posted by AdamGoi Do consider used camera bodies and lenses...they can be picked up @ very good prices and some of their conditions are pretty good too!

Thanks for the guide everyone! Really appreciate it! About getting second hand bodies:

1) where can I find them? Are the ones at Excelsior (forgot the name of the shop) opposite Peninsula Plaza second hand ones? Or could u recommend a place?

2) How should I assess to see if the body is in good condition? I mean which parts of the camera should I examine, say if I can find a used Canon E300?

3) If I need to figure in the cost of a wide angle lens and a telephoto lens + used body, would 800-900 suffice?

Regarding the Nikon bodies.... I know one advantage of Nikon lenses is that there are fully manual lenses too... hmm...

I really would need to test out the cameras

Thanks again!

[chyeo]

Quote: Originally posted by Fastbreak Want to learn more about print/slide photography. Been reading about the Canon EOS Auto-SLR cameras (not the Pro-SLR ones yet... my skills not even close yet). Could someone recommend me a good mileage starter's kit which would include a useful wide angle and zoom lens? I am thinking of getting the EOS 66 to start with, but I know it does not have Depth of View preview... is this a very important function to have? I am also thinking of getting the EF 75-300mm USM lens, will it work well with the EOS 66? Or should I get the EOS300 instead? Quite a few qns I know, but I really need the experts' advice here Thanks!

I recommend that you get the EOS 30 if you can afford it. Much better than 66 or 300.

[Adam Goi]

May I be bold to recommend getting a used EOS 300 and used EF 28-105mm USM? Both should cost about $800 (I hope). The point is...given your budget don't end up spending too much on more advance bodies while ending up with mediocre lenses. Don't forget you'll need to buy film and spend on developing them!

In fact, I was chatting with Jason yesterday when I shared the reason why I've decided against upgrading to professional cameras like EOS 1V and 3 even though the temptations remain strong!

For me, even for the past 1 year, I believe I have not exploited even 50% of EOS 30 functions! For now, I just wish for more time to shoot, practise and hopefully improve. Believe me, you can also do thast with a EOS 66 or 300!

[Bluestrike]

Quote: Originally posted by AdamGoi For me, even for the past 1 year, I believe I have not exploited even 50% of EOS 30 functions!

That I believe......... !!!

Get a used EOS300 + a 28-105...
That will serve well.

[Adam Goi]

Quote: Originally posted by Bluestrike That I believe......... !!!

OT: Basket! Don't you dare elaborate!

Quote: Originally posted by AdamGoi May I be bold to recommend getting a used EOS 300 and used EF 28-105mm USM? Both should cost about $800 (I hope).

Thanks for the recommendation! However... which shop should I go to for used bodies? Even lenses?

[Bluestrike]

Quote: Originally posted by Fastbreak Thanks for the recommendation! However... which shop should I go to for used bodies? Even lenses?

Then May I be bold enough to say that don't go to any shops but try the net 1st? If really cannot find, then try out the shops. Ususally, it more expensive to get thru a shop then deal directly with the seller.

for example:

Canon EOS 300 with cosina lens 19 to 35 mm 4 sale
Ref. no 579240
Date posted 20/08/2002
Price $400.00
Description Hardly used ! Come with box. Interested pls email me !
Name Droozy
Email Email Advertiser

can be found here

Thanks Bluestrike, u are truly very helpful! Sincere thanks!

I have sent an email to the seller, so now I wait So are there areas that I should check on the camera if I do get it from this/other sellers?

BTW, Cosina lens good?

[Bluestrike]

Quote: Originally posted by Fastbreak Thanks Bluestrike, u are truly very helpful! Sincere thanks! I have sent an email to the seller, so now I wait So are there areas that I should check on the camera if I do get it from this/other sellers? BTW, Cosina lens good?

Sorry, not sure which area you shld check,,..maybe the shutter button? make sure it work??? The DOF button, the int flash, etc etc etc.

not sure abt cosina len since nvr use b4

Anyway, ask the rest ard here. I'm not too sure myself

[tonski]

I saw one shop selling bnew eos 300 kit for $450. but twas 2 months ago.

Quote: Originally posted by tonski I saw one shop selling bnew eos 300 kit for $450. but twas 2 months ago.

Could u tel me which shop that was? Thanks!

[scanner]

Quote: Originally posted by Bluestrike Then May I be bold enough to say that don't go to any shops but try the net 1st? If really cannot find, then try out the shops. Ususally, it more expensive to get thru a shop then deal directly with the seller. for example: Canon EOS 300 with cosina lens 19 to 35 mm 4 sale Ref. no 579240 Date posted 20/08/2002 Price $400.00 Description Hardly used ! Come with box. Interested pls email me ! Name Droozy Email Email Advertiser can be found here

Anyway, I do agree with BlueStrike that buying from a shop will be more expensive, however they normally offers some period of warrenty.

As such it is up to you, whether you're willing to take the risk!