want to buy semi-pro camera but dont know what to buy

[pebsb]

I'm looking to buy a semi-pro camera between an SLR and the auto-digital cameras.

I'm considering the canon powershot G7 - is it any good? But its quite expensive almost $900) while the Nikon D40 SLR is about $50-$100 more only.

Besides this, any other model/brand to recommend pls?

Thanks

 

[Rashkae]

Try looking in the "Newbies corner". There are MANY threads like yours. Here's an example:

http://forums.clubsnap.org/showthread.php?t=262078

 

[Rashkae]

My own take: A D40 is a very entry-level DSLR, and before you know it, you'll be spending much much more $$$ just to get more lenses.

I suggest you start with a good second-hand prosumer from the marketplace, like a Sony H1, Canon S3IS.

 

[mace1980]

If you don't mind the XD-card, the Fuji S6500fd is one of the more value for money prosumers out there.

 

[Hoky]

I'm looking to buy a semi-pro camera between an SLR and the auto-digital cameras.

I'm considering the canon powershot G7 - is it any good? But its quite expensive almost $900) while the Nikon D40 SLR is about $50-$100 more only.

Besides this, any other model/brand to recommend pls?

Thanks

I think you meant a prosumer rather than a Semi pro.
The D40 is a DSLR and the G7 is more towards a prosumer. I'm sure you know the difference between the both (e.g. lens interchangeablity, live view... etc.)

Both are very good cameras, weigh what you need and what you can afford for now and future.

As for other models & brands, how about Canon S3IS or the Sony prosumers series (H2, H5..etc).

 

[michhy]

I'm considering the canon powershot G7 - is it any good? But its quite expensive almost $900) while the Nikon D40 SLR is about $50-$100 more only.

:thumbsup: yes the G7 is a good camera, but costly and slightly bulky (smaller than most prosumers, bigger than ultra-compacts). but alas, I'd like to have one if I can afford it.

dont get the D40 unless you know what "dangerous grounds" you're stepping into. saw too many people get an entry-level (and cheap) dSLR and then tempted to upgrade upgrade upgrade... well if you got loads of money, then no problem.

 

[night86mare]

G7 very different from DSLR.
If you think you want a bigger zoom, like 35-420 mm thereabouts, then consider stuff like
Panny FZ7, Sony H2, H5, Canon S3 IS, Fujifilm 6500fd.

Consider what you will be shooting a lot of first, me, I'm still fooling around so I prefer a wider range. =D

Also whether you really need IS. (image stabilisation)

 

[Big Kahuna]

Between the two, I will say go with the D40 because of the lens and flash upgradability :thumbsup:

 

[nikonrus]

If you can resist the temptation to add a lot of stuff (ie filter/lens/watever else) to your camera, then a prosumer type of camera like the Canon G7 (as you mentioned) would be sufficent for a good number of years.

The pro about prosumer cameras is that you have the ability to add things like ttl flash and remote controllers. And if you really don't mind slight drop in quaility, there are some minor lens upgrade available for these prosumers if you really need them.
The con however these type of cameras is rather troublesome as you need to go thru a whole maze of menus before you get to what you need. So troublesome that you'll end up using preset/fully auto mode 99% of the time.

 

[ExplorerZ]

i will top up 300 more for a d40 and a 18-135 or so... this cover more range than a G7 and also more function.
many will say, one will upgrade non-stop once they started into DSLR, but if i don see how one will not upgrade from a prosumer to a dSLR in the same way as well if they want more controls. :dunno: Its just a matter of time, sooner or later? :devil:

 

[night86mare]

i will top up 300 more for a d40 and a 18-135 or so... this cover more range than a G7 and also more function.
many will say, one will upgrade non-stop once they started into DSLR, but if i don see how one will not upgrade from a prosumer to a dSLR in the same way as well if they want more controls. :dunno: Its just a matter of time, sooner or later? :devil:

Well in short, here's my argument for prosumer (since I took the prosumer path first), different people have different views, not forcing mine on you bro.

The idea is that most prosumers give you a bao-ka-liao sort of feel, everything also can handle, albeit at lowered quality and all that. But right before you leap into DSLR, where the costs overall are definitely higher and a lot more exponential.. Perhaps the intermediate prosumer stage will allow you to get a better feel of whether you really are serious about photography and what sort of things you want to specialise in. I mean, not much point trying to be a shoot everything that moves and doesn't sort of person, no? =D

 

[machiavellian]

G7 is a shame to the G series...boohoo

get a G2 or a G3, they are the best G series there are.

 

[ExplorerZ]

Well in short, here's my argument for prosumer (since I took the prosumer path first), different people have different views, not forcing mine on you bro.

The idea is that most prosumers give you a bao-ka-liao sort of feel, everything also can handle, albeit at lowered quality and all that. But right before you leap into DSLR, where the costs overall are definitely higher and a lot more exponential.. Perhaps the intermediate prosumer stage will allow you to get a better feel of whether you really are serious about photography and what sort of things you want to specialise in. I mean, not much point trying to be a shoot everything that moves and doesn't sort of person, no? =D

agreed. but this is what i feel.
I think getting a dSLR(d40 in this case) with just a single lens like 18-135, is basically something like a prosumer but a upgradeable one, or one can stay the same and use it as an "prosumer" as well. but if he intend to upgrade, he can simply do so without getting another body unlike if he have actually gotten a prosumer instead, he would have to get another body (dslr) if he wants to upgrade.
and one thing about dSLR is, nobody have set the rule, one must BBB if he/she uses a dSLR... basically he/she can just happily shoot with 1 lens like when he uses a "compact"(ok i know dSLR ain't compact) or a "prosumer"

 

[night86mare]

For D40 price, with 18-135 lens, is quite expensive leh. If he's using it as a fixed lens sort of thing, you should be comparing with Fujifilm 6500fd, Canon S3IS, Sony H2, etc.. The 6 MGP long zoom prosumer class I guess..

Haven't been following lens price but D40 body alone already more expensive I think, hee.

I get your point though. Right now I also regret, wish I got save up more and go direct to DSLR, but in a sense I'm glad I did get my H2 because now I know for sure that I'm genuinely interested in photography (at least up till now) and it isn't some sort of passing phase sort of thing, get what I mean, hehe.

 

[ExplorerZ]

For D40 price, with 18-135 lens, is quite expensive leh. If he's using it as a fixed lens sort of thing, you should be comparing with Fujifilm 6500fd, Canon S3IS, Sony H2, etc.. The 6 MGP long zoom prosumer class I guess..

Haven't been following lens price but D40 body alone already more expensive I think, hee.

I get your point though. Right now I also regret, wish I got save up more and go direct to DSLR, but in a sense I'm glad I did get my H2 because now I know for sure that I'm genuinely interested in photography (at least up till now) and it isn't some sort of passing phase sort of thing, get what I mean, hehe.

but one thing for sure, to use a dSLR+one lens like a prosumer, one need a lot of vitamin(resistance against BBB) :bsmilie:.
but on the other way, doesn't a d40+18-135 sounds something like a Sony R1 prosumer? APS-C sensor + 24-120mm lens. :bsmilie:. guess the greatest different is VF and EVF/LCD.

 

[night86mare]

but one thing for sure, to use a dSLR+one lens like a prosumer, one need a lot of vitamin(resistance against BBB) :bsmilie:.
but on the other way, doesn't a d40+18-135 sounds something like a Sony R1 prosumer? APS-C sensor + 24-120mm lens. :bsmilie:. guess the greatest different is VF and EVF/LCD.

In a way, Sony R1 got more MGP though right, hehehe..

 

[wainism]

to TS:

there is no exact way to determine whats PRO, SEMI-PRO etc. just buy something that is within ur budget. know what u want and like to shoot. then buy accordingly.

IF i am u,

i will get the D40 and the 18-55mm, not too sure whats the exact cost. stay with this combi for as long as possible till images u produce cant make u happy anymore, then reassess.

i was once like u, and have spent loads of money buying, selling, re-buying. so i suggest, better understand what u want the camera for, before committing.

may photography bring u lots of fun

 

[machiavellian]

i think buying the s6500fd is a good bet.
it have 10x zoom, starts at a wide angle of 28mm, and shoots RAW.
sadly, it doesnt have Image Stabiliser, but who cares. It got better noise control than S3, as far as i am concerned.

 

[JediForce4ever]

DSLR takes the way for me.
D40 and a third party 18-125, 18-200 maybe?
or a second hand 350D?

 

[night86mare]

i think buying the s6500fd is a good bet.
it have 10x zoom, starts at a wide angle of 28mm, and shoots RAW.
sadly, it doesnt have Image Stabiliser, but who cares. It got better noise control than S3, as far as i am concerned.

It actually depends on what he's shooting.

If he wants to dabble in nature/moving objects whatever..
Then he'd probably need Image Stabilisation technology, even steady hands cannot really help in telephoto end leh.

If he's dealing primarily with landscape, etc.. And just wants the longer end just in case.. Then 6500fd is the best choice there is.