What used dslr

[breney]

Dave, I don't  intend to carry on this argument but I feel I must address some of the gross misconceptions you have about Bridge cameas.

The FZ1000 has shutter speeds from 60 secs to 1/6000th but it has not got Bulb . It  does have time-lapse and 120 fps slow motion  video and  an integral 5-axis OIS matched to a superb Leica 24 to 400 mm lens with DFD focusing technology. It also  has 4k video which allowis capture of 8 mp stills..

I can't remember when I last used a Bulb shutter setting, probably more than than 30 years ago in my  film SLR days and not for  serious photos.

As for the 1000's time to go from 100mm to 400mm using the ring - it takes a quarter of a turn, about half a second. And high speed burst is 12 fps. It can do 50 fps at 5 megapixel crop - large enough for the aircraft photos you and others publish on the Web.

Thanks for steering me to the table giving shutter lag. It shows only two true Bridge cameras (featuring viewfinders) and both have shutter lag ratings of fast!

I suggest you compare the FZ1000  with 24mm - 400mm LEICA  macro zoom lens (available for less than £500) and the entry level Canon EOS 750D available for over £500 with mediocre kit lens covering 18mm -- 135mm.

http://www.dpreview.com/reviews/panasonic-lumix-dmc-fz1000

http://www.dpreview.com/reviews/canon-eos-750d-rebel-t6i

BTW Dave, which DSLR do you use?

If you're only getting 8mp still from a 4K video, I'm afraid someone has desperately ripped you off mate.

[breney]

To put this DSLR vs Bridge argument to bed, lets get to the point. There is a reason you don't see press photographers, wedding photographers, sports photographers, or anyone else who relies on a camera for their income using a bridge camera. Bridge cameras fill a market gap (or bridge it) between consumer point and shoots, and professional DSLRs. The Autofocus, zoom and shutter speed of even a basic DSLR outperforms bridge cameras, by it's inherent mechanical design. None of this bullshit about electrics - a DLSR is designed to be quick, and that's what they are. They offer limitless manual control of the image being produced, as well as assisting the user with automatic controls. They are the most fantastic platform to learn photography from.

I am an electronics engineer who, in the past has worked in quite some detail on digital imaging, and sensor technology. I know what I'm talking about. I'm also someone who makes a substantial part of my income from taking photographs professionally for the press. I don't use Bridge. Nor do any of my colleagues. Again, I know what I'm talking about - at least, that's what my pay cheques say.

If the OP (and that's what this topic is about after all) would like to purchase a new camera to take their photography to a new level, they would be well advised to invest in an entry level DSLR. It is a very future proof investment, it has flexibility and scalability to adapt to their needs, should they change their style, the subjects they shoot, or desire to explore more creative pathways than simply shooting big orange metal birds. Family photographs, long exposure nature photographs, and Ultra Wide angle vistas pop to mind. A bridge camera is a fixed investment which will date. You can't modify it by adding a speedlight, grip, different lens or intravelometer. A DSLR will also hold it's value significantly longer than a bridge.

I know a lot of the members on this forum are very experienced photographers in their respective disciplines, industries and areas. They will be more than happy to advise the OP about what they are best purchasing. 

[viking9]

Breney, you are totally missing the point. The OP already has a bridge camera and is unable to get the best out of it, so I gave him advice on what to do with his current camera. I never actually said he should buy a new one. I only responded to someone writing that he would be wasting his time learning to set up his current camera as a DSLR's controls would be totally different. That is of course total bullshit. Then we had the post containing the totally incorrect assumption that Bridge cameras have slow shutter lag times, disproved by the very comparison table that was to support his case.

As for professional photographers, well of course they don't use bridge cameras, neither do they use entry level DSLRs with cheap lenses. They use top of the range DSLRs costing several thousand pounds each and medium format cameras - you do know about them don't you? Ever used one? Leica (same brand lenses as my Panies), Hasselblad, Pentax etc. I've actually used them professionally.

I would not have raised the matter of one's profession in a discussion about enthusiast cameras but you have - so would you like to tell us which camera manufacturer you worked for?  Because if you didn't work for one then surely your experience is irrelevant. Having had digital cameras since the very early days and studied their sensors, I'm willing to bet I know a lot more about them than you do.

And how about sharing with us which camera you use and which media organisations you work for?

[casper]

Guys the OP asked for recommendations for a camera, plain and simple - Keep the discussion relevent to that please.

[viking9]

Unfair, Alan, as one of the last posters is a mod and has not answered a few simple questions on subjects he raised.

Some humble members might be forgiven for thinking it was all mods together. Not that I ever would.

[casper]

And as the admin I'm saying if there's no more relevent comments to the OP's original question I will remove the comments and lock this thread.

[gadwall58]

Unfair by mod. 
Let them have their say.  It doesn't have to be read unless it appeals to you.

[viking9]

And as the admin I'm saying if there's no more relevent comments to the OP's original question I will remove the comments and lock this thread.

First forums I've been on where comments are removed and thread locked because they are not actually replies to an OP's original question, despite them not being offensive or abusive and being within the subject of the forum.

Still, no big deal eh!

[hammerhead]

First forums I've been on where comments are removed and thread locked because they are not actually replies to an OP's original question, despite them not being offensive or abusive and being within the subject of the forum.

Still, no big deal eh!

This is one of the most relaxed sites on the web as far as Admins are concerned, most sites are a lot more heavily edited and I've seen lots of occasions where members of sites were removed and threads edited or deleted for not sticking to the original topic.....

 

[viking9]

If you're only getting 8mp still from a 4K video, I'm afraid someone has desperately ripped you off mate.

I only just noticed this post so perhaps the other mods will bear with me to correct another fallacy.

The Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ1000 was the first sub $1000 camera in the world to introduce 4K video. Mate.

http://www.dpreview.com/articles/0087942697/panasonic-4k-photo-reaches-to-grab-stills-from-video-dream

[breney]

If you're only getting 8mp still from a 4K video, I'm afraid someone has desperately ripped you off mate.

I only just noticed this post so perhaps the other mods will bear with me to correct another fallacy.

The Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ1000 was the first sub $1000 camera in the world to introduce 4K video. Mate.

http://www.dpreview.com/articles/0087942697/panasonic-4k-photo-reaches-to-grab-stills-from-video-dream

I'm not doubting it's ability to capture in 4k, that's a common technology now. My point is, that from a 4k video, you should be achieving a substantially larger file than 8mp.

[viking9]

I'm not doubting it's ability to capture in 4k, that's a common technology now. My point is, that from a 4k video, you should be achieving a substantially larger file than 8mp.

As far as I know, all 4K video produces an 8.8mp frame.

8mp is just about good for anything from a decent state-of-the art sensor.

[hardguy007]

Ok folks, have kept up to date on the developments.

I'm not happy with the s4300 I have. Been playing with it the past couple of days and even in auto I'm not happy with it so for the sake of a couple of hundred I'm for goin down route of dslr. At least in my mind I'll be happier using it wither photos I get are better or not.

So apart from the eos 1000d what other cameras in this price band should I look out for?

1100d?
500d?
550d?

[breney]

Ok folks, have kept up to date on the developments.

I'm not happy with the s4300 I have. Been playing with it the past couple of days and even in auto I'm not happy with it so for the sake of a couple of hundred I'm for goin down route of dslr. At least in my mind I'll be happier using it wither photos I get are better or not.

So apart from the eos 1000d what other cameras in this price band should I look out for?

1100d?
500d?
550d?

There's some great deals to be had buying second hand. I know I recently picked up a 7D, second hand but with barely any use, for just over £300. If you look at the likes of MPB Photographic, you might see a second hand semi-pro DSLR in the xxD range, or even a 7D, that fits within your budget. That way you're giving yourself the absolute maximum flexibility. The only thing I would caution against going into the xD range, is that you will have no automatic modes. So for the sake of learning, you'd be best stick somewhere in the xxxxD, xxxD or xxD ranges, and whatever suits your budget in them. I can personally recommend the 40D, used it for years and it's a cracking camera.

All depends on how much of a budget you have, and wether you would consider buying a second hand camera. I have never bought a new camera, always second hand, so I'd recommend it! Great value for money!

[casper]

I have to agree with Breney about going down the 2nd hand route. You could try Wex Photographic

http://www.wexphotographic.com/used-canon-dslr-cameras/b3235?sortby=1

http://www.wexphotographic.com/used-canon-fit/b3236?sortby=1

[breney]

I've just realised the title of the thread is "what used DSLR". Sort of answers itself there... 

[viking9]

I've just realised the title of the thread is "what used DSLR". Sort of answers itself there... 

Took you a while to notice that. ☺

Despite the subject title, his actual question was about keeping his current camera as it wasn't working well in Auto. He also asked if he should do some courses. You can read my answer which was based on reviews of his camera introduced in 2012.

Well, he hasn't bothered  to learn anything about S, A, M and P settings not to mention focussing, so I wish hm well trying to get consistent results on any other camera on Auto. You'll hear no more from me about it.

[hardguy007]

Firstly 'his' actual question in the 1st post was about recommending a dslr - nothing about keeping 'his' current camera! Please read it correctly. You havnt recommended a dslr, just plugging a bridge camera.

Obviously I havnt bothered to learn anything about S, A, M and P settings as im never going to be as good as you or your photos especially in the few days since the thread was created. I would have thought it would take months, years even decades to be somewhat proficient. Perhaps even a lifetime before im close to your standard with the big professional Panasonic digital camera which you rant about!!


Secondly thanks to all the other helpful, encouraging advice from all the other posters. It definitely has helped in directing me to what I should be looking for.

And finally I think its time this thread be closed by the mods as its run its course.

[breney]

Firstly 'his' actual question in the 1st post was about recommending a dslr - nothing about keeping 'his' current camera! Please read it correctly. You havnt recommended a dslr, just plugging a bridge camera.

Obviously I havnt bothered to learn anything about S, A, M and P settings as im never going to be as good as you or your photos especially in the few days since the thread was created. I would have thought it would take months, years even decades to be somewhat proficient. Perhaps even a lifetime before im close to your standard with the big professional Panasonic digital camera which you rant about!!


Secondly thanks to all the other helpful, encouraging advice from all the other posters. It definitely has helped in directing me to what I should be looking for.

And finally I think its time this thread be closed by the mods as its run its course.

I don't know where you live, but if you're in the Belfast area, I lead a photographic society, where we specialise in teaching people to shoot in Manual modes, learn how to take a good exposure etc.. All are very welcome to join, so feel free to send me a message if that would be something you'd be interested in.

Good luck with your upgrade, and stick with it! You should be fit to get a good idea of manual shooting fairly quickly. And don't forget we are a friendly bunch here, and if you do want further help, or some feedback on your photos, feel free to post and we'll give you a hand!