 BetterPhoto Member |
Which camera do I buy Hello all, I am going to buy my very first SLR. I have used many peoples cameras in the past and now want my own. I'm interested in the Minolta maxxum 5 and the nikon n65, both are small and packed full of goodies. I will be using this camera on my travels thru africa, India and Asia, and want something that will be really small easy to use and affordable. Thank you for your help Adam Rumsey
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doug Nelson |
Since you make it clear that it's an autofocus SLR you want, I take no issue with your choices. As a rule of thumb, though, don't get the bottom of any maker's line. Spend an extra 50-100 bucks and go a step higher. You won't go wrong. However, as Jeff and others have advised, go for the glass, even if you have to skimp a little on the box. A maker's cheapest zoom lens is never as good as the one a cut higher. If you're tempted to buy only a 24-300 or some such super range zoom, at least get the best one available, not a cheapie. This trip sounds like a once-in-a-lifetime deal, unless you hit a lottery. Be thoroughly familiar with this camera, and what it can do BEFORE you go. Also, consider taking a point n' shoot with a good reputation as a backup. You never know when something's going to get wet, dropped or stolen. If you're even thinking of shooting wildlife in Africa, take along a tripod and fast film. The 70-200 or 100-300 tele zoom you and I can afford won't have all that wide an aperture, so you might be at some marginal shutter speeds.
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George E. Givens Jr |
You're doing something I've been telling my wife I want to do before I die. I am really envious. I hope you have a great time and get lots of great images. Be sure to take some high speed film (800 and 1600), it will come in handy for handholding and contrary to popular belief, the new high speed films are not near as grainy as they use to be. Doug N is right on with his responses. If I can be so bold, since you like the Maxxum's, I suggest either going with HTsiPlus or a step up to the Maxxum 7. However, if you want panoramic capabalities you might want to consider the QTsi. The 7 cost only a $200 more than the HTsiPlus and is a pro camera without the weight and the extra armor. Doug N is right too about the glass. The lens takes the picture not the box. I'd stick with a minolta lens if possible. Final word, TRIPOD, TRIPOD, TRIPOD!
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Tom Darmody |
Adam- Where in Africa, India, and Asia? Here's a couple of tips: Film- Since 9/11 they have cranked up the "juice" on the cary-on x-ray machines. If you do bring film make sure you call ahead and speak to an supervisory person from your airline and explain that you want a hand check, They will tell you that the x-ray machine is safe for most consumer grade films... But the film manufactures say it isn't (see Fuji and Kodak's web pages). Make sure you get a name, so it there's a problem at the gate they can call someone. Dont use the lead bags either, take all the film aout of the packaging and put it in a clear ziplock bag. If the gate attendant will not do a hand check politely ask for a supervisor (it helps to though in a few rolls of IR or high speed film. Better yet, have film shipped to your hotel. B&H will ship to most places world wide. I've done this quite a bit in Africa and Asia, make sure you contact the hotel in advance and ask them to keep it in the fridge for you (tip well when you get there). As for buying film there...it's a crap shoot. chances are if you find what your looking for, it's going to years out of date and good luck finding cold stored film. What ever you don't have film processed (unless your in a major city). Ship the film back home in AT LEAST two packages. Number each roll as you shoot them send all the evens in one package and the odds in another, that way if one gets "lost" you have a decent amount left from the whole trip (not just from the begining or end). Use DHL or FedEx NOT the local mail service. The locals- Most are very nice (they know you're there to spend money). Be very aware of cultural concerns. Ask or gesture with your camera before take a picture especially of any faces. I don't know where exactly you're going to be traveling but most cities have an overabundance of poor homeless children and adults. If you venture off the beaten path (the best way to do it!) you'll be swarmed by kids looking for hand outs. The best way to handle this is to stop at a local market and pick up some fuit, it's cheap and the kids love it (and its good for them). [In my expierence oranges get the best reaction]
Some of the larger safaritour companies have photo gear that you can rent by the day... It may something to look into. Good Luck, and Have Fun!!!
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