Hi Mark and WAMUG folks.
Having previously used Nikon SLRs (pre-digital), I recently brought a
300D one year ago, and haven't looked back (no complaints). If you've
used a recent Canon before (which your posting suggests), you'll find
it easy to navigate the menu structure of the 300D or the recent
addition 20D. Having said that, a new user of Canon cameras would also
find it easy to pick-up the menu structure, and general use of these
cameras.
And the Canon 300D's are very Mac-friendly (like other Canons), so no
problems there either!
One thing I have noticed... When someone (a new user) is trying to set
up a manual exposure for the first time on a camera like the 300D, it
takes a little while for the process to become clear to them. But one
could compare that to doing a manual exposure on a film SLR vs using
the standard 'Program' mode, for the first time.
Some people comment in reviews that the 300D is a bit plasticy; I
believe that's why the 20D does appear a little less plasticy. Also,
keep your eye out for the black 300D (not to be confused with the 20D).
They look more and more like a Nikon every day :). I haven't seen these
black 300D's in Oz though; I last saw one in the UK late last year.
Anyway... The Canon still feels very solid when you're taking pictures,
is that's what counts to me.
Lense-wise, the stock Canon lens is very reasonable, especially to
begin with. I also picked up a powerful Canon image-stabliser zoom lens
(75-300mm), which I found great to use. But your choice of lens of
course depends on your subject matter.
I recently purchased a Sigma DC 18-125mm lens. It's a fantastic
all-round lens and great for travelling with too (much easier to carry
around than the 75-300mm), and covers a much larger focal range than
the stock standard Canon lens. (Needless to say, I don't use the basic
stock Canon lens much any more). I believe this is the link for 18-125
Sigma lens (available for Nikon or Canon):
http://www.sigma-photo.com/lenses/lenses_all_details.asp?
id=3287&navigator=6
And whatever camera you get, it's worth stocking up on an extra battery
and memory cards, and with an SLR you can go through 200 photos (and a
battery), very quickly. Or looking at getting a "camera grip" to hold
the extra battery. But you'll need a bigger camera case then...
I tried out a variety of cameras in-store, side-by-side before deciding
on the Canon. Take your own memory cartridges if you'd like to look at
any sample pictures you've taken in store (or just outside a store if
they'll let you out!). And at the end of the day, there isn't a great
deal of difference between the two main contenders in the entry-level
Digital SLR market. But try them side by side, work out your own
pros-and-cons, and go from there.
Hope that helps.
Cheers,
Derek
--
Derek Yeoh-Ellerton
National IT Manager
Printforce Australia Pty Ltd
http://www.printforce.com.au/
Phone: 08 9223 2400
Fax: 08 9221 2059
Mobile: 0413 838 518
