Looking to buy camera and lense(s). package deal. Have €800.

• CoNch

  Participant

  November 28, 2009 at 5:22 pm

  Hi everybody I’m in college studying Commercial Photography.
  I have been looking for a good deal on a camera package for nearly 3 months now. In and out of shops across Dublin,trawling Ebay and the other sites and have learnt a bit. But am still confused.
  I’m now looking at the new Panasonic Lumix range and the Olympus E-620..
  However if i plan to be a pro,, can you walk into a studio with one of these or work for a newspaper??
  Any ideas guys n gals..? have €800 max to spend. And that is MAX.
  All post appeciated.
  can go second hand too if its a good deal.
  thanks again.
  :idea: :idea: :idea: :idea: :idea: :idea: :idea:
  Piotr M

  Member

  November 28, 2009 at 6:35 pm

  Olympus E-620 is not the best choice for pro.
  At least canon 40d or nikon d90. Second hand d200 is worth consideration, but it must be well maintained etc.
  Photo gear is too expensive in ROI (like everything in fact). Go north or to England. You can find bargains in Stansted airport (currys).
  Reasonably priced lenses are easier to get for nikon’s F-mount. For a beginner nikkor 18-70 is a good choice. Primes like 35/1.8G, 50/1.8D are good and cheap. Recently I bought 35/1.8G and I love it. It is sharp wide open.
  I would go for nikon d90/d200 and nikkor 18-70. 18-105 VR is nice too. Better/faster lenses cost more than 800euros no matter the camera brand is.
  Fast tele zoom like 70-200 is at least 600 strerling for sigma.
  randomway

  Member

  November 28, 2009 at 7:29 pm

  Do you need to own a camera to work in a studio for someone? I don’t know, never tried, I’m just asking. For news… I have a friend who works as a photoreporter (not in Ireland)… he uses a mobile phone most of the times and a Canon 5D when he shoots portraits and such.
  damien.murphy

  Participant

  November 28, 2009 at 9:59 pm

  I’m curious more than anything, but would have thought your images would have been what people judged you on. As Zoltan mentioned, if you are only assisting in a studio you may not need a camera, and the same with newspaper work (unless you are planning to freelance/ work for a small regional paper with no photo pool equipment)

  You’d be surprised what the “pro’s” are shooting with – I remember reading of one professional photographer (a photojournalist) shooting in Iraq with point and shoot digital cameras. The main restricting factors in terms of the camera you use, I would have thought, would have been if there were any functional issues as a tool, or arbitrary restrictions levied by your industry/ employer. An example of this being the stock industry requiring a file size larger than the one your camera will produce.

  I would recommend speaking with working pro’s in the areas you are considering entering, before you potentially waste money on a camera you may not need. Re: functionality, most DSLRs all offer excellent standard functionality, and unless you need something specific, likely any brand will suffice. If you are buying a camera, I would recommend handling it if you can, as ergonomics are one of the most important things with a tool that very well may be your constant companion for a while.

  Incidentally, I may be putting my Nikon D200 and lenses up for sale shortly. If you are interested just drop me a pm,

  Damien
  CoNch

  Participant

  December 1, 2009 at 6:38 pm

  thanks guys n gals for your replies. some are helpful. was looking at the Panansonic GF1 but to my horror there is no Viewfinder..well you mount it on the shoe..(more accessories to lamp around)
  thanks for email damien..will look into it.