Buying secondary dslr cameras, is it worth it in Tokyo? If so, where and which camera?

dslr camera entry level image

John L

I am currently looking for a entry-level dslr camera for a cheap price at a second hand store. Does anyone know what camera and lens would be great for beginners and outdoor photography?

Answer
When it comes to used cameras, condition can be as important as the original quality of the camera.

So use the same conditions you would use to buy a new camera (brand and model) but then add condition to the mix.

If you have no ability to discern condition, you might end up making a very expensive mistake. DSLRs especially - with a lens can be a very complex instrument - and if you are not an experienced user, you won't likely know what works and what doesn't. If you spend $300 and get a camera that is broken - you wasted $300 to save $300.

I would never recommend buying used for your first DSLR, unless someone goes with you that knows DSLRs and can check it out for you.

At least make sure the store has a return policy (in writing) so you can return the camera if you find out it is a dud.

I don't know what difference Tokyo makes - my advice applies world-wide; especially if you are in a land-of-crooks (some camera stores in Brooklyn, USA for instance).

Need help with a good beginner dslr camera?

Anthony R

I own a canon point and shoot and I would like to get a dslr that can produce better quality. What are some good entry-level dslr cameras? What about lenses? Any information or tips for a beginner?

Answer
Stick with Canon. They produce excellent quality cameras. And you are familiar working with them.

Look into the:

- Canon XS
- Canon XSi
- Canon T1i
- Canon 7D

Depending on your budget...

The 1st two are entry - intermed. level offerings. The next two are more intermediate (as is the Canon 50D).

Powered by Yahoo! Answers

What are the main drawbacks of using dslr´s for making videos?

dslr camera entry level image

LetsGo

It appears to me that basic (entry-level) video-camera sometimes have very similar technical aspects to high-level dslr cameras.
(I am not an expert so correct me if I am mistaken).

Where is the line drawn where a video camera takes over DSLR in terms of the quality of the video?
I think I am trying to determine what my realistic needs are. I want to make music videos or perhaps short advertisements for use on the internet. Perhaps, I would like to do something more sophisticated if I gathered up some steam.

My current camera does not have very good video capabilities. (Its the Nikon d7000).

What strikes me is that there are many examples of videos that do not seem to have been taken on state of the art cameras..... and the emphasis seems to be more on the lighting setup.
Concerning the point about overheating .... in my case, there is a limit of 20 minutes when the camera automatically switches off but you can turn it on again instantly .... I did around 60min of this once, however, the battery will just DISAPPEAR following that.

Answer
While I agree with Rick, he did not mention that dSLRs have a file size/video length limitation and have known issues that result in the dSLR overheating when used as a video recorder for prolonged periods (and the cool-down takes a LONG time).

dSLRs are designed to capture still images and can do that well. They can capture video - but this is a secondary, "convenience feature". They are not camcorders and should not be treated/used as a camcorder.

Camcorders are designed to capture video (and audio) and can do that well. Many (at the consumer grade level - not so much at the prosumer or pro level) can capture still images, but do not provide the flexibility dSLRs provide - still image capture in those camcorders providing that capability is a secondary, "convenience feature". Camcorders can capture video and audio for as long as there is available memory space and power. There is no internal overheating issue.

If video is the primary concern, use a camcorder. If still images are the primary concern, use a dSLR. But to use equipment primarily because of a specific secondary feature is not recommended as there will be trade-offs in the way the equipment needs to be used in order to achieve a desired result. The trade-offs may not be easy to identify until something bad happens and a work-around needs to be identified and implemented. In this case, this can result in never to be replicated activities - and no video of that activity. More simply: If a dSLR is used to capture a wedding for video and 20 minutes in the camera shuts down because it overheated, what is the back-up (workaround) plan?

How do you record audio from an external shotgun microphone?

Adrian

Giving you the details... I have a really cheap shotgun microphone that I plan on using to record audio for shorts I want to create. I'm going to be recording as well with an entry-level DSLR camera, but it does not have a 3.5mm jack that I can plug my shotgun microphone into it with, it only has an HDMI connector and some other irrelevant things. So my question is, what do I connect my shotgun mic 3.5mm jack into to record audio? Do I need a converter? Can I use a portable digital flash recorder to connect it to and then upload the files onto a computer? I need help. Thanks in advance!

Answer
It doesn't sound like your DSLR supports analogue mic input.

I'd buy a proper stereo recorder - like this olympus digital recorder that's used to record music and bans etc
http://www.voicerecognition.com.au/olympus-ls3-digital-voice-recorder.htm

That will give you A grade audio. Then use software to synchronize the files. Shouldn't be too hard.

Powered by Yahoo! Answers