Monday, July 19, 2010

New Camera?

As if I need another hobby... I've been thinking about getting a new camera. Possibly a DSLR. My Canon Powershot has been great, but it just doesn't capture a busy toddler very well. A lot of my pictures end up all blurry these days. When Grace was a baby, I'd set her in her rocking chair near a window and she would sit there while I snapped away. Now, I'm very lucky to get one or two good pictures of her out of twenty while she's on the move. I've been reading up on DSLR's, namely a Canon model, and the image stabilization technology is supposed to nearly eliminate this problem. I also just like taking photos in general (see my knitting photos), so I think it would be a fun toy.

I really can't justify this purchase right now, but it's nice to think about. I also think it's been on my mind because I recently dropped my camera and the battery closure thing snapped off, so it's held on there with tape. I could probably get it fixed at a service centre, but I've been thinking of it as a sign that I should get a new camera. Sejin is probably cringing as he reads this.

Any of you with DSLRs out there, what is your advice? And if anyone knows of any used ones for sale, please let me know.

12 comments:

MommyCha said...

Great post! We've been thinking about this for a while! Let me know if you find good deals on easy to use DSLRs!

Anonymous said...

You need a new camera? Sigh...
Sejin

Sarah said...

S - Yes, it's definitely something that is good to think over for a while and do lots of research, 'cause they ain't cheap!

Sejin - No, I don't "need" one. Don't worry. I'm just researching until I can justify the purchase.

Chris in South Korea said...

LOL to Sejin - you may not NEED a DSLR, but it certainly gives you a lot more control over every element of a photo. I personally shoot with a Nikon camera, but Canon turns out some great cameras as well. Keep your eye on craigslist, and take plenty of test shots. If you do buy a DSLR, recognize that you're basically locking into that brand until / unless you get a new body (camera body).

kenrockwell.com has a lot of reviews, as does dpreview.com. There's a great camera shop in Namdaemun that has an English-speaking salesperson (Hyosung Camera). Just do your research and take your time - you're in no hurry :)

Sarah said...

Thanks Chris, I will keep my eye on craigslist, I hadn't thought of that.

The advantage to the Canon Rebel I was looking at is that it fits different brands of lens, whereas many other cameras don't...like you said, you have to stick with that brand.

You're right. No hurry. Will take time to convince husband!

Becky said...

Hubby bought a camera from a guy at Techno Mart (I think). The recommendation came from Michael of FeedManSoul. We got a great deal and they threw in extras. It was hard to find the guy but he does speak some English. My camera was bought at all places, Incheon Airport Duty Free Shop. Got a great deal there on it. Better than in the States.

Sarah said...

Good to know, Becky! I will definitely check out all possible options before purchasing one. I'll check out FeetManSeoul.

akoto said...

We are very big on price comparisons, and the best deal for ours (the 500D/T1i) actually came from home shopping. They had a package deal that was already a very good price, and we were able to get another 5% or so off of the price by putting it on our BC card.

If you do want to buy it in-store, go with someone who seems very knowledgable about them who can get a good price. If you look like too much of a beginner, they can easily get away with charging you more than they would others. Usually, the trick is to get them to throw other things in with the price, say a UV lens, an extra battery, another lens, etc.

Have Sejin look for giveaways. Nikon is apparently giving away a DSLR on one of their cafes, so we'll be trying to pick that up. ^.~

Sarah said...

A - Thanks so much for those tips! Actually, we got our computer on home shopping and it was a great deal. I didn't even think of looking on home shopping. So I guess I should narrow down some models, do some research and see what the average prices are so that I can recognize a good deal. I'll have Sejin look into giveaways, but he's not into the internet >_<

Amanda said...

A lot of improved photography skills come from an improved photographer, not an improved camera. (I have so many friends who have SLRs and then leave them on...auto.)

Having said that, I do find it really hard to "tripod" a camera to my face with the point-and-shoots that no longer have a viewfinder, and instead have a stupid LCD screen on the back.

Remember, get good glass. A cheap lens will do more to harm your images than a cheap body.

Sarah said...

Hi Amanda! Thanks for the comment....what a shame to have a SLR and leave it on auto. If I get one, I would like to take a few classes, just so that I don't fall into the habit of leaving it on auto.

Lens... so much research to do! Maybe I should take a class before I buy the camera! lol

Why am I here??? said...

LOL love Sejin's comment!