New Camera

Hi All,

Having spent months thinking about a new camera, I have now bitten the bullet and spent some cash

It kind of started when I realised my P&S wasn't up to the job, especially if the light was low, even in good light dynamic range wasn't always great, couple that with the inability to control creativity, (DoF etc) I decided that a replacement was due.

Every P&S I looked at, even the Canon G1, get back low light reviews, I though all that was about to change with the Sony Nex-3/5 but even they didn't get favorable reviews, and coupled with their price, made them unsuitable.

So, having 3 Canon bodies already, and and assortment of lenses, I decided to buy a small Canon body (I just want to leave this in my work bag for when I travel so I don't have to disrupt my main kit).

I tossed up between the 1000 and 550, video doesn't bother me much, but I went for the 550 for the good performance, even at ISO3200 (depending on your quality expectations I guess)

So I have been playing with the 550D tonight, it's tiny compared to what I am used to, but make no mistake, if''s very fast, really light and agile, has a brilliant user interface that I wish my 5DMk11 had, makes a really sweet noise when shooting (yeah, it's not important, but makes you feel good about the money you spent) and does take great video too, and unlike the 500D you have manual control over video settings (as well as proper video modes)

I did get the 188-55mm IS Lens, it's noisier than the original 18-55, IQ is about the same, I think the IS lets you get away with shooting hand held at 1/30.

Overall, well pleased.

Alan.

I have the 550D too and adore it!

Interesting that you just couldn't settle for a pocketable compact!

Yeah, I tried, I even bought an SX20is, and was pretty unhappy with that too

I figured If I was going to spend money, I had to be happy with my purchase, even if that meant waiting until I could get something I was happy with and had enough money for.

Don't get me wrong, I have taken some nice images with the Nikon (P50) and for a £70 Asda bargain it has done me well for a couple of years,

I am one of those people who is prepared to be slightly inconvenienced by having a slightly bigger camera, to get the results I want, I am of the opinion that if I can't get the shot I want, I would rather not have anything

Alan.

Give it time.... and you'll want something smaller

Look forward to seeing your shots with it Alan!

Hey Azz,

I want something smaller, I have realised that I can't have that ;(

Compared to the 5 though, it's teeny

Alan.