Photography enthusiasts. Wednesday 4th April, Clerkenwell

[mockney piers]

Meeting at Ye Olde Mitre Tavern 6 o'clock.

Oh and here's where you find our previous efforts. It'll be nice to finally have a bit of light and warmth though :)

Don't worry, we're a nice bunch and it's all very casual.

Were definitely NOT like this:

 

[CrystalClear]

*laughs*

Hang on, I'm the member with the worst camera!!

[buggie]

:( was hoping to come along to one of these meet ups - after getting a digital camera for christmas have really enjoyed taking more pictures, but I've got a double whammy - broken computer so still got my cornwall holiday pics on my memory card, and - more importantly - i broke a toe yesterday so currently hobbling along... after Kathryn's fingers maybe there's a curse on trying to attend?!!

[Ant]

Oh dear. I love the Mitre, but I can't make it. The Mrs is playing the return leg of our night down the CPT, out with the girls in Green and Blue.

[Kathryn]

Could download your pictures and put them onto a disk for you? The fingers are totllay recovered if that helps, good luck with the toe.

[buggie]

Thank you for the offer Kathryn - fingers crossed my computer will be back next week so I'll hang on for now. Glad your fingers are recovered!

[mockney piers]

We're doing a pretty good job of keeping some momentum going with this, so hopefully see you chaps next time.

Is that a yay then Kathryn? :)

[Kathryn]

If I can find it I am going to try to get there, so hopefully see you tommorow!

[Huguenot]

It certainly isn't the easiest pub to find, as it's in a very narrow alley just on your right as you head north up Hatton Gardens, or just on your left of the road immediately to the east of Hatton Gardens if (like me) you're coming from Farringdon!

[Mark]

humble apologies, I can't do tonight, I'm still sulking about my lens having not arrived yet

[mockney piers]

I've never been so will have printout in hand. Is Farringdon or Holborn best for it?

Mark, do we now have 2 matching lenses (once yours finally turns up)?

[Mark]

indeed we will (once yours finally turns up) but I have a flash gun in my sights next. Oh, did you know you can get ?13 cash back on your lens - http://www.canon-europe.com/2007promotions

[Kathryn]

Very sadly it doesnt look like I am going to be able to make it. Very sad about this. Have a great snapping evening (not too long in the pub!)

[mockney piers]

Aww, that's a pity.

If the rumours about CrystalClear are true it could be a case of then there were two.

Perhaps do somewhere a little closer to home and leave clerkenwell for another night huguenot?

[Keef]

Crystal did say to me yesterday that he was meeting you, but it might be worth giving him a call to see if he's awake! ;-)

[Huguenot]

I'm pretty flexible Mockers, quite happy to leave Clerkenwell for later. Still got a bit of that cursed cold. Not enough to prevent a beer of course, but would welcome starting chez Crackers Grove to put warm clothing on.

See what Crystal Says?

[mockney piers]

OK, East Dulwich tonight it is. Meet at the EDT say, 7:30 and then a quick wander to another pub, let's say.....oooooh clock house?

We could even go via the CPT or the Gowlett on the way route dependent.

[nutty]

Hi All,

Considering shelling our some hard-earned on an SLR. Pretty new to this gig but keen to learn. Currently considering either a Canon 30D or Sony a100. Any views on these or advice on where to get them at the best price?

[Huguenot]

Mockers uses a 30D, but I'm sure he could tell you all about that!

A good new entry level DSLR is the new Canon 400D (all reasonable bells and whistles are included in the full kit). I use it's pre-precursor the 300D which takes great photos still! 'Which' recommends you buy the 350D which is ?150 cheaper and they feel it's better all round. Those are the ones to compare directly with the a100

The 30D's twice the price, and likely to be superceded by 40D later in the year so prices might drop (and I'll get one then!)

I'm not personally familiar with the Sony a100, but Which is pretty firm that it's behind the Canon and the Nikon D50

If you like the idea of buying from a shop (so you can return if there are any problems), Jessops can usually be persuaded to come pretty close to a price match with prices you can find online if you take the print out in.

I normally get my stuff online and best price / reliability rules. Amazon's pretty good.

[Mark]

I bought a 400D at Christmas and and very pleased with it but I've always been a Canon fan, you can see a picture taken with it here. I second Hugeunot's comments about the 30D, wait for the 40D instead if you can. Also Canon are doing a cashback on various products at the moment http://www.canon-europe.com/2007promotions with ?55 back on the 400D

For buying kit, I find that http://www.warehouseexpress.com is good on service and price (I bought mine through them) and have a read of the magazines, my personal favourite is Digital Photo

[mockney piers]

Yes I do have it and have been extremely happy with it.

The 400D is cheaper and has more megapix and the sensor cleaner, but it's lighter and less robust.

But it's only good for 10,000 clicks pre-service, the 30D is good for 100,000. Other nice additions include custom white balance and picture styles, better metering and other minor bits and bobs, but main benefit is lifespan.

I've read good things about the sony, but they are pretty new to this, so with the canon you have the benefit of years of experience in the field, especially when it comes to glass, and a fantastic range of lenses.

I've the USM/IS 28-135 which i'd recommend over the kit lens.

Also just got the 50mm prime 1.4 which weighs in at about 200 quid and is rather lovely:

 

[Keef]

Did you have to post that last one? :-S

[mockney piers]

Oh, I rather liked that one. Cool t-shirt too

[Keef]

It's a good photo in terms of clarity and stuff, but I think I look really fat! God I sound like a girl ;-)

[mockney piers]

You daft wee thing.

Nutty, I've had a quick look at the Sony stuff on flickr and it's certainly capable of producing very good imagery.

I had a snoop on discussions on the A-100 owners groups and the feedback is very positive. But can't help you as I've no experience of it myself.

My advice is go into a shop and try hefting them all, check the build quality, weight and interfaces. You don't have to buy there of course.

An interface imho can make or break a product regardless of the quality.

I love the thumb wheel on my 30D and find using my old 300D really problematic nowadays.

Hope some of this helps, have fun choosing and hope you join us on our walks some time :)

P