Digital SLR discussion thread...

[Flibb]

Had not thought of that being a problem. Part of my job is dealing with small amounts of expensive and highly toxic chemicals. One thing we use to keep stuff clean and me from being dead is a glovebag. Basically its a large clear heavy duty plastic bag that you can seal stuff in, then it inflates with nitrogen (dust free, no moisture), it has 2 gloves built in so you can manipulate the contents. Would be the dogs danglies for cleaning stuff like a camera.

[shiato storm]

The pixel size on a 20D is 6.5 microns...

and thats very small kids. In the lab I work in I dissect samples under a microscope down to 200microns wide, 1mm long and thats sodding fiddly! so 6.5 mic's is SMALL. i'd hate to cock it up no matter how many protective layers are there in front!

[Oakey]

Sorry, it was the Times, to quote;

"There is no duty to be paid on books, digital cameras or laptops but there's 3.5% on CD's, 4.9% on camera film and 12% on most clothes"

I think you may still have to pay VAT though.

[shiato storm]

4.9% on camera film.

stingey buggers...

[shiato storm]

I didn't see much point in starting a new thread about digital SLR's so thought I'd post this here - also will place a new thread in the 'bargain hunt' section (oops. sorry. 'Hexus.Bargains' now)...
so what sall the fuss?
linky

Nikon are doing what Canon did but canon did it first...still, not all that bad but it does make me wonder whats about to be announced on the 20th this month at the PMA. Canon just another step ahead again?
rumours abound that the 300d gets a new sensor and functionality to push it near the 20d (seeing as it was essentially a software inhibited 10d this is not hard to imagine).

[Tifosi]

Woohoo just picked up my 20D and bits =D really chuffed waiting for battery to charge!

Tom did you take out the extended Canon warranty or a Jessops warranty?

Also what insurance do you have on your kit?

I need to sort insurance, but i'm going travelling in July and my Student policy lasts untill September! Wondering whether to get some other insurance raher than stick it on Endsleigh.

[shiato storm]

i'd have a look around and see how much diffent insurance costs then go with that, if you're moving around - as a student - it may be worth getting separate insurance...saves hassle

[Tom]

Using sensor swipes and the correct solution etc is a pretty safe way of cleaning the sensor DONT use co2 blowers they are far far more likely to damage it than using the proper equipment designed for it. I have yet had to do it but have plenty of friends who do it like weekly on their 1DmkII's.

I personally am covered by the VISA insurance for another month then i need to find a decnet insurer.

Cheers

Tom

[rajagra]

DONT use co2 blowers

...for 2 reasons... Compressed air can contain oil/propellants to muck up the camera, and is powerful enough to wreck a shutter.
But if you buy a residue-free CO2 duster, and use it at sufficient distance to reduce the power, it should be OK. Test fire at your palm to see how powerful they can be (can be scary!), and to guage the distance needed to make it safe.
I'd be happier using CO2 than making direct contact with the sensor, but I'm very cautious & methodical. And the way I use my camera means plain dust is the only thing likely to get inside it. So far a simple rubber bulb blower has been all I've needed.
Tom, I need a few friends with 1DmkII's who could lend them to me, so if you can spare a couple of your mates...

[Oakey]

Hmmm, if you're taking out extra insurance on the camera anyway is it worth paying the extra for a Canon warranty instead of getting a grey import? Surely whatever problems you suffer will be covered by insurance (assuming the policy covers loss, theft and damage).

[Tom]

most insurance doesnt cover stuff that doesnt cover mechanical failure stuff thatd be covered by warranty so if it borked ud have to drop it lol

[Oakey]

most insurance doesnt cover stuff that doesnt cover mechanical failure stuff thatd be covered by warranty so if it borked ud have to drop it lol

and that's a problem how?

[BlueMagician]

...Also the 20D's much faster than the D70 in all except flash sync (turn on, burst fire etc), has much less noise @ higher isos, is built better and is frankly a 1DmkII without weather protection, slightly slowed down and less AF points...

Agreed. Canon over Nikon anyday, for the simple reasons that Canon offer a more advanced product for the money @ prosumer and professional level, and that fact that Canon know how to make lenses..

S.
(A happy 20D owner)

[shiato storm]

true true...just waiting for PMA anouncements. we shall see.

[Tifosi]

Checked out my kit thoroughly yesterday my 50mm f1.8 had a crack about 3mm long in the lens.. so that went straight back fortunately they had a replacement.

My 20D appears to be dust free which is great and the banding problem isn''t very obvious shows up more under incandescant light.

Pretty happy with the kit, just waiting on my filters and considering what lenses to buy!

[rajagra]

Pretty happy with the kit, just waiting on my filters and considering what lenses to buy!

You might want to keep an eye on the Canon outlet on eBay. They aren't doing any lenses right now, but I bought a EF 28-135mm 3.5-5.6 IS from them for £200, it's a good lens and a not too expensive intro to lovely image stabilisation. It was a refurb, but TBH it looked new, I think they just offload excess stock this way when they need to?