Olympus E10

[funkychunkymonkey]

Is a olympus E 10 Used with a bag, two memory cards, and three old photography books for $150 a good deal? The guy upgraded so he wants to sell the camera.

 

[ukcatfan]

That model is pushing a decade old now, so I would be leery. I know that you are really looking for a deal, but getting into a DSLR system is not really one of those decisions where you want to go too cheap. Sometimes you get what you pay for. If you want to go used, I would personally suggest somewhere like KEH, Adorama, or B&H because you at least get a guarantee. If you buy it of an individual and it tanks a week later you are out of luck. If it were a more recent model, then maybe, but that is old.

 

[funkychunkymonkey]

ok, Thanks for letting me know. I think Ill consider finding somthing newer. If its so old how come people are paying $300 for one on amazon? Just currious. I love all the great advice I can get on this board.

 

[ukcatfan]

ok, Thanks for letting me know. I think Ill consider finding somthing newer. If its so old how come people are paying $300 for one on amazon? Just currious. I love all the great advice I can get on this board.

From what i understand, it was a very nice camera for its day. The demand for the ones left are likely for people that had one did on them and they want to replace it. Considering what the original retail was, $300 is only a small fraction of the price. The $150 you came across is not a bad deal for that camera. It is just that it is not a very desirable camera anymore. It is not capable of capturing the same kind of images you see from a newer models. You also have the limitations that it is a fixed lens, only 4MP, and no high ISO.

 

[funkychunkymonkey]

Is a Kodak EasyShare Z712 IS 7.1MP Digital Camera with 12x Optical Image Stabilized Zoom for the same price a better deal? (this one is from amazon

 

[ukcatfan]

Don't know anything about Kodak. Can I ask exactly what you are looking for b/c those two cameras are very different from each other. The E10 is a fixed lens, but still a DSLR. The Kodak is a bridge camera.

I believe you are looking at auctions and/or used cameras. It might help if you tried to narrow down exactly what you are looking for with a handful of options and then go looking for them specifically instead of looking for good prices and then wondering if it is a good deal. If your way works for you, then go for it, but that would drive me crazy within minutes.

 

[Pea-n-Me]

It might help if you tried to narrow down exactly what you are looking for with a handful of options and then go looking for them specifically instead of looking for good prices and then wondering if it is a good deal.

I agree. We've all made purchases in haste, before we fully understand what we're getting into, and often come to regret them. Far better to put your money toward something you know you're really going to love. I agree, that camera was nice in its day, but is now an old model - I see them for sale quite a bit. I can almost guarantee once you start using it you're going to be wishing you had a newer model, especially as you've been reading here. You'll be wondering how to do that on your camera and it will likely be, sorry, that model didn't have that back then.

First you need to figure out whether you want a point and shoot, a bridge camera or a dSLR. What do you use now? And what do you want out of it that you don't have now? It sounds like money is tight - have you considered just working on developing your skills with your current camera, meanwhile saving a bit so you can do more research and purchase something you're really going to love, say within the next six months or so?

Many of us here are or were users of the Canon Powershot series of bridge cameras. I think it was a great way to jump in, as there's a lot you can do with them with plenty of room to grow. I still use my S3 IS all the time.

So give us a little more information on yourself and what you're looking for so we can try to help you.

 

[funkychunkymonkey]

I want a DSLR but of course have no clue what Im looking for. The magizines Ive read have been helpful but not great. I take alot of portrats, also alot of landscape and action ( i hike and moutian climb and rapell). I also take alot of beach photos. Ive been taking photos since I was around 5. I want to learn to use more manul features which is why my current camera (A p&s kodak) needs to be replaced. I would perfer somthing on the cheaper side but will consider somthing a bit more pricey. I know one feture I love is being able to use AA bateries and a sd memory card. Other than that im not sure.

 

[Pea-n-Me]

What is your photography background and what do you use now?

 

[funkychunkymonkey]

Many years with point and shoots, so sick of the camera being in controll. Kodak easy share c160 right now. I had a olympus before.

 

[Pea-n-Me]

I want a DSLR

I would perfer somthing on the cheaper side but will consider somthing a bit more pricey.

It's kind of funny - cheaper and pricey are relative terms when it comes to having a dSLR. Initial costs of the camera are just the beginning. But I think I know what you mean. The thing is, with a dSLR, in order to get the kinds of shots you want to get, you eventually have to buy various lenses which suit your needs. Most people initially buy the kit lens, but soon find that it's not enough. This is the dirty little secret that they don't tell you before you buy, and why most dSLR owners find it kind of an oxymoron to hear "cheap dSLR".

You probably can't go wrong in buying any of the entry level dSLRs currently available. Yeah, there's lots of once you start getting into the comparisons and personal preferences, but if that's what you know you want, you have to find one you can afford that will do a good job for you.

You should start by just learning what each has to offer. Break it down into brands - Canon, Nikon, Sony, Pentax, Olympus are the main brands. Don't get too much into models initially, just learn a little about what each brand can offer first. Once you've done that, then begin to look at some of the models within each brand. (It's kind of like car shopping.) Look not just at the current ones, but some from the last few years. Once you've done this, you should start to get a feel for which ones appeal to you the most. Ask yourself what features are most important to you. Read user reviews (but take them with a grain of salt). Then see if you can view and handle the ones you like (which may be challenging if you're looking at somewhat older models). Handling is important as you need to be comfortable using whatever you choose.

Don't forget to read about dSLRs in general - what they are and how the lenses work, etc. Important to know so you can see if it's something you really want to get into. Don't forget the post processing piece, either, especially if you get into shooting RAW like many of us here do. There are people who can't be bothered carrying a big bag around and changing lenses and such, and that's ok. It's just about knowing yourself and what you want. All of this can take a while. No need to rush it. Take your time and really figure out what it is you want. Once you do that, if your budget is really limited, you might be able to find a model that's similar, but not exactly like the current brand new one. People upgrade all the time and sell their old equipment, so you might be able to find a decent deal, but you still need to know what you're looking for.

 

[ukcatfan]

Based on what I am seeing here, I believe a bridge camera is going to be the best option for you. Keeping on a budget and getting a good deal seem very important to you and that is something you have to somewhat give up going to a DSLR. Like Pea-n-Me said, the camera itself is just the initial investment. After that you get into lenses, a flash, software, sensor cleaning kits, a nice bag, a nice tripod, filters, hoods, etc., etc. I have personally kept it very cheap compared to most but have still spent almost $2k over the past three years. It is more typical to spend twice that or more in that time frame. With a bridge camera, you might spend a little bit more than the camera, but not much.

If you are set on a DSLR and using AAs is really important, take a look at the Pentax line. Their entry level models all use AAs and SD memory. Most entry level cameras from all manufacturers have gone to SD.

 

[funkychunkymonkey]

See Ive got a birthday comming up so I can get accessories then but no one will buy my camera lol. So by what you know, uk, what would be a good bridge camera to start looking at. Ive read alot on DSLR cameras. I bought the dummies book and started there.

 

[ukcatfan]

I had a Canon S1 and still have a S2. I was happy with their bridge cameras. I do not know what the current models are.

 

[Pea-n-Me]

I had a Canon S1 and still have a S2. I was happy with their bridge cameras. I do not know what the current models are.

fcm, these are also what I mentioned above, ie Powershots. I have an S2 and two S3s. (Technically the names are S2 IS, S3 IS.) Now I think it's the SX100 or something like that (you can find users of the new cameras at the end of the thread I'm linking below).

Here is a thread you may find helpful (RIP Splash ). Read it through and you'll learn a lot. http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1235546&referrerid=70088

 

[funkychunkymonkey]

I think I decided! I think I want PowerShot Pro Series S5 IS 8.0MP or the Canon PowerShot SX20 Is. I cant decide which is better. I did go to this site http://www.dpreview.com/reviews/ to compare. Ok so I need to know which one you think would be best for me. I keep seeing adaptors for the S5, what are they for?

 

[Pea-n-Me]

I keep seeing adaptors for the S5, what are they for?

I think you're a secret techie at heart. The adaptors are for accessories - but don't worry about those right now, you really don't need them (which is the beauty of bridge cameras). Just concentrate on finding one of these cameras at a price you can afford (I'd say the S3 is still a good choice and that might be cheaper than either the S5 or the newer models).

 

[funkychunkymonkey]

Can someone give me the differances between a s3 and a s5? I like the both but the s3 is cheaper (which dosent so much matter as does a camera that does what I need). Moms all excited for me, well, more for her, she gets my old camera. As far as being a techie... no comment

 

[Pea-n-Me]

The LCD screen is bigger on the S5. I think there are some other minor differences but can't remember exactly what they are. You could probably get an answer on that thread. IIR, there were some complaints that picture quality might have been slightly worse on the S5 than the S3. I've heard the same complaint on the newer models compared to the S5. Can't verify. My S3 works great for me - I recently bought a second one, used, because my first began having some problems after 3+ yrs of hard use. I keep it in my purse so it gets bounced around a lot and has been through the ringer (though is still functional as an extra). I found the new one for $150 and it was in practically new condition. I've had good results using Craigslist.