kathlyn_gadd

<p>As an aside Douglas - I took a look at the Richo WG-4 and its only waterproof to 14m so probably not good as a dive camera. Ikelites are safe down to 60m - well beyond the limits of recreational diving (30m)</p>

<p>Bob, Peter & Gordon: Thanks for the advice. I got a bargain A640 on Ebay for the grand sum of £35 in p&p. My existing A640 seems to be working now - I think it was an issue with the (rechargeable) batteries which are perhaps getting a little old. I'm going to try it with new batteries now we are back from our travels.<br>

Douglas: The A640 isn't an underwater camera per se but one I use with an Ikelite housing which is specific to this model of camera. The housing was pretty expensive - it cost a lot more than the camera when the camera was brand new. The camera itself is perfectly good (when the batteries work!) and gives me 10 megapixel images - perfectly adequate for what I need. The housings are very robust and with regular servicing should last indefinitely - I have spare 'O' rings etc and have had it serviced.<br>

Out of interest - for those that use housings - how frequently do you have them professionally serviced?</p>

 

<p>Many thanks for the input. Sorry about the multiple post - didn't know that was against the rules and there didn't seem an obvious place to post so put in it Canon equipment and Nature. Please feel free to delete.<br>

As an aside - should there be an underwater photography section on the forums?</p>

<p>Sorry if this is in the wrong place but I couldn't find a forum for underwater photography? <br>

I have a Canon A640 Powershot with Ikelite housing that I have used for dive photography (I'm a warm water wuss and live in the UK so it hasn't seen heavy usage). The camera has now developed a fault - the power won't stay on even for a few seconds but the batteries, contacts, microswitch on the battery closure etc are all fine. I am seeing if I can get it repaired but the initial quotes just for taking a look are more than the camera is worth (but for having the rather expensive housing it would make sense just to ditch the camera). I guess the first question (which is probably a Canon equipment que) is - has anyone come across this fault and if so is it easy to fix?<br>

If I can't get the camera working my next question is - do I replace with another A640 from ebay as there still seem to be a few used models about. Alternatively do I replace with something else? The 'waterproof' compact cameras seem to be only good to a few metres so definitely no good for diving. I also have a Canon 550D / Rebel T2i (with 18-55 and 50mm lenses)...and a 6D (but wouldn't want to take the latter under water!) The ikelites for the 550D are very expensive ($1600) so out of my price range but I came across a Meikon housing for $440 which - if it works - would seems better option. I have never heard of this make - are they ok?<br>

Any other suggestions for a post A640 strategy?</p>

<p>Sorry if this is in the wrong place but I couldn't find a forum for underwater photography?<br>

<br /> I have a Canon A640 Powershot with Ikelite housing that I have used for dive photography (I'm a warm water wuss and live in the UK so it hasn't seen heavy usage). The camera has now developed a fault - the power won't stay on even for a few seconds but the batteries, contacts, microswitch on the battery closure etc are all fine. I am seeing if I can get it repaired but the initial quotes, just for taking a look, are more than the camera is worth (but for having the rather expensive housing it would make sense just to ditch the camera). I guess the first question (which is probably a Canon equipment que) is - has anyone come across this fault and if so is it easy to fix?<br>

<br /> If I can't get the camera working my next question is - do I replace with another A640 from ebay as there still seem to be a few used models about. Alternatively do I replace with something else? The 'waterproof' compact cameras seem to be only good to a few metres so definitely no good for diving. I also have a Canon 550D / Rebel T2i (with 18-55 and 50mm lenses)...and a 6D (but wouldn't want to take the latter one under water!) The ikelites for the 550D are very expensive ($1600) so out of my price range but I came across a Meikon housing for $440 which - if it works - would seems better option. I have never heard of this make - are they ok?<br>

<br /> Any other suggestions for a post A640 strategy?</p>

<p>Neill - still early days but my initial reactions are:</p>

<ul>

<li>Pictures are much better from the camera - no so much the resolution but the colours are great and need very little PP.</li>

<li>Having a 'real' wide angle is fab! We are in Hawai'i at the moment on a holiday of a lifetime from the UK and the wide angle is so much better than with the 550D - I'm actually getting the benefit of the decent lenses I had.</li>

<li>I love the GPS. If you download the GPS data from the camera to the card then the Canon software will map your photos showing precisely where each one was taken. We drove around the north west of Maui and took so many scenic shots that it would have been a nightmare trying to record exactly where each shot was taken. But no need as the camera does it all. Haven't figured how to wifi camera images to my laptop yet (have a card slot so do it the old fashioned way!)</li>

</ul>

<p>Well I did the deed. I bought a Canon 6D with 17,000 actuations for £810 - so not too bad :) Looking forward to playing with it :)</p>

<p>A good friend of mine has been on a photo workshop with this guy:<br>

http://www.maciejdakowicz.com/photography-workshops/ No connection other than having him recommended by a friend.<br>

She did the Myanmar and Istanbul workshops and recommended him highly. He does workshops in India and his prices are very competitive. His next India trip is April and is £560 (doesn't include flights obviously) - he usually tries to rent accommodation for the group so that you are together to go through your photos in the evening. As an aside, he prefers that you shoot at 35mm (focal length) getting in close to your subjects and not crop (just in case this is problematic!) My friend found it a bit of an adjustment!</p>

<p>Watching this with interest as we will also be in West Maui (north of Lahaina!) in the next few days...with the hope of catching a good shot of the whales.</p>

<p>Many thanks for all the valuable input. I think I'm going to go for the Canon 6D as it seems to offer much of what the 5DIII offers - without the hefty price tag. I also like the fact it's a little lighter and has the advantage of working better in lower light levels (cf 5DII). <a href="http://www.kenrockwell.com/canon/6d/vs-5d-mark-iii.htm">This</a> was a very interesting review of the 6D v 5DIII.<br>

I just need to snag me a bargain now :)</p>

<p>I was interested in your comment, Dave, that FF would not make a difference to my photos? Is there really little difference between the 550D photos and those from a FF camera?</p>

<p>And shutter count point answered too! <br>

Canon 550D and Canon 5D are 100,000, Canon 5D Mk II and Mk III are both 150,000. Going to a Canon 1D the life increases to 300,000-400,000.<br>

I have posted the link in case it's useful to others: http://www.shutteractuations.com/canon-eos-camera-shutter-lifetime/</p>

<p>OK - battery point answered: they are very different so would need to budget for a new battery and charger...</p>

<p>Thanks Anthony - that makes life a bit easier :)<br>

Jamie: Interesting that you think the 5D Mark I is still good value. I assumed that being a ten year old technology it would be extremely dated. Though consensus seems the Mk II would be a better bet?<br>

Jos: I guess that maybe my terminology was wrong - what I meant was on my part frame a 24-105mm is more like 36 to 160mm - so not really good as a wide angle. By contrast the 18-55mm gives me ~24mm ( to 80mm) - hence not ditching it. Hope that makes sense?<br>

Also is it worth considering buying new as a grey market sale or not worth the risk? I'm travelling to the US (Hawai'i) next week but looking at the prices they don't seem to be any cheaper than the UK.<br>

Re chargers - does the Mk 5D Mk II use the same charger / battery as the 550D? Also does anyone know what the shutter life is for the Mk II? (There is a 5D Mk II for sale s/h at £899 which is a good price (for the UK :)) - shutter count is 28k but has no charger.)<br>

TIA<br>

Kathie</p>

 

<p>I would like to upgrade my camera body to a full frame and wondered what is the best value at the moment? I originally bought the 550D with two kit lenses a couple of years back. I still have the 18-55mm lens but got rid of the 70- 300mm. I have also bought two L lenses a 70-200 F4 IS and the 24-105mm. I would probably keep the 550D as back up for when I want a lighter / smaller camera but also because with the 70-200mm lens it effectively gives me 300mm relatively cheaply. On my part frame the 18-55mm gives me a little more width than the 24-105.<br>

I think the 5Diii is beyond my budget - unless I could get a *very* good deal second hand. I have looked at older models (5Dii) and also older 1D models....then there are the 6D and 7D... so totally confused. What gives the best 'bang for the buck' at the moment?<br>

My photography interests are mainly travel / family so landscape, street photography and candid portraiture. I am looking for sharper detail, better colour saturation etc and would love to be able to enlarge some of my shots (hence wanting full frame). I take very few videos so that aspect doesn't really bother me greatly. (I still own a film medium format so I have been spoiled a little by the image quality this camera (still) produces.)<br>

All advice gratefully received!</p>

<p>Sorry - I (very unhelpfully) mistyped the name of the Canon lens. It should be the EF 24-70mm F/2.8L II USM (http://www.amazon.co.uk/24-70mm-2-8L-USM-Zoom-Lens/dp/B0076FS09A/ref=dp_ob_title_ce) i.e. <em>no</em> IS. The 70-200mm F2.8 Canon equivalent is an IS lens but not the 24-70mm. AFAIK the only lens of that focus length range with IS / VC is the Tamron - neither the Canon (or the Nikon equivalent) have IS - hence the dilemma.</p>

<h1 > </h1>

<p>There seems to be much debate on the various forums, review sites etc over the above. Does anyone have any views. Is it really worth paying the extra £800 for the canon lens?</p>

 

<p>Unfortunately, the worst outcome happened. Someone approached us offering to take the wedding photographs. My niece was thrilled - she had not thought of Bob's point that if I was taking the photos I couldn't be in them. Then the photographer pulled out as he didn't realise it was the bride's brother who was terminally ill - and other photographers on the forum had suggested that it may be a scam so I could steal his photos!!! </p>

Sorry I am only just replying but I have been away for a couple of days without

internet. I nearly cried when I read your lovely messages - I was so touched by

your kindness. Unfortunately, we are in the UK so a little too far away - but I

want to thank you on behalf of Simon, Rachel and all the family.

Many thanks for all your replies. I tried your advice David but it seems its a very

popular time for weddings - so far everyone I have spoken to is already

committed for that day. I will keep trying and in the meantime follow the advice

above. I will invest in a decent flash - and maybe a diffuser? Also look at a fast

50mm for inside the church. I have always taken film photos in the past (35mm

and medium format) so other than point and shoot the 550D was my first venture

into digital and I am still learning.

Many thanks for the replies. The kit lenses that came with the camera are 18-55mm DC lens and the 70-300mm DC lens.

<p>I have a Canon 550D with the twin kit lenses. I would like to gradually upgrade and I have been looking at the Canon 70-200 4.0 L USM (with and without image stabilisation). Is the best way to go to get decent lenses and then upgrade the body? Will I notice the difference on a 550D body? What would be a good choice of lens combination? The IS lens seems the better choice but is heavier - so not so easy to carry around on travels. I don't have any particular interests - mainly travel / candid photos.</p>

<p>I am an enthusiastic amateur photographer and I have been asked if I would take the photographs at my niece's wedding. The circumstances are very sad - her brother (my nephew - aged just 27) is dying of cancer - diagnosed late so only a few months left. She is bringing forward her wedding so that he can attend and is on a very tight budget so asked if I would take the photographs. I want to do the best I can as these photos will be very precious. I have a Canon 550D with kit zoom lenses that I know are not the best. I only have the built in flash but prefer natural light. I looked at hiring a better lens for the day (and maybe ahead of time to play with). I would really appreciate any suggestions that you can offer re planning the photographs, good shots, how to deal with guests, any equipment that it might be worth hiring etc. <br>

Thanks in advance</p>

<p>So even if he sends the screw it is probably broken?</p>

<p>Many thanks, Jim :)</p>