Choosing a DSLR Camera for Bus Photography

[thejuggler]

When starting out buy used. You can get very serviceable professional standard dSLR bodies for £50-200 (when new prices would have been £1500+) and a couple of lenses for similar money and you are more than set.

 

[Islineclear3_1]

Some nice images there Ian ! I was tempted to buy the R5 but my "elderly" DSLR and crop of lenses still do the job excellently well. Plus I couldn't justify the price and my "very elderly" PC can't run the R5 software. It's too old!

But for the OP: do consider what you want to use the photos for (i.e. just for self; publication on the web; publication in glossy magazines; billboard size posters); consider portability and weight (will you be carrying the camera around all day?), sensor size (e.g. full-frame, APS-C, micro four-thirds etc) and whether you want to buy into a system and upgrade along the way

 

[ac6000cw]

When starting out buy used. You can get very serviceable professional standard dSLR bodies for £50-200 (when new prices would have been £1500+) and a couple of lenses for similar money and you are more than set.

Certainly if I was wanting a DSLR at this point in time, I'd probably go shopping for used Canon gear rather than new - there's a lot of good value used camera bodies around, partly because Canon dominated that market for many years and partly because recently they've been encouraging their user base to switch to newer MILC cameras and trade-in older DSLRs - thus increasing the used stock. There's also plenty of used Canon EF (for full-frame) & EF-S (for APS-C) lenses around to go with them.

But you do need to be a bit more clued-up about what to buy when shopping in the used market, as there's usually a lot to choose from (of all sorts of ages and condition).

 

[8A Rail]

Certainly if I was wanting a DSLR at this point in time, I'd probably go shopping for used Canon gear rather than new - there's a lot of good value used camera bodies around, partly because Canon dominated that market for many years and partly because recently they've been encouraging their user base to switch to newer MILC cameras and trade-in older DSLRs - thus increasing the used stock. There's also plenty of used Canon EF (for full-frame) & EF-S (for APS-C) lenses around to go with them.

But you do need to be a bit more clued-up about what to buy when shopping in the used market, as there's usually a lot to choose from (of all sorts of ages and condition).

Mmmmm not just Canon camera's / lenses but also very much consider Nikon camera's / lenses too. Same ball park for good second hand equipment and similar prices for good quality stuff. Also Sony and Pentax could be considered but less so though as not as wide ranging or availability as much as Nikon or Canon.

 

[Busman792]

Thank you all for your further comments and help with regards to the hunt for a camera. I've taken a few days to re-read everyones thoughts and advice and to further my research.

I publish a number of my pictures on various groups online, such as via Facebook, Flickr etc rather than just keep them for my own personal records. I'd like to take a step up in the overall quality of my images so that my pictures may perhaps be of a better level still so as to be considered in publications and such though. As I said in a previous post, I have previously used a pocket sized digital camera that has largely served me well. The one I have now has come to the end of its life though and so this opportunity for an upgrade has presented itself. I may consider also acquiring another pocket sized example in future that I could keep with me even on quick little trips out. By and large, when I go out to photograph buses and coaches I plan the day in advance, normally visiting only a small handful of sites within a particular area to snap the vehicles. I mostly travel by car and don't tend to be out for absolutely hours.

As I've said previously I'm leaning towards the Canon EOS 2000D with EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 IS II Lens. I'm still leaning towards this and I'm more inclined to buy a new example for my own of mind and security. I'm also now examining where I may get one at a good, reseaonable price.

 

[Islineclear3_1]

Did this one not work?

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[richw]

Facebook, Flickr etc

Both downgrade quality to save their own bandwidths etc. you may as well just use a iPhone for those places, once they reduce quality to their own levels the photos will be the same.

 

[Busman792]

I understand sites like Facebook, Flickr etc downgrade quality but my reasons behind wanting an improvement are not confined to my posts in such places. I'd like to try and develop my photographs skills more broadly and explore various techniques so to speak.

I am wondering however, whether the fact the camera I have mentioned previously I'm looking at getting brings more care and maintence concerns with it due to it have a removable lens. Is the risk of dust getting in somewhere or other a great factor with these types of cameras? Also, is there a chance the lens would over time become insecure in being held on? Naturally I apologise if these seem foolish questions to ask but do forgive me!

 

[Sun Chariot]

I understand sites like Facebook, Flickr etc downgrade quality but my reasons behind wanting an improvement are not confined to my posts in such places. I'd like to try and develop my photographs skills more broadly and explore various techniques so to speak.

I am wondering however, whether the fact the camera I have mentioned previously I'm looking at getting brings more care and maintence concerns with it due to it have a removable lens. Is the risk of dust getting in somewhere or other a great factor with these types of cameras? Also, is there a chance the lens would over time become insecure in being held on? Naturally I apologise if these seem foolish questions to ask but do forgive me!

Good, simple ways to protect the lens:

1) periodically clean lens-barrel contacts, with a specialist fluid and cloth. Also clean the DSLR body's corresponding contacts.

2) Fit a dedicated UV filter on the front of the lens, to protect the glass's coating.

3) Whenever not being used, put a lens cap over the front, to avoid it getting micro scratches from grit particles.

4) When attaching and removing the lens, do it over a secure (and ideally) non-hard surface, to reduce risk of damage jf it slipped out of your hands.

As long as the lens is looked after, there is no reason for it to become loose or insecure over time.
My old SLR (and unwieldy 100-400mm lens) survived trips to Africa, India and Russia without problem.

 

[Bevan Price]

When starting out buy used. You can get very serviceable professional standard dSLR bodies for £50-200 (when new prices would have been £1500+) and a couple of lenses for similar money and you are more than set.

But be careful about buying used if it is an oldish camera. Shutter mechanisms eventually get worn and can give inaccurate exposure times. (It once happened to me with a film camera, bought new, but very well used by me. ).

 

[Islineclear3_1]

I am wondering however, whether the fact the camera I have mentioned previously I'm looking at getting brings more care and maintence concerns with it due to it have a removable lens. Is the risk of dust getting in somewhere or other a great factor with these types of cameras? Also, is there a chance the lens would over time become insecure in being held on? Naturally I apologise if these seem foolish questions to ask but do forgive me!

Although not a professional camera (that is built a bit more solidly), provided you take care and don't bash the camera/lens, you should be fine. Also, it won't be weather-sealed so you might want to be careful if you use it in the pouring rain.

If this is going to be your only lens for now, you can leave it on the camera permanently. But if, in the future you want to buy another lens (e.g. telephoto, fixed focal length) then you will have to change lenses. Most camera mounts are similar to bayonet type (e.g. press a button, twist and turn) and to reduce dust getting into the camera mechanism, it's best to change lenses with the camera/mount/lens facing downwards. Any dust that has accumulated will probably just fall out. But at some point, you may need to invest in a "blower" or "puffer" as an aid to blow the dust out. For for the immediate future, you can just leave the lens on the camera and keep the lens cap on when you're not actually taking pictures.

I've removed many a lens from many cameras in my time and have never damaged a lens or camera mount. But then I've always used professional lenses with metal mounts; I think the cheaper kit lenses have plastic mounts.

 

[etr221]

Yes, if you have just one lens, you can leave it on the camera, and treat it as fixed - that's what I do. Something to ponder is whether you're looking for a 'starter' camera, that you'll replace in a couple of years, or one that you can hope to last for decades. For a measure of longevity, the shutter count (number of operations) is perhaps the critical thing - the EOS 2000D is apparently rated at 100,000 - see https://shuttercheck.app/data/canon/eos-2000d/.

If you want to buy new, but are cost conscious, then the grey market is worth looking at - I used https://www.hdewcameras.co.uk/ (local to me) for my last camera, no complaint, but do go in with your eyes open (you save money by not having recourse to the official importer/supply chain: which matters more to you?)

If you are going to get into photography 'seriously' take a look at my post https://www.railforums.co.uk/threads/photo-de-duplication-software-preferences.262136/#post-6623491, if you haven't already seen it: the point I would make is perhaps that actually taking the photo - using the camera - is the easy bit in between thinking about the image you want to take; and sorting it out once you get home, so you know what/where it is/can lay your hand on it, and making it look its best; and that you need to think about the whole process sooner rather than later.

 

[Busman792]

Good, simple ways to protect the lens:

1) periodically clean lens-barrel contacts, with a specialist fluid and cloth. Also clean the DSLR body's corresponding contacts.

Do you have any suggestions or recommendations on specialist fluid to use?

 

[Busman792]

Yes, if you have just one lens, you can leave it on the camera, and treat it as fixed - that's what I do. Something to ponder is whether you're looking for a 'starter' camera, that you'll replace in a couple of years, or one that you can hope to last for decades. For a measure of longevity, the shutter count (number of operations) is perhaps the critical thing - the EOS 2000D is apparently rated at 100,000 - see https://shuttercheck.app/data/canon/eos-2000d/.

If you want to buy new, but are cost conscious, then the grey market is worth looking at - I used https://www.hdewcameras.co.uk/ (local to me) for my last camera, no complaint, but do go in with your eyes open (you save money by not having recourse to the official importer/supply chain: which matters more to you?)

If you are going to get into photography 'seriously' take a look at my post https://www.railforums.co.uk/threads/photo-de-duplication-software-preferences.262136/#post-6623491, if you haven't already seen it: the point I would make is perhaps that actually taking the photo - using the camera - is the easy bit in between thinking about the image you want to take; and sorting it out once you get home, so you know what/where it is/can lay your hand on it, and making it look its best; and that you need to think about the whole process sooner rather than later.

I had been looking at one from https://www.hdewcameras.co.uk/. I'm slightly hesitant to pick up a grey market one after doing my research. The one I saw listed on there was substantially cheaper than other well known retailers. Knowing my luck of late though I think I'm inclined to pay the extra to have peace of mind!

 

[Sun Chariot]

Do you have any suggestions or recommendations on specialist fluid to use?

Lens cleaning fluid is available in most good camera shops. A lint-free cleaning cloth and a small dust blower brush, will keep your camera and lens in good order.

 

[12LDA28C]

Thank you all for your further comments and help with regards to the hunt for a camera. I've taken a few days to re-read everyones thoughts and advice and to further my research.

I publish a number of my pictures on various groups online, such as via Facebook, Flickr etc rather than just keep them for my own personal records. I'd like to take a step up in the overall quality of my images so that my pictures may perhaps be of a better level still so as to be considered in publications and such though. As I said in a previous post, I have previously used a pocket sized digital camera that has largely served me well. The one I have now has come to the end of its life though and so this opportunity for an upgrade has presented itself. I may consider also acquiring another pocket sized example in future that I could keep with me even on quick little trips out. By and large, when I go out to photograph buses and coaches I plan the day in advance, normally visiting only a small handful of sites within a particular area to snap the vehicles. I mostly travel by car and don't tend to be out for absolutely hours.

As I've said previously I'm leaning towards the Canon EOS 2000D with EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 IS II Lens. I'm still leaning towards this and I'm more inclined to buy a new example for my own of mind and security. I'm also now examining where I may get one at a good, reseaonable price.

Some 'grey import' dealers offer great prices and still provide a good warranty, such as this online retailer:

Canon EOS 2000D Kit (18-55 IS II)

Key Features 24.1MP APS-C CMOS Sensor DIGIC 4 Image Processor 3.0" 920k-Dot LCD Monitor Full HD 1080/30p Video Recording 9-Point AF with Center

www.hdewcameras.co.uk

 

[12LDA28C]

I had been looking at one from https://www.hdewcameras.co.uk/. I'm slightly hesitant to pick up a grey market one after doing my research. The one I saw listed on there was substantially cheaper than other well known retailers. Knowing my luck of late though I think I'm inclined to pay the extra to have peace of mind!

I've used HDEW many times and they are excellent. They even have a shop you can visit in person and provide very good customer service. You can buy from them with confidence.

'Grey market' usually just means Japanese import and the battery charger power lead may need a UK adapter which HDEW will provide. A UK warranty and instructions will be included.

 

[ac6000cw]

I've used HDEW many times and they are excellent.

I've bought a couple of lenses from them - they've been fine and I'd happily buy from HDEW again.

Lens cleaning fluid is available in most good camera shops. A lint-free cleaning cloth and a small dust blower brush, will keep your camera and lens in good order.

I'd also recommend the 'optical wipes' that are basically thick tissues impregnated with lens cleaning fluid, packaged in individual packets (so it's easy to keep a couple in a pocket in case you need them). Sold all over the place for cleaning spectacles etc.

Lens cleaning fluid is usually a mixture of alcohol (often isopropyl alcohol (IPA)) and distilled water. The idea is grease/oils dissolve in the alcohol and other stuff in the water. The same fluid works fine for cleaning the electrical contacts - dampen a lint-free cloth with it (or use an 'optical wipe'), carefully clean the contacts and let them dry before mating camera and lens again.

 

[Islineclear3_1]

Just don't "over" worry about stuff. Just buy the camera and enjoy the learning experience and taking pictures....

 

[ac6000cw]

Just don't "over" worry about stuff. Just buy the camera and enjoy the learning experience and taking pictures....

++1

 

[Temple Meads]

On the subject of grey imports, I purchased a rather expensive camera and lens from E-Infinty, as I decided the saving was enough to justify the risk, and the items do come with warranties, although one does have to wonder how effective these might be. The delivery took a while, but the camera has served faultlessly for nearly five years now!

You may find that stocks of new DSLRs can be quite patchy now, as the industry has very much moved on to mirrorless cameras. There are plenty of articles online about the merits of both types, but I think for your needs you wouldn't see any particular difference either way.

I can understand wanting to have a new camera, but I wouldn't rule out purchasing used. MPB have a massive range of used equipment, and you could get a better camera and lens, but still have money left over from the price of a new 2000D. I've bought a few things from them with no hassle at all, and I've also heard good things about their warranty and returns procedure.

The most important thing though, is to learn about the different settings, and how these affect the images you take. It can be a steep learning curve, but it will pay off when you instinctively know the best way to set your camera for the photos you want. Probably the most specific point for bus photography is the balance between capturing a sharp photo, but also capturing the LED destination screen, as these flicker at a rate so fast that it's invisible to the human eye, but can result in partial text or no text being captured by the camera, something you may have noticed on your compact camera. As an example, for a vehicle moving at 30mph, I would set a shutter speed of 1/500, which should freeze the motion, but gives a reasonable chance of getting a full destination screen. A faster speed of, say, 1/800, would mean less risk of blur, but may not capture the destination screen. A slower speed of 1/250 would likely cause blur on a moving bus unless it's at slow speed, but if the vehicle is stationary at a stop then you can drop the shutter speed down, but if it goes too low then you may get blur caused by the camera shaking. Taking as many frames as possible obviously helps to increase your chances!

 

[Busman792]

I've used HDEW many times and they are excellent. They even have a shop you can visit in person and provide very good customer service. You can buy from them with confidence.

'Grey market' usually just means Japanese import and the battery charger power lead may need a UK adapter which HDEW will provide. A UK warranty and instructions will be included.

Many thanks, I'm now thinking HDEW may be worth serious consideration. I emailed them a little while ago when I first started looking. I was initially worried 'Grey Market' may have been code for cheap knock-off product but I've done a good bit of research based on your comments. Needing to potentially use a UK adapter is of no issue to me, I may even have a spare or so that may be of use knocking about.

 

[Russel]

Bit late to the party here but hopefully I can offer some advice as someone who has had photos displayed at a London gallery....

How do you see your photography progressing over the next few years? Personally, this would influence my decision the greatest, do you,

A - Intend to keep the camera in JPEG/Auto mode and just snap away occasionally? If yes, just head to MPB and buy a used entry level Nikon/Canon DSLR and 18-55mm kit lens for a couple of hundred quid, or...

B - Develop your skills and peruse photography as a hobby, learning how to shoot in manual, in raw, develop you photos in Photoshop etc? If yes, I'd recommend heading down the mirrorless route, DSLR's are become outdated, obsolete tech and will eventually be replaced with mirrorless so it's best to futureproof yourself. Micro four thirds (Olympus/Panasonic) would probably be the cheapest way into the mirrorless route.

I traded all of my Nikon DSLR gear in about 5 years away and got a Fujifilm mirrorless camera, it was a big change at the time but just the weight saving alone was worth it...