Sydney Canon Users - where are you?

[Sheetshooter]

Spurred on by Wocka's query, just how many Canon users are there on this DSLRUsers website? Film or digital - I don't differentiate.

Would there be any interest in getting together as a group for face-to-face workshops and discussions about the intricacies and specialities of the Canon range of gear?

Either reply here in the thread or PM me or both.

Cheers,

[gstark]

Walter,

Not wishing to pour any water on yhour suggestion that Canon users get together, but we often have a few turn up at the minimeets we have at Birddog's. We even had a 20D (I think) at the Chrissie Dinner a couple of weeks back. Certainly it was a Canon digital of some sort.

You - and every other Canon owner here - would be more than welcome to come along and join us at any of these events.

[Mj]

There certainly was a 20D... owned by Spoda if memory services correctly!!!

I'm sure a number of us here would be interested in checking out the latest in Canon gear and just meeting in general... Birddog's would of course be the logical gathering place... assuming he likes the idea !!!

[gstark]

There certainly was a 20D... owned by Spoda if memory services correctly!!!

I'm sure a number of us here would be interested in checking out the latest in Canon gear and just meeting in general... Birddog's would of course be the logical gathering place... assuming he likes the idea !!!

While I would certainly not make the presumption of speaking on his behalf, on the times that we've discussed this sort of thing he has been most enthusiastic.

Like me, I believe that he's more interested in meeting people who use these cameras, and in helping them, regardless of the actual camera in question.

[johndec]

There certainly was a 20D... owned by Spoda if memory services correctly!!!

I'm sure a number of us here would be interested in checking out the latest in Canon gear and just meeting in general... Birddog's would of course be the logical gathering place... assuming he likes the idea !!!

It certainly was a 20D, Spada even let me fire off a few shots with it.

[Nnnnsic]

And there have even been other Canon users there in the past.

[Miliux]

I'll be the wannabe-Canon user. Does that count?

I've already abandoned Nikon.

[Mj]

Kinda knew that Gary... but thought it not approp for me to to say so myself... come on Canon guys... I for one would love to meet with you !!!

[Sheila Smart]

Gees, there are a lot of Nikon users here I used to shoot Nikon (a couple of FMs, and an FE) but jumped ship a few years back when I bought the Canon 500N. Since going digital, I started with the little IXUS, then the P&S Canon G2 (which I had for four months as it gave me a taste of dSLR), then the extraordinarily (in today's scheme of things) expensive D60 which I had for two years before buying my current 20D - well, current, until I can sell it to buy the 5D in time for our NZ trip.

As with most Canon users, I have invested too much in L lenses to jump ship yet again This is where Canon (or Nikon) gets you all by the.....

Cheers
Sheila

[gstark]

Gees, there are a lot of Nikon users here

The history of the site is that we started as D70Users.com.

While initially a meeting point for D70 owners, we decided that camera models truly have a limited shelf life, at least in marketing terms, and thus we renamed the site to DSLRUsers.

In point of fact, we have always welcomed all camera users, whether digital or film based, and whether Nikon, Canon, or whatever: we're about photography, and not pissing contests.

And yes, you're quite correct: once you've bought into a particular system, you are basically locked in because of the extent of the investment that you commit to.

As a general rule, I don't really see that as an issue, because I believe that both Canon and Nikon prodce lenses and cameras of exceptional quality, with the primary differences being ergonomics and feature implementation details, rather than specific image quality issues.

That said, my feeling is that Nikon ergonomics suit me better, and I believe that in the lower end cameras (D50/70 vs 300D/350D) the build quality of Nikon is somewhat superior to what Canon provides. Certainly, I dislike the tacky/plasticky feel that makes the low end Canons feel more like PHDs rather than real cameras.

Despite this, I would love to have an extended play with a 5D, as I do miss the benefits of a full frame image.

[Sheila Smart]

I did wonder why the "kit" lens with the Canon 300 and 350 was such an awful lens (anecdotal evidence) as it certainly was not indicative of what Canon has to offer in the way of consumer lenses. As I often say to folk who ask my advice - if you buy cheap, you end up buying twice (I know of what I speak!) I feel that L lenses should be treated as an investment (as they rarely lose their value) where as the bodies should not. This is coming from a D60 owner

Cheers
Sheila

[gstark]

if you buy cheap, you end up buying twice (I know of what I speak!)

That's very similar to my attitude. I figure that eventually you'll be buying what you wanted but decided to not buy in the first place, and it's therefore both quicker and less expensive to pay more and get what you really want in the first instance.


As to the bodies being the disposable part of the kit; yes, this is very true today, although with film bodies it was less so. My FE2 and F801 - indeed, my FTn - all remain serviceable today.

The difference is that digital technology is still, really, in its infancy, anmd as such is subject to being superceded at a very early date, relative to its purchase.

That will change (how often do you buy a new tv?) in time, as the technology matures, settles, and becomes less expensive and more prevalent.

[birddog114]

if you buy cheap, you end up buying twice (I know of what I speak!)

I know we will hear lot of noise about above statement.

[mR_CaESaR]

i'm a canon user on the western part of sydney

wow shiela smart!!! one of the more well known aussies on dpreview and FM is now a member of this forum? Well i'll be damned

Love your work!

And i agree with your statement, "if you buy cheap, you buy twice" or even 3 times

I went all out and bought a 20D before i've even used an SLR (digital or film), while its been a massive learning curve, (and still learning) i have not regretted it since. Now its time to save up for some "L"enses

[rog]

I a 20D owner in Sydney, and have been to a few minimeets. Will probably be at the next one too.

- Rog

[PhilR]

I'm a 10D user based in Hobart but I get up to Sydney regularly. I would like the chance to catch up and talk "photo stuff" over a few cleansing ales with any members of this site.

[gstark]

Check our calendar, and bring yourself to any of our events. Advance notice is useful, but we don't discriminate against anyone; you and your Canon will be more than welcome.