Korean Job Discussion Forums

Howard Roark · Joined: 02 Feb 2003 Location: Canada

I want to buy a good quality SLR 35mm. I've been doing a lot of research on the internet. So far the name that seems to pop up the most is the Nikon N80. Does anyone have this camera or know anything about it? Most of the reviews were pretty good.
One thing I'm concerned about is the focusing. Most cameras come with AF (autofocus). However, I'm thinking I might like manual focus. But on some cameras that have AF the MF isn't very good when you switch over. Does anyone have any experience with this? What is a good camera that has good AF and MF? And I also want a camera that is compatible with other lenses and accessories. I read that the only problem some people had with the N80 was that not all Nikon accessories would fit it. I'm looking to spend up to 300 000won.
I'm not just looking for advice on this model. I'd like any advice on buying an SLR camera, important features, good model, etc.. Thanks.

bucheon bum · Joined: 16 Jan 2003

I bought a Cannon EOS 66 last year. It cost me around 250 dollars I think, but I got it in Singapore, not Korea. I saw it on display at the local wal-mart 2 weeks ago for something like 400,000 won, i couldn't believe it. You probably could find it for a cheaper price at Yongsan or Technomart.

Anyway, it is a pretty basic SLR camera but its taken great pictures, I have no complaints. I haven't noticed a drop in quality when using MF as opposed to AF. You can buy accessories to it, but not sure about buying another lense for it.

I'm no expert on cameras or photography. I just wanted a camera that I could do more with than just your basic camera. I did some research like you, but unfortunately all the info I had was on cameras sold in the USA. It gave a good idea of how much I should pay, but when I asked for those types of models in Singapore, they didn't have them in stock. Instead, they had the asian versions of everything. i'm not sure why companies like Cannon do this since they have a USA version that is virtually a carbon copy of the one I bought. It just complicates things for us North Americans Smile

. Anyway, keep that in mind while you're shopping as well.

And if you're leaving Korea anytime soon, you'll probably find it cheaper wherever you're going.

Moldy Rutabaga · Joined: 01 Jul 2003 Location: Ansan, Korea

kimcheeking · Guest

I have a canon EOS 5, and before that a canon REBEL-G both great SLR's.

The body on my EOS 5 cost me 650,000 won without lenses, but fortuneately I already had two lenses. 300,000 won will probably get you a low end camera with a crappy kit lens, which you will want to replace when you realize that it takes terrible pictures.

Go to yongsan or namdaemun for cameras

ulsanchris · Joined: 19 Jun 2003 Location: take a wild guess

As far as Iam aware SLRs that only have manual focus have a focusing target (not the right technical term i am sure). Most auto focus SLRs don't have this so it is more diffifult to judge if the frame is in focus. If you want to do just manual focusing you can probably buy a good used camera for a cheap price. You can learn on that and see where to go. If price is no object get a digetal SLR. The new ones offer over 5 or 6 mega pixels. at that high of resoloution they equal a regular SLR camera when a photo is blown up to the same size as an A4 piece of paper. PLus you can choose the film speed, aperature, shutter speed, colour or black and white, etc.
I have a canon rebel 2000. same as the rebel g i think. It's a good entry level camera. For the price that it sells at, at least in Canada, it has the most bang for your buck.

Cedar · Posted: Fri Jul 11, 2003 6:07 pm Post subject:

The Nikon N or F80 is a good camera. PM me for more details. It's a high level amateur camera, has tons of nifty functions which even the more expensive 90 and 100 do not have. It has five spot focus (or manual) it has multiple exposure, you can change film speed manually, rewind or reinsert film mid roll, etc. etc.

The bad points of the camera- the back is a bit tight. you have to clean it often to prevent scratching (unnoticeable on print film, however) adn the Auto focus is not as fast as some fo the higher cameras.

kimcheeking · Guest

Cthulhu · Joined: 02 Feb 2003

I've got a Canon EOS 500N (known domestically as one of the Rebel line if I'm not mistaken) that I've had for years and has taken great pics. As the others seem to indicate, you can't go wrong with an EOS.

FierceInvalid · Joined: 16 Mar 2003

This might help:

http://www.photo.net/equipment/what-camera-should-I-buy

Actually, the whole photo.net site is really good. You can check out reviews (including one of the N80) and other stuff - should have the info you're looking for.

Incidentally, an N80 in Korea will cost way more than 300,000. I'm not even sure you could find an N65 for that, especially if you need a lens as well. Also, I agree with the King - don't get one of the kit lenses that often come bundled with the body, they're crap.

With regard to focus, all AF bodies can switch to manual but there are usually drawbacks - the ergonomics are often crappy, for example. If you want to use manual focus, you'd be better off just getting a manual body IMO. There shouldn't be a problem with quality simply by switching over to MF on an AF camera, though. It's just that without practice you may no be able to do as well as the camera.

Last note, to the poster with the Rebel 2000 - it's not the same as the G, it's a bit better/more expensive.