'Sorry doc, cam cannot be repaired'! Now what do i do?

[CrAzY PiCs]

I have been using Canon S5is since 2007, and some of my sample pics are there in my introduction thread-
http://www.thephotographer.in/darkroom/showthread.php?t=617

Problems started about 1 1/2 months back, when my flash got damaged (Fired with a loud sound actually). Thought something might be blown. Gave the camera for service with a private camera retail chain in chennai.

Initial qoute they gave was 2.8k. I agreed to the amount, and now after 4 days, they call up and say sorry. They are not able to source the parts from Canon India. They told they will return the camera, or else i might need to wait for another three months. I have instructed them to return it back.

Now, how should i proceed with this. As i see it, i am stuck with some options, and i am not really sure which is the right decision to make-

1. Give the camera for repairs. Pay 2.8k- 3k and wait for three months for the part. Else approach canon service directly and try to see what they have to offer.

2. Buy an external flash. Spend around 8k, and hopefully it will be useful if i upgrade the cam in the near future.

3. Upgrade the camera. But this is not going to be easy, since i will have to save the funds needed as well as try to convince parents. Frankly, i think this one will take a lot of convincing! :(

I may lose more time than the qouted three months to repair the cam. But on the positive side, i guess there is a lot more i can do with a DSLR!

4. Buy a small end/ medium compact for now, and upgrade to a DSLR two years down the line. But after using the 12X zoom on the S5, i dont really think i'll be happy with 3X zooms and all. Costs- 7- 10k.

5. Or may be, another prosumer, like the Panasonic Lumix FZ35! Or something like the Fuji F70 EXR! I somewhat like the thought of going in for another prosumer, but would it be foolish to upgrade to the same level after spending all that money? :o

As you can see, i am confused. And to add to that, S5IS is not good with medium/ high ISO! :mad: But i do believe, that for my current level (not to mention finances), i'll be better off with a prosumer rather than an entry level DSLR with mostly kit lenses!)

Have to figure this out soon...

[KrishnenduKes]

For me option 3, the most difficult as you say, is the best option. Even if you have 200X on your prosumer, very little matches the versatility of a DSLR. However, there are some "expensive" prosumers which are pretty good. Now we have the eternal debate of whether a good Prosumer is as good as a low-end DSLR or maybe even better in versatility! Maybe Anvancy can help you with that. Hoping he replies here.

Confusion Approved

[Deltaone]

Try a used dslr? Should get one for the price of a prosumer and it does a hell of a lot more too.

[Bibudesh]

+1 to delta. A D40 in used market will not cost more than 15k or even lesser (:(:() ..
But you have to see how much flash you use, since its just flash blown, I dont think that feature can stop you doing photography.

I am not sure if the external flash can be reused on a DSLR. If it can be used then I think its wise to get an external flash which can be used in future.

[KrishnenduKes]

I agree with both Delta and Bibudesh.

[hitanshu]

else buy a vivitar 285HV types? 3200 apiece and serious full framers use it.

/no frigging idea of compatibility
//welcome to the strobist world!
///Good excuse to go the SLR way!

[CrAzY PiCs]

Try a used dslr?
A D40 in used market will not cost more than 15k or even lesser (:(:() ..
I agree with both Delta and Bibudesh.
I considered 5 options for one decision, and i didnt even think this way! Thanks for the suggestions, will defenitly try that option also. :)
else buy a vivitar 285HV types? 3200 apiece and serious full framers use it.
/no frigging idea of compatibility
//welcome to the strobist world!
///Good excuse to go the SLR way!
Have to do some homework on this one. :p Will google around and come back.

[synn]

As long as the flash fits the standard hot shoe, it can be used with any camera. Different manufacturers have different contact points, but the form factor of the connector is the same (Except for Minolta) and flash manufacturers provide adapters for all those (Including Minolta).

[CrAzY PiCs]

But you have to see how much flash you use, since its just flash blown, I dont think that feature can stop you doing photography.
Bibudesh: As i have mentioned in the previous posts, S5is is weak with high/ medium ISO, IMO. ISO 400 is somewhat OK, while 800 and above are completely wasted IMO. Too much of noise creeps in. Infact, i always try to keep the ISO below 200, if possible.

As my photography is mostly limited to things i can find around the house and some amateur macro, i need either one of high ISO performance/ flash!
As long as the flash fits the standard hot shoe, it can be used with any camera.
Yes, thats what i figured!

But do you feel that spending 8k just for a low-end flash unit is money wasted, specially when i still may have to use the prosumer for another 2 years?

@ All: What are the best ways to search for used DSLRs? Any recommended sites/ shops (Around Bangalore/Chennai/Cochin/Trivandrum)?

[Deltaone]

Both the jjmehta and bangalore photography club forums have a used cam section, i've seen quite a few on there. As to used cam shops, i've been around the ones in ekm, although a while back, and there was nothing there :D. I have no idea bout the other places, but those two forums are good places to start out at.

That said, if the flash comes to 8k, id recommend getting a dslr, and it should sort out your longevity problem as well.

[Aryan]

@Crazy Pics: I hardly use flash when I shoot as I have ZERO idea regarding flash photography. Apart from the EOS 400D, I also use a Canon S3 IS quite regularly; it's a brilliant little tool with all the features that any amateur like me could ever ask for.

As for an used D-SLR, there are tons of them in the market, atleast here in Delhi. Oh, by the way, I am searching for a buyer for my 400D myself. I recently got to use the 50D and was blown away by the controls, the feel, the finish and everything else. :)

[anvancy-(macro analyst)]

before stepping in the used DSLR market,check what will the body with kit lens and a decent tele cost you.thats a primary concern.see its easy for us to recommend you a DSLR whether new or used.but the primary thing to look out for is the cost associated with it and whether you can handle the cost as of now..i m not saying later..since your canon s5 is without flash.and it may be 3 months away from you.

its like this..DSLRS offer you quality..versatility at a higher price..prosumers offer versality but quality which is "not to DSLR standards".the first is a tool,the second is a package.

ofcourse 8mp on a 1/2.5" sensor is cramping and results in poor low light photography.i think you are interested in macro right??

DSLR whether new or used is ofcourse the right way.but if coupled with your adequate finances.yes there are kits(new and used) available with zooms.my only point is to equate that with your finances.

what you can do is multi task,go to canon direct store..search their office thru site,get in direct contact with them,and ask whats the status regarding the part relating to flash and repair time that it may take.simultaneously search for the used DSLR market.

Anvancy

[Bibudesh]

Or go to a dealership and exchange your old canon for a new DSLR. But remember not the reveal the secret. I am sure no-one will care to check the flashlight..

I am Bad :-P ..

[CrAzY PiCs]

Thanks guys for all the replies guys. This forum rocks!

Will reply to all the posts, however a bit busy this weekend due to the holiday effect. :p

One quick question: What should be the maximum offer price i should give for the below cam?

1 year old Canon 450D.
Bought grey without B&W.
Kit lens 18-55 IS.
Very minimal usage. (Belongs to a friend, actually!)

[CrAzY PiCs]

UPDATE: I am yet to collect the camera from service center, as i was out of station for the holiday season. Things stand exactly where it all started.
@Crazy Pics: I hardly use flash when I shoot as I have ZERO idea regarding flash photography. Apart from the EOS 400D, I also use a Canon S3 IS quite regularly; it's a brilliant little tool with all the features that any amateur like me could ever ask for.
I believe S3is did better in picture quality compared to S5!

What about macro? You dont use flash for macro shots? I find myself struggling for light in such situations, and the pics wont come out well if i push the ISO high! :o
what you can do is multi task,go to canon direct store..search their office thru site,get in direct contact with them,and ask whats the status regarding the part relating to flash and repair time that it may take.simultaneously search for the used DSLR market.
More than the finances, its the convincing part thats going to hurt. I am going to be thrown out of the house for buying a cam at that price. :p

Multi-tasking is the way to go, i guess!
I am Bad :-P ..
Who says i am good! :p

Will try this as well. I was actually sceptical on the resale value of cameras! Hope it will fetch a good price (if they dont notice the flash)

[CrAzY PiCs]

UPDATE:

I have decided to use this cam for a while, and upgrade soon. Now doing a small research on what cam to buy!

Current shortlists-
1. Canon EOS 1000D kit (And thinking of getting 55-250IS later on). Excellent VFM, as it costs only a bit more than most superzoom cameras. But i am bothered about buying the lowest model in the range. Will i find it lacking after some time? Also, the lack of spot metering also bothers me.

2. Panasonic Lumix FZ35- Nice overall, and i was a fan of the FZ8 my friend had!

3. Fujifilm FinePix F70 EXR- This is from a totally different segment. But 10x zoom, good low light performance and pocket size is making me think of the possibilities with this cam.

Anyways, buying process will take sometime as i dont want to jump into anything and repent later on! Any other cameras i should consider? Also, is Nikon D3000 superior compared to the Canon?

[Aryan]

@Crazy Pics: At times, I do use flash for macro but the on-board flash almost always over exposes the photograph because of the close range in macro photography. Need to get myself either a ring-flash or a external flash for macro photography! ;) Or like you said, I need to push the ISO which results in grain!

[hitanshu]

You just decide on two things - whether the lack of motorized 50mm pains you. else D3000 FTW. It takes lovely punchier images out of the box.

Though yes, Canon is king of VFM deals.

[hitanshu]

You just decide on two things - whether the lack of motorized 50mm pains you. else D3000 FTW. It takes lovely punchier images out of the box.

Though yes, Canon is king of VFM deals.

[synn]

You just decide on two things - whether the lack of motorized 50mm pains you. else D3000 FTW. It takes lovely punchier images out of the box.

Though yes, Canon is king of VFM deals.


There IS a motorized 50mm. the 50 f1.4G.

[hitanshu]

1.4 aperture ka budget aap denge, sarkar? :p

[synn]

If you wanna keep the lens for a long time, you'll make the budget for it yourself.

The 1.8s from both Nikon and Canon are no great shakes when it comes to build.

[Aryan]

The 1.8s from both Nikon and Canon are no great shakes when it comes to build.
True. The 50mm f1.8 II lens of Canon is very poor when it comes to build quality, but at that price, it provides a tremendous value for money when it comes to the photo quality. :)

[Technocrat]

As long as the flash fits the standard hot shoe, it can be used with any camera. Different manufacturers have different contact points, but the form factor of the connector is the same (Except for Minolta) and flash manufacturers provide adapters for all those (Including Minolta).

Going OT here But is this True?

I have a Vivitar Flash back at home which was used with a Nikon Film SLR & I was planning to try it on my SX20IS but someone warned me saying that if the operating voltages are different it could fry my camera.

But from what I understand from your post above, if it fits well & has matching contact points there should be no issue?

[CrAzY PiCs]

UPDATE:
I have decided to use this cam for a while, and upgrade soon. Now doing a small research on what cam to buy!
UPDATE:

Gave the trusty old S5is to Canon Authorised service center. Got a repair estimate of around Rs.4000+, and two days work if the parts are readily available!

Of which 1000rs (750 + tax) is the service charge for opening the cam! :(