The Vivitar 3800 N SLR is a great entry level piece for beginners to photography. The camera is versatile and strong, and is supplied with a zoom lens which operates from a wide angle outwards.
Having used the camera myself for three years now, I've found it trusty, reliable and strong. Not only does its completely manual focusing manual system leave you no choice but to learn about the basics of photography and the F Scale, but the camera can be built into a kit with cheap lenses and filters from local second hand camera shops for beginner use.
The camera's uses are versatile, it can be used in the studio when learning at first, with hot shoe access allowing you to connect up to basic studio equipment. The lens can deal with wide group portrait angles and also encourage you to step in closer for individual portraits. The 28mm wide angle is also great for early landscapes.
The body itself is strong and simple, and in my careless early days it has survived a few knocks. At this price it's perfect for early enthusiasts and beginners of those who just want a basic second SLR body.
How helpful would this review be to a person making a buying decision? Rating guidelines
(+) Fold out LCD screen, Image Stabilization, Zuiko lens quality, Picture quality, Flash options (-) Noise in low light, Too many buttons, Badly laid out, Too many gimmicks
It is an excellent camera but given a choice for a beginner I would recommend a Pentax K1000 ..Baz
ray52 02.06.2005 20:22
Hi and a warm welcome to ciao. Some good info there in your first, well-written review, although a little short. I hope you enjoy the ciao experience, as I do. Ray
catrinaf 02.06.2005 11:49
Hi and welcome to Ciao - More info would have been useful. If you want any help or want me to re rate, leave me a message in my guestbook - Cat x x
helpful by (87%):
somewhat helpful by (13%):
