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Community Newsletter: Q&A: Newbie to dSLR: Taking the next step beyond point-and-shoot cameras
- 5/25/07 11:15 AM
Super-zooms - the bridge class of camera
by Hodgelett - 5/5/07 11:52 AM In reply to: Newbie to dSLR: Taking the next step beyond point-and-shoot cameras by Lee Koo (ADMIN)
Are you certain you want to go dSLR - especially as you aren't sure if the hobby is right for you? It's a big outlay, not forgetting that it isn't just the initial camera purchase but tripod, filters, flashes and most importantly - lenses, and with your budget it will be at the lower end of the amateur dslr market.
There is a growing class of 'bridge' cameras called 'super-zooms' that offer more than the average pocket-sized p&s, without the giant price-tag. They are usually larger than the pocket camera, but smaller than an slr, but with its looks and 10, 12, 15 and even 18x optical zooms. More importantly they have most of the features of dslrs that doesn't involve lens changing, including RAW formats on a few.
Alternatively there's smaller niche cameras with interesting features - such as extra-wide 16:9 photo taking on the Panasonic LX - perfect for landscapes.
So before deciding it has to be dSLR, just take a look at the alternatives.
The super-xoom types that you can take a look at (I've played with the FZ personally only):
Kodak P and Z series
Panasonic FZ
Canon G7, A630/40/710IS/570IS, S3 IS
Fuji S6000fd (bad image stabilisation apparently but one of the best fixed lenses otherwise)
Konica-Minolta Z
Olympus SP-550UZ
Sony H series
Digital SLRs
by dohearne - 5/5/07 12:48 PM In reply to: Newbie to dSLR: Taking the next step beyond point-and-shoot cameras by Lee Koo (ADMIN)
I made the move to a digital SLR 2 years ago and I have been happy ever since. The following is a list of suggestions.
- Remember that the image is still captured through a lens, so stay with manufacturers of high quality lenses.
- The website dpreview.com is a great site to use to sort through different cameras and to compare them at a technical level.
- No matter where you purchase the camera, go to a camera shop and hold the cameras in your hand to determine if it seems comfortable.
- If you have a film SLR, your existing lens(es) maybe compatible with the digital version. This was true in my case, allowing me to use my existing 70-300mm telephoto.
- With regard to continuous shooting, you can see the specs for different cameras at dpreview. Pay special attention to not just the intial fps number but also the number of frames over a 30 sec. period. You also need to pay attention to the write speed to the memory card and plan on buying a better card if you want to shoot in continuous mode.
- Shutter lag is not a problem in most of the SLRs, even the entry level ones. With my entry level SLR, I can turn it on and shoot as fast as my fingers will move.
I hope this helps.
Hallo Stefan
by drpkmukherjee - 5/5/07 1:04 PM In reply to: Newbie to dSLR: Taking the next step beyond point-and-shoot cameras by Lee Koo (ADMIN)
You have made a right decision to go for a dSLR and these cameras are available now with an affordable price.I feel that you should not give too much stress on mega pixels.Maximum 6 mega is enough, as the image can be enlarged up to size of an A4 sized paper,without effecting the resolution and without causing any distortion of your original image. I do not think that your requirement is more than this.What you should look for is good lens system.Starting from a good wide angle lens to a telephoto lens of at least 80 to 100mm focal length.Try for an effective Macro lens which can go up to 0mm(Super Macro) As you have rightly decided that the lag period of shutter should minimum.Along with auto mode it must have some manual modes like portrait,night,landscape,sports photography and so on.Because once you muster your camera in auto mode you will like to go for the advanced features.The flash should have a good range and yes never buy a camera without an Image Stabilizer software.
Regards
Prashant
Choice of your first Digital SLR
by shyamalmitra - 5/5/07 4:51 PM In reply to: Newbie to dSLR: Taking the next step beyond point-and-shoot cameras by Lee Koo (ADMIN)
My friend,
Remaining a very advanced yet amateur photographer for last 3 decades and obtaining fancy certifications from India's and the world's institutes and occasional prizes too, has not answered my two basic questions.
First, when computer aided auto-focus and auto-aperture lenses were invented and perfected, why did the camera manufacturers of the globe keep on manufacturing Single Lens Reflex cameras with mirrors and pentaprisms to overcome the obstacle of the error of parallax and fixing correct Exposure Values? Was an SLR actually needed after autofocus lenses and auto exposure shutters were perfected? Autofocus compacts with motorized zoom lenses did everything the heavyweight SLRs using interchangeable AF lenses could do and were far easier to handle!
Second, when the CCD (Charge Couple Display) chips were invented and placed in the accutately measured rear focal nodes of autofocus autoexposure lenses to make digital pixels visible on LCD screens on the camera backs, (I am talking of a digital cameras here) what was the need to give another mirror-pentaprism focal plane eyepiece (view finder) in addition to an SLR type lens interchangeable body OR more significantly a range illuminated eyepiece in a compact non SLR body? The photographer was already viewing the LCD screen showing him at least 95% of what the printed image would be!
Now to fool the world and to keep the diehard SLR enthusiasts, camera giants like Canon, Nikon and Sony are building digital SLRs and auto zoom auto exposure heavies using same AF interchangeable lenses! The norms for 35mm format is forgone and forgotten and you have equivalent zoom readings in these new zoom lenses for your digital focal format.
As a beginner, my advise is that do not spend your hard earned money on digital SLRs but go for 8-10 Megapixel digital compacts having equivalent configurations to 35mm 28-200mm range zoom film compacts, and carry lightweight and easy to use equipment. Excellent models of these types are available from Kodak, Olympus and yes Cannon, Nikon and Pentax too!
However if you are a wildlife shutterbug shooting lions from 100 meters distance or a sports photographer sitting on the edge of a huge stadium and focussing on one player in fast movement 200 meters away, you will need a digital SLR with a zoom lens 12 times heavier than the camera body that needs a even heavier tripod for manoeuverability!
Dslr
by lastobet - 5/5/07 5:49 PM In reply to: Newbie to dSLR: Taking the next step beyond point-and-shoot cameras by Lee Koo (ADMIN)
Hi Stefan,
Regarding Dslr. Just got a Nikon D40 and the price is between the $500-$700 range. It's a great dslr especially for newbie's like me.I recommend it for beginners coz it's easy on the budget, compact and it's features are not far from the advanced dslr.
Recommendation for selecting a digital SLR for newbies
by relaxeddoc - 5/5/07 10:39 PM In reply to: Newbie to dSLR: Taking the next step beyond point-and-shoot cameras by Lee Koo (ADMIN)
The good news is that there are many wonderful cameras that fit your criteria. However, my recommendation would be to start by focusing on a single camera, using it to learn about digital SLR’s, and then branching out from there. Which camera to start with?
I’d consider the Nikon D40x. This relatively new entry addresses specific needs you’ve called out with a 0.18 second startup, split-second shutter response and rapid shooting at up to 3 frames per second. My similar (but older model) Nikon D50 has an excellent automatic focus system and special modes which facilitate taking both landscape and close-ups.
The D40x can be purchased with a 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6G ED II AF-S DX Zoom-Nikkor Lens for under $800. I use this lens with my D50 and have found it to be extremely versatile as the 18mm wide angle setting allows me to take pictures in close quarters and the 50-55mm range is perfect for portraits. The lens is surprisingly adept at taking close ups.
The automatic modes and excellent built-in flash of the D40x will allow you to begin taking excellent photos straight “out of the box.” Should your interest in digital photography grow, the D40x’s 10.2 Megapixel Imaging Sensor should allow very large enlargements. Further, the wide range of lenses available from Nikon will allow you to grow as your interest in the hobby evolves. For all of these attributes, I feel that exceeding your budget by $100 would be money well spent over the long term.
I don’t mean to sound like an ad for Nikon. I just happen to be more familiar with their line given my experience with the D50. In fact, once you’ve thoroughly learned about the features and benefits of the Nikon D40x, you’ll be well equipped to evaluate competing offerings from other manufacturers. A local camera store, photography magazine reviews, and Digital Photography Review (www.dpreview.com) might be useful resources.
Get the Canon Rebel XTi
by steveun - 5/5/07 11:53 PM In reply to: Newbie to dSLR: Taking the next step beyond point-and-shoot cameras by Lee Koo (ADMIN)
Two of my friends have recently purchased the Rebel XTi. It is a 10 megapixel camera that incorporates much of the Canon 30D technology into a great camera for about $800.00. The kit includes a 18-55mm zoom lens. It utilizes Canon's CMOS sensor and DIGIC II image processor. Check out the specs on Amazon or DPreview.com I think you'll be impressed. The feature I really like is the self cleaning sensor. It has been a well known fact that dust on your sensor creates white spots in your images. Canon has finally addressed this by building that function into a reliable, affordable camera.
DSLR for starters
by Ian M - 5/6/07 12:26 AM In reply to: Newbie to dSLR: Taking the next step beyond point-and-shoot cameras by Lee Koo (ADMIN)
DSLR's are probably not for starters but if you have an idea about digital photography then my advice is don't go cheap. You're buying something worthwhile and need to buy well. The new Canon 400D would be my recommendation. Stay away from the PRO series because they are purpose built and a little heavy. You will find the 400D does all that you want and, as you get better, you can add bigger and better lenses.
Ian M
SLR additional lenses
by George Shadch_en - 5/6/07 2:44 AM In reply to: Newbie to dSLR: Taking the next step beyond point-and-shoot cameras by Lee Koo (ADMIN)
Hi, I am very lazy and don't like to change and/or carry many lenses, so for years I have used only ONE lens macro/28-135 mm feature. I would add only a 70-300 mm. Before you buy a digital camera, rent one and see the results: snap as many pictures as possible, print, burn them into a disc, and then decide. The plus of the digital is 1) you see the picture right away for quality checking 2) you can delete immediately what you don't want. I myself am very disapointed with digital cameras and going back to 35mm with a digital as back up. Good Luck, Monique
First choice DSLR for low budget
by Philscbx - 5/6/07 6:29 AM In reply to: Newbie to dSLR: Taking the next step beyond point-and-shoot cameras by Lee Koo (ADMIN)
Hands down would be Canon's XTi EOS.
Roughly $750 - $850 bare bones, and no limit of lens options.
I have the Canon 30D @ 8-MP which is it's slightly bigger brother.
If I was to get a second DSLR, I would get the XTi which has 10MP.
You could also go to the upper end camera shops to put these cameras in your hand and try the different lenses.
Bring a compact flash card with you so you can see the results on your screen.
Use the store as a shooting studio to assume your in your home with the kids. The lighting is similar, and the objects within the displays are your subjects.
Take shots with and without flash to see how well it handles the available lighting.
Now take this knowledge and shop around for deals.
I like buying from local shops even if the cost is a little extra.
It's worth it in the end.
Best of Luck...
Your Investing in a Perfected Time Machine
by Philscbx - 5/6/07 9:24 AM In reply to: First choice DSLR for low budget by PhilscbxSo make some allowance to spend a little more if You do explore DSLR seriously.
Remember, the camera is doing the first half, and You and photo software do the second half. Jpegs already from camera need less work.
RAW images if not played with yet, require some horsepower to process smoothly. These type are stored with all the data the camera filed.
This allows you to make drastic changes in the final image.
A simple Jpeg will be roughly the file size of 1MB.
A RAW file from camera can be 11MB.
The options needed to support a DSLR need to be explored as well.
You need to make a documented saved file to list all items.
From basic supplies as: batteries, chargers, memory cards, custom bag,
to what your using for a computer to handle the processing.
So it's Not just a Camera You are Investing in.
A GOOD thing at this point would be for You to sign up for the simple class they hold for new DSLR owners at the camera shops.
Maybe one evening is enough to let You to see the work flow from the image on the card to the final results.
Well, no matter what You decide, depends on not so much the funds, but your final expectations as you see a higher quality, hair raising shots of clarity beyond the norm.
Can you feel the texture of the stone in the view?
As Your eye, and hand first touched it.
That's where you need to make the decision.
Best Regards...
Actual Images from 30D
by Philscbx - 5/7/07 5:20 AM In reply to: Your Investing in a Perfected Time Machine by PhilscbxThese sites and others give you an idea of image quality from any camera you search for.
These links take you on the tour of Canon's 30D from hundreds of users.
http://dpreview.com/
http://photobucket.com/images/30D/
http://search.pbase.com/search?q=30D&b=Search+Photos&c=sp
http://www.dphoto.us/forum/
http://www.flickr.com/search/?q=30D&w=all&s=int
Digital SLR
by dlg16 - 5/6/07 8:21 AM In reply to: Newbie to dSLR: Taking the next step beyond point-and-shoot cameras by Lee Koo (ADMIN)
Definetely look at the Canon Rebel XTi 400. It is probably all the SLR you will ever need unless you become a pro...and it can expand .
great slr for the money...
please help me
by wayjong82 - 5/6/07 9:28 AM In reply to: Newbie to dSLR: Taking the next step beyond point-and-shoot cameras by Lee Koo (ADMIN)
my pc always came out a windows that will restart the pc with some note that say something like this "emergency restart on RPC...." that really make me mad when i was stick to my internet...
The Next time it does that
by Philscbx - 5/7/07 6:36 PM In reply to: please help me by wayjong82Take it to the 33rd floor and let it out the window.
I bet it doesn't emergency restart that crap again.
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