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Use magnetic lasso tool in any PhotoShop or any software of your choice.
In GIMP it is known as scissors select tool. Before you buy anything uou can try it in GIMP as it is FOC. Search on youtube for magnetic lasso / scissors select tutorial.

Canon 50mm 1.8 definitely a great lens. I recently bought that, and enjoying it. But working distance seem a bit of a problem, particularly when it comes to group photos(used rarely). I havent used/read about Sigma 30mm 1.4, that would be a good option if the pricing is competitive.

For macro, Sigma 105 macro, or Tamron 90mm macro are one of the best. Recently checked and they are not even in stock.

Thanks Amit for pointing to the tool, I got it in Gimp. This will serve my purpose for time being

On my way back home yesterday, I had a transit period of 14 hours at Singapore during which I had stomachful food at Komala Vilas, Little India, got quotation for Canon 550D 18-55mm lens kit from Mustafa Centre and ended up buying it at COMEX 2010, Suntec mall. I got loads of freebies like 8GB SDHC, professional tripod, EOS bag, extra battery, lens cover, Seagate 320GB extrnal HDD, EOS 550D user guide and lens workbook with India warranty. I paid S$ 1449 using my Axis Bank travel currency card and got GST refund of S$ 79.70 at Changi airport. I had smooth sailing at Bangalore International Airport last night, no questions asked.

I think it was Chase Jarvis who said, the camera thats with you is the best camera in the world. I went to a Railway station few days back and I had only my Vivaz with me, here is a comparison of what we get from it. Its only resized, it had perfect sharpness for every shot taken.


A 100% crop from the left.


The reason why I posted it here; I have to sharpen every pic that comes out of my D90 regardless of the lens or lighting. This one just amazed me with its details. Would I get a better pic with my D90 in the above scenario ? I really doubt.

HI Guys:

I have been meaning to write to get some expert feedback on tripods. Can the gurus please help me and point towards a definite choice. My budget is 12-15K and I prefer Manfrotto. Mostly for nature and landscapes. My heaviest lens I am thinking of owning is 300mm/F4 with TC 1.4X

1. Which is a better choice: Manfrotto 055XPRO B or 190XPROB? I am not inclined towards a Carbon fiber one. Those things are expensive

2. Tripod head: 486RC2 or any other recommendation

Thanks will greatly appreciate your thoughts.

Cheers!

Any thoughts on Lens Stabilization vs Sensor stabilization

Sensor stabilization seems to have the advantage, for future lenses that one will buy - image stabilization will not be a criteria.

Canon / Nikon seem to have only lens stabilization.
Pentax and a couple other brands have taken the image sensor stabilization path.

But it not easy to buy em in India.

Agreed. In-camera stabilization (I don't know if it sensor that is stabilized though) typically has lower lifecycle costs but it does not have stabilization customised to any particular lens and thereby hangs a tale for many advanced photographers. Just my thought!

The answer is both yes and no. I also own a D90 and feel sometimes the same thing. What I have experienced over a period of time is that we end up shooting with it like a P & S sometimes even not selecting the correct mode. I am sure you wont be doing that.

The problems with the high end equipment is that for best results you must select the right settings and parameters. This is time consuming and many times not feasible.

In the first picture you will have a much better depth of field if you choose it right. The second part (you said is cropped part) is not all impressive. A correct selection of mode on D90 will easily beat that.

One more thing, sometimes just compare the night shots and some landscapes and you will get the answer.

I personally keep my Sony Cybershot along with my Nikon D90. I keep using my sony on certain occasions. The sony gives good results in bright sunny settings.

Mine is mostly on Aperture Priority, very rarely it goes to Shutter Priority. I dont remember if it ever clicked anything on 'Auto' mode. I dont even know if the Auto or the Scene buttons actually works on my D90 :), never checked it. But if someone prefers to shoot in 'Auto' mode, dont buy a DSLR, a good quality P&S can do the work well.

A 100% crop from D90 is not much different from what I posted earlier in most shots. Low light and bokeh are something that would not stand a comparison, I agree. Early I was very reserved about carrying the D90 in a busy area or crowded places, the thought of getting noticed was a real killer. But I think I have overcome that already.

All said and done, there are some amazing shots posted on flickr and such sites taken by a P&S cam, I hit my head hard for the day I can beat that with a DSLR. Learning is fun, but it requires a lot of patience ! :thumbs up

+1 to your views Shaju!

I've been using my D80 for last 3 years. Used it in "Auto Mode" for first 2-3 months, Switched to "Manual" mode after that and never looked back!

This gives different level of satisfaction:

1. You own the camera here, Camera does'nt own you
2. Take the 100% blame or credit when you screw up the composition or got it right in the first go.
3. Scope to learn more and the thrill of getting out of the world results.

I believe a SLR camera in Auto mode is like owning a chauffeur driven Ferrari.

Guys. still harping on my doubts. I dont see myself exploring stuff in photography. But for holidays would still like to have a camera that would take good landscapes.

Hence buying SLR does not make sense to me (per my understanding). The basic models will come up with an 18-55 lens. Is that good enough for landscape and long shots?

Or its better to buy super-zoom cameras like FZ35/FZ100 (Or any other, please specify)?

Low light capabilities is not a must have, but good to have.

So what are the options? Comments welcome.

I think a good quality P&S is all what you need. DSLR is a waste of money if you dont plan to move out of the 'Auto' mode of shooting, which means spending time to learn the techniques, compromise on travelling slightly heavier, acquiring and caring for lenses that usually follow a DSLR etc. There are many things. A bit of reading reviews and user-opinions could lead you to a good P&S that will do all your work fantastic. Latest P&S cameras have many features that can create stunning images even in very low light. Main advantage is the 'compact'ness and ease-of-use. You can throw it in any bag while you travel, whereas a DSLR will be an independent bag that needs constant care and protection.

There is a dedicated digital camera thread, you will find tons of info there, in case you haven't seen it yet :).

That is exactly my thought process. But not sure of a good buy. I am checking out on the other thread as well!

In fact the best snaps (I think) which I have taken are from my Sony Cam-Corder. :) SR11 as compared to my Salesman like P&S Sony !

Go through dpreview and see the best ratings, might help you to decide faster. There are many useful sites that are known for unbiased reviews and ratings. :thumbs up