[pjay_in]

Great shots, W.A.G.7! But to tell you the truth, you would see all the difference if the background wasn't the sky. The depth of field variations that you can achieve with DSLRs cannot be matched by prosumers.

I have a question to all - between Nikon D3100 and D90, which one offers better low light performance? I am not even looking at D7000 now, which I hear has awesome low light performance.

[kkr2k2]

Originally Posted by pjay_in

....
I have a question to all - between Nikon D3100 and D90, which one offers better low light performance? I am not even looking at D7000 now, which I hear has awesome low light performance.

You may refer this link:
Compare the Nikon D3100 vs Nikon D90

You may observe (as per the above link), that D90 produces Slightly lower noise at high ISO. But the ISO boost is greater for D3100. I guess the ISO performance is not parameter to decide between a D90 or a D3100!!

[typeOnegative]

Originally Posted by W.A.G.7

Yes, that would be a better option, so instead of 500D or D5000 maybe EOS 1000D or D3100 would be better. And for starters, the 18-55mm kit lens will have to do, till I get comfortable with the new camera. Maybe then after that, I can figure out the lens combinations

Stick to this strategy. It is better to buy a 7D/D300 five years down the line. I went for the D90 as I felt I had learnt enough on the HS10.

Originally Posted by W.A.G.7

That's the reason why someone advised me to go in for Canon, simply because Canon has a comparitively larger option of EF lenses compared to the Nikkor lenses available in India.

To me this is a minor point. If the range of lenses is important, then yes stick with Canon. I am more of a M-mode photographer. Hence all the fancy stuff does not bother me. Nikons are generally backward compatible. So that helps.

Originally Posted by W.A.G.7

Now just two more questions, how are Sony α DSLRs? I mean I haven't heard of anyone using Sony DSLR's but there must be someone out there who has used them. Canon and Nikon names seem to be synonymous with the DSLRs, atleast in India.

Sony was in my consideration. Their DSLRs are value for money ones, but in general do not get good reviews when running up against Canons or Nikons. Theoretically they are compatible with a lot of Konica and Minolta lenses. The reasons they dropped off my radar were:

1. I could see only beginner models in shops. I have seen the A290 model last I looked.
2. They seem to be focusing more on the EVIL segment
3. Many in the shop do not know what a DSLR is. Which tells you about where the company is heading.

clevermax uses a Sony. You could PM him

Originally Posted by W.A.G.7

And to add a twist to it, there now the DSLT technology, so has anyone seen or used sony α 33 or α 55? The reviews are average for sony α55 DSLT on dpreview.com.

The camera looks good. Let me know when you get to see one in an Indian shop.

Originally Posted by W.A.G.7

And, just for showing off , here are 3 pics from my Canon Powershot S5IS. Sometimes, I just wonder, do I really need a DSLR?

First up, great pictures. If you are satisfied with your current results, do not go for a DSLR.

[joshguy]

Can some one let me know what is APO and DG in sigma lenses? is it similar to IS and USM in canon?

Am planning to buy a Sigma 70-300 and there are two options one with APO and one without it

[humyum]

Guys, I have finally narrowed down on what I want. Advice if anything can be bettered from this.

I am getting a Cannon 550 D ( just body ) for 599 pounds for which I can claim back the VAT of about 15% at the airport. So effective price of the body works out to be around 530 arounds ( approx)

For the Lens I have chosen the Tamron AF 18-270mm f/3.5-6.3 Di II VC Lens which costs around 380 pounds here and for which too I will get my vat back.

Is this a good choice of lens and camera ? I have to make a final choice in somedays, so please advice further.

Thanks

[DRIV3R]

Guys, can any of you suggest me the best diameter for the filter that would suit most lenses?

[clevermax]

Originally Posted by DRIV3R

Guys, can any of you suggest me the best diameter for the filter that would suit most lenses?

What is the objective? Three of my lenses have three different diameters. I have a CPL which is 62mm, but I use it on my 55mm diameter lens with a adapter ring.

[Ricky_63]

I have a Nikon D60 with the 18/55 lens. I am planning on buying a 55/200 Nikor Lens. Does that make sense ? To me it does.

Views & comments welcome



Cheers

[typeOnegative]

Originally Posted by joshguy

Can some one let me know what is APO and DG in sigma lenses? is it similar to IS and USM in canon? Am planning to buy a Sigma 70-300 and there are two options one with APO and one without it

I think you will get all the information here:
About Sigma
and here:
About Canon lenses.

Originally Posted by humyum

I am getting a Cannon 550 D ( just body ) for 599 pounds for which I can claim back the VAT of about 15% at the airport. So effective price of the body works out to be around 530 arounds ( approx). For the Lens I have chosen the Tamron AF 18-270mm f/3.5-6.3 Di II VC Lens which costs around 380 pounds here and for which too I will get my vat back.

The Canon is a good camera. The Tamron is an okay lens. I do not know about the prices though and whether you are getting a good deal. What you make of the combination will depend on you.

Originally Posted by Ricky_63

I have a Nikon D60 with the 18/55 lens. I am planning on buying a 55/200 Nikor Lens. Does that make sense ? To me it does.

Makes sense to me too. Is there a 55-300? Yes there is one. That would make more sense. Also make sure you have a prime.

[raju2512]

Just picked up this lens from ebay US for a total of 25 USD. I am not sure I have hit a jackpot but at around Rs.1200 it was worth a risk. I will get the lens here by end Feb and will update. If it works fine , it gives me bigger budget for a prime

VIVITAR AUTO FOCUS ZOOM 70 - 210mm 1:4.5-5.6 MACRO 1:5X

[amitk26]

Originally Posted by joshguy

Can some one let me know what is APO and DG in sigma lenses? is it similar to IS and USM in canon?

Am planning to buy a Sigma 70-300 and there are two options one with APO and one without it

Buy with APO , It is a coating to reduce chromatic aberration and flair.
The difference in quality is quite perceptible.
It is not same as IS ( Image Stablization) Sigma equivalent is OS.
USM is ultrasonic motor and Sigma has something called HSM

There is a new Sigma 70-300 OS version as well in case you are interested

Originally Posted by raju2512

Just picked up this lens from ebay US for a total of 25 USD. I am not sure I have hit a jackpot but at around Rs.1200 it was worth a risk. I will get the lens here by end Feb and will update. If it works fine , it gives me bigger budget for a prime

VIVITAR AUTO FOCUS ZOOM 70 - 210mm 1:4.5-5.6 MACRO 1:5X

1:5X macro is not macro in any sense should be called close focus.
Any way looks like Minolta MD mount , Which camera you have ?

[TheBeastFieast]

Originally Posted by typeOnegative

Makes sense to me too. Is there a 55-300? Yes there is one. That would make more sense. Also make sure you have a prime.

Nikon has 3 choices:
1.) 55-200 - Around INR 11/12K
2.) 55-300 - Around INR 18/19K
3.) 70-300 - Around INR 24/25K

70-300 is the clear winner, so if budget is there then go for 70-300 else 55-200 is excellent choice in that budget.

[sumathindra]

Last 2 weeks i was on a business trip to the US and while there i picked up the sigma 18-200mm dc os for almost USD440. I have been taking shots with it and find it good. I am still to explore the lens. Just wanted to see if i got it at a good price and hence posting this here...

[Ricky_63]

Originally Posted by TheBeastFieast

Nikon has 3 choices:
1.) 55-200 - Around INR 11/12K
2.) 55-300 - Around INR 18/19K
3.) 70-300 - Around INR 24/25K

70-300 is the clear winner, so if budget is there then go for 70-300 else 55-200 is excellent choice in that budget.

As I already have the standard 18/55 Nikkor lens, it makes sense to go with 55/200 or 55/300, I really do not know if I really need a 55/300, long shot stability is the question in my mind





Cheers

[TheBeastFieast]

Originally Posted by Ricky_63

As I already have the standard 18/55 Nikkor lens, it makes sense to go with 55/200 or 55/300, I really do not know if I really need a 55/300, long shot stability is the question in my mind
Cheers

15mm difference between 18-55 and 70-300mm is nothing, just a step forward/backward and it will be covered.

I would again say, if budget is there go for 70-300mm, its much better. Search net for comparison among all three. I did the same and then settled for 70-300mm.