[thalavoy]

Gandhi. This is the link http://groups.google.com/group/ipentax
A small group of Pentaxians
C300. The K-5 with FA31 looks lovely. Now, shoot some pictures and share

[Gurudatta Nayak]

Today, I got a chance to compare Canon 550D vs Nikon D5100.
I feel the picture quality on both the DSLR is almost same, The Nikon produce a bit warm(Slight Yellow) image where as Canon its Cool(Slight blue). I think that can be adjusted with the camera settings.

We even compared metering values of D5100 with Nikon D3100(Owned by my friend) they were exactly similar.

Now, I totally agree with Bhpians ...its all depends on the comfort of holding and using the DSLR. The Canon Grip is bit small to hold where as Nikon has nice grove just below the shutter button.

I have finally decided to go ahead with Nikon D5100. I am been offered D5100 + 18-55mm VR Kit Lens + 4GB Card + Nikon DSLR Bag + UV Filter + Bill with VAT + 2yrs Nikon Warranty for 36,000 INR (Approx 10 days Delivery time from date of booking).

Is 36K a good deal? Awaiting for Reply.

Thanks everyone for helping me to finalize the D5100!!

Originally Posted by Fordmanchau

Hey GN, just saw you post here. Thanks a lot.

Have replied to your PM and sincerely hope that it helps you.
I didn't try the D5100 and I am glad I didn't do it. It would have made me all the more confused. My wife was fed up of my Nikon or Canon rant!!

Anyways, hope you buy what's best for you.
Looking forward to see your cam.

[C300]

Originally Posted by R2D2

Congrats C300!And here's wishing you lotsa of fun and happiness shooting with the new Pentax. Pentax is one of those brands that has a special place in my heart since childhood.
Regards,

Thanks R2D2. Asahi Pentax SLRs and lenses had the old school charm to it. The all metal high quality construction meant durability for decades.

Honestly, I wasnt expecting the same quality from their latest offering but the build quality of K-5 and 31mm has blown me away, especially the 31mm.
Its built like a tank with smooth precision movements. Attention to detail can be seen throughout - a simple example is this front metal lens cap which has some kind of plush green velvet fabric inside for smoother operation.

Originally Posted by thalavoy

Congrats c300. Welcome to the small but passionate pentax users in india. You could join the ipentax google groups and share your pentax experience.
Siva

Thanks Siva. Looking forward to meet the Indian Pentaxians.

Originally Posted by Gandhi

Hey C300, welcome to the small Pentax family. K-5 is a beauty. I own a K-x with standard zoom lenses.

Thanks Gandhi.

Originally Posted by thalavoy

C300. The K-5 with FA31 looks lovely. Now, shoot some pictures and share

Thanks. I will post the pics in non-auto image thread.

[sachinj12]

Originally Posted by Gurudatta Nayak

Now, I totally agree with Bhpians ...its all depends on the comfort of holding and using the DSLR. The Canon Grip is bit small to hold where as Nikon has nice grove just below the shutter button.

I have finally decided to go ahead with Nikon D5100. I am been offered D5100 + 18-55mm VR Kit Lens + 4GB Card + Nikon DSLR Bag + UV Filter + Bill with VAT + 2yrs Nikon Warranty for 36,000 INR (Approx 10 days Delivery time from date of booking).

Is 36K a good deal? Awaiting for Reply.

Thanks everyone for helping me to finalize the D5100!!

A hundred people can't be wrong. A well made choice.nevertheless!

I own it's older brother-the D90. Also, consider adding a 50mm prime to your purchase.

Oops, there you go. Already extra purchases. Did I hear someone say it's a money pit?

[R2D2]

Originally Posted by Gurudatta Nayak

I have finally decided to go ahead with Nikon D5100. I am been offered D5100 + 18-55mm VR Kit Lens + 4GB Card + Nikon DSLR Bag + UV Filter + Bill with VAT + 2yrs Nikon Warranty for 36,000 INR (Approx 10 days Delivery time from date of booking).

Congrats on your new DSLR.

Originally Posted by C300

Thanks R2D2. Attention to detail can be seen throughout - a simple example is this front metal lens cap which has some kind of plush green velvet fabric inside for smoother operation.

I agree! Way to go Pentax. Quality and attention to detail can be a tempting differentiator.

You should see how Nikon behave like cheapstakes with their lens caps! Not that the customer isnt charged for them. For e.g. the 14-24 F/2.8 comes with a huge plastic lens cap with internal ribs that grip the hood. Now that could score the hood (permanently fixed) over several removal/fitting operations. While that lens is an optical masterpiece the cap brings a frown to your face and screws up the ownership experience. Not very smart thinking on Nikon's part.

Many people wanted Nikon to offer a metal cap with a velvet liner to prevent scratches, at least for this lens. Thinking of getting a neoprene hoodie for my copy. Notch up another item in the never ending wish-list.

Originally Posted by sachinj12

say it's a money pit?

You forgot to add the word "bottomless".

[Gurudatta Nayak]

Thanks sachinj12!

I had planned to go for 50mm f1.8 prime lens. The AF system for that won't work on D5100 as it requires in body motor.

Now, I am thinking about 35mm f1.8 lens, I am been quoted 11k and since its a new lens i'll wait for the reviews. In the mean time i'll lean to handle DSLR with 18-55mm lens

Originally Posted by sachinj12

A hundred people can't be wrong. A well made choice.nevertheless!

I own it's older brother-the D90. Also, consider adding a 50mm prime to your purchase.

Oops, there you go. Already extra purchases. Did I hear someone say it's a money pit?

Originally Posted by R2D2

Congrats on your new DSLR.

I am planing to book the DSLR by 13th August 2011

[RaguHolla]

Originally Posted by Gurudatta Nayak

Now, I am thinking about 35mm f1.8 lens, I am been quoted 11k and since its a new lens i'll wait for the reviews.

New lens means which you are buying is new or lens itself is new release from Nikon?

As far as quality of this lens is concerned, it a top class lens! I have this all the time on my D90! Once friend of mine took a picture with this lens and said "dang why is the picture is so good", i don't get it in my camera (he owned Nikon 3000 with 18~55). I suggested him, its not camera, it the lens. Just use the lens on your camera and see the difference.

18~55 is good lens, no doubt about it. But 35 f1.8 is totally is in another level. I prefer to put this lens over 17~55 f2.8, for all photos involving people!

[Gurudatta Nayak]

I mean the "AF-S DX NIKKOR 35mm f/1.8G" is newly introduced in market somewhere around Mid 2009 where as "AF Nikkor 35mm f/2D" was launched in 1995. I will buy a brand new lens for my collection.

Ya, you are right as one of the bhpians said lens and your skills contribute more then the camera body for a good photograph!

Originally Posted by RaguHolla

New lens means which you are buying is new or lens itself is new release from Nikon?

As far as quality of this lens is concerned, it a top class lens! I have this all the time on my D90! Once friend of mine took a picture with this lens and said "dang why is the picture is so good", i don't get it in my camera (he owned Nikon 3000 with 18~55). I suggested him, its not camera, it the lens. Just use the lens on your camera and see the difference.

18~55 is good lens, no doubt about it. But 35 f1.8 is totally is in another level. I prefer to put this lens over 17~55 f2.8, for all photos involving people!

[gd1418]

Why not the 50mm f/1.8G? This lens is with AF-S and SWM. The one you were looking at is a 1.8D that would work on a D90 or D300 type of camera that have a built in body motor.

Originally Posted by Gurudatta Nayak

I had planned to go for 50mm f1.8 prime lens. The AF system for that won't work on D5100 as it requires in body motor.

[WindRide]

Read the "Great photos from small cameras" editorial piece in today's Deccan Herald.

While still some distance away, we probably are seeing the beginning of the end of DSLRs as the only choice for amateurs who value quality and speed in their everyday photography.

I look forward to the day when iam not forced to lug around a gorilla around my neck to get decent pics fast and accurately.

[Xehaust]

Thank you all for the advice guys. I guess im putting off a new cam purchase until there are more options in the micro 4/3rds space.
But will check out the Lumix G3, since the high number of recommendations.

[pjay_in]

Originally Posted by Gurudatta Nayak

Thanks sachinj12!

I had planned to go for 50mm f1.8 prime lens. The AF system for that won't work on D5100 as it requires in body motor.

Now, I am thinking about 35mm f1.8 lens, I am been quoted 11k and since its a new lens i'll wait for the reviews. In the mean time i'll lean to handle DSLR with 18-55mm lens

The 35mm f1.8 G is an excellent lens. The only issue I have with it is that its bokeh isn't that great. It gives you great pics even in very low light.

[kkr2k2]

Originally Posted by pjay_in

The 35mm f1.8 G is an excellent lens. The only issue I have with it is that its bokeh isn't that great. It gives you great pics even in very low light.

Except some old manual lenses or absurdly costly lenses, for most of the pictures I have seen taken with wide angle lenses have weird or not so great bokeh.

[mobike008]

Originally Posted by kkr2k2

Except some old manual lenses or absurdly costly lenses, for most of the pictures I have seen taken with wide angle lenses have weird or not so great bokeh.

Wide angles are definetly not made to produce bokeh. For bokeh's it has always been telephoto that was atleast my understanding until now.

I never saw what you clicked till date. Any link for your recent pictures?

[manim]

Maybe this is not a correct question to post here, but is the Sony HX100v bridge camera good enough for travel and family photographs? (Rs.22K). (or a Nikon P500?)

I want to buy either that or an entry-level DSLR, Nikon 3100 (Rs.30K).
The thing that puts me off 3100 is the lo-resolution LCD display.

I still have my trusty Kodak DX6490 P&S for 7.5 years and want to upgrade.

I will be viewing the photos on a 32" FullHD TV and my (FullHD)laptop screen and will be printing small-size rarely, so reasonable image quality is enough for me.

Though my heart want a DSLR, my mind is afraid to fall into the (bottomless) money-pit!