Team-BHP - The DSLR Thread

People interested in photography should/can look at Ted Forbes' podcasts available on youtube (some of us might already be following him).

He talks about lots of interesting stuff related to photography and its certainly very informative. I am just a beginner in this domain so I am finding it really very very good. For a change this podcast is not just about cameras or lenses or taking pictures. He talks about all sorts of stuff related to photography (for examples there are episodes on dark room or old style medium frame mechanical cameras and about various famous photographers/books etc).

Search for theartofphotography on youtube to follow him. I'd advise start from first episode.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rudra Sen (Post 2951058)

And what size enlargement you normally go for? For A3 or even A2 size prints your camera is more than enough. And why are you cropping your images? Little bit of cropping here and there is perfectly alright but if you're going beyond that, means you're not concentrating on your composition. :)

That said, both the cameras you mentioned are surely good. But I would not suggest any second hand purchase. Gremlins if any, come out after few days of usage.

Agreed. Thanks for the inputs sir! :)

Ok guys, i am almost a noob when it comes to DSLR's .
My father is getting a Nikon D90 fitted with an opthalmic equipment of his. So we could probably use it occasionally for personal use as well.
So here is my simple question.
How good is the D90? It's almost a 3 year old model. is it competent enough even now?

Thanks

Quote:

Originally Posted by agambhandari (Post 2951112)

Its indeed a brilliant choice. Very capable camera. Cameras dont become incompetent just because they have been discontinued...there are marketing pressures too

You will love the D90 if it comes for right price :-)

A gem from the master himself. Heavy cropping of an image means it has not been properly composed.

"Old Man", more gems from you awaited..!

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rudra Sen (Post 2951058)

And why are you cropping your images? Little bit of cropping here and there is perfectly alright but if you're going beyond that, means you're not concentrating on your composition.

Quote:

Originally Posted by ampere (Post 2951044)

Do also note that prices of 7D will fall, because 6D has come out. If you really want to change, you might get good deals.
(I am not saying you should change. All I meant was in case you want to, you may find good offers for new pieces also)

6D and 7D are different segments there is a rumored 7D MK2 coming up early next year.

6D is full frame with fewer AF points , slower AF and polycarbonate body perfect fit for consumer level APS-C users who want a cheaper full frame body.

7D gives weather sealing , fast AF tracking , Fast frame burst rate and must of birding / action. Actually there is nothing between 7D and 1D series today.

Quote:

Originally Posted by amitk26 (Post 2952154)

6D and 7D are different segments there is a rumored 7D MK2 coming up early next year.

That is true. 6D was introduced to compete with Nikon D600. It is actually a logical upgrade to 7D. But as you said AF is not good.

6D meant to replace 5D MK II. But 5D MKII I think has much better ergonomics compared 6D while 6D has a smaller body.

Quote:

7D gives weather sealing , fast AF tracking , Fast frame burst rate and must of birding / action. Actually there is nothing between 7D and 1D series today.

Valid points. The only guy between 7D and 1D is the 5D MK III. I think 5D MK III also has a 1D AF system.
Also note 5MD MK III requires LR4 which now runs only on Windows 7. So if one is on windows XP he needs to upgrade that too !

Quote:

Originally Posted by ampere (Post 2952447)

I think 6D was to break open a new category as of today there are lots of hobbyists who lurk for used fullframes as they can not justify money spent on a new fullframe for hobby. Both Canon 6D seems to capture this market.

I think it was never meant to be a replacement of 7D or 5DMKII.
Why exactly a fullframe for enthusiasts can be envisioned as logical upgrade to a pro level APS-C , I think people who do bird photography will always prefer APS-C over a Fullframe. Similarly 5D MKII is replaced by MKIII and I think will be discontinued soon.

Quote:

Originally Posted by ampere (Post 2952447)

Also note 5MD MK III requires LR4 which now runs only on Windows 7. So if one is on windows XP he needs to upgrade that too !

Well lightroom itself is not a must for RAW processing lot of people use Canon DPP , I personally prefer Canon DPP and UFRaw over lightroom.

Quote:

Originally Posted by amitk26 (Post 2952472)

I think it was never meant to be a replacement of 7D or 5DMKII.
Why exactly a fullframe for enthusiasts can be envisioned as logical upgrade to a pro level APS-C , I think people who do bird photography
will always prefer APS-C over a Fullframe. Similarly 5D MKII is replaced by MKIII and I think will be discontinued soon.

That is true. I did not mean as a replacement to 7D. The only issue is that Canon is pricing it at the same point as 5D
MKII and discontinuing the MKII. So it might be a good point to buy MKII for its falling prices.

Quote:

Well lightroom itself is not a must for RAW processing lot of people use Canon DPP , I personally prefer Canon DPP and UFRaw over lightroom.

DPP has to be used for the best colour reproduction. But if you still need LR/Aperture/PS, I think the best option is :
RAW -> TIFF via DPP and then import the TIFF to LR/Aperture/PS.

But since TIFF eats out on space, that aspect needs to be taken care off.

I will be most prolly getting a tripod this week. It will be used mainly with a D3100 with kit lens, a 50mm prime and the occasional 70-300 Sigma. I also want the tripod to be future proof since I foresee myself upgrading a year down the line so I am thinking of the Manfrotto Aluminium 294 kit with the 3-way head. I know a ball head is better but I prefer the 3-way for my shots. Any idea as to what the price of this 294 Aluminium kit maybe? Or are there any better models from other brands?

I was thinking of getting a Cullmann Magnesit series but there is no one to bring it to me from the US of A as of now.

Cheers,
Kaushik

Hi All,

Is there a difference between DSLR's manufactured in Taiwan and Japan? One of my friend is looking to buy a 550 and visited Canon outlet and few other retailers.

The Canon showrooms has told him that the price is high as they sell Japan made ones and other sell Taiwan mades.

Is that true or really a factor to be considered ?

Suggestions please

Quote:

Originally Posted by joshguy

I bought mine from ebay and it was Japan made. Not sure if this model is made in Taiwan, but if it is then see the price diff. And decide

Personally i prefer Japan over anything

Quote:

Originally Posted by joshguy (Post 2952568)

The Canon showrooms has told him that the price is high as they sell Japan made ones and other sell Taiwan mades.

Is that true or really a factor to be considered ?

Suggestions please

AFAIK all 550Ds are made in Japan.