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I believe as on today the prosumer full frame dslr got better outcome compare to the similar scale video camera, hence lot of value for money. When I developed my idea of documentary, it was always Canon XL series camcorder but then. I've done quite a lot of investigation to over come some of the shortfalls using the Atomos Ninja-2, canon developed their firmware on 5D Mark III in association with Atomos, however similar features were achieved in Mark II by having MagicLantern firmware and that's why my camera got updated with MagicLantern firmware. Obviously the physical limitation between these two models needed to be compensated by techniques and work around. The Ninja brings options to record directly on a SSD or HDD hence in a single storage of $100 or less drive for 5 hours of shooting with fullHD global broadcast ready prores codec, is it not exciting ? Mod: please merge the last 3 post to DSLR video thread if required

DReview's 2013 rankings are out...

http://www.dpreview.com/articles/422...2013-roundup/9

http://www.dpreview.com/articles/752...roundup-2013/9

Sony has launched the full frame Alpha 7 and 7R in India. Alpha 7 costs Rs. 94k

I am just wondering what would be the better buy here? The Alpha 7 or the OM-D EM1 ? Both are around the same price point if I remember correctly.

I have zilch knowledge about the DSLR's and the lenses. However I plan to buy a DSLR to start with the basics of photography. I am considering two options at the moment:

1. Canon EOS 600D SLR (Black, with Kit III EF S18-55 IS II & EF S55-250 IS II) for Rs.36399 through flipkart. I also get a 4GB card and a carry case free.

2. Nikon D5100 SLR (Black, with AF-S 18-55mm VR Kit Lens) for Rs.31150 plus Nikon AF Zoom-Nikkor 70-300mm f/4-5.6G (4.3x) Lens for Rs.6120, both through flipkart.

I don't want to spend more than Rs.40000 and plan to graduate later on as I develop my skills in basic photography.

Please suggest a good option. Any alternatives that I should consider?

I would suggest option 1.
It's a good camera for beginners. Plus it has got good second lens.
I got same camera with kit lens.

I would suggest that you buy the Nikon D3200 with 18-55 kit for around 29K, you may even get Rs.4k as cash back if you have SBI card:D. http://www.flipkart.com/nikon-d3200-...6-f964f4013409
That will cover most of the situations for starters at a much lower cost. You can later add lenses as you need them.

@//m, the 70-300 lens is not a good option to start learning photography. Go with a 18-55 lens if possible.

For learning it doesn't matter which brand you use. Please start shooting on manual mode, however, to really learn.

Based on my personal experience, I think you should better get a used Semi Pro DSLR such as D90 or the Pro such as D300s for the similar price.

Understand the fact that any DSLR let it be D3200 or D4, they all work on same basic principle and it is not like u will take less time to learn a D3200 and more time to learn a D4.. With higher end DSLR it is easier to make good pictures since u get advantages such as low noise at high ISO, better color production, accurate focus with more focus points, AF motor in body so u can use cheaper lenses for AF etc.

U get a D3200 now which u may overpower in 1 year and again you will be in used market to sell the camera. Better get a camera on day-1 itself which is high on tech and will not go old for next 3-4 years. Also understand that pro bodies are rugged.

I am saying this because I was in market in 2008 with similar thought what u have now and I bought a D40 then. The 3 points AF, unusable ISO beyond 400 and no AF motor use to test my nerves. After using the camera for 2 years I sold it off and straight away jumped to D300. Believe me it is nearly 3 years with this camera and still I am unable to convince myself for an upgrade. I wish I had taken this decision way back in 2008 so I could have got more pictures without missing a moment. I missed a lot of shots in D40.

If you are strict on budget then get a basic lens such as 50mm f/1.8 and a D300s, save up for better lenses later. With 50mm also you can make unbelievable photos when used with a D300s since the bokeh produced by D300s is different from the entry level DSLRs. Later you will understand your changing requirements and spend wisely on new lenses. 70-300 or 200mm or 20mm or 35mm or 105mm macro etc. will all depend after once you gain some experience and see your interest. You may rent out lens first before putting hard earned money into it.

Check jjmehta.com for used cameras. I think a decent D300s would not cost more than 40-45k. I bought all of my lenses from there and never repented.

EDIT: Also add to the fact that when I had the D40, after learning in and out about the camera I could not rent a high end lens for wildlife. The lender would simply not give me the lens as it was under-usage of lens. With my D300 I do not have to think twice and rent a lens since the camera is highly capable (its a pro body).

Don't buy some thing just because its available at a good deal. I would suggest, get the basic body with just 18-55. Learn with it, see where are you going and then chose on the lenses that you want to buy. Else you would end up with lenses, which you rarely use. I came across this nice video which echoes the thoughts well. Says more about upgrades, but it also applies to what you want to buy at start. The presenter talks about the approach to prime lens. But I wanted you to focus on the first section which I think connects to your thought process too.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gjhdL3ggjYU

Lenses will always out-cost the body. As you get more comfortable with the camera and its technique and know what kind of photography you will be doing, you can then invest in suitable lenses.

Samurai Sir,

I have a question. Other than the likes of jjmehta, what online/local bricks and mortar (local as in Bangalore) places that you used to sell your gears?. I see that you use RK photoguide, but assume that it is to buy new equipments. Any pointers for a friend, who has Olympus gears to sell?.

Thanks in advance.

What are the main pros if we go for a Full frame over APS-C?

It is time to change my D40 and while I have short-listed D7200, D300 and EOS-7D as my future upgrade, I am getting a very good deal on an almost brand new pre worshipped D800e from one of my close friends.

The only lens I have now other than the 18-55 Nikon kit lens is the Tamaron 70-300 but the lens unfortunately have got some fungus so I am looking for a DSLR body, a 24 MM prime and a 55-200 or 70-300 telephoto lens, all within a budget of 1.25 to 1.5L.

So, should I go for D800e or should I buy one from D7200, D300 and EOS-7D?

--Anoop

The main advantage of a full frame over an APSC is a better ISO performance thanks to a better sensor. See if really want to put in the cash to go FF way. In my opinion you may not require if you are a hobbyist photographer. However that is for you to decide; when you really a hit the limitation of an APSC body.

Oh, just saw this. I don't visit this thread that often since I have moved over to mirrorless. I sold only one lens via JJMehta, that was lucky considering there are very few 4/3 users in India. Then I took all my gear to US and listed it on Amazon.com site. It sold like hot cakes, and I was able to fully fund my OM-D + 3 lens purchase from that money.

Thanks. In my case, the money spend will be equal either way.

I am a hobbyist photographer, but I love shooting in low light situations.

So, if I am getting both full frame and APS-C at same price point, I gather it is good to go for Full frame?

--Anoop