The DSLR Thread

Samurai · 8th July 2009, 12:01

Nishad, dSLR ownership is something like Jeep ownership. Both are money pits. All your initial budget planning gets tossed out of the window as you get sucked into the vortex of building your camera or jeep. At least with your camera you are dealing with new/newer parts. Having some spare cash is dangerous, it will get sucked.

Looking at the list, it is clear that it was bought as a dealer package. There are many such dealer packages available tha mislead a novice buyer into thinking he/she is got a great deal of value. However, half the items are useless trinkets that will degrade the quality of your shots. If you are buying a combo, stick to manufacturer combos, which usually include just kit lenses.

Also, never buy an item you don't understand. Just like a Jeep, it is better to build your camera one piece at a time. I upgraded the Jeep alloys after 8 months, tyres after 13 months, etc. Same goes with the camera, start with just body and one lens and then learn your camera system and explore your photography interests. You'll soon know what is the next lens you want. In other words, don't buy junk.

harjeev · 8th July 2009, 13:26

Hey guys
I saw an avertisement for a Canon 450D (couple of months old, with bill and warranty) and a kit lens offered for 30k. This is the asking price and the guy mughyt/ might not knock off a few K's from the prices
Is it worth buying this or will it be a better option by spending a little more and going in for a 500D and then build ones camera as samurai has said!!!

I am currently using a 10 month old prosumer camera Canon S5!!!

tsk1979 · 8th July 2009, 14:09

Unless you require video, 450D is a very capable camera and will serve your needs.
Money saved can be used for a better lens.
but make sure camera is not damaged.

d_payne · 8th July 2009, 15:40

^^harjeev: Do you really need the SLR right now? Have you reached the limit of your S5 yet? Those are the questions you need to answer. I used my Sony H2 for 3 years before finally plonking for an SLR in 2008. By that time, I had reached the very limits of photography with the H2 - lowlight shots, wide-angles, fast shutter speeds, shallow-dof, everything.

Since it is 2009 and every dSLR to be launched this year and afterwards will have video, I would suggest saving up and buying a 500D later. The 500D also gives a far far better screen than the 450D, I've use one on a daily basis (flatmate owns one) and the screen is gorgeous.

BUT, if video's of no use to you + you're ready to invest in lenses to make up for the loss in range from the S5 then I'd suggest you go for the 450D. Its a good price (~28k) and would deliver stunning quality.

That's my advice.

@Samurai, I couldn't agree more. Money lying around DOES get invested in lenses unless invested in financial instruments! Photography is one of the most involving and money-sucking hobbies out there (right behind cars!).

maven · 8th July 2009, 19:06

does anyone else also find the 18-55 not great when really stopped down, say f/16 and on?

I am literally confounded why the 10-22 isnt an EF (and an L). I havent bought this purely for this lense being an EF-S.

Is there a competing non prime that canon makes on the wide angle side that merits the 10-22 being a "non L"? i would go for that competing lense.
Alternatively, would appreciate any non canon wide angle lenses that will run on a canon system.

StarScream · 8th July 2009, 20:44

Quote:

Originally Posted by pramodkumar

There is a Nikon D 70 FS for sale near my place, The guy is a photographer, he has taken a lot of marriage pics with it, is about 3 years old, has a kit lens and has an extra 300(not very sure) lens that comes along. The cosmetic condition is not that bad, and takes good pics as well, is it a good buy considering the fetures and age.

How much should i quote? And the max amount i should pay for this one, in case i decide to go for it.

For the D70s with the 18-70 kit lens about 13-15k depending on condition. Can't comment on the other lens since we don't know what it is.

reignofchaos · 8th July 2009, 21:42

@maven: Any lens will start suffering from diffraction problems at extremely small apertures. I never actually go below f/14 or so for this very reason.

nishad.hameed · 8th July 2009, 23:27

Quote:

Originally Posted by Samurai

Nishad, dSLR ownership is something like Jeep ownership. Both are money pits. All your initial budget planning gets tossed out of the window as you get sucked into the vortex of building your camera or jeep. At least with your camera you are dealing with new/newer parts. Having some spare cash is dangerous, it will get sucked.

Looking at the list, it is clear that it was bought as a dealer package. There are many such dealer packages available tha mislead a novice buyer into thinking he/she is got a great deal of value. However, half the items are useless trinkets that will degrade the quality of your shots. If you are buying a combo, stick to manufacturer combos, which usually include just kit lenses.

Also, never buy an item you don't understand. Just like a Jeep, it is better to build your camera one piece at a time. I upgraded the Jeep alloys after 8 months, tyres after 13 months, etc. Same goes with the camera, start with just body and one lens and then learn your camera system and explore your photography interests. You'll soon know what is the next lens you want. In other words, don't buy junk.

this really helps! i would start with a basic body and kit. Let's see the future requirements!! thanks to all experts.

also recommend a good one to start with, i left my FM2 6 years back!!

maven · 9th July 2009, 13:32

@Reign - hmm, i went through some of my photos again and when i go beyond the low double digit f's images start getting dull. may be its the lense (18-55mm is not a great lense anyways)

Any suggestions from the group on a better wide angle.

How is the EF 17- 40 L USM. the only downside is that it isnt IS. non IS is a huge downside.

naveenroy · 10th July 2009, 21:11

Ok, I have been dabbling with photography from the film-point-and-shoot camera days and had a Canon Powershot A540 and now own a Canon EOS 1000D now. I am looking for some good lenses for this camera. How are the Sigma lenses? How costly, availability in Bangalore if possible and good places to buy them from?

Guna · 10th July 2009, 21:20

Optically speaking, I feel they are almost as good as Canon or at least the difference in quality is not so much vissible. They tend to be little bulky. But cost-wise they must be at least 20-30% cheaper then Canon.
There is one Jayesh Mehta in Balepeth. I dont remember the name of the shop.

gd1418 · 11th July 2009, 11:51

Unless equipped with HSM, Sigma's focussing is slow.

black12rr · 12th July 2009, 22:08

One basic question ? , Is BODY or LENS important in first buy .

1.Get a good body like D90 (is this good) and get a basic all round lens now and add a lens later .

2.OR get a basic body like 450D and get a good lens along with it ?

PS :how much are nikon D90 prices in grey and white market?

Sks_Biker · 12th July 2009, 22:33

Hey nfs nfs nfs nfs! Don't buy a big kit at once. Get a decent body and get one (or two if budget permits) good lens with it. It won't be like your pana in terms of reach. But you will learn things and start to appreciate its strengths.

finneyp · 12th July 2009, 22:34

Black12rr, I would go with option 1.

Yes, D90 is a fantastic camera!
In India, it costs between 68 - 72K in white, not sure about grey prices.

8th July 2009, 12:01	#1246
Samurai Team-BHP Support Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: Bangalore/Udupi Posts: 26,002 Thanked: 49,717 Times View My Garage	Nishad, dSLR ownership is something like Jeep ownership. Both are money pits. All your initial budget planning gets tossed out of the window as you get sucked into the vortex of building your camera or jeep. At least with your camera you are dealing with new/newer parts. Having some spare cash is dangerous, it will get sucked. Looking at the list, it is clear that it was bought as a dealer package. There are many such dealer packages available tha mislead a novice buyer into thinking he/she is got a great deal of value. However, half the items are useless trinkets that will degrade the quality of your shots. If you are buying a combo, stick to manufacturer combos, which usually include just kit lenses. Also, never buy an item you don't understand. Just like a Jeep, it is better to build your camera one piece at a time. I upgraded the Jeep alloys after 8 months, tyres after 13 months, etc. Same goes with the camera, start with just body and one lens and then learn your camera system and explore your photography interests. You'll soon know what is the next lens you want. In other words, don't buy junk.
	() Thanks

8th July 2009, 13:26	#1247
harjeev Senior - BHPian Join Date: May 2006 Location: New Delhi Posts: 1,900 Thanked: 296 Times View My Garage	Hey guys I saw an avertisement for a Canon 450D (couple of months old, with bill and warranty) and a kit lens offered for 30k. This is the asking price and the guy mughyt/ might not knock off a few K's from the prices Is it worth buying this or will it be a better option by spending a little more and going in for a 500D and then build ones camera as samurai has said!!! I am currently using a 10 month old prosumer camera Canon S5!!!
	() Thanks

8th July 2009, 14:09	#1248
tsk1979 Team-BHP Support Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: San Jose, CA Posts: 23,695 Thanked: 23,484 Times View My Garage	Unless you require video, 450D is a very capable camera and will serve your needs. Money saved can be used for a better lens. but make sure camera is not damaged.
	() Thanks

8th July 2009, 15:40	#1249
d_payne BHPian Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: Mumbai Posts: 195 Thanked: 242 Times	^^harjeev: Do you really need the SLR right now? Have you reached the limit of your S5 yet? Those are the questions you need to answer. I used my Sony H2 for 3 years before finally plonking for an SLR in 2008. By that time, I had reached the very limits of photography with the H2 - lowlight shots, wide-angles, fast shutter speeds, shallow-dof, everything. Since it is 2009 and every dSLR to be launched this year and afterwards will have video, I would suggest saving up and buying a 500D later. The 500D also gives a far far better screen than the 450D, I've use one on a daily basis (flatmate owns one) and the screen is gorgeous. BUT, if video's of no use to you + you're ready to invest in lenses to make up for the loss in range from the S5 then I'd suggest you go for the 450D. Its a good price (~28k) and would deliver stunning quality. That's my advice. @Samurai, I couldn't agree more. Money lying around DOES get invested in lenses unless invested in financial instruments! Photography is one of the most involving and money-sucking hobbies out there (right behind cars!).
	() Thanks

8th July 2009, 19:06	#1250
maven BHPian Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: Noida Posts: 264 Thanked: 156 Times	does anyone else also find the 18-55 not great when really stopped down, say f/16 and on? I am literally confounded why the 10-22 isnt an EF (and an L). I havent bought this purely for this lense being an EF-S. Is there a competing non prime that canon makes on the wide angle side that merits the 10-22 being a "non L"? i would go for that competing lense. Alternatively, would appreciate any non canon wide angle lenses that will run on a canon system.
	() Thanks

8th July 2009, 21:42	#1252
reignofchaos Senior - BHPian Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: Bangalore Posts: 2,558 Thanked: 2,527 Times View My Garage	@maven: Any lens will start suffering from diffraction problems at extremely small apertures. I never actually go below f/14 or so for this very reason.
	() Thanks

9th July 2009, 13:32	#1254
maven BHPian Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: Noida Posts: 264 Thanked: 156 Times	@Reign - hmm, i went through some of my photos again and when i go beyond the low double digit f's images start getting dull. may be its the lense (18-55mm is not a great lense anyways) Any suggestions from the group on a better wide angle. How is the EF 17- 40 L USM. the only downside is that it isnt IS. non IS is a huge downside.
	() Thanks

10th July 2009, 21:11	#1255
naveenroy Senior - BHPian Join Date: May 2009 Location: Atlanta, GA Posts: 1,518 Thanked: 1,318 Times	Sigma lenses for Canon Ok, I have been dabbling with photography from the film-point-and-shoot camera days and had a Canon Powershot A540 and now own a Canon EOS 1000D now. I am looking for some good lenses for this camera. How are the Sigma lenses? How costly, availability in Bangalore if possible and good places to buy them from?
	() Thanks

10th July 2009, 21:20	#1256
Guna Senior - BHPian Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: Bangalore Posts: 4,186 Thanked: 4,624 Times	Optically speaking, I feel they are almost as good as Canon or at least the difference in quality is not so much vissible. They tend to be little bulky. But cost-wise they must be at least 20-30% cheaper then Canon. There is one Jayesh Mehta in Balepeth. I dont remember the name of the shop.
	() Thanks

11th July 2009, 11:51	#1257
gd1418 Senior - BHPian Join Date: May 2006 Location: Gurgaon Posts: 3,577 Thanked: 729 Times View My Garage	Unless equipped with HSM, Sigma's focussing is slow.
	() Thanks

12th July 2009, 22:08	#1258
black12rr Senior - BHPian Join Date: Dec 2005 Location: Ridin earth now Posts: 1,280 Thanked: 349 Times	One basic question ? , Is BODY or LENS important in first buy . 1.Get a good body like D90 (is this good) and get a basic all round lens now and add a lens later . 2.OR get a basic body like 450D and get a good lens along with it ? PS :how much are nikon D90 prices in grey and white market?
	() Thanks

12th July 2009, 22:33	#1259
Sks_Biker BHPian Join Date: Feb 2004 Location: Bangalore, India Posts: 112 Thanked: 48 Times	Hey nfs nfs nfs nfs! Don't buy a big kit at once. Get a decent body and get one (or two if budget permits) good lens with it. It won't be like your pana in terms of reach. But you will learn things and start to appreciate its strengths.
	() Thanks

12th July 2009, 22:34	#1260
finneyp Senior - BHPian Join Date: Dec 2005 Location: Bangalore Posts: 2,762 Thanked: 400 Times View My Garage	Black12rr, I would go with option 1. Yes, D90 is a fantastic camera! In India, it costs between 68 - 72K in white, not sure about grey prices.
	() Thanks