[k_ajay]

Originally Posted by govigov

thats a lovely cam that you bought ajay! congratulations.

out of curiosity, what were the strong points that made you feel the 550D was worth the 20k extra?

Thank you, Govigov.. I didn't compare the 550D to any of the earlier models of the EOS series, so not sure about the 20K difference you're mentioning [I'm guessing by the 20K difference you've mentioned, that you're comparing it to the 1000D].

I was charmed by the 350D my uncle had got few years ago. Since then, I'd kept an eye on the EOS launches that kept happening in the enthusiasts/serious amateur range. When I was ready to buy, I had a budget of about the price of 550D and it fit well into it. I read reviews of the 550D [only] and checked with some knowledgeable folks here that it's a good cam, and the verdict is there between the last few pages. Brilliant fullHD recording [when I need it], 18mpx sensor [from 7D], the advanced metering system borrowed from the 7D, higher ISO capacity with better noise reduction capability, etc made me feel the purchase was worthy.

Now it's only up to my capability to justify the expense to myself.. Which I will, in the course of time.

[sbraj]

Originally Posted by rajb3125

My point was, Nikon is cheap sensor in an expensive camera while Canon is expensive sensor in a cheap camera. Not sure if point will be conveyed, but this is how it was explained to me.

You mean D90's sensor is cheap compared to, let us say, 550D? What exactly does cheap mean? Inferior in terms of image quality? Pardon my ignorance, am a newbie to the world of DSLRs. (I do not intend to start a war here).

I had almost finalized on 550D but now considering D90 (or its upgrade) as well due to the ergonomics factor.

[shajufx]

Hi Raj, all said and done, your priority, budget, requirement and the availability matters when it comes to a final choice. D90 is not behind any other models from its rivals when it comes to image quality. Many reviews have expressed their doubt if its the same sensor of D300 itself, although Nikon is silent about it. But the image quality speaks for itself.

New upgrade of D90, whatever it will be named as, and whenever its going to be launched is going to be higher priced for sure as it might have a 30+ focus points and lot of video capabilities upgraded. Waiting for upgrades, one will never buy a DSLR. As long as one is happy with the image quality and features, there is no tomorrow required.

If I have commented anything negative about D90, its only the HD video part, not the image part at all. I am also looking for a semi-pro category, something in the D300s line. It doesnt mean D90 is not capable of producing the equal image quality. It does, very well. Now the ergonomics part, many people comment Nikon feels better, so thats a personal choice, based on your hand/finger size. People who have chosen a particular brand without cross checking or physically feeling the other brands will have no clue what they have missed. Thats a fact. I had checked both Canon and Nikon in my budget, Nikon felt very comfortable to my hands, so I picked up the same.

Canon Vs Nikon war is never-ending, dont bother much about that.

[sj_koova]

Originally Posted by rajb3125

My point was, Nikon is cheap sensor in an expensive camera while Canon is expensive sensor in a cheap camera. Not sure if point will be conveyed, but this is how it was explained to me.

Not sure how true this is.
If you are comparing 550D vs D90, both uses CMOS sensor, however 550D uses a smaller sensor (3.32cm2) compared to D90 (3.37cm2).
Canon is just fitting more pixel in a smaller sensor, which I think is useless.

I have no reasons to belive Nikon uses a cheaper sensor.

There is a famous saying about Canon Vs Nikon. "Canon is made by engineers and Nikon is made by photographers"

Now you decide which side you want to be

[akbaree]

Originally Posted by mohit

I got a D5000 couple of weeks back. Haven't played much with it but yeah the reasoning was that it has the advanced features alongside the simplified ones (read ones that her highness can use ). Seemed like a good enough compromise.

IMHO, it was a smart choice. D5000 has the same sensor as D90 and overall is a better camera. Perception, marketing, positioning, pricing - apart.

[akbaree]

Originally Posted by sj_koova

Canon is just fitting more pixel in a smaller sensor, which I think is useless.

This is an interesting issue. But I am not sure if what you are saying is entirely true. As far as the sensor can deliver same or more dynamic range at higher megapixel, it is a good proposition.

Gurus can throw more light.

[rajb3125]

Cramming pixels on a small sensor might be considered wrong from noise perspective. But then comes long term effect on dynamic range and noise compensation. Canon believes so and put 18mp on 1.6x crop sensor.

I again fear, my point might not be conveyed.

[akaushik]

Sorry for sounding weird but what is the difference between IS and Non IS lenses ,I am planning a sigma 77-300 which is non IS will it be good.

tsk pls help ;-) finally based on all comments and views I have finalized 1000D with few lenses to start with I will be having kit lens + two options 1) 55-250 canon with IS 2) 77-300 Sigma. I will be going to leh and interested in scenery and portraits.

[amitk26]

Originally Posted by akaushik

Sorry for sounding weird but what is the difference between IS and Non IS lenses ,I am planning a sigma 77-300 which is non IS will it be good.

tsk pls help ;-) finally based on all comments and views I have finalized 1000D with few lenses to start with I will be having kit lens + two options 1) 55-250 canon with IS 2) 77-300 Sigma. I will be going to leh and interested in scenery and portraits.

IS is image stabilization also known as OS ( optical Stabilization) by Sigma

The Sigma 70-300 there are two versions 70-300 APO DG and the older cheaper 70-300 DG

APO is a coating to avoid chromatic aberration also there are some differences in lens construction in APO and non APO version.

The 70-300 APO DG is a decent lens and retail price in India is around 11.5K. This lens has a macro switch so that you can use it in Macro mode between 200 - 300 mm focal length.

70-300 non-APO is around 8K if you are going for Sigma go only for APO DG.

Now choosing between IS/OS and non-IS OS it is all about money, If you learn the technique of choosing right shutter speed and holding your breath to keep hands steady you can very well shoot without IS/OS holding in hands.

[tsk1979]

55-250 will be better if you are thinking about birding
75-300 from sigma no stabilized has F5.6 at telephoto as its max aperture.
So early morning and evening(when birds come out) you will have to go to ISO1600 or ISO800 to get a decent shot.
Moreover, you will actually use F8-F9 for sharpness(lens sweet spot) which will mean use of tripod will become a necessity.
With 55-250 from canon you do lose 50mm, but stabilization will give you a 3 stop advantage, and this lens is good at 5.6. So you can shoot at 1/250 shutter speeds at ISO 200/400 and get nice shots.

[akaushik]

Originally Posted by tsk1979

55-250 will be better if you are thinking about birding
75-300 from sigma no stabilized has F5.6 at telephoto as its max aperture.
So early morning and evening(when birds come out) you will have to go to ISO1600 or ISO800 to get a decent shot.
Moreover, you will actually use F8-F9 for sharpness(lens sweet spot) which will mean use of tripod will become a necessity.
With 55-250 from canon you do lose 50mm, but stabilization will give you a 3 stop advantage, and this lens is good at 5.6. So you can shoot at 1/250 shutter speeds at ISO 200/400 and get nice shots.

Thanks amit , tsk for your inputs...

which is this lens and is 55-250 good lens for landscapes and portraits. options like tamaron or any other make. is canon 55-250 good for landscapes and portraits.

Another question what is nifty fifty lens from canon ?

and which is this lens attached in the picture ?

Thanks in advance.

[amitk26]

Originally Posted by akaushik

Thanks amit , tsk for your inputs...

which is this lens and is 55-250 good lens for landscapes and portraits. options like tamaron or any other make. is canon 55-250 good for landscapes and portraits.

For landscape you need wider angle so using your Kit lens at 18mm is best untill you plan to buy a dedicated UWA lens ( around 20K+ Rs)

You do some research on the telephoto lens , Sigma is good IMHO but then with 55-250 IS you get image stabilization at the cost of 50 mm of focal length.
Image stabilization makes life easy at longer end.

I would suggest that you shoot for few days with your kit lens and meanwhile do more research and choose your preferences

Originally Posted by akaushik

Another question what is nifty fifty lens from canon ?

It is Canon 50mm 1.8 Prime lens , This is the cheapest prime and good as a walk around lens specially in low light and for creating Bokeh

Originally Posted by akaushik

and which is this lens attached in the picture ?

Thanks in advance.

The lens is Sigma 70-300 APO DG fully extended with a Lens hood attached.

[akaushik]

thanks one again Amit for such a wonderful explanation..

So I will go with the kit lens and then decide what to opt for , just one word about 1000D is it good for starting , although I have budget to go for 550D but want to learn step by step and assuming investment on lens will be wiser then on body.

C&C are welcome.

Thanks,
AK

[phamilyman]

I find some of the posts here very funny - people obsess so much on sensor this that etc. When no one can look at an image and tell which cam shot it

30 Photos That Changed the World | Photography Schools Online

Honestly, so many of those photos are not about technology - neither would some highly rated ones on flickr. yet we ruminate so much. buy what fits the budget or what feels good to hold. paralysis analysis led nowhere - and in the end its still a heart decision

[smokie]

Canon 1000D is a brilliant camera and more than enough for your needs. The kit lens is non IS. IS is a brilliant feature to have, but I don't quite believe that it gives us 3 more stops.

You kit lens is more than sufficient for now. Get familiar with the camera and all it's features. That means getting comfortable in all the manual modes.

3 years down the line, you can opt for a better body, but your lens collection will remain as it is, and can be used till they break.

Last I checked, Canon 1000D was retailing for Rs. 23k with lens and Rs. 20k without the lens. Official figures.