[kartikk]

Need some info, I'm looking for a good flash 430ex II or 320exII, I mainly shoot indoors some macro and maybe outdoors as a fill-in. On the net its very confusing though most articles suggest 430ex II and 320ex II seems discontinued in some markets. In Bangalore where can I find a good place to explore dont want to get into shops that keep pushing you to buy stuff.

[cool_dube]

Originally Posted by sushantr5

With my requirements I think following combination will go with me

If you are not too hung up on the additional features of a D5100, I'd recommend a D3100 - you can go in for a Nikkor 55-300 with the 8K that you save. I have been using this combo for 6 months now and am quite satisfied.

[DieselFan]

Originally Posted by cool_dube

If you are not too hung up on the additional features of a D5100, I'd recommend a D3100 - you can go in for a Nikkor 55-300 with the 8K that you save. I have been using this combo for 6 months now and am quite satisfied.

Hi Cool,

Can you give details on where we can buy Nikkor 55-300 at 8 K.

Thanks,
DF

[cool_dube]

Originally Posted by DieselFan

Can you give details on where we can buy Nikkor 55-300 at 8 K.

Sorry if I did not articulate myself well enough. What I meant was that the saved 8K (by buying a D3100 over a D5100) can be invested in getting a Nikkor 55-300 as opposed to a Nikkor 18-105. Hope I am clear now

[thelightening]

Planning to get a D5100 from a new 550D. Not sure whether it can be named "upgrade" or "degreade" but got impressed when hold in hand. Looking forward for expert advice on the pros and cons of D5100 over 550D.

[Fordmanchau]

Originally Posted by thelightening

Planning to get a D5100 from a new 550D. Not sure whether it can be named "upgrade" or "degreade" but got impressed when hold in hand. Looking forward for expert advice on the pros and cons of D5100 over 550D.

I have seen your 550D ad in the classifieds but even I am torn between D5100 and 550D.
the price is tempting but my purchase has to wait till next month end.

[bikxsans660]

550D has an ageing sensor now, so consider buying the 600D (similar sensor as to 550D) would a better option if video shooting is also your motto.

D5100 on the other hand, is a junior version of the non full frame performance king - D7000.
It does all the similar jobs of the 600D (exception for the video thing), is priced 11ks lesser than the rival 600D, and better reviews for handling and performance.

Your pick.
Cheers.

[robimahanta]

Originally Posted by bikxsans660

550D has an ageing sensor now, so consider buying the 600D (similar sensor as to 550D) would a better option if video shooting is also your motto.

D5100 on the other hand, is a junior version of the non full frame performance king - D7000.
It does all the similar jobs of the 600D (exception for the video thing), is priced 11ks lesser than the rival 600D, and better reviews for handling and performance.

Your pick.
Cheers.

Why do you feel the 550D has an ageing sensor. I thought 550D uses a new sensor that's similar, but not exactly the same as the one featured in the 7D..18MP APS-C Cmos?
Supposedly, the EOS 550D's sensor has what are effectively gapless micro lenses, which significantly increases the efficiency of each pixel.

But yes Nikon D5100, is a much better camera compared to 550D. Better noise performance, better video focus,flip-out screen etc. Only thing against it is maybe the built-in focus motor issue that amateur Nikon DSLR's have.

[Fordmanchau]

Originally Posted by robimahanta

Only thing against it is maybe the built-in focus motor issue that amateur Nikon DSLR's have.

And this absence of auto focus motor bumps up the price of the lenses considerably.
And this is where 550D scores!! Cheaper lens and lots of choices.

[meonbhp]

I am a beginner. I have D3100. Lenses I have currently are: Kit lens, 55-300 telephoto, 35 mm f1.8G normal prime lens. I love this 35 mm. Its cheap, takes sharp pics even in dim light and it has really improved my photographic skills (I think zoom lenses make you lazy). But its minimum focusing distance is appx. 1 foot. So it doesn't have great macro capabilities.

So I need a macro lens. Working distance doesn't really matter (though it shouldn't be too short) What are Nikon and non-Nikon options for me?

[thelightening]

Originally Posted by bikxsans660

550D has an ageing sensor now, so consider buying the 600D (similar sensor as to 550D) would a better option if video shooting is also your motto.

D5100 on the other hand, is a junior version of the non full frame performance king - D7000.
It does all the similar jobs of the 600D (exception for the video thing), is priced 11ks lesser than the rival 600D, and better reviews for handling and performance.

Your pick.
Cheers.

550D and 600D are almost same except some new features and swivel screen. For that its around 11k more priced. We should think , do we need those new features which are there in 600d but not in 550d first? second is those features are worth 11000Rs for us ?

At the same time, when you compare D5100 and 550D, 550d will score more over due to some highly technical photographic terms, which was not easy for me to digest.

The attraction for D5100 is some effects, swivel screen , high ISO expansion and autofocus (countinous) during video shoot. Autofocus during video-shoot is there on 550d also, but not continuous. But on the other hand the lens (AF-S) are costly, Ex. Nikor 50mm F1.8G when compared to Canon 50mm F1.8.

Higher ISO need tripods, else there are chances to shake. So these is from the pages of my heart from my experience as a novice photographer.

I am looking for more technical advice from field experts

Originally Posted by Fordmanchau

I have seen your 550D ad in the classifieds but even I am torn between D5100 and 550D.
the price is tempting but my purchase has to wait till next month end.

Thanks for visiting the classifieds section. The difference in new D5100 pricing from what I have in add, which will be around 6.8k. I am waiting for bit more technical advices from our forum experts on the difference.

[amitk26]

Originally Posted by bikxsans660

550D has an ageing sensor now, so consider buying the 600D (similar sensor as to 550D) would a better option if video shooting is also your motto.

550D sensor is exacrtly same as 600D and 7D , The diff in 550D and 600D is flipout LCD , Master mode on-camera flash and Basic+ mode.
If you are in to strobing and studio work I think 600D is worth 11K more due to master mode flash becuase you can buy cheaper E-TTL2 slaves like yongnuo-468 and have a full wireless ETTL setup at low cost.
With 550D you need to buy Canon 580EX flash for wireless master or be happy with non ETTL off camera flash.
If flip-out LCD screen and off camera TTL flash ( using master-mode on camera flash) are not important then 550D is good choice.

Originally Posted by bikxsans660

D5100 on the other hand, is a junior version of the non full frame performance king - D7000.
It does all the similar jobs of the 600D (exception for the video thing), is priced 11ks lesser than the rival 600D, and better reviews for handling and performance.

Your pick.
Cheers.

D5100 does not have a focus motor so you can not use cheaper Nikon lenses.
It does not have master ( commander in Nikon terms) flash like D90 and also AFAIK the DOF preview button is not there which is a serious hindrance for many cases specially if you are in to macros.

I would advise not to buy this crippled Nikon and go for lesser megapixel but better in every aspect D90 if it is still available or Canon 600D / 550D.

That sensor Noise thing on DXO mark is mostly academic , Show me one night image where you can recognize by looking at image if it is Canon or Nikon or Sony.

[typeOnegative]

Originally Posted by meonbhp

I am a beginner. .... So I need a macro lens. Working distance doesn't really matter (though it shouldn't be too short) What are Nikon and non-Nikon options for me?

Same state as I am. For me I am currently evaluating the following options:

1. Tamron SP 272E Di 90mm Macro
2. Nikon 60mm f/2.8 Micro - This is for full frame cameras

Both are in a price range of 20-26,000. The Nikon is obviously costlier. There is an AF-S VR version also available which is in the 30K range. I might be going for the Nikon lens mentioned earlier. Providing of course that I can find it.

[designersf]

Just tried my hand at taking HD videos. I took some at 25fps. Which is the best 24, 25 or 30? My Laptop is struggling to play a 25fps video. Any suggestions?

4gb ram and 256mb graphics card. Played the video using Windows Media Player.

[W.A.G.7]

I had posted this question some time back, but I think it got lost somewhere...

Is there any place in Pune where I can rent a lens for a few days? Actually I want to buy the Nikkor 10-24 wide angle zoom lens for my D5000, but I don't know any shop that will let me try it out before I buy it.

OT: Is there any BHP'ian in Pune, who owns a Nikon DSLR + the 10-24 lens; and is willing to lend me the lens for a day or two?