[bikxsans660]

Originally Posted by robimahanta

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.

Robin,
550D is ageing, Time-lag (no technical defamation here), the competition is far ahead. It is the same sensor used in 600D, which in fact is not an exciting release. The 550D is a beautiful camera, no doubt, but people who want to frame their images from creative and unusual perspectives would like the 600D than the 550D. The 600D however can wirelessly control an external flashgun which the D5100 lacks.

I did see your photos sometime back in some thread, totally crystal. Wasn't that the 550D?

Originally Posted by thelightening

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

Why would you want to look in for more technical advises when you yourself have compared it well assuming you have done your homework somewhat.

You are confused here with the performance of the 550D and the value for money D5100. If you really want the technical capability from a camera, 550D is the right option. I guess most of us will agree on that.

D5100 is a camera which will do justice to your money. Period.

Originally Posted by amitk26

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.


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.

D5100 - Great High ISO performance (Tripod, hell ya), however, excellent noise performance with low ISO settings but if you shoot JPEG at ISO 12,000 and above there is a lot of luminance unless you shoot RAW and process the image carefully. No Autofocus motor (cheaper nikkor lenses, out of question). Similar sensor to the D7000 (Awesome). Can shoot 14-bit RAW and has an Intervalometer which is only found in the most expensive cameras (Intervalometer - Is a device which counts intervals of time to shoot every few seconds or minutes).

[amitk26]

Originally Posted by bikxsans660

Robin,
550D is ageing, Time-lag (no technical defamation here), the competition is far ahead. It is the same sensor used in 600D, which in fact is not an exciting release.

Well I see no reason to call a sensor which was released with camera on 10th Feb 2010 as aging specially when the competition being talked was released with flagship model in sept 2010.

Also if you notice DXO mark is heavily tilted in favor of nikons due to test methodology , Just for fun as per DXO mark Nikon APS-C sensor has less noise then Hassalblad medium format cams so it carries no meaning in real world.

Originally Posted by bikxsans660

D5100 - Great High ISO performance (Tripod, hell ya), however, excellent noise performance with low ISO settings but if you shoot JPEG at ISO 12,000 and above there is a lot of luminance unless you shoot RAW and process the image carefully. No Autofocus motor (cheaper nikkor lenses, out of question). Similar sensor to the D7000 (Awesome). Can shoot 14-bit RAW and has an Intervalometer which is only found in the most expensive cameras (Intervalometer - Is a device which counts intervals of time to shoot every few seconds or minutes).

Well I think there is no point in discussing this shoot some high ISO pictures with any modern cam and check the real world usage.

For me a DOF preview button and master mode flash is more important then how a cam behaves above ISO1600 .

However if shooting voyeur spy pics in dark is the main use-case I think higher then 6400 ISO is useful but in those cases a cheap Chinese pinhole IR cam will work better any-day.

Well I hope you have heard about Magic lantern and you can get intervelometer , highlight and lowlight indication and many more features with that on 500D/550D but that is moot point until you wish to use the camera mainly for time lapse videos.
For several other reasons a 30$ Chinese made timer remote from ebay sellers is much more useful which will work with any cam ( check posts on wired remote few pages back on this thread)

[dhanushs]

A DSLR simulator?

SLR Camera Simulator | Simulates a digital SLR camera - StumbleUpon

[bikxsans660]

Originally Posted by amitk26

Well I see no reason to call a sensor which was released with camera on 10th Feb 2010 as aging specially when the competition being talked was released with flagship model in sept 2010.

Also if you notice DXO mark is heavily tilted in favor of nikons due to test methodology , Just for fun as per DXO mark Nikon APS-C sensor has less noise then Hassalblad medium format cams so it carries no meaning in real world.

Well I think there is no point in discussing this shoot some high ISO pictures with any modern cam and check the real world usage.

For me a DOF preview button and master mode flash is more important then how a cam behaves above ISO1600 .

However if shooting voyeur spy pics in dark is the main use-case I think higher then 6400 ISO is useful but in those cases a cheap Chinese pinhole IR cam will work better any-day.

Well I hope you have heard about Magic lantern and you can get intervelometer , highlight and lowlight indication and many more features with that on 500D/550D but that is moot point until you wish to use the camera mainly for time lapse videos.
For several other reasons a 30$ Chinese made timer remote from ebay sellers is much more useful which will work with any cam ( check posts on wired remote few pages back on this thread)

That's really into some technical stuff.

But the point here what i'm making is for lehman understanding between the two. Its a personal choice whether a Rebel or a Nikon or a Sony. If someone is more in technical photography, he/she won't be asking a comparison question between the choice for cameras which are intermediate to semi-pro cameras.

[chaudhrysan]

Originally Posted by 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?

Hi:
Have you thought of using extension tubes for macro. Will be a lot cheaper than buying a dedicated macro lens, plus have the advantage that these can be used with any of your existing lenses to improve their macro capabilities. So you can experiment around a bit more, and if need be purchase a dedicated macro once you are sure of what focal length is best suited for your requirements/need.

[VW2010]

The best affordable macro lens i would recommend is the 90mm Tamron macro. This lens has fantastic ability and the design doesnt require any hood for this lens.

I love this lens.

[Gurudatta Nayak]

I have Panasonic FZ35 (f/2.8 (wide) / f/4.4 (tele) - f/8 ) which was purchased in Aug 2009 from USA. I am thinking of DSLR Nikon D5100/Canon 550d with 17-70mm(f/2.8-4.5) DC Sigma lens for low light photography.

My Usage is limited to Family Functions, Birthday Party's, Tour/Picnic and Some macros photography.

Is it worth replacing my Panasonic FZ35 with Nikon D5100/Canon 550d for above usage? Is Sigma 17-70mm sufficient for my usage?

[chaudhrysan]

Originally Posted by Gurudatta Nayak

My Usage is limited to Family Functions, Birthday Party's, Tour/Picnic and Some macros photography.

Hi Gurudatta:

For the kind of usage you have mentioned above, my personal preference would be advanced P&S like Canon S95 or G12, Pana LX5 or equivalent cameras from other manufacturers, or perhaps one of the EVIL cameras.

I hardly ever carry my D90 for family functions, parties etc (its too bulky, plus I would need to carry more than one lens). The Canon G11 that I have is more convenient for these.

[erohit]

Guys, need your suggestion. I own a Nikon D3100 with 18-55mm standard kit. I bought it 6 months back and still learning the camera. Most of the time I use the auto feature rather than using manual mode.
I am planning to learn more about my SLR this summer. I am planning to add a 50-200mm lens to my kit. I am getting Sigma 50-200mm f4-5.6 lens for GBP 99 (roughly INR 7000)
The deal looks tempting to me. Should I buy it? Or should I learn the SLR camera features first and then may be in future think of another lens? Please help

[sureshkishore]

Came across a chap who wants to sell his 4 year old Nikon D50+sigma 18-200mm Lens for 17.5k. For a DSLR aspirant is it a good buy. Just to get started.

[gd1418]

My quest for a bigger telephoto (Nikkor 200~400 f/4) seems to have failed due to prohibitive cost. I shifted my focus to the prime Nikkor 300 f/4 as at the moment it seems to be in my budget.

The current grey market rate for this lens is 62K and with bill 68K. With a TC-14E I should get a range of 630mm on my D300.

What do you guys say? Now don't even suggest me a non-Nikon option..

[R2D2]

Originally Posted by gd1418

My quest for a bigger telephoto (Nikkor 200~400 f/4) seems to have failed due to prohibitive cost. I shifted my focus to the prime Nikkor 300 f/4 as at the moment it seems to be in my budget.

The current grey market rate for this lens is 62K and with bill 68K. With a TC-14E I should get a range of 630mm on my D300.

What do you guys say? Now don't even suggest me a non-Nikon option..

My uncle uses the Nikon 300mm F/4 + the TC14 with his D90. I can tell you that the combo works very well for birding and wild life photography. This 300mm F4 is serious value for money. It has some very good reviews and should work very well with your D300 as well. That said, keep in mind it is scheduled for a replacement.

Talking about mega expensive glass, I've been lusting after the 300mm F/2.8 AFS VR II for a while. However an amateur like me would find it very difficult to justify buying a lens that costs as much as a small car. Buttttt there's always something called hope.

Cheers!

[shajufx]

Originally Posted by gd1418

My quest for a bigger telephoto (Nikkor 200~400 f/4) seems to have failed due to prohibitive cost........Now don't even suggest me a non-Nikon option..

GD saab, lets talk about facts, non-Nikon is not that bad as earlier ! I use a Sigma 70-200 f/2.8 for an year and have always compared images side by side with its Nikon lens. I could not spot any difference and no way compare the price part, because Sigma is priced less than half of a Nikon. Atleast 4 of my friends bought the same lens after testing mine on their cams while doing group walks etc. None of them are unhappy.

The lens I would request you to have a look is a beauty glass by Sigma, thats 120-300 f/2.8 here is the review link Sigma 120-300mm f/2.8 EX DG HSM Lens Review

If any day I consider birding or wildlife as of more interest, I would close my eyes and get this lens and will be happy with my Sigma 2X converter, that is 240-600mm at 5.6. On your D300 it should be 360-900mm. I dont think any other brand has a similar zoom range in a fixed 2.8 aperture. Correct me if I am wrong ! And I am sure you are aware how difficult it is to spot a tiny bird through a fixed lens like 300mm or 500mm, unless you carry your bino always with you.

In case you want to try a higher zoom 2.8 lens, please check the 200-500 f/2.8 from Sigma priced ONLY 15 lks 200-500mm F2.8 APO EX DG - Telephoto Zoom Lenses - SigmaPhoto.com

[Speed Pujari]

Originally Posted by gd1418

My quest for a bigger telephoto (Nikkor 200~400 f/4) seems to have failed due to prohibitive cost. I shifted my focus to the prime Nikkor 300 f/4 as at the moment it seems to be in my budget.

The current grey market rate for this lens is 62K and with bill 68K. With a TC-14E I should get a range of 630mm on my D300.

What do you guys say? Now don't even suggest me a non-Nikon option..

I would say a no to this option. The 300mm f/4 is sluggish and with a TC it will be even more sluggish. I have tried that lens once on my D300, and felt that the same may not work in field with fast moving birds viz. kingfisher.

I would rather suggest you to rent the 200-400 f/4 or the 300 mm f/2.8 rather than spending moolah on a non-excellent stuff.
I have no idea how much outdoor you do, but if it is like once or twice in a year then it makes sense to rent them. That is one option I too have selected.

I would spend the rest of money in getting an off-roader.

Originally Posted by R2D2

.
Talking about mega expensive glass, I've been lusting after the 300mm F/2.8 AFS VR II for a while. However an amateur like me would find it very difficult to justify buying a lens that costs as much as a small car. Buttttt there's always something called hope.
Cheers!

Both of us are on same boat my friend. I have once used the canon version of 300mm f/2.8 on a 1D. All I can say 'balaaki', there is apparently no match for the lens. Even adultrate it with a 2x TC still it will keep you happy.

EDIT- Shaju, I have never had a good experience with third parties. I had a much hyped tamron 90mm macro, and I must say that it was like waste of money. After trying the Nikon 105mm macro I knew the difference. With Tamron if you keep the sluggish focussing apart, the image quality was equal to the Nikon counterpart only at certain f stops. Nikon 105mm OTOH gives consistenct result across the aperture range. Since then I have said a big NO to aftermarkets. It is highly personal opinion though.

[R2D2]

Originally Posted by Speed Pujari

Both of us are on same boat my friend. I have once used the canon version of 300mm f/2.8 on a 1D. All I can say 'balaaki', there is apparently no match for the lens. Even adultrate it with a 2x TC still it will keep you happy.

EDIT- Shaju, I have never had a good experience with third parties. I had a much hyped tamron 90mm macro, and I must say that it was like waste of money. After trying the Nikon 105mm macro I knew the difference. With Tamron if you keep the sluggish focussing apart, the image quality was equal to the Nikon counterpart only at certain f stops. Nikon 105mm OTOH gives consistenct result across the aperture range. Since then I have said a big NO to aftermarkets. It is highly personal opinion though.

My dealer actually had the cheek to ask me if I wanted to buy the 600mm F4. And I was ROTFL! That's when I proposed that IF, and a very big IF, I need a 600mm lens I'd rather go in for the 300mm F/2.8 and a TC20-III to make a 600mm F5.6 a stop slower than the 600mm F4 at about half the price and hell of a lot more portable.

I bought an ordinary Tamron 70-300 (IIRC) AF lens a decade ago due to budgetary constraints. It had acceptable image quality on my F5 and F100 film SLRs including some pretty good contrast and colour. Never used Sigma though, but I always believed you get what you pay for.

The awakening - I realised I was buying pro or semi pro level bodies and going in for budget glass. A classic mistake nearly all amateurs make. Here I hasten to add that not all budget glass is bad, Nikon has produced some gems 2 of which I had in my collection over the years.

It was sold off and I began to save up for some serious lenses and a full frame DSLR (no DX for me as I had film bodies too). Then, after also selling off my mid level Nikkors, the dream fructified in the past 6-12 months. A DSLR and lenses is a huge outlay (gulp!) and its an even bigger task to convince your spouse.

Cheers!