The Digital Camera Thread: Questions, discussions, etc.

F50 · 11th July 2008, 14:09

Quote:

Originally Posted by F50

Which is the better P&S camera? Cannon PS A590 IS vs A720 IS?

Anyone for a quick advice? Im buying it today.

tsk1979 · 11th July 2008, 14:15

Both are good cams, its upto you to decide whats more important.
Both have the same sensor and same IQ.
But 720 has more zoom. Will you use more zoom? If yes you know what to choose
The 720 also has better macro(1cm min)
But it costs 50$ more.
So its entirely upto you

musicmanaman · 11th July 2008, 14:18

Can anyone suggest some good rechargable battries, I have been having problems with the set I have, they don't last more than 15-20 snaps each time I charge them, and this has been the case from the begining, I don't know if it's the camera it self of the set of battries I use, the camera by the way is Canon 570 IS.

tsk1979 · 11th July 2008, 14:35

Buy some brand like Camelion/Eveready/Duracell instead of Panasonic etc., as most of those in our market are fakes.
Go for 2200-2500mAh NiMh batteries

F50 · 11th July 2008, 16:38

Quote:

Originally Posted by tsk1979

Both are good cams, its upto you to decide whats more important.
Both have the same sensor and same IQ.
But 720 has more zoom. Will you use more zoom? If yes you know what to choose
The 720 also has better macro(1cm min)
But it costs 50$ more.
So its entirely upto you

Thanks Tanveer!! Bought the 720!

navin · 11th July 2008, 18:14

Quote:

Originally Posted by jaibir

p.s. lets see how long this one lasts before I start hankering for a full frame .....

bodies come and go fast you're going to soon need a NAS specialist.

given2fly · 11th July 2008, 22:00

Finally added a 70-200 F4, the one i had been contemplating for some time but was unable to buy due to some other emergencies. Took some pictures of my friend in his balcony and whoa, background blurring, brightness and crispness of the lens blew my mind. This one is gonna stay in my arsenal for long. I am a confirmed L series fan now. Nothing else will do.

Pssst : Perhaps a 24-105 L is on its way in a couple of months time (or may be 24-70 F2.8 L). Still not wide enough & guess what, I just started loving UW lenses more than telezoom. :(

kb100 · 11th July 2008, 23:48

I was mulling over the very same well debated question - 70-200 f4 or the 70-300 f4-5.6 IS. Finally decided IS is more important for the moment and went with the latter. The lens is on a plane to me right now

Guys - do take a look at the Sigma 150-500 Optically Stabilised (OS) lens. The IQ of a few of the shots I have seen absolutely blew me away - It can also take the Sigma 1.4 or the 2.0 teleconverter and retain AF - And all of 40k only!

I have decided the last couple of lens related things I am now going to buy will be a set of Kenko extension tubes and one prime - perhaps the Sigma 30 f1.4. After that I am plunging head along into learning how to put all of that to maximum use.

I still need a Tripod - Manfrotto 190XProB or the 055XProB - the former can handly 5kgs and the latter 7kgs. Which one do you think I should go for? I also read about a Slik Pro DX700 which is supposedly very good and very cost effective and can handle 6.5kgs. Does anyone know where one can get the Slik Tripod rates from? I think Sam is using a Slik tripod.

kb100 · 12th July 2008, 01:21

How important is an external flash. Do you all use an external flash? I know the on-board flash is comparatively weak - but a 530 EX II costs close to 20k . So was wondering what advantages is it going to provide?

Hellcat · 12th July 2008, 12:45

@Kb100: Congratulations on the New Lens, sorry was out of town so could not help you out with the prices.

For the tripod do check this Flickr: Discussing Feisol Carbon fiber Tripods & Ballheads in Bangalore Transact

navin · 12th July 2008, 23:11

Quote:

Originally Posted by kb100

Guys - do take a look at the Sigma 150-500 Optically Stabilised (OS) lens.
I have decided the last couple of lens related things I am now going to buy will be a set of Kenko extension tubes and one prime - perhaps the Sigma 30 f1.4. After that I am plunging head along into learning how to put all of that to maximum use.

I still need a Tripod - Manfrotto 190XProB or Slik Pro DX700

KB, you nut, first use the gear you got. You are getting a severe case of gadgetitis. Stop trolling the net for new gear to buy.

Get the 190X. It might be the same price as the Silk. Both are good the 190 has more head options for your gadgetitis.

Quote:

Originally Posted by kb100

How important is an external flash. Do you all use an external flash? I know the on-board flash is comparatively weak - but a 530 EX II costs close to 20k . So was wondering what advantages is it going to provide?

I use an external flash or none at all, the internal flash on my Canon 40D is only capable as a fill in flash and I got a lowly 420EX (no TTL-II).

rajismine · 12th July 2008, 23:32

Quote:

Originally Posted by F50

Anyone for a quick advice? Im buying it today.

According to me the 720 IS is better. Anyways have a look at the classifieds. I just posted to sell my Canon S3 IS (3-4 months used / rarely) for sale. Its definitely better than 720 IS

.

Go for 720 buddy...

EDIT: Just saw that u bought 720 IS. Congrats Dear. Thats a gr8 camera

StarScream · 13th July 2008, 00:14

Quote:

Originally Posted by jaibir

I rediscovered my old hobby of photography with some gusto late last year. I quickly plumbed the limitations of my D40 and was scouting around for an upgrade in a few short months (looking through posts on this thread from April might throw up some details). After pondering over options from Canon and Olympus, I decided to stick to Nikon. Unfortunately, Nikon's low-mid lineup consisted of the D80 with upgrades rumoured to be imminent. I decided to bide my time and make do with a used D70 - something that allowed me use a wider lens set than the D40 would

Time passed and I was happy with my decision whilst eagerly awaiting the D90. My lens collection grew and I began to get in touch with my old skills and also begin to understand the new digital only tweaks. June arrives and I get an unexpected financial windfall. Like most such gains, I decide to spend this one too. However, the D90 hasnt arrived and my lens needs are limited.

There is a ray of hope however with an imminent announcement from Nikon. The announcement comes in the form of a D700, but still no D90. I realise that even if it is announced in a couple of months, availability on the D90 would remain limited for some time, . So I look to the more expensive line - the D200 and the D300. The choice is to spend the entire budget on the camera or get a slightly cheaper camera with a UWA lens (something still missing in my bag).

After a few nights thinking things over, I am as confused as ever. So finally I take the money in cash and go to my favourite camera store with a view to deciding there. I spend half an hour playing with each the D200 while the shopkeeper arranges for a D300 for me. I'm pretty convinced that the D200 is the camera for me and that I should spend the extra money on the lens. Then the D300 comes. One look through the viewfinder and I'm hooked as I get reminded of the bright viewfinders of my old film cameras. The WA gets forgotten for the moment, as does the D200 as I spend my entire budget for the D300 (with an extra battery). I'm reasonably sure I'm going to miss the UWA, but that can be remedied at a later date.

p.s. lets see how long this one lasts before I start hankering for a full frame .....

I dont think you'll regret it Jaibir. The D300 is a very good camera and won't be trumped for a little while amongst Nikon's DX offerings. The D200 is already obsolete. I went through the same process recently, thinking Ill trade in my D70s for a D200 - I wasn't quite prepared to splash out on a D300. But at the shop I just couldn't get my self to buy the D200 - it didn't convince me.
I'd decided more or less to buy the D300 when the D700 came out. Now this one is a true dilemma because half my lenses are DX and half FX.

Quote:

Originally Posted by kb100

How important is an external flash. Do you all use an external flash? I know the on-board flash is comparatively weak - but a 530 EX II costs close to 20k . So was wondering what advantages is it going to provide?

That really depends kb. It's important if you've felt the need for one. For fill-flash the on-camera flash is quite capable. An external flash will have more power and will give you greater flexibility- bounce, off camera ability etc. An external lighting source can dramatically improve your flash pictures. The drawback is it adds bulk to your kit.

zoomingbhat · 17th July 2008, 18:58

Hi,
I am planning to buy a digicam in the 15k range.
I am a novice to photography and want to improve my skills in it.
I had shortlisted these two models Canon Ixus 860IS and Canon Powershot

Please help me choose between these two camera's or any other good cameras in this range.

Awaiting Response,

Regards,
zoomingbhat

Hellcat · 17th July 2008, 21:34

@zoomingbhat: Both are excellent cameras, the PowerShot SX100 has the advantage in terms of zoom (10X i.e 36mm-360mm) Compared to the (3.8X i.e 28mm - 105mm) 860IS. The 860IS has a useful wide angle capability.

You can also consider the Panasonic Lumix DMC-TZ5. (28 - 280mm) the benefits of both wide and zoom yet compact. TZ5 also has HD video capability.

11th July 2008, 14:15	#2627
tsk1979 Team-BHP Support Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: San Jose, CA Posts: 23,717 Thanked: 22,825 Times View My Garage	Both are good cams, its upto you to decide whats more important. Both have the same sensor and same IQ. But 720 has more zoom. Will you use more zoom? If yes you know what to choose The 720 also has better macro(1cm min) But it costs 50$ more. So its entirely upto you
	() Thanks

11th July 2008, 14:18	#2628
musicmanaman BHPian Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: kolkata Posts: 927 Thanked: 25 Times	Can anyone suggest some good rechargable battries, I have been having problems with the set I have, they don't last more than 15-20 snaps each time I charge them, and this has been the case from the begining, I don't know if it's the camera it self of the set of battries I use, the camera by the way is Canon 570 IS.
	() Thanks

11th July 2008, 14:35	#2629
tsk1979 Team-BHP Support Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: San Jose, CA Posts: 23,717 Thanked: 22,825 Times View My Garage	Buy some brand like Camelion/Eveready/Duracell instead of Panasonic etc., as most of those in our market are fakes. Go for 2200-2500mAh NiMh batteries
	() Thanks

11th July 2008, 22:00	#2632
given2fly BHPian Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: Pune Posts: 213 Thanked: 0 Times	Finally added a 70-200 F4, the one i had been contemplating for some time but was unable to buy due to some other emergencies. Took some pictures of my friend in his balcony and whoa, background blurring, brightness and crispness of the lens blew my mind. This one is gonna stay in my arsenal for long. I am a confirmed L series fan now. Nothing else will do. Pssst : Perhaps a 24-105 L is on its way in a couple of months time (or may be 24-70 F2.8 L). Still not wide enough & guess what, I just started loving UW lenses more than telezoom. :(
	() Thanks

11th July 2008, 23:48	#2633
kb100 Senior - BHPian Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: Bangy Boy! Posts: 1,555 Thanked: 21 Times	I was mulling over the very same well debated question - 70-200 f4 or the 70-300 f4-5.6 IS. Finally decided IS is more important for the moment and went with the latter. The lens is on a plane to me right now Guys - do take a look at the Sigma 150-500 Optically Stabilised (OS) lens. The IQ of a few of the shots I have seen absolutely blew me away - It can also take the Sigma 1.4 or the 2.0 teleconverter and retain AF - And all of 40k only! I have decided the last couple of lens related things I am now going to buy will be a set of Kenko extension tubes and one prime - perhaps the Sigma 30 f1.4. After that I am plunging head along into learning how to put all of that to maximum use. I still need a Tripod - Manfrotto 190XProB or the 055XProB - the former can handly 5kgs and the latter 7kgs. Which one do you think I should go for? I also read about a Slik Pro DX700 which is supposedly very good and very cost effective and can handle 6.5kgs. Does anyone know where one can get the Slik Tripod rates from? I think Sam is using a Slik tripod.
	() Thanks

12th July 2008, 01:21	#2634
kb100 Senior - BHPian Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: Bangy Boy! Posts: 1,555 Thanked: 21 Times	How important is an external flash. Do you all use an external flash? I know the on-board flash is comparatively weak - but a 530 EX II costs close to 20k . So was wondering what advantages is it going to provide?
	() Thanks

12th July 2008, 12:45	#2635
Hellcat BHPian Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: Bangalore Posts: 222 Thanked: 5 Times View My Garage	@Kb100: Congratulations on the New Lens, sorry was out of town so could not help you out with the prices. For the tripod do check this Flickr: Discussing Feisol Carbon fiber Tripods & Ballheads in Bangalore Transact
	() Thanks

17th July 2008, 18:58	#2639
zoomingbhat BHPian Join Date: May 2007 Location: bangalore Posts: 110 Thanked: Once View My Garage	Hi, I am planning to buy a digicam in the 15k range. I am a novice to photography and want to improve my skills in it. I had shortlisted these two models Canon Ixus 860IS and Canon Powershot Please help me choose between these two camera's or any other good cameras in this range. Awaiting Response, Regards, zoomingbhat
	() Thanks

17th July 2008, 21:34	#2640
Hellcat BHPian Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: Bangalore Posts: 222 Thanked: 5 Times View My Garage	@zoomingbhat: Both are excellent cameras, the PowerShot SX100 has the advantage in terms of zoom (10X i.e 36mm-360mm) Compared to the (3.8X i.e 28mm - 105mm) 860IS. The 860IS has a useful wide angle capability. You can also consider the Panasonic Lumix DMC-TZ5. (28 - 280mm) the benefits of both wide and zoom yet compact. TZ5 also has HD video capability.
	() Thanks