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Old 11th April 2008, 16:35   #1981
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I have a cannon S2 IS. Really happy with it. The picture clarity is good and like the 1.8-inch tilt-and-swivel LCD monitor. But its ok for a planned photography session but I would like to own one of those thin models that you can carry around in the pocket and click whenever i want to. Can somebody suggest a good one.?
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Old 11th April 2008, 18:05   #1982
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@aburagohain, as I wrote in my post, my thing against sony is a personal bias. I cant help feeling that in India sony products seem to end up being to too much of a premium. the b&w prices on their DSLR's in India seem to substantiate this.

in terms of the quality of their DSLR's, from what I've read they're top notch.

BTW, hows the availability of old Minolta lenses in India?

@redrage, thanks for the tip. I'll try out the lens in a store.
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Old 11th April 2008, 22:45   #1983
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i doubt you'd get many old lenses here in india, not a thriving concept yet here, but then again one can get lucky sometimes. having someone to buy and send from us is the best thing.
enquired with one dealer in bangalore, the camera would cost 45k body only, import from singapore and support provided should things go wrong. compare that with sony world price of 72k, no wonder grey is doing good business.

old lenses are available for $150 on ebay, i would not mind taking a risk with that much of money instead of coughing up 30k+ for a brand new one in india.
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Old 14th April 2008, 00:15   #1984
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Quote:
Originally Posted by jaibir View Post
Hi Guys,

I own a Nikon D40 with the standard 18-55 kit lens. I've spent the last few months finding my way around the camera and have just started to make proper use of it.

I've identified two main weaknesses that I need to address in the kit:
1. No Image Stabilisation in the stock lens - I do a bit of low light photography and do miss this. The 18-55 Nikon lens with VR is 9k in grey at JJ Mehta.
2. Zoom: I do need to invest in a decent zoom lens. For this as well, VR would be necessary. I've identified the Nikon 55-200 AF-S VR. It's available for 11k.

One option I have is to invest in the lenses and keep my existing camera (19k). The other is to upgrade the entire kit. For this I'm looking at the Olympus E-510 (38k with b&w including two lenses - 14-42 and 40-150). Netting of what I might get for my existing camera, the investment would be about 5k more for a higher pixelage camera with b&w, less if I can get it in grey.

Which option of the two would make more sense? I haven't used anything outside the Nikon/Canon universe earlier so don't know about lens/accessories availability and maintenance options.

I'm in no particular hurry and can wait a few weeks before making the purchase. I'll be travelling to Thailand in June. Would it make sense to make the purchases there?

Sorry for the long post. Hope someone who has a bit more experience with cameras can guide me.

Thanks
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Jaibir, my belief is once you've invested in a system both in terms of money and time learning about it, it's a waste to do it all over again. My suggestion is stick with the D40 and get the 55-200 VR to expand your zoom range.
As far as low-light photography goes, the VR in the 55-200 will help a little but not too much. It's already a slow lens and VR will give you a two to three stop advantage.
Stabilization in body vs. lens is a endlessly debatable topic. The stabilization in lens school of thought says that different lenses require different VR solutions. A macro lens like the Nikon 105mm VR is optimized for close focussing distances. You can't make those tweaks with one-size-fits-all body-based stabilization.

Quote:
Originally Posted by kvish View Post
VR lens may give 1 stop advantage. From my little experience, I found that for lowlight f2.8 is minimum. You need something with a higher aperture than kit lens. Also D40 has superb high iso performance. I suggest you pick up a 50mm prime (f/1.8) bump up the iso and you'll be happy with lowlight performance. It should be available for < $150. There is no point in changing your complete system for this.
VR actually gives more than a one stop advantage. I've taken sharp shots at 1/8th of a second at 200mm with my 18-200 VR but then I also have very steady hands.
I agree with the advice on the 50/1.8.

Quote:
Originally Posted by jaibir View Post
The problem is that the D40 requires an autofocus motor in the lens (AF - S, AF - I lenses in the Nikon range). This isnt available in the 50 mm prime. With that, I would be stuck on manual focus.

I would need to upgrade my camera body at some point to access a wider variety of lenses even if I do stick with Nikon in any case.
Jaibir, I hear your pain about the limited focussing ability of the D40. That to me is a major drawback. As I've said earlier in this thread, one advantage of choosing Nikon over other systems is the availability of second-hand lenses - the D40 negates that. However, as far as low light is concerned, you may not be able to AF anyway so getting a 50/1.8 may not be a bad idea. Its bright, sharp and cheap. Sells new for $100 in most countries. Officially from Nikon India its about Rs. 6,500. The 18-55, 55-200 VR and 50/1.8 will make a good lens kit. On the D40 the 50mm would actually become a 75mm short portrait lens. If you want to spend more and get closer to the 50mm angle of view on the D40 then you could go for the 35/2 instead. You'll still have to focus manually though.
Lastly, I think buying in Thailand will be cheaper (anywhere is cheaper than legal India prices).
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Old 14th April 2008, 01:14   #1985
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450D finally reach the stores in Delhi, costing 44k (kit) with 2gb card, 2 years warranty, any idea about grey price?
regards
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Old 14th April 2008, 09:21   #1986
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I have a couple years old Pana Lumix FZ5 - wanted a spare battery for this. Anyone have a clue where in Bangalore one might find this ? Checked with Whizz etc, and they don't have it.

Is this an ok deal, and safe to buy ? Or is it better to stick to Panasonic branded ones ?
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Old 14th April 2008, 11:51   #1987
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@zenx
have you tried the panasonic brand shop on koramangala 100 feet road? it is about 200 metres ahead from sony world junction going towards madivala. had seen an fz10 there, so they should have parts as well.
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Old 15th April 2008, 15:02   #1988
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Canon Camera Lens

Hi,

My friend is looking for a well maintained, used Canon 18-300 IS Lens for his 40D. Please contact me if anyone has details..

Thanks..
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Old 15th April 2008, 15:34   #1989
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you can get a 55-250 IS for ~12500 NEW
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Old 15th April 2008, 15:52   #1990
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18-300?? You sure you got that right? Canon doesn't make an 18-300 AFAIK. They make a 28-300.
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Old 15th April 2008, 16:23   #1991
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There is no 18-300 as starscream pointed out. There is a 28-300 but frankly its not a great lens. Its good by super zoom standards, but compared to the rest of the L glass range, its pretty crappy.
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Old 16th April 2008, 05:27   #1992
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Post the requirement (travel, portrait, bird photography or just general purpose) and we sure can help you decide.

PS : Have you considered Sigma / Tamron 18-200 lenses.
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Old 16th April 2008, 07:37   #1993
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A 18-200 might make more sense if he's going to carry only one lens around.
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Old 16th April 2008, 10:08   #1994
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Quote:
Originally Posted by condor View Post
A 18-200 might make more sense if he's going to carry only one lens around.
If he is gonna use only one lens why get a DSLR? The 18-200 might not be as good as the new 18-55 IS and 55-200 IS combo.
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Old 16th April 2008, 11:07   #1995
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The sigma and tamron 18-200 are crappy lenses. I'd stay far far away from them.
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