So I want a DSLR

[golfmade]

I'm looking specifically at the new Canon 550D.
http://www.usa.canon.com/cusa/consumer/products/cameras/slr_cameras/eos_rebel_t2i_ef_s_18_55mm_is_kit

I realize of course the biggest expense will be lenses but I've got some I can borrow as well as could save up and get more over time.

Does anyone use Canon or any other DSLR cameras? Any recommendations?

[Rosie]

I've got a Canon EOS 1000D (the 'entry level' one), with two kit lenses - a telephoto lens with image stability, and a wide angle lens without image stability.
I am very impressed with the camera. It's got good features, and it's easy to use. One niggle is that it seems you have to have the proper USB cable, and the camera software to download the photos onto a computer, I've never had any luck getting photos straight off the card with a card reader, which is a bit of a pain.

[Mully]

Mrs Mully wants a Sony one - apparently the Sony and Minolta film SLR lenses fit the Sony DSLR bodies. Since she has several lenses, it'll save money (apparently)

[vifferman]

I very nearly bought a DSLR, because I already had a Canon film camera and lenses. However, I decided instead to buy a Canon S5is, and I'm glad I did. The reasons I decided to not get a DSLR were that I figured changing lenses could prove to be a pain, it's less compact, and doesn't offer the "point'n'shoot" capability of the S5is. Plus the S5is has built in image stabilisation, which I thought would be very handy touring around Yurp (and it was!) It's 10 megapixels, and also does movies, which I discovered while trying to shoot pix on a night-time cruise on the Seine was a very useful feature. I have no regrets about buying this camera. I've since bought a wide-angle lens (screws on the front) and a polarising filter, and will sometime buy an accessory flash, so I don't have to drain the batteries using the pop-up flash. Batteries are standard AA NiMH, which is a bonus, as they are relatively cheap, so I have three sets of 4 with me at all times.

[Swoop]

apparently the Sony and Minolta film SLR lenses fit the Sony DSLR bodies.
Interesting. I have been trying to find out more about this. I believe Sony bought the Minolta "X series" (X-300, X-500, X-700) range and this has evolved into their range of digitals.
Also having a few SLR lenses, I'll be interested to find out if they do fit.

[EJK]

Correct me if I'm wrong, I havn't used other brands so I wouldn't really know but I found Canon very user friendly (the interface and all that is easy to understand and learn).

[Stirts]

Interesting. I have been trying to find out more about this. I believe Sony bought the Minolta "X series" (X-300, X-500, X-700) range and this has evolved into their range of digitals.
Also having a few SLR lenses, I'll be interested to find out if they do fit.

It is my understanding that Minolta SLR lenses will not fit a Sony DSLR directly, but you can get adapters to fit the Sony body. However you will more than likely lose most, if not all of the auto functions of the camera. You will have to remember how to use manual focus and manual exposure :D

[shrub]

I use an EOS30D with a 17-85 and 70-200L lenses and am very happy with the results, especially with the 70-200 lens. At some stage I'll upgrade my 17-85 to the 17-55, but at the moment it's fine.

You really can't go wrong with a 550D, they're a great entry level camera with a brazillian features that will take you as far as you want. I suggest that you bin the kit lenses and look at the 17-85 f/4-5.6 as your primary walk around lense. It has a wider zoom range and you'll find that it will rarely leave the camera, also the quality of images are far better than the 18-55, which is ordinary at best - I'd liken it to having a Daytona 675 with Cheng Shin tyres. If you're looking for a long lens the 75-300mm f/4-5.6 is an excellent lens and damn close to pro quality and it has a tricky feature in the image stabilising that makes it easy to get those groovy pan shots of bikes flying past.

212770212772212773

[Swoop]

It is my understanding that Minolta SLR lenses will not fit a Sony DSLR directly, but you can get adapters to fit the Sony body.
You will have to remember how to use manual focus and manual exposure :D

Cheers!
I faintly remember the "all manual" SLR...
Lugging it all around Bathurst produced a few nice shots, but I do like auto-focus at times!!

[Stirts]

I faintly remember the "all manual" SLR...

*sigh* those were the days.

[Headbanger]

My DSLR is full on point n shoot.

There are some other settings, dials, buttons, I ignore those. It came with a book, Has strange big words, so I ignore that as well.

[Swoop]

*sigh* those were the days.
"Those"?:scratch:
I still have it sitting in the cupboard... and 35mm film in the fridge... (might have to check the expiry date of that though. 1995 pops into the memory for some reason).

Damn you!
I now have something to do when I get home...

[Stirts]

... and 35mm film in the fridge...

Is that cos you can't buy 35mm film anymore? :shifty: p/t

Yeah I have 3 SLR cameras, a medium format camera, and various size lenses ranging from 15mm upto 500mm, studio lights, processing equipment and enlarger gathering dust and mould in my garage........oh and no film.

[Swoop]

oh and no film.
Wanna buy some?:blip:
Good prices! KB discount!


:rofl:

[Stirts]

Wanna buy some?:blip:
Good prices! KB discount!:rofl:

Hmmmmmm 1995 you say?.....negatives would produce some pretty special effects that you just can't replicate in this digital age. Great selling point. I'll think about it.

[Swoop]

Great selling point.
Geepers creeperz!
Just looked up some current film prices...:gob::blink:


I like digital!!

[Stirts]

Geepers creeperz!
Just looked up some current film prices...:gob::blink:


I like digital!!

You think that is bad....wait until you see the processing pricing

[disenfranchised]

I'm looking specifically at the new Canon 550D.
http://www.usa.canon.com/cusa/consumer/products/cameras/slr_cameras/eos_rebel_t2i_ef_s_18_55mm_is_kit

I realize of course the biggest expense will be lenses but I've got some I can borrow as well as could save up and get more over time.

Does anyone use Canon or any other DSLR cameras? Any recommendations?

I've been contemplating the same thing, and while the Canon 550D does have some nice specs, I reckon they're cramming to many MP onto their sensors, and charging too much.
I've been seriously thinking of getting one of the new Pentax Models, either the K-7 or K-x, both of which you can find NZ pricing and spercs for here
http://www.photowarehouse.co.nz/digital-dslr/onlyshow/pentax

I haven't looked into lenses much yet though. The choices for Pentax lenses might be more limited.
As I understand it, their zoom lenses don't rate as highly as Canon's but their Prime lenses (i.e. fixed 50mm) are generally considered superior...but also cost more because of it.

Depends on what you want it for I guess

[Swoop]

You think that is bad....wait until you see the processing pricing
Shit. I didn't look at that.

:crybaby::crybaby:

[Stirts]

Shit. I didn't look at that.

:crybaby::crybaby:

Best advice I can give if you are going to back to the "old ways".
<li> 1) Don't go to a budget processing lab</li><li>2) Ask for film development only, any half decent lab will provide one of these as part of that cost,
http://www.megapixel.net/html/articles/articles-gfx11/pd6000-index.jpg

That way you can chose which negatives you actually want printed.

To the OP - sorry for the hijack....well not really I am just practicing to be polite

[Swoop]

That way you can chose which negatives you actually want printed.
Yeah, proof sheets. I was in Parnell recently and noticed that PCL has disappeared. I used to get processing and enlargements done there.

OP: All this camera stuff in a camera thread eh?
Nudge, nudge, wink, wink. Photography, eh?!

[Stirts]

Yeah, proof sheets. I was in Parnell recently and noticed that PCL has disappeared. I used to get processing and enlargements done there.

And STILL the best place to go apparently, used to manage a Kodak lab and we sent all our enlargements there - they moved to 30 Karaka Street, Eden Terrace.

[Swoop]

they moved to 30 Karaka Street, Eden Terrace.
Cheers! I need to spread myself apparently...
At least they did not disappear entirely from the face of the planet. May have to pay them a visit soon!

[Fooman]

It is my understanding that Minolta SLR lenses will not fit a Sony DSLR directly, but you can get adapters to fit the Sony body. However you will more than likely lose most, if not all of the auto functions of the camera. You will have to remember how to use manual focus and manual exposure :D

All Minolta AF lenses (introduced in 1985 - also known as Dynax or Maxxum lenses) will fit onto Sony DSLR bodies without needing an adaptor.

Minolta manual focus lenses (SR mount - introduced in 1958, also known as MC, MD or Rokkor lenses) need an adaptor - these are the ones used on the Minolta X-Series manual focus cameras (e.g. SRT101, XE, X700, XD, X370)

The recent lot of Sony DSLR's with live view (e.g. 500/550) are pretty good balance between usability and capability (e.g. act like point and shoot when needed, but have the extra features and capability of DSLR's). Note there is no video capability at the moment (Sony are releasing DSLRs with this in a few months)- the Canon 550D has this, but its Live-view capability is not as good as the Sony's.

There are also interchangeable lens digital cameras out there which are a new way (getting rid of the mirror) of approaching camera design - Micro 4/3rds (Olympus & Panasonic), NEX (Sony). Nikon are bringing out something soon in this vein as well. These, because of their design (no mirror) can use electro-mechanical adapters for all sorts of different lenses. The are as capable as mid-range DSLR's but less bulky.

As for lenses, don't get too hung up on which lens manufacturer is better. All major manufacturers have mediocre to good lenses, along with non-OEM (e.g. Sigma, Tokina, Tamaron).

Just go to a good camera store, try them out, see what fits you had the best, is easiest for you to use, and a good price and choose that.

Cheers,
FM

[shrub]

Is that cos you can't buy 35mm film anymore? :shifty: p/t

Yeah I have 3 SLR cameras, a medium format camera, and various size lenses ranging from 15mm upto 500mm, studio lights, processing equipment and enlarger gathering dust and mould in my garage........oh and no film.

I sold my darkroom equipment about 5 years ago and got good money for it. There are times I miss the magic of processing film with all the ritual and alchemy connected - opening Photoshop just ain't the same, and some of my best work was on film because you had to put a lot more thought into an image.

[Stirts]

All Minolta AF lenses (introduced in 1985 - also known as Dynax or Maxxum lenses) will fit onto Sony DSLR bodies without needing an adaptor.

Minolta manual focus lenses (SR mount - introduced in 1958, also known as MC, MD or Rokkor lenses) need an adaptor - these are the ones used on the Minolta X-Series manual focus cameras (e.g. SRT101, XE, X700, XD, X370)


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jrVkEKcSoFE


There are times I miss the magic of processing film with all the ritual and alchemy connected - opening Photoshop just ain't the same, and some of my best work was on film because you had to put a lot more thought into an image.

Most certainly true.....watching that image appear magically on paper as you swirl those lovely smelling chemicals around is a kodak moment for sure ;)

[golfmade]

I very nearly bought a DSLR, because I already had a Canon film camera and lenses. However, I decided instead to buy a Canon S5is, and I'm glad I did. The reasons I decided to not get a DSLR were that I figured changing lenses could prove to be a pain, it's less compact, and doesn't offer the "point'n'shoot" capability of the S5is. Plus the S5is has built in image stabilisation, which I thought would be very handy touring around Yurp (and it was!) It's 10 megapixels, and also does movies, which I discovered while trying to shoot pix on a night-time cruise on the Seine was a very useful feature. I have no regrets about buying this camera. I've since bought a wide-angle lens (screws on the front) and a polarising filter, and will sometime buy an accessory flash, so I don't have to drain the batteries using the pop-up flash. Batteries are standard AA NiMH, which is a bonus, as they are relatively cheap, so I have three sets of 4 with me at all times.

Good points, but main reason why I'd like a DSLR is for when I'm out and have time I can get better photos than with my G5. If I just need point and shoot my G5 works just fine.


I use an EOS30D with a 17-85 and 70-200L lenses and am very happy with the results, especially with the 70-200 lens. At some stage I'll upgrade my 17-85 to the 17-55, but at the moment it's fine.

You really can't go wrong with a 550D, they're a great entry level camera with a brazillian features that will take you as far as you want. I suggest that you bin the kit lenses and look at the 17-85 f/4-5.6 as your primary walk around lense. It has a wider zoom range and you'll find that it will rarely leave the camera, also the quality of images are far better than the 18-55, which is ordinary at best - I'd liken it to having a Daytona 675 with Cheng Shin tyres. If you're looking for a long lens the 75-300mm f/4-5.6 is an excellent lens and damn close to pro quality and it has a tricky feature in the image stabilising that makes it easy to get those groovy pan shots of bikes flying past.

212770212772212773

I'll most likely have to start out with the stock lens for a while but the 17-85 is one I've got my eye on. A friend let me use his 500D recently and he had a nice 75-300mm and yeah got some good shots. Those are some great pictures you took, especially the third one.


*sigh* those were the days.

I do kind of miss shooting with film... kind of.

[golfmade]

I've been contemplating the same thing, and while the Canon 550D does have some nice specs, I reckon they're cramming to many MP onto their sensors, and charging too much.
I've been seriously thinking of getting one of the new Pentax Models, either the K-7 or K-x, both of which you can find NZ pricing and spercs for here
http://www.photowarehouse.co.nz/digital-dslr/onlyshow/pentax

I haven't looked into lenses much yet though. The choices for Pentax lenses might be more limited.
As I understand it, their zoom lenses don't rate as highly as Canon's but their Prime lenses (i.e. fixed 50mm) are generally considered superior...but also cost more because of it.

Depends on what you want it for I guess

Thanks for the link. I admit I'm biased towards Canon because I've always used Canon digitals and most family and friends do as well. The Pentax KX looks quite good actually, will do more homework.

[R6_kid]

550D also does 1080P HD video recording - it's being touted by some reviewers as an entry-level version of the 7D which is few times more expensive. I've been looking at quite a few options lately and the 550D would be my pick as an 'entry' DSLR if I had the cash, however I'm looking to get something a bit older/cheaper until I can justify spending $1800 on a camera.

There is a good deal with on them at the moment where you get lense/bag/mem card etc included at a good price. I can get it a few hundy less than retail through work (distributor) but unfortunately I'm not coined up enough to take advantage of the offer :no:

[Oakie]

I was looking recently and settled what seems to be known as a 'bridge' camera ... (sits between 'compacts' and 'DSLR's). Got myself a Canon Powershot SX 20 and am rapt with it. Got the functions of a DSLR without having to lug a collection of lenses around.

Is there a photopraphy 'social group' set up?

[golfmade]

550D also does 1080P HD video recording - it's being touted by some reviewers as an entry-level version of the 7D which is few times more expensive. I've been looking at quite a few options lately and the 550D would be my pick as an 'entry' DSLR if I had the cash, however I'm looking to get something a bit older/cheaper until I can justify spending $1800 on a camera.

There is a good deal with on them at the moment where you get lense/bag/mem card etc included at a good price. I can get it a few hundy less than retail through work (distributor) but unfortunately I'm not coined up enough to take advantage of the offer :no:

The 1080P HD is part of the reason why I'm looking at it, I also like that the sensor is full size. But true, it is more expensive for the body and quality lenses aren't cheap either. I'd definitely want a good macro lens, a good wide angle as well as telephoto. Not to mention perhaps a battery grip and of course memory cards...


I was looking recently and settled what seems to be known as a 'bridge' camera ... (sits between 'compacts' and 'DSLR's). Got myself a Canon Powershot SX 20 and am rapt with it. Got the functions of a DSLR without having to lug a collection of lenses around.

Is there a photopraphy 'social group' set up?

That's got good reviews. Do you have any shots you've taken with it?

As for the social group, not sure, might be nice to set one up especially since it seems like a lot of folks around here like to do photography.

[Swoop]

Is there a photopraphy 'social group' set up?


As for the social group, not sure, might be nice to set one up especially since it seems like a lot of folks around here like to do photography.

Already happening.
http://www.kiwibiker.co.nz/forums/group.php?groupid=95



Got myself a Canon Powershot SX 20 and am rapt with it.
Similar here. I wanted a camera that can be esaily placed in a pocket but with reasonable Mpix + zoom. A big vewing screen is a bonus.
Settled on one of these and I'm very happy about the features, especially lots of manual control for exposures!
212808
The main drawback is that it eats batteries at a ferocious rate!

[soundbeltfarm]

I have the 450d and i find it primo , but in saying that i have only ever used the point and shoot camera.
i have a small fuji digi that can fit in my pocket on camel pack when i am trail riding but any other time i take my dslr. i have gotten used to taken the backpack everywhere and can also put other stuff in there.
i just have the standard lense and 55-250 is lense.
they seem ok to me.
one thing i dont relly like and not sure if it just because they are cheap lenses is when i use manual focus it only takes a miniscule movement to focus , maybe it just me but i would like something with adjustability. my hands are clumsy and i find it real touchy to focus spot on when using manual focus if trying to focus on eyes and stuff like that.
the camera body is pretty compact so i will get a battery grip which i have read makes it better to hold onto. i got my camera secondhand with the 2 lenses, spare battery, 4gb card, portable car charger and couple other bits for 550 bucka so i am more than happy with it.
i love the multiple pics mode for when kids doing mx and i just hold the ol button down and one pic will normally be ok.
i have found that just by taking heaps of pics and playing around with the settings to be great for finding what sort of works and what is not so great.

[golfmade]

I have the 450d and i find it primo , but in saying that i have only ever used the point and shoot camera.
i have a small fuji digi that can fit in my pocket on camel pack when i am trail riding but any other time i take my dslr. i have gotten used to taken the backpack everywhere and can also put other stuff in there.
i just have the standard lense and 55-250 is lense.
they seem ok to me.
one thing i dont relly like and not sure if it just because they are cheap lenses is when i use manual focus it only takes a miniscule movement to focus , maybe it just me but i would like something with adjustability. my hands are clumsy and i find it real touchy to focus spot on when using manual focus if trying to focus on eyes and stuff like that.
the camera body is pretty compact so i will get a battery grip which i have read makes it better to hold onto. i got my camera secondhand with the 2 lenses, spare battery, 4gb card, portable car charger and couple other bits for 550 bucka so i am more than happy with it.
i love the multiple pics mode for when kids doing mx and i just hold the ol button down and one pic will normally be ok.
i have found that just by taking heaps of pics and playing around with the settings to be great for finding what sort of works and what is not so great.

Some lenses can be a bit tricky to focus manually, and I've also heard some cameras (the 550d included) viewfinder can be a bit small which doesn't help either. As for the battery grip it does make it easier to hold and adds a bit of weight to it, additionally the battery grip should have a shutter on it which helps with vertical shots as you can release the shutter from the battery grip.

If you're taking heaps of pics and playing around have you tried exposure bracketing?

[disenfranchised]

Some lenses can be a bit tricky to focus manually, and I've also heard some cameras (the 550d included) viewfinder can be a bit small which doesn't help either.

I was having a play with a friends Panasonic G1 the other day.
Being Micro 4/3rds means it has an electronic viewfinder, but its much higher res than normal.
When using manual focus, zooms into to a 1:1 pixel ratio for the final image size, making focusing really easy.

One of their other models the G2 does full 1080p HD video too...but it's about the same price as the Canon 550D mentioned earlier.

There's been some talk of the "bridge" cameras.
I've owned both a Canon SX1IS and now a Fujifilm HS10, both of which do 1080p video too.
They're both really good, and can produce some nice shots, as long as the conditions are bright enough.
They are however bulky enough that you may as well have a DSLR anyway, and just keep a decent single zoom lenses permanently attached.

[JMemonic]

Mrs Mully wants a Sony one - apparently the Sony and Minolta film SLR lenses fit the Sony DSLR bodies. Since she has several lenses, it'll save money (apparently)


Interesting. I have been trying to find out more about this. I believe Sony bought the Minolta "X series" (X-300, X-500, X-700) range and this has evolved into their range of digitals.
Also having a few SLR lenses, I'll be interested to find out if they do fit.

They do, depending on the camera they are 1:1 to 1:1.5 so a 50mm could end up as a 75mm lens. The A700 (older model) and the A900 are apparently fullframe thus 1:1

[R6_kid]

The 1080P HD is part of the reason why I'm looking at it, I also like that the sensor is full size. But true, it is more expensive for the body and quality lenses aren't cheap either. I'd definitely want a good macro lens, a good wide angle as well as telephoto. Not to mention perhaps a battery grip and of course memory cards...

Bonus with the Canon EOS range is that no mater what EOS you have your lenses are interchangeable, so if you upgrade bodies you don't need to do the same with lenses too. I'm pretty sure some of there brand ranges don't offer that.

From what I've seen most people are quite happy with the standard 18-55mm lens, but it wouldn't hurt to get the extra 55-135mm too if you can afford it. I was thinking of just going with the standard lens kit and getting use to it, finding out what photography I really like doing and then buy extra lenses as required to suit my needs.