| Author | Message | ||
     Mikej |
(Sometimes I dislike browsing the web with my phone, anyway ...). http://www.badweatherbikers.com/cgibin/discus/boar d-post.cgi (Bear with me for a moment) Well here it is over a year later and I still don't have a DSLR yet. Job searching, temp job working, family stuff, and a 3-year old step-grand-daughter with cancer (she turns 4 in a couple of weeks), everything has kept the camera budget drained. But I'm back to looking at cameras again, and while a small pocket Canon has been working well for me (thrift shop find on the camera, and craigslist for batteries and a charger) I'm wanting a DSLR again. Currently I'm considering the new Canon T3i (not sure what the T3 is missing from the T3i), and a Canon 5D mkII, or maybe a Nikon D3100 or D300 or something else. I did find a Canon lens (thrift shop again) that I believe will work on a DSLR (EF 75-300mm 1:4-5.6 II)((somebody beat me to the camera and attached shorter lens on a different cart)), so this is leaning me towards the Canon line. Anyway just thought I'd bump the thread. I'm hoping to be able to get one by August or sooner if funds are available. I've thought again about selling the M2 and using those funds to fix the S2 and to get a camera, but that idea hasn't worked out before. (Message edited by mikej on April 18, 2011) | ||
| Mikej |
This may or may not be a link to the archived 2010 thread: http://www.badweatherbikers.com/cgibin/discus/show .cgi?tpc=4062&post=2033524#POST2033524 | ||
| Barker |
I can talk about the video side of the DSLR house. Im a canon/panasonic/red/arri guy. I don't know much about nikon bodies. I do shoot with some Nikon glass on my Canon cameras. http://vimeo.com/19829222 If you want to do video T3i. (T3 has its video balls cut off) If you want to do serious video, get the cheaper t2i ($559 direct from canon refirb) and run the hack firmware "Magic Lantern" If you are going to drop coin for a Full frame 5Dmk2 get a refirb body or wait on the soon to be released 5Dmk3. Once you decide full frame or crop sensor body then we can talk about glass.  Canon's refirb site. http://shop.usa.canon.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servle t/subCategory_10051_10051_-1_29252 (Message edited by barker on April 18, 2011) | ||
| 99buellx1 |
I have the 7D. It's pretty awesome I think. Fast. | ||
| Barker |
7D is nice, but its alot more coin for the same sensor as the t2i. Dont forget to look at the 60D as compared to the 7D. Same sensor, better in low light, flip out screen and CHEAPER! | ||
| Gentleman_jon |
I would suggest taking a look at the new Panasonic Lumix DMC GH2, if you can find one that is. This is a mirrorless micro 4/3rds camera which I believe is the future. The video from these cameras is often described as better than the Canon 5D Mk 11, and I can believe it from samples I have seen on the net. I use the camera strictly for stills, I like it's small size, light weight, small lenses, and fast focus among other things. It has been very well reviewed. Here is a shot I recently took with it, from my forth coming book.  | ||
| Barker |
+1 on the GH2. I love its size. It has some good video features, and some video limitations. THERE IS NO PERFECT DSLR FOR EVERY APPLICATION. I wish I had about 7 different cams. That I could pick and choose from for each image I wanted to get. Find out what you want to do, your desired workflow and budget. That info will help you find your camera. | ||
| Slaughter |
I'm staying with Nikon because I'm heavily invested in their glass. Still waiting, but for now am just using SW1030 Olympus - waterproof and with housing is waterproof to 160 feet... but it's a "PHS" camera (Push Here Stupid) Otherwise am still relying on film scanners. STill shooting medium format (Pentax 67 II) and yes, even microfilm fetish (Minox) - an amazing machine in its own right but I digress. | ||
| Reepicheep |
I'm loving my Lumix LX-3 more every day. Under $300 on ebay. Not SLR, but it already has the lens you want most of the time anyway, and the whole camera is less than that lens would cost on a DSLR. | ||
| Mikej |
Thanks for the refurb site link, I'll start watching it some. I'm not sure how much focus I want on video. Right now I'm thinking video will just be of rides and routes and maybe some event type stuff like races and sports. But mostly I like still shots and action shots. I do like scenics and landscapes to some extent. I really like water and stream shots, flowing waters, fly fishing and catching the line looped in the air, rowing a boat and capturing the motion of a smooth rolling wake. One concern I felt from one review I read was something to do with automatic noise reduction where distant objects lost their distinct edges. If I take a photo of a row of boats at a harbor I want the 10th boat to be as sharp as the 1st one unless I deliberately play with depth of field (bokeh?) . I'm thinking I want full frame, but realistically I don't think I care (or else it wouldn't matter to me at this point). Those 4/3rds camera are interesting, but maybe a phase or two down the road. But the ways things go sometimes I wouldn't be surprised if I get one first. I did try a Panasonic Lumix this weekend, built-in lens model. Seemed a bit more solid than my smaller Canon (I just checked it, SD400 Digital Elph, works okay as a pocket camera). I like the bird shot. I'll check out the video link and Gentleman Jon's site next time I'm on the home desktop computer. My phone doesn't play well with Vimeo. I've got too many interests so I'll need to tune my focus some. I guess I'm looking for a backpacking camera, good to take fishing and maybe on a cycling tour, and also good to take to RoadAmerica. Too many choices, but no money yet so I've got time to sort it out. Thanks for the input. | ||
| Dynasport |
I am still using an old Canon 20D. I keep hoping it will break, but it won't. I am no pro, but I do love taking pictures. The main area I find my 20D lacking is focus accuracy from time to time. Here are some shots I took last year at Homecoming. All unedited straight out of the camera.      And about 1200 more at the track. I have also used it for some engagement photos (remember I am no pro, this is my son and his fiance, so I did it for free)   My point is these are from a several generations old camera. I am sure any of the new cameras can do much better and you are likely to be happy with any from Canon or Nikon. I'd really like to take a closer look at that GH2. I have been afraid of the 4/3 system for noise issues, but the size is really convenient. | ||
| Mikej |
Okay, I jumped onto the computer to check a few things before getting some sleep. Nice video, probably took a bit of time on the computer/editor to put it all together. I can see the potential there. ===== Here's the bit that had me concerned with the Canon T#i line: http://www.kenrockwell.com/canon/rebel-t1i.htm Down in the "Image feel" section he talks about features getting smoothed over. Probably not a big deal, but if I take a picture of a field of flowers or rocks I'm wondering how apparent this aspect of the produced image will be. I can still contact the guy with the T1i, maybe I'll have to ask him to meet me down at the harbor and let me take some images with his camera to get a better feel if this will be an issue for me. | ||
| Ourdee |
I'm using a Pentax Kx DSLR. The lense hanging off it the most is a Tamron AF ASPHERICAL XR Di LD (IF) 28-300mm 1:3.5-6.3 MACRO 62mm | ||
| Dynasport |
Oh, Mike, you don't want that 75-300 lens. There is a reason it doesn't cost much. Trust me. If you want a lens in that focal length, get the more expensive (but still fairly cheap) 70-300. You won't regret it. Or get the 70-200 f4L. | ||
| Joshinga |
Just bought the wife a Sony A-580. She swears by them. Sony's Features, ease of use and top notch picture quality and the price add up to a great all around package. | ||
| Rkc00 |
Here are some I took this past weekend    Froggy  Jersey Thunder  If you do get a DSLR. save your money for the best glass you can get. | ||
| Gentleman_jon |
Nice shots Mike, very sharp. Here is a bit of historical perspective from my collection of about 180 cameras. On the left is a two megapixel Kodak 620. Essentially a Nikon F5, (the last of the real professional Nikon 35 mm cameras,starting with the iconic Nikon F), with a Kodak digital system grafted on to it. Cost new: $10,500 in 1999. On the right, the Panasonic GH2. 18 megapixels, 1080 p. video. stereo audio. $999 if you can find one. The sensor on the Panny is almost the same size as the Nikon. Makes one wonder what we will see in another ten years.   PS: The cameras were shot with my iPhone 4, but that's a whole 'nuther story:-). | ||
| Danger_dave |
http://www.flickr.com/cameras/ | ||
| Rkc00 |
Thanks Jon. I have (2) of those Kodak 420 nikon F5's | ||
| Xl1200r |
I have a Nikon D3000 and overall I really like it. Only real complaint is higher ISOs seem to bit a bit noisier than they should be, but at the same time the images are clearer than the competition, so I'm thinking it may have something to do with the less processing the D3000 does compared to the comparable Sony or Canon. I've had luck cleaning them up in just iPhoto, nothing fancy. The D3100 is an upgrade in a lot of ways, BUT, it DOES NOT support a wireless shutter release. You either have to use the button on the body or have a cable remote. That was a deal breaker for me. All said, if I were to do it again, I'd probably just get a Canon IS10 or IS20 and be done with it. It's 90% the camera an entry DSLR is at a third the price or better once you figure in glass. I'll be happier when I can get that sweet nikor 18-200mm lens and I don't have to worry about swapping glass back and forth nearly as often. | ||
| Mikej |
Dynasport, What's wrong with the 75-300 lens, bad glass, focus issues, other stuff? In any case I'm into it cheap enough that I should be able to sell it or use it for trade fodder. Very nice photo work that you posted. Rkc00, Very nice. And I agree that good glass is good, if I can afford it. Okay, I think I'm down to four options, dependent upon deals and timing: Canon 5D mkII or mkIII; Nikon D7000; Canon T3i or T2i or T1i; Panasonic Lumix GH2. I like the idea of a remote shutter release as well as being able to fire a flash remote from the camera. There have been a few times where I extended or dangled a camera out on the end of a tripod or stick and used an old airbulb with a long tube to trigger the shutter. Shots never turned out well but it was fun trying to get them at the time. | ||
| Gentleman_jon |
The main reason that I am currently recommending the Micro 4/3rds system is that both the cameras and lenses are designed from the ground up as a digital system, whereas the Canon and Nikons are really just 35mm cameras with digital works stuffed in. The result is that while the sensor is very little larger than a Micro 4/3rds the cameras are much larger, and more importantly the lenses are much larger, heavier and more expensive. As a picture is worth a thousand words, here is a comparison between my GH2 and my Canon 1DSMklll, with comparable zoom lenses. Admittedly the Canon is a very big full frame camera, but you get the idea. Does the Canon have better image quality? Sure, it ought to, but the Pany does the job 90% of the time, and that's not even mentioning its exceptional video capabilities. Another interesting aspect of the M43 cameras is that it is possible to use almost any lens ever made on them with the use of adapters.  | ||
| 99buellx1 |
That my be (and those were not options when I bought my 7D at launch) but, neither of them have dual processors for the higher focus accuracy, or the 8fps shooting.....and better weather sealing, mag body, blah, blah... I realize that the sensor is the main component, and having the same sensor in a less expensive package is a huge bonus. I went for the 7D for the fps and focus accuracy when shooting at the race track. (that and those other cameras were not made at that time.) And I'm really not a fan of the smaller body of the T series. With that said though....a 60D would have probably fit my camera requirements just fine for my skill level. I really like this site for specs and information. www.the-digital-picture.com Here's a shot that the GF got of me last year at BHF with the 7D. I think she was shooting with my 70-200 f4 at the time. SOTC.  | ||
| Greg_e |
GH2 hacked firmware is said to fix a lot of the video issues, most of those from bit rate running too low. | ||
| Reepicheep |
+1 on budgeting most of the money for glass. That's why I am running the Lumix LX-3. To get a good $1000 digital SLR, you need a $1000 lens to go on it (if you want zoom). Otherwise you are wasting your time. A co-worker was getting grief from her husband about taking lousy pictures with her brand new Cannon DSLR he bought her. I offered to help her so she brought it in. It had some kind of a cheapo super-zoom lens on it, and the lens took absolutely awful pictures at any focal length. Not just "not as good as they could be", I mean visible problems on a 5x7 print. I can't justify $2000 worth of camera gear, nor would I probably carry it around, so I just bought a used $250 Lumix LX3... unless I need to shoot long zoom photos (I simply can't), I love it. It shoots very nice 1080 HD video as well. | ||
| Rkc00 |
And I agree that good glass is good, if I can afford it. In my opinion you can't afford not to. | ||
| Sayitaintso |
In my opinion you can't afford not to. +1 Thats why i'm still using my 1st gen digital rebel.....6 megapixel. But I have a couple L series glass now b/c I have been putting my money in lenses and not the bodies.....it takes damn good pictures. Edit: That said, I'm wanting to get a new camera. I've been messing around with HDR lately and the 3 frame bracketing limitation of my current camera is frustrating b/c I want them to come out better. Thanks for all the info and keep it going. (Message edited by sayitaintso on April 19, 2011) | ||
| Mikej |
Went to the local camera shop at lunch and I think I've ruled out the Canon T series. They'd probably be okay but a few things about them still have me looking at others, so to make my search easier I'm just going to rule them out (unless I trip over a super deal). I think I'm down to the Canon 7D and the Nikon D7000. It also looks like the Nikon can use older lenses than the Canon which might be an avenue for me to get better glass. I need to write down a cross reference list so I'll know what to watch for. In the mean time I'll be posting some stuff on the local craigslist to raise camera/lens funds. | ||
| Davegess |
No matter what camera you buy ALWAYS follow these two rules. First, learn how to use the camera, it is likely can do much more than you ask it to. Second, the best photographs are made in your head and have little to do with the camera or lens. Know what you want to do, how to do it, and what the camera can do; these are the things you need to learn. Look at photos you like and figure out WHY and HOW they were made. No one camera or lens is perfect for all types of photos. | ||
| Sayitaintso |
Dave, spoken like a pro....I wonder why? lol! |
