DSLR FOR BEGINER

[johnjong1976]

i am a beginner on photography & thinking seriously to get myself DSLR cam with limited budget ( < s $ 1600 )

Nikon D90 is every impressive. Anyone ? pls advise, instead of Nikon D90, which model frm Canon that equals to D90 ?

[durain]

since you are a beginner, any DSLR will do. you need to learn the skills first. david bailey can take beautiful fotos with a small pocket size compact.

[sierra2469alpha]

FWIW - choose carefully between DX and FX cameras (Digital Format and Full Frame). The lenses will, at the end of the day, be your biggest cost. DX lenses are fine, but if you are a serious pro through serious amateur, FX, IMHO, is the way to go. I have close on $15K invested in lenses that are full frame, so for me, a full frame is the way to go (I use Nikon, but used to shoot with Canon).

If you buy a DX lens, it will not work with a full frame camera. Plus you do get degradation issues, even shooting in RAW. With a full frame CMOS, such as the D700, and buying the "real" (I know some people are going to shoot me for saying this) lenses, then you are very much future proofed. Nikkor lenses last a lifetime, and have better warranties than the Canon equivalents.

Now, that being said, if you don't want to drop too much coin into what is a supposedly cheap hobby, then the little D90 is a pretty good buy - get a decent little lens, then start playing around with the software...find your feet from there, then fly.

On the other hand, something like Panasonic Lumix FZ18 or FZ20 is a really good camera - point and shoot - SLR-like look and feel, and it's like 1/3rd the price. Maybe start on something like that?

My 2 cents is as good as any 2 cents, I guess - so I wish you luck!

[dawgbyte]

I'm not a canon user so I can't comment on that... but I kinda disagree than any dslr will do... since you already have your eye on d90, I suggest you go for it and skip d60 and below (if you become good, these model will become a crutch).

If you are planning to utilize the advantages of dslr like prime lenses and filters, also avoid prosumer dslr like mentioned above. My friend has the canon prosumer and his problem now is that to add a polarizing filter, he needs an adapter which is always out of stock (and expensive). The sensor is also small so the contrast is not that great compared to a normal slr.

But having said that, im not sure if d90 is within your budget. So if you have no plans to use the camera BEYOND the the body and its kit lens, prosumer DSLR will be good enough. Otherwise, prepare to spend more on dry cabinet, external flash, filters, and better lenses.

[johnjong1976]

Thanks guys. thanks for the advise. Mm...

I'm not a canon user so I can't comment on that... but I kinda disagree than any dslr will do... since you already have your eye on d90, I suggest you go for it and skip d60 and below (if you become good, these model will become a crutch).

If you are planning to utilize the advantages of dslr like prime lenses and filters, also avoid prosumer dslr like mentioned above. My friend has the canon prosumer and his problem now is that to add a polarizing filter, he needs an adapter which is always out of stock (and expensive). The sensor is also small so the contrast is not that great compared to a normal slr.

But having said that, im not sure if d90 is within your budget. So if you have no plans to use the camera BEYOND the the body and its kit lens, prosumer DSLR will be good enough. Otherwise, prepare to spend more on dry cabinet, external flash, filters, and better lenses.

[johnjong1976]

thanks bro, your advise is really a great. at the first place, i never consider / study seriously the DX / FX..

FWIW - choose carefully between DX and FX cameras (Digital Format and Full Frame). The lenses will, at the end of the day, be your biggest cost. DX lenses are fine, but if you are a serious pro through serious amateur, FX, IMHO, is the way to go. I have close on $15K invested in lenses that are full frame, so for me, a full frame is the way to go (I use Nikon, but used to shoot with Canon).

If you buy a DX lens, it will not work with a full frame camera. Plus you do get degradation issues, even shooting in RAW. With a full frame CMOS, such as the D700, and buying the "real" (I know some people are going to shoot me for saying this) lenses, then you are very much future proofed. Nikkor lenses last a lifetime, and have better warranties than the Canon equivalents.

Now, that being said, if you don't want to drop too much coin into what is a supposedly cheap hobby, then the little D90 is a pretty good buy - get a decent little lens, then start playing around with the software...find your feet from there, then fly.

On the other hand, something like Panasonic Lumix FZ18 or FZ20 is a really good camera - point and shoot - SLR-like look and feel, and it's like 1/3rd the price. Maybe start on something like that?

My 2 cents is as good as any 2 cents, I guess - so I wish you luck!

[sierra2469alpha]

Hi John - yeh, let me give you some background as to why...

We have two Nikon F90X bodies, and an F5 body (all film), and quite a few top-end pro lenses (well hey, we had to give each other wedding presents, right !!!) So, along came the D series Nikons, and we thought - bonus - new formats to play with. WRONG. As our lenses are full Nikkor (rather than the ones made for the DX CMOS's), we were about to start losing image sizes, had to start correcting for focal ranges etc. So all of a sudden, our significant investment in lenses was going to go somewhat out the window.

Along came the D700 (for us) which means we can now choose from the full range of full frame lenses.

Trust me here - bodies are cheap in comparison to lenses (if you buy stuff that will last). Buy the best lenses that fit your needs, and without a doubt, in Nikkor lenses, that means the full frame ED pro lenses. Worth it? Hell yes.

However, as you're beginning out on the digital path, and don't already have an investment in lenses, I HIGHLY recommend you look at some of the full featured SLR-like cameras I suggested (Lumix FZ18 or 20). That way, you get to play around, find your feet, - don't forget you'll need to spend time on your post processing - then you'll be in a better position than chucking a few spare (right, it's always spare, isn't it!!!!) grand and more at pro gear.

Another suggestion - do a google for "digital camera side by side" - I think the site it brings up foremost is something like dppreview.com - that way you can compare all makes and models side-by-side.

HTH, Mr. P

[ksl]

I purchased the Minolta Dynax 5 D as a beginner, and I'm still none the wiser, not really had the time, the only good thing was i could use the lens from my film camera also a Minolta 5000. I also purchased a digital AF 75 -300mm in Holland.
Never use it now, becuase i never have the time. But when i did, use it, I was a little confused with what it can do...and never really got into it. But i will say, it's the person's knowledge and ability, rather than the camera.

My brother in law took some excellent shots with it, although he's very knowledgable on photography.

[sierra2469alpha]

Which was my point exactly, KSL. In Nikkor lenses and Nikon bodies, likewise with Canon, there is a massive difference between DIGITAL format lenses and FULL format lenses.

[durain]

my OM1 is in airtight box for years now. F3 was stolen with all the lens. done B&W developing before. ah... the smell of the chemicals...

now i use my old mobile fone camera.

[jpatokal]

If you're really a beginner, you might be better off not buying a DSLR at first -- it's kind of like practicing for your driver's license with an 18-wheeler truck.

Thread: http://www.singaporeexpats.com/forum/sutra376957.html

[sierra2469alpha]

That link, with all due respect, isn't a helpful post for the OP. But then, as a moderator, everyone's an expert, lah!

[bluenose]

there is a guy called Willy Foo a Singapore photographer who is running a beginners class for DSLR...check out Singapore photographers on facebook!

[bulldog2002]

Hay guys, don't scare him off.

In fact, it's simple for a newbie, just pick a camera (I personally suggest Canon or Nikon) with a kit lens. In fact, Olympus and other brand do make good cameras as well.

When you know what you're doing, you'll know what kind of camera or lens you need... Wide angle? Tele? Standard(portrait)?

Don't worry, just pick up whatever you can get and happy "cameraing".

You'll figure out what you need when you needed.