Camera questions

popinfresh · #1 07-02-2009, 03:02 PM

Alright, I know there's a few photographers on here so thought i'd throw out some questions.

I'm looking for an intermediate/pro camera to last me a while. I've only ever used SLR's back in school and messed around with friends DSLR's, but it's something I'd like to take somewhat seriously and learn as much as I can in the process.
I've heard good and bad about video on DSLR's but I really would like something with high quality video, and if possible (and most importantly), time lapse capture.
I messed around on a friends Canon G9 for a while and loved the time lapse feature, combined with some pretty good quality shots. I'd like something more flexible though with lenses, and something with better quality video.
I've been looking at Nikon D5000, D90 and Canon 500D and 50D, plus Pentax's new K-7 (if anyone has any experience yet).
I have no previous gear so would be looking to get a lens or two or kit, and would like to keep the cost as close to $1500-$2000 as possible.

popinfresh · #2 07-02-2009, 04:21 PM

Also, I'm going to be making video's of travels etc. If anyone has used iMovie and has any feedback that'd be great.

iamlowsound · #3 07-02-2009, 07:19 PM

The D5000 has amazing reviews and takes 720p HD video. No idea about the sound though.

lowsound

**HeavyDuty** · #4 07-02-2009, 07:42 PM

If I were using it for video, I'd be sure it can use an external mic!

erix · #5 07-02-2009, 09:44 PM

Did you try the Canon EOS Rebel T1i?
15 megapixel and HD video.
Seems like what you are looking for.

http://www.letsgodigital.org/en/21922/canon-eos-t1i/

Disco_Gee · #6 07-02-2009, 09:48 PM

I'd got with a Canon 500D.

popinfresh · #7 07-02-2009, 09:54 PM

Yep, was considering a Rebel at first, figured I might as well step up a little more though.
I haven't had the time for in depth reviews and comparisons but is there much of a jump between the T1i and 50D?
From what I know, none of the camera's have the ability for external mic, could be wrong though? If they do it's a plus, but if not most videos will be edited with music on top anyway so not too fussed.

Does anyone know the effects of taking video on the sensor? Someone at work mentioned to me today that it can ruin them a lot quicker, don't know if they know what they're talking about though!

popinfresh · #8 07-02-2009, 09:54 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Disco_Gee

I'd got with a Canon 500D.

Any reason for?

popinfresh · #9 07-02-2009, 11:05 PM

OK I don't know about the others, but the K-7 does have external mic, also widescreen and has aperture settings on video.
Reading some more reviews on it now, fairly new camera though..

Disco_Gee · #10 07-03-2009, 06:11 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by popinfresh

Any reason for?

Yeah a couple of reasons. I like the sensors in the Canons better. To my eyes, they produce a better image and I think their high ISO performance looks better. The T1i/500D is also capable of 720p recording @ 30fps (as well as 1080p @ 20fps - not as useful). It fits into your price range (with two lens kit) and is very "first-time-user" friendly.

Personally, I find all the Nikon and Canon entry level cameras to be too small for my hands, but that didn't stop me from buying one when I first started.

The other thing to keep in mind when buying is that Nikon and Canon are much, much easier to get accessories and extra lenses for than any other brand. It may be easy for you depending on where you live, but for most of the world it's not possible to walk into a store and easily purchase accessories for Pentax or Sony DSLRs (lenses are the hardest thing to get). Many places don't stock them, and those that do often have to order the equipment for you. Third party products for Sony/Pentax/anyone else may also be difficult to find. This may become a problem for you if you get serious with your photography/purchases. I've seen it happen to quite a few people - they buy a Sony Alpha or a Pentax and within 1-2 years they are already switching to Nikon or Canon. It's worth keeping in mind.

Thunderitter · #11 07-03-2009, 09:32 AM

iMovie is a great piece of kit. Very easy and intuitive to use and works seamlessly with iDvd.

popinfresh · #12 07-03-2009, 01:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Disco_Gee

Yeah a couple of reasons. I like the sensors in the Canons better. To my eyes, they produce a better image and I think their high ISO performance looks better. The T1i/500D is also capable of 720p recording @ 30fps (as well as 1080p @ 20fps - not as useful). It fits into your price range (with two lens kit) and is very "first-time-user" friendly.

Personally, I find all the Nikon and Canon entry level cameras to be too small for my hands, but that didn't stop me from buying one when I first started.

The other thing to keep in mind when buying is that Nikon and Canon are much, much easier to get accessories and extra lenses for than any other brand. It may be easy for you depending on where you live, but for most of the world it's not possible to walk into a store and easily purchase accessories for Pentax or Sony DSLRs (lenses are the hardest thing to get). Many places don't stock them, and those that do often have to order the equipment for you. Third party products for Sony/Pentax/anyone else may also be difficult to find. This may become a problem for you if you get serious with your photography/purchases. I've seen it happen to quite a few people - they buy a Sony Alpha or a Pentax and within 1-2 years they are already switching to Nikon or Canon. It's worth keeping in mind.

Awesome, cheers mate.
Yeah, the thought of lenses and accessories did cross my mind, by the time I have the money the K-7 will have been out a little while so i'll check the market then, from the reviews it seems it could be the 'new' prosumer DSLR, or at least up the top. Pentax hadn't really done much before then so we'll see if much new stuff comes out. They our backwards compatible though I think so I could always use older lenses as well.

The T1i is tempting, especially in kit for and having everything I need. Just struggling with money at the moment and i'd hate to want to upgrade the body and/or even lenses after 6 months or so and be in the same spot. What are the kit lenses like with the T1i?

Disco_Gee · #13 07-03-2009, 05:27 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by popinfresh

Awesome, cheers mate.
Yeah, the thought of lenses and accessories did cross my mind, by the time I have the money the K-7 will have been out a little while so i'll check the market then, from the reviews it seems it could be the 'new' prosumer DSLR, or at least up the top. Pentax hadn't really done much before then so we'll see if much new stuff comes out. They our backwards compatible though I think so I could always use older lenses as well.

The T1i is tempting, especially in kit for and having everything I need. Just struggling with money at the moment and i'd hate to want to upgrade the body and/or even lenses after 6 months or so and be in the same spot. What are the kit lenses like with the T1i?

The kit lenses with any of the entry-level cameras aren't very good. They will do the job for a while until you start to get a good eye for things and then you will realise that they don't produce very accurate colours, and that there is quite a bit of barrel distortion at the wide end of the short lenses.

I know some people who have had the kit lenses for 2 years and have never noticed the things I see. I got sick of mine after about 6 months. I would suggest buying a 'nifty fifty' when you get the camera. Canon have a 50mm 1.8 lens that is very sharp, and well worth the US$114 price tag. I think Nikon have something almost identical if you end up going Nikon. The 1.8 makes it useful for low light, and also gives really nice DOF. You won't get that with any of the kit lenses. It makes quite a nice portrait lens and it probably the best bang for your buck lens you'll ever buy.

You are much more likely to want to upgrade the lenses before you will want a new body.

popinfresh · #14 07-04-2009, 04:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Disco_Gee

The kit lenses with any of the entry-level cameras aren't very good. They will do the job for a while until you start to get a good eye for things and then you will realise that they don't produce very accurate colours, and that there is quite a bit of barrel distortion at the wide end of the short lenses.

I know some people who have had the kit lenses for 2 years and have never noticed the things I see. I got sick of mine after about 6 months. I would suggest buying a 'nifty fifty' when you get the camera. Canon have a 50mm 1.8 lens that is very sharp, and well worth the US$114 price tag. I think Nikon have something almost identical if you end up going Nikon. The 1.8 makes it useful for low light, and also gives really nice DOF. You won't get that with any of the kit lenses. It makes quite a nice portrait lens and it probably the best bang for your buck lens you'll ever buy.

You are much more likely to want to upgrade the lenses before you will want a new body.

Yeah, I tend to be very picky with things i'm interested in. So I may just get a higher end body and lens to start with, or i'll be upgrading the lens fairly soon.
Lenses are definitely one thing I don't know anything about though, any tips on where to start learning?
Looking at the pentax glass they seem pretty expensive, might push the K-7 out of my price range anyway.
Does anyone buy used lenses? Good/bad idea?

**BluesyCat** · #15 07-04-2009, 04:25 PM

Canon 50D kit.

Disco_Gee · #16 07-04-2009, 04:44 PM

The Canon 50D kit is definitely a better start. It comes with a 17-85mm lens. The lens is far better than the ones that come with the 500D, or the Nikon D5000. It has less distortion, much, much faster focussing, and is a tougher lens. It's sharper, too.

Buying used lenses is ok as along as you check the lens out. You don't want anything with scratches on the glass and you want to make sure that the focus works properly. You also want to avoid anything with a dent in either end of the barrel, as that will make it hard to fit filters. Lenses will last a very long time if they are taken care of.

**BluesyCat** · #17 07-04-2009, 05:09 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Disco_Gee

The Canon 50D kit is definitely a better start. It comes with a 17-85mm lens. The lens is far better than the ones that come with the 500D, or the Nikon D5000. It has less distortion, much, much faster focussing, and is a tougher lens. It's sharper, too.

Buying used lenses is ok as along as you check the lens out. You don't want anything with scratches on the glass and you want to make sure that the focus works properly. You also want to avoid anything with a dent in either end of the barrel, as that will make it hard to fit filters. Lenses will last a very long time if they are taken care of.

Yes, it is nearly impossible to take a bad picture with the Canon 50D.

popinfresh · #18 07-04-2009, 05:21 PM

Alrighty, cheers guys. At the moment, I think there's 4 camera's on the list.

Canon 50D
Nikon D90
Pentax K-7
and finally Panasonic Lumix DMC GH1.

Has anyone looked at the GH1 or have any opinions? It shoots 1080p video, auto focus, shutter and aperture control too. Has stereo mic built in, as well as external jack for a mic. From the looks of it, the kit lens takes really great photos as well. I'm not sure how many other lenses fit, but I did read somewhere that Canon/Nikon etc lenses can fit the body. Anyone know for sure?
It's technically not a DSLR, but a interchangeable lens digi camera. Seems to be more focused on movie/still hybrid which may be something I'm very interested in.
Check out some of the footage here (make sure to watch it in HD).
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RW4Lkrugpvo
The stills i've seen from it look great as well, but most of the focus is on it's video so it's hard to find some info. I'll keep looking though.

**BluesyCat** · #19 07-04-2009, 05:32 PM

Ya know what....just go to www.dpreview.com and read the details/test, look at the sample photos from each, etc. I'm pro-Canon. (was formerly Nikon but since they apparently don't make all their own internals, I switched to Canon.)

**Vorago** · #20 07-04-2009, 05:45 PM

Ok I'll chime in...the problem is I take all my photos on film (analogue), so I can't tell you a lot about DSLR's.

What I do know is that Canon seems to have some amazing deals going atm.

And, that Pentax dslr's have an excellent reputation if it comes to body durability.

If I'd get a digital reflex I'd probably get a Pentax for that reason, but I like outdoor photography so...