The DSLR Information Thread

[edios]

What lenses do you use with your Canon 1100D currently and what makes you think of an upgrade from 1100D?

I use the normal, non-IS 18-55mm lens.
What makes me upgrade from 1100D? Have you used it? The image clarity is not at all good, but considering its current price, it's great (19K). Main problem is the noise it produces. Since I don't have an IS lens, the shake is unacceptable when the shutter speed is less than 1/80. Also, the pictures taken, when seen on a bigger screen is not really good. Although I've been able to get some good shots.

I heard thee image quality of D5200 is better than D7000 and I'm too tempted to get it now.

If you want, I'll post a few of my pics.

Edit: Only problem is that the AF is not working (guess it's the problem of the lens).

 

[manojodungat]

What makes me upgrade from 1100D? Have you used it? The image clarity is not at all good, but considering its current price, it's great (19K).

Please post a couple of pictures which you think the best or the worst with EXIF if possible.

 

[Indian]

...
EDIT: Seriously, you suggested D600? :O

edios, sorry I meant Canon 600D, not Nikon D600
I always get confused with these numbers.

 

[manojodungat]

I use the normal, non-IS 18-55mm lens. Since I don't have an IS lens, the shake is unacceptable when the shutter speed is less than 1/80. Also, the pictures taken, when seen on a bigger screen is not really good.

Also hope you have explored all the possibilities with the Canon 1100D body + available lens. If you have a steady hand [comes with practice] IS isn’t a necessity. If I am using a tripod, I disable the Image Stabilizer [VR on my Nikkor] for sharper pictures

The image clarity is not at all good, but considering its current price, it's great (19K
I heard thee image quality of D5200 is better than D7000 and I'm too tempted to get it now.

I would consider an upgrade only when I realize I am limited by the capability of the camera in hand. I would rather brush up on my skills to get the best out of what I have in hand than searching for a more expensive Body with greater MP count for better IQ.
A more expensive DSLR doesn’t mean better quality pictures !

See the pictures Canon 1100D is capable of delivering.
Picture 1
Picture 2
If you think these aren't up to your expectations, a D5200 wouldn't satisfy you either.

Awaiting your sample pictures !

 

[edios]

Here are some of my not so bad shots. There are a lot more, I can't upload all of them here. It's been 1 and half years. I believe this is the maximum I can get from a 18-55mm lens.

When did I say more expensive ones are necessarily better?
D5200 produces much better quality pics than 1100D. It's a proven fact!

D7000 is 10K (at least) more expensive than D5200. Still D5200 wins in the quality field. But the cost is because of the build, weather sealing etc.

I'll show you some pics where 1100D fails, especially when sunlight is not very bright in the next post.

I'd glad to get your help/reply.

@Indian,
At the range of 35K, Nikon is the best. 600D and 1100D are almost equal in terms of image quality.


Edit: The quality of the pics are drastically reduced because of optimization.

 

[appus]

D7000 is 10K (at least) more expensive than D5200. But the cost is because of the build, weather sealing etc.

Are you sure it is just because of the build quality/weather sealing ?

I am sure D5200 does not have a built in autofocus motor as D7000. So, when you have lenses with out motor (50mm 1.8D - around 4.5k, 70-300 without vr - around 6k), you need to manually focus on it. You can not put on auto/aperture/shutter priority and click photos. That is a huge plus if you have an old lens ! (or you do not have 28K to spend for 70-300 lens)

Second. D7000 got a control panel like most of the professional cameras. That is one of the most useful feature i personally liked.

Oh. Here is one more. It got two Memory Card slots ! You choose what to do when. JPG on one and RAW on another?, Yeah - You can do that !

----------The End------------------

About the photo quality/clarity. You will always be able to get more features & more options when you go for a higher camera (BODY). Full sensor, low noise etc. Unless you do not worry about Big wall poster type of photos, you do not need a high megapixel (or you crop it drastically).

Try getting some good lens for rental and click few photos. May be a 2.8 or 1.8 lens & see the difference. Try one with Image Stabilization when you use 18-105 or 55-300.

Set it on lower iso (100-400) and see the noise level.

Being a tech kid, you should be knowing more than us.

 

[edios]

Are you sure it is just because of the build quality/weather sealing ?

I am sure D5200 does not have a built in autofocus motor as D7000. So, when you have lenses with out motor (50mm 1.8D - around 4.5k, 70-300 without vr - around 6k), you need to manually focus on it. You can not put on auto/aperture/shutter priority and click photos. That is a huge plus if you have an old lens ! (or you do not have 28K to spend for 70-300 lens)

Second. D7000 got a control panel like most of the professional cameras. That is one of the most useful feature i personally liked.

Oh. Here is one more. It got two Memory Card slots ! You choose what to do when. JPG on one and RAW on another?, Yeah - You can do that !

----------The End------------------

About the photo quality/clarity. You will always be able to get more features & more options when you go for a higher camera (BODY). Full sensor, low noise etc. Unless you do not worry about Big wall poster type of photos, you do not need a high megapixel (or you crop it drastically).

Try getting some good lens for rental and click few photos. May be a 2.8 or 1.8 lens & see the difference. Try one with Image Stabilization when you use 18-105 or 55-300.

Set it on lower iso (100-400) and see the noise level.

Being a tech kid, you should be knowing more than us.

Okay, one won't simply price a camera 11K plus. The points you mentioned are useful, especially the built in autofocus motor (even my 1100D has it).

Sad thing is, I guess here there is no one who rents lenses.

I always try to shoot with low ISOs.

The 70-300mm lens I have is full of fungus. Can I clean it? The person who does this is about 40KM away from my home. Only if it's sure that it's fixable.

About that tech kid part,
Photography is all different IMO, to know about photography, one should have intense interest in it + the knowledge comes gradually. Since day 1, my photography skills have improved a LOT. First, I had interest in taking photos only, but now since we're buying our 2nd DSLR, I have a bit knowledge about some of the cheap lenses.

One more question:
How's 50mm 1.8/G or D? Is it worth the money?
Should I get the 18-55mm lens for 1.5K extra?

 

[appus]

First of all, are you going for another DSLR ? Why ?
18-55mm lens ? for what ?

First you decide what you want to shoot. Portrait ? Think of prime (fixed focus lens)
Want to shoot landscape ? Use your 18mm lens. Want to shoot wildlife ? go for 300mm.

And this is just the basic. There are lots more to be considered while buying a lens.
Your budget. What kind of photos you would like to take. See the F number on it. 70-300 F-numbers are 4.5 to 5.6. If you have a fixed f number, the price goes up (eg F2.8). F number with small number costs a lot and it is good for low light photography (Big lens opening so a better pic in low light). You can click with a high shutter speed (Hand shake will be minimum)

etc etc.

About your lens cleaning. I really do not have any idea what will be the output. I heard some one from Payyanur / Calicut does it. You can check the Kannur store (which i had mentioned long back) too.

Test with more lens before buying another body with 18-55 lens. If you are buying a camera, do not go for 18-55. Ask them to give a 18-105 lens which you can use it for most day to day photography (Limitations are there though)

 

[manojodungat]

Just ordered a Sigma 150-500mm today. Should reach in a couple of days.
Now I will have the following lenses to be used with my humble D3100

• Nikon 50mm f/1.8 D for portraits and Macro with Extention Tubes + LED flash ring lights
• 10-20mm F4-5.6 EX DC (HSM) for ultra wide angles [ bought recently]
• 150-500mm F5-6.3 APO DG OS (HSM) for super telephotos

Gotten rid of the following already.

• Nikon AF-S DX NIKKOR 55 - 300 mm f/4.5-5.6G ED VR
• Nikon AF-S DX NIKKOR 18 - 55 mm f/3.5-5.6G VR

With a proper wide angle + 50mm prime, I didn't think of retaining the kit 18-55mm.
I am excited to get my hand on the super-zoomer 150-500mm and expecting a much better experience than with my earlier workhorse 55-300.

Never knew this DSLR thingy is so additive and an ever expensive affair !
I could have bought a D7100 by spending less than what I have already spent for the lenses. But I believe in investing in better lenses, until I upgrade to a Full frame body.

 

[appus]

Congrats Manoj for the big purchase. I think 150-500 lens costs almost thrice over the body (62K in flipkart).

Both the above links are pointing to 404 page.

Edios, are you reading ??

 

[manojodungat]

Congrats Manoj for the big purchase. I think 150-500 lens costs almost thrice over the body (62K in flipkart).

Thanks appus. It certainly was a big purchase. Spent close to a lakh only for a couple of lenses !

Yes better lenses are always expensive. I am still to justify what a Nikon D3100 is capable of. Most of my pictures are in various threads on TAI as you may know. I already have a battery grip attached on to the body and it now feels and grips very solid.

If I am not able to get the best out of a particular camera Body, there is no meaning in searching for more expensive ones in name of “better IQ”.

Both the above links are pointing to 404 page.

The corrected links !
1. Sigma 10-20mm
2. Sigma 150-500mm

 

[manojodungat]

Just ordered a Sigma 150-500mm today. Should reach in a couple of days.

Just received the beast, Sigma 150-500mm. It came with a carrying case, lens hood, front & rear caps and a couple of straps [one for the case and the other to be used with the Tripod.

It is very heavy and huge. The lens itself is close to 2 kg. Tripod is a must which I left back home. A month time to get a feel of it before going in for some real shoot back in India next month.

Some pictures. Clicked using my iPhone 4S. Using the iPhone camera for the first time after having purchased it a couple of years ago.

​

 

[edios]

First of all, are you going for another DSLR ? Why ?
18-55mm lens ? for what ?

First you decide what you want to shoot. Portrait ? Think of prime (fixed focus lens)
Want to shoot landscape ? Use your 18mm lens. Want to shoot wildlife ? go for 300mm.

And this is just the basic. There are lots more to be considered while buying a lens.
Your budget. What kind of photos you would like to take. See the F number on it. 70-300 F-numbers are 4.5 to 5.6. If you have a fixed f number, the price goes up (eg F2.8). F number with small number costs a lot and it is good for low light photography (Big lens opening so a better pic in low light). You can click with a high shutter speed (Hand shake will be minimum)

etc etc.

About your lens cleaning. I really do not have any idea what will be the output. I heard some one from Payyanur / Calicut does it. You can check the Kannur store (which i had mentioned long back) too.

Test with more lens before buying another body with 18-55 lens. If you are buying a camera, do not go for 18-55. Ask them to give a 18-105 lens which you can use it for most day to day photography (Limitations are there though)

Bro, I have read a bit on the internet about these lenses and I know what you wrote(not beyond what you said :P).
I think I have said the reason for upgrading, before. I've been using my camera for more than 1.5 years and I believe I've used it to the maximum (with the given lens).

I chose the 18-55mm kit because:
1. It was so cheap, and is a decent one for 1.5K. Yesterday, the kit was actually cheaper than body only at Amazon.
2. If someone in my home who is not used to a DSLR want to take photos, they can use this lens because it has autofocus. By this, I can save money by buying the non AF-S 50mm Prime lens.

But now, the price is about 3.5K higher than body only. And you're saying that it's not a good one. So not going for that. Thank you very much for the tip.

Yeah, one from Payyannur is doing it (the store you mentioned told me this, and my father once went to him also, years back). A couple of days ago, asked Nikon SC in Kochi about cleaning and they told they do it, so sending it to them.

Congrats Manoj for the big purchase. I think 150-500 lens costs almost thrice over the body (62K in flipkart).

Both the above links are pointing to 404 page.

Edios, are you reading ??

Yes. And I can't afford these.
I believe in spending in a better body, now.

Thanks appus. It certainly was a big purchase. Spent close to a lakh only for a couple of lenses !

Yes better lenses are always expensive. I am still to justify what a Nikon D3100 is capable of. Most of my pictures are in various threads on TAI as you may know. I already have a battery grip attached on to the body and it now feels and grips very solid.

If I am not able to get the best out of a particular camera Body, there is no meaning in searching for more expensive ones in name of “better IQ”.



The corrected links !
1. Sigma 10-20mm
2. Sigma 150-500mm

Put that into a better camera, like D5200 or a D7100 and the results would be 'awesome'.
I'm in for a new body not because they're expensive than my current one or in the name of a better spec sheet. I need more crispy photos. Sure, I can get it with my 1100D, but not all the time.

Just received the beast, Sigma 150-500mm. It came with a carrying case, lens hood, front & rear caps and a couple of straps [one for the case and the other to be used with the Tripod.

It is very heavy and huge. The lens itself is close to 2 kg. Tripod is a must which I left back home. A month time to get a feel of it before going in for some real shoot back in India next month.

Some pictures. Clicked using my iPhone 4S. Using the iPhone camera for the first time after having purchased it a couple of years ago.

Congratulation bro. It looks really HUGE! Added it to one of my dream lenses.


Need a help now.

D5200 vs. D5300 vs. D7000.

The only thing keeping me back from D7000 is its video recording.

I'll tell you some requirements (sort of):

This body is going to be in my hands for at least 5 years (or maybe always) (will spend on lenses here afterwards). So need something that'll keep me satisfied ever (future proof). And this is the reason keeping me back from D5200 and D5300.

Since the image quality and video quality is better in 5300 and 5200, should I pay higher and get D7000?


@Appus,
Bro I really need your help on D7000. Could you please tell me how awesome it is?

 

[manojodungat]

Yes. And I can't afford these. I believe in spending in a better body, now.

I am sure @appus wasn’t asking you to buy a 150-500 mm.

Put that into a better camera, like D5200 or a D7100 and the results would be 'awesome'.

Not necessary. I did try it with a D7100. There wasn’t any significant difference in the crispness observed, when I did. Even with my current body, the outcome is nothing short of awesome. A camera can only assist but it’s you and your skills what makes a picture what it is.

I'm in for a new body not because they're expensive than my current one or in the name of a better spec sheet. I need more crispy photos.

If you can’t get crisp shots with your existing DSLR, you probably won’t get it with any other. It’s not how many years you use but how you use and the way you improve upon your skills over the period.

Sure, I can get it with my 1100D, but not all the time.

The pictures you posted above shows that. If you are not able to reproduce the quality in your shots, I am sorry to say that you haven’t got the basics right. Consistency is the key. I wouldn’t blame my camera for the lack of the “wow” factor in my images.
Having said that, D7100 and D5200 too are great entry level cameras. If I am in the market today for a new DSLR,[No I am not talking of an upgrade from another DSLR] , I would go with a D7100 + a Tokina 11-16mm/Sigma 10-20mm + a 50mm/35mm f/1.8 prime and a Nikkor 70-300mm.

I think I have said the reason for upgrading, before. I've been using my camera for more than 1.5 years and I believe I've used it to the maximum (with the given lens).

If you still think you badly are in a need of a new body, go get a D5200 + a 18-105mm kit, assuming that you will have no budget constraints to go in for lenses with built in motor for AF in the future.
Edit: You can get a super-zoom like my 150-500mm or better in the future.

 

[appus]

Brother,
I think Manoj has explained well. I have not taken the best with my camera yet ! I open my camera once in a month when I am free from everything.

I got 18-105 along with it and i was thinking i can blur (bokeh) the background like i saw in many photos. Later I found that the background and subject has to be bit far to get some good background blur. Then I asked my friend about the cheapest option about getting a proper background blur. He told me to go for a 70-300 without VR and click on 200 or so. Or get a 50mm 1.8D (both was costing 5-6k). I went for the former and got a good background blur. Only problem was, I need to be far from the subject to put in 200mm/30mm.

Lots of handshake as it did not have VR and I am not good in holding it tight controlling even your breath.

Later, I met Highway_Ranger and he was kind enough to give a 50mm 1.8D for me to test. I still have it ;) ! It is more than 6 months now. hehe.

Then my little princess came to this world. I wanted a lens which work great in low light and with sharper image. Yes. 50mm 1.8D works great in low light. I do go a bit on ISO (400-800) and still I do not get noise in pic.
The only draw back is it can not hold many in frame. You have to go really back. (Eg. when you cut a cake & you want all in a frame, your room should be of good length) .

I heard 1.8G auto focuses faster than D. The price was double. Recently the price touched less than 7K. I missed it then.

What I liked about D7000 is (apart from other lower end)
It looks good on your hands. The top view panel is great for easy adjustments. Thanks to my friend who told me to choose 7000 over 5100 (almost 1 1/2 years back).
Two memory card slots. Even if i remove one to copy to computer, I can always click in emergency with other. (I always forgets to put it back after copying)
ISO - Even if you increase iso to 800-1600, you do not see much noise.
Bit heavy - I love that.
Burst mode takes 6-7 continuous shot per sec.

Not so happy with - Video. focusing is not great compared to canon. I have not bought this to shoot video though.

D7100 got a higher megapixel (if you ask pro photographers, they still prefer d90 over 7000 or 7100). I think HR also using both D90 & D7100 and he still loves his D90.

Sill a newbie in photography. Priorities changes at times. Now, I love to be with my Little one when ever I am at home.

I want to practice a lot. Now, it is only 50mm & my little one when ever i take my camera out.