Stuck between these choices for a camera. HELP?

[Tejas Ramakrishnan]

WOW Chuxter...

I learned more about photography equipment today than i ever did cumulatively. Thanks.

I understand that the DSLR in question has a 1.6x crop sensor. I am looking to get into serious photography... Not serious to be considered a professional, but serious so that my friends ask me - Where the freak did you shoot that..? You know what i mean..? I am okay with any technical stuff.. You give me something, and i turn it inside out in 30 minutes and learn how to use it... So, i will learn as much as i can about photography especially because i have a deep interest in it and had been so for long.. So, the sensor format will be okay, right..?

The 35mm size correlating sensors found on high quality DSLRs are not important for what i am planning, right..? So, 550D is my wishlist item..

I see that the 600D will have just a few enhancements, so i will wait for it to release and then get the 550D whose price might drop after the release of 600D..

As per Mary's suggestion. I looked on Adorama and saw that there are some quality used items for good prices too.

I will not be planning to remove the lens outside the house, as i don't want to risk having to clean the lens frequently and also spend time editing the blotched images, so it might be a better idea to go for the 18-135 IS kit than the 18-55 IS kit, right..?

Even though it costs higher, the functionality will be multiplied, right..? Also, since i might be going for a macro lens later, there is no issue of getting to use the Raynox adapter on a longer lens.... So, 18-135 mm I is a good first choice...

WIll the size difference be too much between the too lenses..? Also, will i get cases which can hold the camera with the lens put on and not both stored separately...?

 

[beagle1]

WOW Chuxter...

I learned more about photography equipment today than i ever did cumulatively. Thanks.

I understand that the DSLR in question has a 1.6x crop sensor. I am looking to get into serious photography... Not serious to be considered a professional, but serious so that my friends ask me - Where the freak did you shoot that..? You know what i mean..? I am okay with any technical stuff.. You give me something, and i turn it inside out in 30 minutes and learn how to use it... So, i will learn as much as i can about photography especially because i have a deep interest in it and had been so for long.. So, the sensor format will be okay, right..?

The 35mm size correlating sensors found on high quality DSLRs are not important for what i am planning, right..? So, 550D is my wishlist item..

I see that the 600D will have just a few enhancements, so i will wait for it to release and then get the 550D whose price might drop after the release of 600D..

As per Mary's suggestion. I looked on Adorama and saw that there are some quality used items for good prices too.

I will not be planning to remove the lens outside the house, as i don't want to risk having to clean the lens frequently and also spend time editing the blotched images, so it might be a better idea to go for the 18-135 IS kit than the 18-55 IS kit, right..?

Even though it costs higher, the functionality will be multiplied, right..? Also, since i might be going for a macro lens later, there is no issue of getting to use the Raynox adapter on a longer lens.... So, 18-135 mm I is a good first choice...

WIll the size difference be too much between the too lenses..? Also, will i get cases which can hold the camera with the lens put on and not both stored separately...?

the 18-55IS kit lens is sharper than the 18-135 - don't worry about changing lens - that's the point of owning a DSLR !

 

[chuxter]

WOW Chuxter...

I learned more about photography equipment today than i ever did cumulatively. Thanks.

I understand that the DSLR in question has a 1.6x crop sensor. I am looking to get into serious photography... Not serious to be considered a professional, but serious so that my friends ask me - Where the freak did you shoot that..? You know what i mean..? I am okay with any technical stuff.. You give me something, and i turn it inside out in 30 minutes and learn how to use it... So, i will learn as much as i can about photography especially because i have a deep interest in it and had been so for long.. So, the sensor format will be okay, right..?

Yes a 1.6X crop is fine for you.

The 35mm size correlating sensors found on high quality DSLRs are not important for what i am planning, right..? So, 550D is my wishlist item..

Yes, I don't think you need a 1X crop sensor...yet.

I see that the 600D will have just a few enhancements, so i will wait for it to release and then get the 550D whose price might drop after the release of 600D..

As per Mary's suggestion. I looked on Adorama and saw that there are some quality used items for good prices too.

Yes, there are several good places to find quality photography equipment. Try also B&H and KEH.

I will not be planning to remove the lens outside the house, as i don't want to risk having to clean the lens frequently and also spend time editing the blotched images, so it might be a better idea to go for the 18-135 IS kit than the 18-55 IS kit, right..?

You are worrying too much about dust. Modern dSLRs have rather effective dust shakers/catchers, so it's not the same as it once was. Even if you get an occasional dust spot, it's quite easy to clean it off. Someone as technically sharp as you will have no difficulty.

Even though it costs higher, the functionality will be multiplied, right..? Also, since i might be going for a macro lens later, there is no issue of getting to use the Raynox adapter on a longer lens.... So, 18-135 mm I is a good first choice...

There is simply nothing better (optically) than a macro lens...that's it's forte. It has zero aberrations, a flat field, and very high resolution...and it has a focusing system that goes from infinity to 1:1. Add that it's usually a symmetrical design, optimized for a 1:1 reproduction ratio and you begin to see the differences.

WIll the size difference be too much between the too lenses..?

I'm having to guess which two lenses you are asking about...I assume the 18-135 and a macro lens? Well, there are many different sizes of macro lenses! My Nikkor 60mm f/2.8D is my smallest lens, physically...but it's an older design w/o AF motor. You can visit any of the maker's websites and get physical data on any lens. :-0

Also, will i get cases which can hold the camera with the lens put on and not both stored separately...?

You can find cases to do anything you want to do! The difficulty is knowing before hand exactly what a specific case will hold...especially if you are buying on-line! In general, it's not too big a problem, as cases come with movable dividers that you can use to construct whatever storage is needed.

--
Charlie Davis
Nikon 5700, Sony R1, Nikon D50, Nikon D300
HomePage: http://www.1derful.info
"The voices in my head may be crazy, but they have good ideas!"

 

[MaryGierth]

the 18-55IS kit lens is sharper than the 18-135 - don't worry about changing lens - that's the point of owning a DSLR !

I agree. From what I see posted in these forums the 18-135 is not that great. You'd be better off with the 18-55. With the money you save you can use it toward your macro lens.

 

[Skipper494]

Depends on what you want to do and how much you are prepared to carry. In my collection of S2 Pro, D700, P7000. L22, G2, FZ35, the most reliable and versatile is the P7000. For longer reach, but much smaller sensor, it's the FZ35, though the L22 is always in my shirt pocket, if I'm not carrying anything bigger.

 

[Tejas Ramakrishnan]

@beagle,

I go ahead with that suggestion.. 18-55 mm IS... I was thinking of matching the zoom capabilities of the G12, but it is not important for me....

As per Mary's suggestions, getting the macro with 18-55 instead of the lone 18-135 will enhance my capabilities to make marco shots as well.... Thanks Mary.

Chuxter.... Phew brother... Thanks a million or what..?

I was referring to using the diopter adapter with 18-135 as size and comparing it to the 18-55.... Not an issue now, i think i will go ahead with the 18-55 which i believe now to be sharper than the other....

So, Canon EOS 550D with 18-55 mm IS lens and maybe a macro lens...

Any alternate suggestions from members here, who might be Nikon lovers...?

@Skipper494...

Yes, i am inclined and interested in a take anywhere size camera, but wouldn't be possible as i do not have much photogenic locations around here... I am on a plan to travel a bit and visit places... So, a good camera with capabilities will aid me more i think... I love the portability of a compact, but want to invest in a system which will make my investment future proof for sometime at least... Not just in the sense of technology updates, but also my range and targets to shoot....

 

[pvn]

Hi Tejas Rama Krishnan, did you ever consider Pentax k r! I believe Pentax k r is equally better camera when compared to canon 550 d, for a very less price. i would rather you buy pentax kr with a nice second hand lens. Considering your limitations I believe this camera fits in your budget. The Pentax kit lens are definitely better than canon ones! This is a mid level dslr at the price of canon's entry level dslr. For complete information look at the 'in depth review' of Pentax K-X. Pentax k-r is much better camera than K-X. Best part is they take any pentax old lenses, as they ve inbuilt IS.

Im not sure how easily this pentax camera is available in India, but I'm sure you won't regret it. This camera's definitely worth your consideration.

regards,
Pavan kumar.

 

[PeterLeyssens]

Hello Mary,

I don't underestimate the G12 or other advanced P&S cameras and I do highly value the compact size of the G12 as compared to the dslr. I was just hoping to get a little more info from you for the OP.

You're welcome

My only comment on your analysis is that you conclude that a dslr is for people who want to build a big system. I think many people own dslrs and only have a few lenses and maybe a flash.

I'd even say: there are plenty of people who have a DSLR and just the kit lens. I think that for many people, a DSLR is overkill. Many could pick a camera that is much easier to carry and less daunting. A DSLR is frequently recommended without thinking about the user. This discussion is interesting, though, because of the macro.

It seems like the system Tejas would want is a walk around lens and a macro. This would be a perfectly reasonable requirement or plan for buying a dslr.

Exactly.

Thanks for your reply,

Peter.

--
gallery at http://picasaweb.google.com/peterleyssens
NAP (Nearly a PAD (Photo a Day)) at http://nap.techwriter.be

 

[jmmgarza]

You can get a Nikon D3100 (newest budget model) for under $500... plus tax... unless you order it from NY or LA, etc. For an advanced smaller camera I would suggest the Canon G12. It is quite solid and should have a decent useful life.
--
Jesus Manuel Mena Garza
Photographer
[email protected]
http://www.jmmgarza.com/

 

[MaryGierth]

I don't underestimate the G12 or other advanced P&S cameras and I do highly value the compact size of the G12 as compared to the dslr. I was just hoping to get a little more info from you for the OP.

You're welcome

My only comment on your analysis is that you conclude that a dslr is for people who want to build a big system. I think many people own dslrs and only have a few lenses and maybe a flash.

I'd even say: there are plenty of people who have a DSLR and just the kit lens. I think that for many people, a DSLR is overkill. Many could pick a camera that is much easier to carry and less daunting. A DSLR is frequently recommended without thinking about the user. This discussion is interesting, though, because of the macro.

I agree. I think the high end P&S and mirrorless cameras are closing the gap that was previously pretty significant. (I use my p&s alot more than my dslr.)

It seems like the system Tejas would want is a walk around lens and a macro. This would be a perfectly reasonable requirement or plan for buying a dslr.

Exactly.

Thanks for your reply,

Peter.

--
gallery at http://picasaweb.google.com/peterleyssens
NAP (Nearly a PAD (Photo a Day)) at http://nap.techwriter.be

 

[chuxter]

Any alternate suggestions from members here, who might be Nikon lovers...?

The Nikon D90 is a real bargain, if you want to move up to more of an enthusiasts camera...real penta-prism VF, dual control wheels, top-mounted info LCD, better build, etc. They are going for about $796 (body only). Add an 18-55 VR lens for about $120 (used...can't seem to find them new...many people who buy a dSLR kit get one of these and lust for something brighter, so they dump them on the used market). I know that's a bit over your budget, but is is a Nikon after all! ;-)

--
Charlie Davis
Nikon 5700, Sony R1, Nikon D50, Nikon D300
HomePage: http://www.1derful.info
"The voices in my head may be crazy, but they have good ideas!"