Hello CSers!

[Linerax]

Hope I didn't get the term wrong. :bsmilie:

Anyway, like most newbies out there, I'm planning on getting a DSLR, but I'm not going to ask what camera is better since I've lurked for a rather long time before creating this thread and I can see that they're rather annoying.:sweat:

I've narrowed down my options to the A380, 500D and the D90, which is considered semi-pro, and it's pretty much out of my budget so I don't think I'll be getting that first hand. But otherwise, these are the 3 options I have. And yes, I've considered other brands like Pentax.

My reservations with the 500D is that I happened to chance across a comparison between it and the D90, and this is what I saw:

The Canon Rebel T1i features a 15.1MP sensor compared to the Nikon D90 with a 12.3MP sensor: The common assumption is that more is better and that the Canon Rebel T1i offers an advantage with its higher resolution sensor.

If Canon had opted to recycle the better quality output 10MP sensor from the Canon EOS 40D and incorporate it into the Rebel T1i / ESO 500D we would have been more impressed with their new product direction.

By adding even more pixels without increasing the size of the sensor, Canon is pushing the resolution threshold of APS-C sensor technology and in our opinion has chosen to sacrifice on quality and practicality in favour of a marketing based decision.

In order to fit 15.1 megapixels on a sensor that is slightly smaller in size compared to the DX format sensor found in the 12.2 megapixel Nikon D90, the pixels on the Rebel T1i sensor have to be smaller and packed closer together. The pixel density on the Canon Rebel T1i / EOS 500D is a fairly high 4.5 MP/cm² compared to a pixel density of 3.3MP/cm² on the Nikon D90.

There are a number of disadvantages associated with higher pixel density sensors. One important consideration is that you will want to invest in a higher end quality lens that can support the sensor's increased resolution capability. The simple rule is that if you invest in a higher-resolution camera you need a lens that offers sufficient resolving power, which generally means spending more.

The standard Canon EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 IS zoom kit lens for the Canon Rebel T1i does not qualify in this regard, delivering fairly poor image quality when used on a high resolution sensor (noticeable even when used on the 12.2 MP Rebel XSi). We would not recommend this basic zoom lens for use with the Rebel T1i, and would suggest investing in one of Canon's better zoom lenses like the Canon EF-S 17-85mm IS or the Canon EF-S 18-200mm instead.

Source here.

I might be making a mountain out of a molehill, and might not even be able to tell the difference myself, but I do want to get a DSLR that I wouldn't regret getting like most starters out there. At first I was thinking of dropping the 500D totally, but I saw that that can be fixed by getting another zoom lens. May I know what would be the price if I'm planning to get the 500D Kit, but upgrade the lenses to the EF-S 17-85mm IS (I'm hoping that this will be the cheaper one of the two.)

EDIT: I've found out that this lens isn't cheap at all. >.>

I've contemplated purchasing the 450D instead, but I'm afraid that a newer model will replace it next year, since it has been out for sometime already, and the 920,000 pixels screen does appeal a lot more to me. Maybe I'm shallow, but I figured out that I wouldn't enjoy photography as much if what I'm working with isn't appealing to me, just like what most of you regard as a proper grip and such.

My point of this thread was just to say hello and hope some of you would be able to aid in certain doubts I have, like the pricing, but it seems like I typed a little too much! :bsmilie:

EDIT 2: Budget is around 1.5k

 

[madmartian]

Welcome to CS I think you've answered your own questions

 

[Linerax]

Welcome to CS I think you've answered your own questions

Thanks for the welcome. I'm still unable to decide on which cameras to get at all. :dunno: If I can't even sort this out, how am I going to get down to the shop to test them? :cry:

 

[pegasus7777777]

Thanks for the welcome. I'm still unable to decide on which cameras to get at all. :dunno: If I can't even sort this out, how am I going to get down to the shop to test them? :cry:

Hi TS,

U aint the first one here to ask this question, however, its hard to gauge from the wall of text you just mention. Could u answer these few questions

1) Why do u want a DSLR (as oppose to a PnS )
2) As (1) What do you like / dislike about each? (DSLR vs PnS)?
3) What kind of quality of pictures are acceptable / not-acceptable to u after buying the equipment?
4) What kind of features are "Crucial" and what are "Like-to-have-but-still-acceptable-if-not-present) ( this will answer the "might not even be able to tell the difference myself" part).
Suggestions to yr list will be :
HD Video,
Availablility and Price (AnP) of lens,
AnP of assessories,
Compactness,
Build Quality ( need weatherseal?)
Types of shots / subject that would be mostly doing ( fast subjects? slow? static? low-light?)
etc etc.


As you begin this exercise, you might even discover the answer yourself.

Each brand has its own strengths and limits. One more reason people relunctant to respond is that we don't want a brand war again..... so many wars nowadays....

 

[Linerax]

Hi TS,

U aint the first one here to ask this question, however, its hard to gauge from the wall of text you just mention. Could u answer these few questions

1) Why do u want a DSLR (as oppose to a PnS )
2) As (1) What do you like / dislike about each? (DSLR vs PnS)?
3) What kind of quality of pictures are acceptable / not-acceptable to u after buying the equipment?
4) What kind of features are "Crucial" and what are "Like-to-have-but-still-acceptable-if-not-present) ( this will answer the "might not even be able to tell the difference myself" part).
Suggestions to yr list will be :
HD Video,
Availablility and Price (AnP) of lens,
AnP of assessories,
Compactness,
Build Quality ( need weatherseal?)
Types of shots / subject that would be mostly doing ( fast subjects? slow? static? low-light?)
etc etc.


As you begin this exercise, you might even discover the answer yourself.

Each brand has its own strengths and limits. One more reason people relunctant to respond is that we don't want a brand war again..... so many wars nowadays....

1. I've an interest in photography for pretty long now, and since I've now enough savings to finally get myself a DSLR, "Why not?" I thought. Sure, a prosumer might serve me well, but since I know that I'll most probably be getting a DSLR in the later years, why not start early and get used to it.

2. Having a DSLR in your hand feels.. different. I like the 'manual' feeling of being able to control everything of your camera, after having tried out my friend's 450D, compared to a PnS where most of the settings are fixed. Again, the prosumer comes to mind, but still ruled out eventually. :bsmilie:

3. I'm not too sure how to answer this. :sweat:

4. The most crucial one would most probably be the price, then the availability of lenses and servicing throughout Singapore. Compactness isn't really a crucial factor for me, since I believe that most DSLRs tend to be larger than PnS cameras, and weatherseal isn't needed much as I do not think that I will be shooting much in harsh conditions.

I've lurked long enough to see many of this threads popping up with similar questions asked, and that almost all entry-level DSLRs being similar. I was fixed on a 450D at first, but the more I looked around at reviews and threads, I couldn't make up my mind anymore. |:

 

[Galdor]

Hello...welcome.

You may wish to note that the Sony A380 is not a 'semi-pro' cam. It's in the entry level cam category.

 

[pinholecam]

So why not a Pentax? It seems to fill up all your requirements.

Availability of lenses
>> Sure not as wide spread, but sure its in the shops if you know where to ask (eg. MS color, OP, CP, Emjay (distributor))
The stuffs pops up often in BnS here and if you take into account online stores and ebay then its no longer a question of availability but enough $$$
I have lenses that stretch though the whole Pentax history of lenses (Yes, all usable on my 2009 DSLR). None have been hard to get.
For new lenses, at the worst, you just have to order.

Servicing
>> This is well supported by Emjay the local distributor of Pentax.

Price
>> ~$900 for a new Kx with 18-55 kit lens.

Compactness
>> K7 and Kx are certainly one of the smallest DSLRs (not EVFs) on offer. The pentax pancake 40mm is known for its small size. So are the new DA series of prime lenses.


If you consider other brands like Olympus, Panasonic and Sony, you get more choices as well.

 

[Linerax]

Hello...welcome.

You may wish to note that the Sony A380 is not a 'semi-pro' cam. It's in the entry level cam category.

Guess I didn't label it quite well, but I only meant that the D90 was in the entry level cam catergory. :bsmilie:

 

[Linerax]

So why not a Pentax? It seems to fill up all your requirements.

Availability of lenses
>> Sure not as wide spread, but sure its in the shops if you know where to ask (eg. MS color, OP, CP, Emjay (distributor))
The stuffs pops up often in BnS here and if you take into account online stores and ebay then its no longer a question of availability but enough $$$
I have lenses that stretch though the whole Pentax history of lenses (Yes, all usable on my 2009 DSLR). None have been hard to get.
For new lenses, at the worst, you just have to order.

Servicing
>> This is well supported by Emjay the local distributor of Pentax.

Price
>> ~$900 for a new Kx with 18-55 kit lens.

Compactness
>> K7 and Kx are certainly one of the smallest DSLRs (not EVFs) on offer. The pentax pancake 40mm is known for its small size. So are the new DA series of prime lenses.


If you consider other brands like Olympus, Panasonic and Sony, you get more choices as well.

Hi there! I've heard of the Pentax K-x but not the K-7, so I guess there's one more choice for me now, at a relatively cheaper price too! :bsmilie: Currently reading up the the review for the K-7, must say it's rather appealing so far. Thanks for the heads-up!

 

[pegasus7777777]

Guess I didn't label it quite well, but I only meant that the D90 was in the entry level cam catergory. :bsmilie:

U may wish to know that the 500D is NOT semi-pro either.

I guess u mean that all 3 are entry level and good / suitable for u?

What i suggest is:

Since you cant make up your mind, spend some cash borrow / loan from camera rental, or approach the friend who has the 450D? Borrow / Use / Loan / "Cope" it for a week and see how is it. If you don't want to lose alot of money long term, u can try this.... after a week, u'll definitely know what you want, assuming YOU SHOOT EVERYDAY FOR A WEEK.

Alternatively you can buy and sell away at a slight loss lor, lotsa people do that.
its a small price to pay for such a hobby.

Ok la....I think as long as the camera is not too laoya,

A good camera can make a good photograph, but a good photograph is not necessarily made by a good camera.
Eventually you'll find that all DSLR is good la. Its making the photos that's problem.

 

[Linerax]

U may wish to know that the 500D is NOT semi-pro either.

I guess u mean that all 3 are entry level and good / suitable for u?

What i suggest is:

Since you cant make up your mind, spend some cash borrow / loan from camera rental, or approach the friend who has the 450D? Borrow / Use / Loan / "Cope" it for a week and see how is it. If you don't want to lose alot of money long term, u can try this.... after a week, u'll definitely know what you want, assuming YOU SHOOT EVERYDAY FOR A WEEK.

Alternatively you can buy and sell away at a slight loss lor, lotsa people do that.
its a small price to pay for such a hobby.

Ok la....I think as long as the camera is not too laoya,

A good camera can make a good photograph, but a good photograph is not necessarily made by a good camera.
Eventually you'll find that all DSLR is good la. Its making the photos that's problem.

Eh, oops! I meant that only the D90 was semi-pro! :bsmilie:

Thanks for the advice! Now I've K-7 on my list to try. As for renting camera, I don't think that's feasible, it's rather expensive. :cry:

 

[Galdor]

Maybe you can tell us what is your budget.

 

[Linerax]

Maybe you can tell us what is your budget.

Around 1.3k to 1.5k will be good, which is around the 500D's price. Sorry for not stating it.

 

[Galdor]

For that price you can consider the following:

Nikon D90
Canon 500D
Sony A550
Pentax K7
Olympus E30

 

[Linerax]

For that price you can consider the following:

Nikon D90
Canon 500D
Sony A550
Pentax K7
Olympus E30

I'm currently considering the K-7, the 500D and the A380 as I heard the A500 series have a rather huge grip and my hands are pretty small, so yeah. :bsmilie:

As for D90, it's exceeds my budget by quite a bit, so I'm not so sure. :dunno:

Will check out the E30! Thanks for your recommendations!