FZriends Thread (FZ18 & FZ28 users and ex-users group - part II)


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Some colour from Darwin Orchid Show this morning.
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Hi everyone, just a hypothetical, if I was to make the leap to DSLR which camera should I get.
Have been looking at Canon EOS 500D and Nikon D5000.
What are your thoughts?:think:
 

Hi everyone, just a hypothetical, if I was to make the leap to DSLR which camera should I get.
Have been looking at Canon EOS 500D and Nikon D5000.
What are your thoughts?:think:

It really depends on what you need Rob, I generally see two key aspects for bodies that you should focus on. Do you need high ISO capabilities (with lower noise)? Do you need fast auto-focus? And a less significant point: Do you need a bigger & heavier body with extra external controls?

If Yes to most of the questions above, then get one of these: This is just my subjective opinion!

Canon 40D, or a second hand 1Dmark2! =X
Sony Alpha A700, or wait for Sony's newer models?

Nikon D90? (I was told by Melvan this is an entry level camera, but Nikonians love it, I don't entirely see whats so special, but you be the judge.)

Else just get anything else for a good price. =X

Personally I feel that 500D and D5000 are the first cameras I'd avoid due to the price point and of course, they're both entry cameras. A brand new 500D is priced even higher than a brand new 40D.

Then again, these are just bodies. What I will REALLY recommend, is you find out which lens will be most ideal for you, and go to that brand with the best of that lens type (do consider price too!).

Like for me, although I didn't fully have this plan in mind before I picked canon, I'm happy to be on canon because of the 135mm F2 L. Its really really sharp and fast, and its the cheapest comparing against Nikon's and Sony's (doubled!). Further, the nikon version isn't even as good. and Canon's has the fastest autofocus amongst all 3 brands for this lens.

Of course, its not very easy to choose a lens before jumping to a DSLR... but since you already have a camera, its good to experiment first. Ask yourself, what do you feel like you're lacking?

Given the type of pictures you've been taking, I figure you'd do well with a 100mm F2.8 Macro and maybe dual kits. (Kit lens + a tele kit lens). But this is purely a suggestion! you gotta find out for yourself, hah.
 

on rackvolution

Hey zt, thats a great idea, very interesting. However I think theres slight room for improvement :). I say this because it somewhat seems not too practical. The rackvolution is way more expensive than a conventional shoerack, if height was a problem, the user can always get a higher shoerack. =X

However, where your idea will come in super handy (I feel), is when you have a variety of items in your rack, instead of just shoes. For instance like... maybe office stuff? As it revolves, the item displayed alternates between stationeries, paper, files, laptop accessories, personal belongings... and when placed next to a work desk, could become very convenient :). And instead of it being vertical, maybe it can be horizontal with many layers, so that it will be somewhat more space effective. like...

o=====o
o=====o
o=====o

That way you can present 3 different types of items instead of just 1 if you have enough floor space. :)

Just my opinion tho, maybe you can present it to your teachers as a development idea. ^^
 

Hey zt, thats a great idea, very interesting. However I think theres slight room for improvement :). I say this because it somewhat seems not too practical. The rackvolution is way more expensive than a conventional shoerack, if height was a problem, the user can always get a higher shoerack. =X

However, where your idea will come in super handy (I feel), is when you have a variety of items in your rack, instead of just shoes. For instance like... maybe office stuff? As it revolves, the item displayed alternates between stationeries, paper, files, laptop accessories, personal belongings... and when placed next to a work desk, could become very convenient :). And instead of it being vertical, maybe it can be horizontal with many layers, so that it will be somewhat more space effective. like...

o=====o
o=====o
o=====o

That way you can present 3 different types of items instead of just 1 if you have enough floor space. :)

Just my opinion tho, maybe you can present it to your teachers as a development idea. ^^

haha... thanks for the suggestion, well, the project already over, so we are like chuck it one side... anyway the main ideal of the rackvolution is actually also for books and stuff, just happen that the first idea was shoe, so we carry on with shoe... the horizontal one that u say is actually been invented already... tats why we didn't go horizontal... in fact horizontal would be much more easier to do... i'm not sure if u have watch walle before, the ideal was actually inspired by walle (one of the scene)

the main idea of this shoe rack is for luxury purpose... which mean, its like expensive but simple function... example like gucci bag, bag tat serve the same purpose but price like u are buying gold... i think if this idea was commercialize, most probaly this item will only be used by celebrities or the rich.. those people who have walk-in-wardrobe...and at the end, is a rotating shoe rack from base to ceiling... wat a luxury...

and yea, actually my teacher likes the idea, they got quite excited when they see it moving smoothly... but the judge are heavily judging by price of the item which we didn't know... so yea, didn't win anything at the end of exhibition...but most probaly can get good grade
 

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It really depends on what you need Rob, I generally see two key aspects for bodies that you should focus on. Do you need high ISO capabilities (with lower noise)? Do you need fast auto-focus? And a less significant point: Do you need a bigger & heavier body with extra external controls?

If Yes to most of the questions above, then get one of these: This is just my subjective opinion!

Canon 40D, or a second hand 1Dmark2! =X
Sony Alpha A700, or wait for Sony's newer models?

Nikon D90? (I was told by Melvan this is an entry level camera, but Nikonians love it, I don't entirely see whats so special, but you be the judge.)

Else just get anything else for a good price. =X

Personally I feel that 500D and D5000 are the first cameras I'd avoid due to the price point and of course, they're both entry cameras. A brand new 500D is priced even higher than a brand new 40D.

Then again, these are just bodies. What I will REALLY recommend, is you find out which lens will be most ideal for you, and go to that brand with the best of that lens type (do consider price too!).

Like for me, although I didn't fully have this plan in mind before I picked canon, I'm happy to be on canon because of the 135mm F2 L. Its really really sharp and fast, and its the cheapest comparing against Nikon's and Sony's (doubled!). Further, the nikon version isn't even as good. and Canon's has the fastest autofocus amongst all 3 brands for this lens.

Of course, its not very easy to choose a lens before jumping to a DSLR... but since you already have a camera, its good to experiment first. Ask yourself, what do you feel like you're lacking?

Given the type of pictures you've been taking, I figure you'd do well with a 100mm F2.8 Macro and maybe dual kits. (Kit lens + a tele kit lens). But this is purely a suggestion! you gotta find out for yourself, hah.

Thanks Justin, as I said it is only hypothetical right now, with my intended move to Singapore, I will have to eventually sell my shotgun and gun safe, so the money from that can buy me a DSLR. Looks like I am also going to sell a car, no need for two if Amy is going to be over there for an extended period before I get there. So the Honda will have to go and keep the Jimney, so I can tow the boat.
I am very reluctant to sell the FZ 28, I still find it very usefull to take everywhere I go. It is so versatile.
Just realised I will be there in 12 days, will catch up with you then, cheers
 

haha... thanks for the suggestion, well, the project already over, so we are like chuck it one side... anyway the main ideal of the rackvolution is actually also for books and stuff, just happen that the first idea was shoe, so we carry on with shoe... the horizontal one that u say is actually been invented already... tats why we didn't go horizontal... in fact horizontal would be much more easier to do... i'm not sure if u have watch walle before, the ideal was actually inspired by walle (one of the scene)

the main idea of this shoe rack is for luxury purpose... which mean, its like expensive but simple function... example like gucci bag, bag tat serve the same purpose but price like u are buying gold... i think if this idea was commercialize, most probaly this item will only be used by celebrities or the rich.. those people who have walk-in-wardrobe...and at the end, is a rotating shoe rack from base to ceiling... wat a luxury...

and yea, actually my teacher likes the idea, they got quite excited when they see it moving smoothly... but the judge are heavily judging by price of the item which we didn't know... so yea, didn't win anything at the end of exhibition...but most probaly can get good grade

O.o, haha no I didn't watch walle. So yea. I see, if its a luxury item then it makes sense. =P haha.
 

Thanks Justin, as I said it is only hypothetical right now, with my intended move to Singapore, I will have to eventually sell my shotgun and gun safe, so the money from that can buy me a DSLR. Looks like I am also going to sell a car, no need for two if Amy is going to be over there for an extended period before I get there. So the Honda will have to go and keep the Jimney, so I can tow the boat.
I am very reluctant to sell the FZ 28, I still find it very usefull to take everywhere I go. It is so versatile.
Just realised I will be there in 12 days, will catch up with you then, cheers

You chuck! I'm not Justin! Haha, if thats the case, you seem pretty happy with the FZ28, you can stick with it =). Save some money!
 

You chuck! I'm not Justin! Haha, if thats the case, you seem pretty happy with the FZ28, you can stick with it =). Save some money!

Sorry Brandon, haven't taken my medication today.:bsmilie: I got dizzy watching Justin's shoe rack, had an idea of attaching some infra red lights then you could hang some chickens up and cook dinner at the same time!!!
 

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LOL, Ombre seems to be only talking about the 135mm prime across the major brands :P

K, my personal opinions now. My perception of the 3 major DSLR brands in the industry. Canon is famous for their low-noise CMOS sensor and they have the widest range of lenses because they have been long in the industry. As the saying goes, get a Canon and you can never go wrong. But I personally feel that Canon's bodies are becoming lousier and lousier. Their "reputation" for being lowest noise in the industry has already been long overtaken by likes of Sony and Nikon. As for lens, its really subjective, each brand has each of their good and cheap lens, like Brandon always said, my telephoto 'beercan' lens is very very cheap, he would have gone Sony if not for his 135L :P

As for Nikon. Nikon bodies uses Sony's sensor, so typically, a D90 and D300 (entry & mid level) bodies uses A700's sensor. Thats why I said D90 is one of the best entry level DSLRs in the market now. Though for the price of a mid range body. Their D300 easily costs over SGD$2k and yet it is totally the same as A700 except with a different jpeg processor and a different brand. Nikon is a very good brand, I would have gone Nikon for their build and quality and their performance. But the price detered me. Thats why I went Sony.

OK, last but not least, Sony. Sony is a very new yet not new company to the industry. Firstly, it has been manufacturing DSLR sensors for other companies for ages, and their technology in sensor technology is something to boast about. Secondly, it bought over the entire Konica Minolta DSLR division and continued from their legacy. So Sony isnt really a newcomer. I do not want to go into Carl Zeiss as its something I do not think you will want to even think about. I can safely say Sony has one of the least lenses in their lineup, but adding on to Konica Minolta lenes (Yes, old Minolta lenses work with Sony body) their lens lineup isnt too bad either. And because Minolta doesnt exist anymore, their legendary lenses which costs a few K when Minolta was around, costs only the retail price of a kit lens of current DSLRs. Which is a bargain. But if you ever think of going Sony, go mid range and above. I can say that out of the 3 brands, Sony's entry level bodies are the worst of the lot. Though very user-friendly, the menu tells you how to take low light shots and how to do bokeh and stuff. But their performance is worse than 500D and D90. Just jump straight to A700, it is much cheaper than D300 for almost the same performance and definitely beat 40D and 50D. :D

I dun even want to go into FF here, Canon's the most disappointing at that area, but I do not think you are also thinking of going FF. So I wont continue further. Sorry for the long-winded opinion. Just my 2 cents :)
 

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It really depends on what you need Rob, I generally see two key aspects for bodies that you should focus on. Do you need high ISO capabilities (with lower noise)? Do you need fast auto-focus? And a less significant point: Do you need a bigger & heavier body with extra external controls?

If Yes to most of the questions above, then get one of these: This is just my subjective opinion!

Canon 40D, or a second hand 1Dmark2! =X
Sony Alpha A700, or wait for Sony's newer models?

Nikon D90? (I was told by Melvan this is an entry level camera, but Nikonians love it, I don't entirely see whats so special, but you be the judge.)

Else just get anything else for a good price. =X

Personally I feel that 500D and D5000 are the first cameras I'd avoid due to the price point and of course, they're both entry cameras. A brand new 500D is priced even higher than a brand new 40D.

Then again, these are just bodies. What I will REALLY recommend, is you find out which lens will be most ideal for you, and go to that brand with the best of that lens type (do consider price too!).

Like for me, although I didn't fully have this plan in mind before I picked canon, I'm happy to be on canon because of the 135mm F2 L. Its really really sharp and fast, and its the cheapest comparing against Nikon's and Sony's (doubled!). Further, the nikon version isn't even as good. and Canon's has the fastest autofocus amongst all 3 brands for this lens.

Of course, its not very easy to choose a lens before jumping to a DSLR... but since you already have a camera, its good to experiment first. Ask yourself, what do you feel like you're lacking?

Given the type of pictures you've been taking, I figure you'd do well with a 100mm F2.8 Macro and maybe dual kits. (Kit lens + a tele kit lens). But this is purely a suggestion! you gotta find out for yourself, hah.


You know why he always post those macro shots? Its because he has a Raynox :P

Frankly speaking he can still use his raynox for his DSLR, so he dun really need to specifically get a 100mm macro, just use raynox on the kit lens or tele kit :)
 

Sorry Brandon, haven't taken my medication today.:bsmilie: I got dizzy watching Justin's shoe rack, had an idea of attaching some infra red lights then you could hang some chickens up and cook dinner at the same time!!!

haha... tat was also the joke my grp mate talk about... use to roost duck if it fail...lol
then our fellow mentor group was doing some iron pressing machine.... so we told them when we finish the roost chicken, we can pass the chicken to them to do ayam penyet (smash chicken)
 

LOL, Ombre seems to be only talking about the 135mm prime across the major brands :P

K, my personal opinions now. My perception of the 3 major DSLR brands in the industry. Canon is famous for their low-noise CMOS sensor and they have the widest range of lenses because they have been long in the industry. As the saying goes, get a Canon and you can never go wrong. But I personally feel that Canon's bodies are becoming lousier and lousier. Their "reputation" for being lowest noise in the industry has already been long overtaken by likes of Sony and Nikon. As for lens, its really subjective, each brand has each of their good and cheap lens, like Brandon always said, my telephoto 'beercan' lens is very very cheap, he would have gone Sony if not for his 135L :P

As for Nikon. Nikon bodies uses Sony's sensor, so typically, a D90 and D300 (entry & mid level) bodies uses A700's sensor. Thats why I said D90 is one of the best entry level DSLRs in the market now. Though for the price of a mid range body. Their D300 easily costs over SGD$2k and yet it is totally the same as A700 except with a different jpeg processor and a different brand. Nikon is a very good brand, I would have gone Nikon for their build and quality and their performance. But the price detered me. Thats why I went Sony.

OK, last but not least, Sony. Sony is a very new yet not new company to the industry. Firstly, it has been manufacturing DSLR sensors for other companies for ages, and their technology in sensor technology is something to boast about. Secondly, it bought over the entire Konica Minolta DSLR division and continued from their legacy. So Sony isnt really a newcomer. I do not want to go into Carl Zeiss as its something I do not think you will want to even think about. I can safely say Sony has one of the least lenses in their lineup, but adding on to Konica Minolta lenes (Yes, old Minolta lenses work with Sony body) their lens lineup isnt too bad either. And because Minolta doesnt exist anymore, their legendary lenses which costs a few K when Minolta was around, costs only the retail price of a kit lens of current DSLRs. Which is a bargain. But if you ever think of going Sony, go mid range and above. I can say that out of the 3 brands, Sony's entry level bodies are the worst of the lot. Though very user-friendly, the menu tells you how to take low light shots and how to do bokeh and stuff. But their performance is worse than 500D and D90. Just jump straight to A700, it is much cheaper than D300 for almost the same performance and definitely beat 40D and 50D. :D

I dun even want to go into FF here, Canon's the most disappointing at that area, but I do not think you are also thinking of going FF. So I wont continue further. Sorry for the long-winded opinion. Just my 2 cents :)

Thanks for the advice Melvan, the other camera that comes to mind is the olympus E620 are they even in the hunt? My original SLR film camera was an Olmpus OM 1.
Looking forward to arriving there in about 11 days.
Have spent the long weekend (Queens Birthday holiday) marking and putting results into laptop to download for school reports tomorrow morning. That reminds me it is the REAL Queen's Birthday in 3 days time so don't forget to wish your mother Happy Birthday!!!! Dun Forget:nono:
 

You know why he always post those macro shots? Its because he has a Raynox :P

Frankly speaking he can still use his raynox for his DSLR, so he dun really need to specifically get a 100mm macro, just use raynox on the kit lens or tele kit :)

Quality is in a totally different league yar... And 100mm Macro is a pretty versatile lens, for portraits and also shooting individual objects. =)

In anycase, I pretty much concur with Melvan about the differences between brands. I won't totally agree that Canon is falling behind in noise capabilities. Yes, due to the new bodies having extreme megapixel counts, noise per pixel has indeed deproved greatly. But if you downsize the pics, its is definitely possible to salvage. The drop in sharpness is very marginal for high ISO noise on Canon bodies, especially JPEG.

One more thing that Rob can consider is the use of manual lenses, especially since he does not appear to shoot moving objects much. (I might be wrong). That can save him a lot of money too. And well, Canon is the most adaptable mount among most digital DSLR mounts followed by pentax (I think). Manual lenses... They're cheap, sharp and light. :) But usually primes. =X

I can agree with going Sony for the cheap minolta lenses... but the wide range has less selections?

And yes... 135L forever!
 

Thanks for the advice Melvan, the other camera that comes to mind is the olympus E620 are they even in the hunt? My original SLR film camera was an Olmpus OM 1.
Looking forward to arriving there in about 11 days.
Have spent the long weekend (Queens Birthday holiday) marking and putting results into laptop to download for school reports tomorrow morning. That reminds me it is the REAL Queen's Birthday in 3 days time so don't forget to wish your mother Happy Birthday!!!! Dun Forget:nono:
Olympus is not bad too, but E620 will be worst of all the DSLRs mentioned by Brandon and me in terms of noise. So generally not recommended. If you want Olympus, just jump straight to E-3, or at least E-30. One thing good about Olympus is because of their 4/3 sensor, lenses are generally cheaper. Their bodies are also quite cheap, E3 costs around A700/50D range. And thats the highest end body from Olympus already.

Hmm, Brandon, I dun mean Canon is getting worse den before, what i mean is, Sony and Nikon has already caught up, and went further already. Canon is still good, but the rank is not number one in terms of noise anymore. I would say Nikon is the best for now. BTW, i'm talking about mid range body onwards. As for entry level bodies, Canon still hold up well, if not for D90, it would have kept its crown for the entry level range.

But in any case, if you want to get only entry level bodies, and D90 price range is out of your league, Canon is the way to go. Their low end bodies are definitely one of the best, Sony's entry level bodies are mediocre and Nikon D60, while its good, it lack AF motor in its body.
 

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Looking forward to arriving there in about 11 days.

yea, tat remind me, anyway wanna set any dates for the tree top walk... i'm pretty busy in most day... so u guys might wanna just go ahead and plan
 

Olympus is not bad too, but E620 will be worst of all the DSLRs mentioned by Brandon and me in terms of noise. So generally not recommended. If you want Olympus, just jump straight to E-3, or at least E-30. One thing good about Olympus is because of their 4/3 sensor, lenses are generally cheaper. Their bodies are also quite cheap, E3 costs around A700/50D range. And thats the highest end body from Olympus already.

Hmm, Brandon, I dun mean Canon is getting worse den before, what i mean is, Sony and Nikon has already caught up, and went further already. Canon is still good, but the rank is not number one in terms of noise anymore. I would say Nikon is the best for now. BTW, i'm talking about mid range body onwards. As for entry level bodies, Canon still hold up well, if not for D90, it would have kept its crown for the entry level range.

But in any case, if you want to get only entry level bodies, and D90 price range is out of your league, Canon is the way to go. Their low end bodies are definitely one of the best, Sony's entry level bodies are mediocre and Nikon D60, while its good, it lack AF motor in its body.

Actually I was going to recommend that if he heck care about noise and AF, go pentax with a split screen viewfinder and buy manual lenses. He probably can get a setup under 1k that will own both our setups in sharpness at low ISOs. =X Maybe a 50mm F1.2 even. ^^ Those 'legendary' takaumar lenses or smth. You'll be using collector lenses hah.
 

Actually I was going to recommend that if he heck care about noise and AF, go pentax with a split screen viewfinder and buy manual lenses. He probably can get a setup under 1k that will own both our setups in sharpness at low ISOs. =X Maybe a 50mm F1.2 even. ^^ Those 'legendary' takaumar lenses or smth. You'll be using collector lenses hah.
I'll recommend pentax for the K-7 :D
 

Hi Melvan, as you know we arrive on Saturday 20th June, how are you for doing the tree top walk on Sunday 21st? Just a suggestion it can also be the following weekend if that suits better.
How has the quest for an Olympus T-con 17 gone?
 

Hi Melvan, as you know we arrive on Saturday 20th June, how are you for doing the tree top walk on Sunday 21st? Just a suggestion it can also be the following weekend if that suits better.
How has the quest for an Olympus T-con 17 gone?

21st sound good... but i will be busy, meeting another group of friend that planned to go science centre and southern bridge... so most probaly won't join u guys, but there are chance tat we will meet on the way... lol

come on come on, organizer, set a place to meet... yea yea
 

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