HELP needed for choosing beginner DSLRs.

[muvouser]

You are right. Carting a big bag of camera doesnt look cool either. I often see hobbyists lug their super heavy bag and ended up walking with a limp.

My speculation for the future is that DSLR will not be that popular with "casual" enthusiasts in the future. High-end compact camera of smaller size and better looks such as Panasonic GF1 will be the emerging trend and "norm" in the future.

That "black" DSLR is just plain ugly. I think we will start to see DSLR in other color variants too in the future.

Another factor to consider is size and weight.
I've seen people give up carrying their DSLR around after some months/years of hobby shooting, coz it's too heavy to lug around. What good is a super-dooper DSLR if it's just sitting in the dry cabinet?

 

[HuguKYM]

I think you need to go and try the rest, I will rule out A330 because the grip is not that big to hold comfortably for you. Then you should reallize by Now that the 'feeling' that you have with your DSLR is very important... For me I am using Nikon, because I like the feel when I touch it... and also the sound when I take some pictures.

And one more suggestion, just make a list about what they can not do using each cameras and look at it and think, which one that you can live with. So far, from the way you write it, I think your preference is more to the Sony... but that is just my observation

 

[daredevil123]

.... That "black" DSLR is just plain ugly. I think we will start to see DSLR in other color variants too in the future.

The Future is here now.

TS should also look at the new Pentax K-x. Very good camera for the money too. Much stronger than the A3XX.

 

[ZerocoolAstra]

You are right. Carting a big bag of camera doesnt look cool either. I often see hobbyists lug their super heavy bag and ended up walking with a limp.

My speculation for the future is that DSLR will not be that popular with "casual" enthusiasts in the future. High-end compact camera of smaller size and better looks such as Panasonic GF1 will be the emerging trend and "norm" in the future.

That "black" DSLR is just plain ugly. I think we will start to see DSLR in other color variants too in the future.

on a recent holiday trip, I observed that the vast majority of the tourist DSLR users had a small body with a kit lens (eg. D60 w 18-55 or 400/450D w 18-55).
Such a combo fits well into a small camera bag, and is easy and light enough to carry around everywhere.
The problem is that people always worry about "getting as much camera as possible for my $$", which often leads them to consider the higher-end (and consequently, heavier) models in the line-up.

I don't agree that the DSLR will die off.
I'd take an entry-level DSLR (eg. D3000) over a GF1/EP1 any day, because I much prefer the ergonomics and speed/ease of use.

 

[visage356]

Hey

New here too. Got a Canon 500D a few months back. Was in a similar situation comparing 500D vs D5000 vs Sony alpha

Eventually got the 500D because of compatibility and weight. I liked the grip/feel of the D5000 better but 500D is much lighter with 18-55 IS and all Canon lenses have in-built AF motor. Nikon still relies on in-body AF drive for higher end models (D90 and up) so that will limit lens choice.

I was considering the A230 with twin lens (still cheaper than the other 2 kits) as well. It has built in IS and AF-drive (IS on all lenses!!) But once i held the camera and took a few shots didn't feel comfortable using it at all. Too small, too round, too slippery. Not a joy to use. Plus the review at www.photographyblog.com got it right. A step back from the last generation.

Conclusion:
Get 500D if you want the largest selection of AF lenses and smaller body
Get D5000 if you like the tilt-screen, and need a larger, more easily-held camera
Don't get Sony's new gen of DSLRs - maybe get the a 200/300 models?
Pentax K-x looks like a good buy as well - no experience with it tho.

Above all, Try before you buy

 

[tehzeh]

Hey guys. Thanks for all the suggestions and advices. I bought the sony a330 today. Hmm yeah because I tried the grip again, and it wasn't a very big problem yeah. And I like the fact that it is value-for-money. I don't need the video recording from 500D and I would require some guide on the screen so I went with an a330. It will be my beginner DSLR and as I advance, I would look at sony a500-range. and the steadyshot and AF motor really appeal to me. So I got the sony a330. Haha quite happy cause' it's not that big and heavy. Was also considering the 500d but I went with the a330 because it has two lenses. and the 55-200mm lens took decent portrait photos and I would not need a portrait lens anytime soon. I think I would be a sony guy. HAHAHA.

But yeah, Thanks for the help guys. Thanks a lot. Really. Thanks.

 

[limwhow]

Good. I'm happy for you.
Often, the first step is tough.
Too many considerations.
Once we cross that barrier, everything becomes auto-pilot (almost) and you can really
start enjoying shooting.

 

[tehzeh]

Haha thanks man. you have helped me alot. Haha. (not forgetting others too!)

 

[Galdor]

Congrats bro.
Hope to see you in our Alpha outings soon.

 

[kokster]

sony is a good dslr to start with. nice choice dude. i got the same camera as u too

 

[muvouser]

Cool man. The rest will follow soon. Many just hate the big black camera that makes them look super uncle!

The Future is here now.

TS should also look at the new Pentax K-x. Very good camera for the money too. Much stronger than the A3XX.

 

[limwhow]

Haha thanks man. you have helped me alot. Haha. (not forgetting others too!)

No no, nothing at all. You are welcome. The other experienced members Galdor, ZerocoolAstra, Daredevil123, nysheng and all others have been instrumental in your decision.
I am just happy that you have got your new DSLR and are ready for exploration.
Best of luck, tehzeh!

 

[tehzeh]

Galdor: LOL. i am still a student.. doubt i have time to go out during weekends.. lol.

Kokster: thanks dude. haha.

Muvouser: haha. my muscles were already aching when i was carrying the camera box with everything and the bag with a big plastic bag from city hall to the mrt. LOL.

 

[ZerocoolAstra]

Congrats on your purchase! Now start shooting and critique your own shots to reduce the number of "throwaways".

Read up a bit on the fundamentals, or:
1) join a group outing to learn from the more experienced guys/gals
2) sign up for some classes (not really necessary, in my opinion)

practise practise practise.... cheers!

 

[tehzeh]

limwhow:

ZerocoolAstra: haha thanks! I will take note. haha.

 

[Complex13717421]

Ah i think i was abit late to reply here.

Macro + Live view = bad combination. lol.

The whole swivel LCD thing is such a sales gimmick =X

But enjoy you sony and keep on learning.

 

[limwhow]

Ah i think i was abit late to reply here.

Macro + Live view = bad combination. lol.

The whole swivel LCD thing is such a sales gimmick =X

But enjoy you sony and keep on learning.

Hey, Complex13717421 bro. Good to have you back from your busy schedule way out there.

P.S. TS, sorry for the OT.

 

[tehzeh]

^ huh?

Complex13717421: haha i am cool with the combination so it aint bad to me! Haha. :bsmilie: but i still prefer to macro using viewfinder just that for some weird angles, i will use the live view.

 

[android17]

Ah i think i was abit late to reply here.

Macro + Live view = bad combination. lol.

The whole swivel LCD thing is such a sales gimmick =X

But enjoy you sony and keep on learning.

Swivel / tilt lcd can have its uses. Its just u who donno how to use it.

Everything is useless in the hand of anyone who can't make full use of it. But to those who does, it will be useful.

 

[Benjamintay]

Get a second hand Eos 40D,50D as you it has a magnesium alloy body and weather proof sealing which will last you a long time. the rest of the $400-500, you could get a fairly good lens (Non-Kit)