Pls help! Nikon D5100 or Canon 600D as a Christmas gift for my hubby. Specific needs.


Buy both... and let him choose, then keep the other one for yourself. so both of you can go photoshoot and enjoy photography like we do. ;)
 

I'm picking up the acronyms now. Indeed, I need one with

FAST ENOUGH FPS for kids - It's really frustrating trying to capture pictures of our little girl cos she is just so damn fast and she simply couldn't sit still ... kinda ... like mommy. :p

LIVEVIEW - yes yes it's true. My mini me gets completely distracted whenever I lift up the camera to my face. She needs eye contact to help her to keep still.

HD VIDEO - family moments, certainly cooking videos in time to come :)

DOF Control - so he can zoom in on the chosen object and blur out the rest.

Having seen all your comments I actually thought for a moment to get the Nikon D7000 .. until I went to dig out the Gain City advert and saw the price tag. OMG!

And a genuine question here. Doesn't it make more sense to spend the extra few hundred on lens instead of a more expensive camera? And can those interchangeable cameras e.g. Sony Nex and Pentax etc etc satisfy the needs listed above?

Aiiiiiiiiiii ... I'm starting to think that maybe I should tell him ahead of time after all. Make it a joint-couple-project to hunt down the best camera. But damnit that would totally ruin my plan. I had initially envisioned "the moment" to be one where he would be so surprised and so touched, that he would literally sweep me off my feet. :lovegrin:

Aiyah I'll tell him lah. Give up. Too chim liao to be doing this on the sly. And it's true, my worse nightmare would be that he gets so into photography that he'll wake up one morning in the not-too-distant-future and decides that he actually really wanted ANOTHER machine not this.


Oh yes yes almost forgot. Where do you guys recommend that I go to get the best deals on cameras? Reliable shops that won;t try to rip me off ones pls.
 

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will you guys still talk to me if I say that I actually kinda like the funky idiot proof polariod cameras? *LOLs*
Buy both... and let him choose, then keep the other one for yourself. so both of you can go photoshoot and enjoy photography like we do. ;)
 

Canon 600D vs Nikon D5100

get the Nikon D5100
Pair it with the 35mm/1.8 lens and he's good to shoot everything and anything, kids, food, whatever.

:)
 

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Funan: Slr revo, Tk Foto, Alan photo
Holland v: Parisilk
Amk : ms color

Google the tel numbers and call in advance to check stock and price. Usually slrr is cheapest if have sock.
 

Bear in mind that high FPS is no guarantee of fast focusing speed. No use if you shoot at 7fps and get 7 blur shots.
Generally the lower-end models in each manufacturers range do not track focus on moving subjects as well as the mid- and high-end models (as you would expect). AND, some skill is needed.

And if you want fast focus in Live View, only Sony seems to the quick enough for kids (they do live view differently, that's why -- you don't want to know the details, do you?). Both Nikon and Canon are much slower to focus in Live View (I'm not being biased -- I use all three systems regularly). I can't speak for the latest EVIL cameras like the Olympus PENs, which are supposed to be fast (for their type) -- I've never tried them.

I'm picking up the acronyms now. Indeed, I need one with

FAST ENOUGH FPS for kids - It's really frustrating trying to capture pictures of our little girl cos she is just so damn fast and she simply couldn't sit still ... kinda ... like mommy. :p

LIVEVIEW - yes yes it's true. My mini me gets completely distracted whenever I lift up the camera to my face. She needs eye contact to help her to keep still.
 

Edwin Francis said:
Bear in mind that high FPS is no guarantee of fast focusing speed. No use if you shoot at 7fps and get 7 blur shots.
Generally the lower-end models in each manufacturers range do not track focus on moving subjects as well as the mid- and high-end models (as you would expect). AND, some skill is needed.

And if you want fast focus in Live View, only Sony seems to the quick enough for kids (they do live view differently, that's why -- you don't want to know the details, do you?). Both Nikon and Canon are much slower to focus in Live View (I'm not being biased -- I use all three systems regularly). I can't speak for the latest EVIL cameras like the Olympus PENs, which are supposed to be fast (for their type) -- I've never tried them.

Latest Olympus pen is fast, but not for tracking. Panasonic af is also fast, though not sure about tracking. So running may still be challenge. Some anticipation always helps.
 

Darn.... I wish my wife was as supportive when I bought that Sony 70-200 f2.8 last week. Still giving me a black face when I take it out to Sungei Buloh.:confused:

never forget to take photo of your own family members.... your wife might change her mind after seeing photos of her taken with the 70-200/2.8.
 

will you guys still talk to me if I say that I actually kinda like the funky idiot proof polariod cameras? *LOLs*

why not?
you don't need to buy the most expensive, fanciest camera......just buy the camera that gives you the best results for your specific style of shooting, which can even be a lowly compact camera or an iphone.

:)
 

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luckyorange said:
Yup, imagine following someone with no idea of what is he doing. X.x

It's worse.

Imagine you're pissed off over the purchase. Then you get dragged along by that person to muck around with it. Add mossie bites, humid conditions, muddy tracks, rain(?)......all because of that same stupid lens that she's pissed over.

He really needs his head examined.
 

I'm picking up the acronyms now. Indeed, I need one with

FAST ENOUGH FPS for kids - It's really frustrating trying to capture pictures of our little girl cos she is just so damn fast and she simply couldn't sit still ... kinda ... like mommy. :p

LIVEVIEW - yes yes it's true. My mini me gets completely distracted whenever I lift up the camera to my face. She needs eye contact to help her to keep still.

HD VIDEO - family moments, certainly cooking videos in time to come :)

DOF Control - so he can zoom in on the chosen object and blur out the rest.

Having seen all your comments I actually thought for a moment to get the Nikon D7000 .. until I went to dig out the Gain City advert and saw the price tag. OMG!

And a genuine question here. Doesn't it make more sense to spend the extra few hundred on lens instead of a more expensive camera? And can those interchangeable cameras e.g. Sony Nex and Pentax etc etc satisfy the needs listed above?

Aiiiiiiiiiii ... I'm starting to think that maybe I should tell him ahead of time after all. Make it a joint-couple-project to hunt down the best camera. But damnit that would totally ruin my plan. I had initially envisioned "the moment" to be one where he would be so surprised and so touched, that he would literally sweep me off my feet. :lovegrin:

Aiyah I'll tell him lah. Give up. Too chim liao to be doing this on the sly. And it's true, my worse nightmare would be that he gets so into photography that he'll wake up one morning in the not-too-distant-future and decides that he actually really wanted ANOTHER machine not this.


Oh yes yes almost forgot. Where do you guys recommend that I go to get the best deals on cameras? Reliable shops that won;t try to rip me off ones pls.

hookay... er... let me tell you this much. with entry level dslr, chances are he'll enjoy them for now. if he's not into photography for money or a serious hardcore, a simple system like 600D or D5100 will suffice, for now.

FPS - yes that's right, FPS is not the be all and end all of shooting moving stuff. if you ask me, it's about him learning to control shutter speeds and aperture. the auto function also helps in this aspect for basic shooters.

Liveview - both have liveview and swivel screens that turn 270 degrees, so forget about this aspect. screen quality shouldnt be too much of a factor but i prefer the canon screen, although nikon isnt far behind.

Video - someone earlier said "the canon's video quality is better than the nikon" and got flamed for it a little, as the flamer thought he meant canon's entire range of cameras. well, the 600d's video capability is supposed to be better than nikon's

DOF - hmm.. see this is based on his aperture settings. a low aperture number has a small DOF, while a high aperture number has a larger DOF. this depends on the lens more than the camera, but since you're getting kit lenses it wont really matter. both 18-55s are great kit lenses, 18-135 with a little more zoom.

more expensive lens - well, since alot of factors of a picture can be influenced by the lens, a good lens will go far in helping one achieve a better picture. HOWEVER commiting to an expensive lens early might sell you short on the types of photos you can take. buying an expensive 24-70L will get you good pictures (still requires a decent photographer) all round, but sets you back by over 1.6k, does not sport IS and is slightly on the heavier side for beginners. a 70-200L f2.8 IS II will set you back by over 3k, but has a minimal focal length of longer than 1.3 (means if your child is anything closer than that it probably wont be able to Auto Focus), is uber heavy and i cant really think of anything else wrong with it but it really limits the kind of shots you can take. especially on an outing with a family you wouldnt lug around such a huge lens.

THERE IS NOTHING WRONG WITH USING A KIT LENS - why not use the 18-55s and take some shots? from there see what he requires and then expand out? family outings are easily handled by the 18-55.

DONT GIVE UP when you havent even started! - the fun's just beginning! capturing the lively image of your child in warm colours will help hold the memories of your loved ones close! Enjoy your photography life, bringing your camera everywhere and shooting anything that gives off the slightest bit of inspiration!

best deals in camera - TK foto was very patient in slowly explaining the specs and pros and cons of a camera, or you could head down to canon showroom to actually test out WHATEVER you want if you ask nicely (no one would refuse a lady XD) that said, enquire into whether you want Canon route or Nikon route. there has never been a verdict on the better camera, or lens, or anything, but once you choose one, changing routes is a real hassle.

for everyone else reading, please correct me where i am wrong. i'm writing based on what limited knowledge of the cameras i know.
 

LadyInPink said:
Aiiiiiiiiiii ... I'm starting to think that maybe I should tell him ahead of time after all. Make it a joint-couple-project to hunt down the best camera. But damnit that would totally ruin my plan. I had initially envisioned "the moment" to be one where he would be so surprised and so touched, that he would literally sweep me off my feet. :lovegrin:

Aiyah I'll tell him lah. Give up. Too chim liao to be doing this on the sly. And it's true, my worse nightmare would be that he gets so into photography that he'll wake up one morning in the not-too-distant-future and decides that he actually really wanted ANOTHER machine not this.

For such an expensive purchase, unless you have specific insights on what he wants (ie. He's blogged or told his best friend abt it), don't surprise him.

Discuss and buy what both of you are comfortable with.
 

for everyone else reading, please correct me where i am wrong. i'm writing based on what limited knowledge of the cameras i know.

from what little you know, you sure can talk a lot
 

I'm picking up the acronyms now. Indeed, I need one with

FAST ENOUGH FPS for kids - It's really frustrating trying to capture pictures of our little girl cos she is just so damn fast and she simply couldn't sit still ... kinda ... like mommy. :p

LIVEVIEW - yes yes it's true. My mini me gets completely distracted whenever I lift up the camera to my face. She needs eye contact to help her to keep still.

HD VIDEO - family moments, certainly cooking videos in time to come :)

DOF Control - so he can zoom in on the chosen object and blur out the rest.

Having seen all your comments I actually thought for a moment to get the Nikon D7000 .. until I went to dig out the Gain City advert and saw the price tag. OMG!

And a genuine question here. Doesn't it make more sense to spend the extra few hundred on lens instead of a more expensive camera? And can those interchangeable cameras e.g. Sony Nex and Pentax etc etc satisfy the needs listed above?

Yes, but only the Sony will give you full-speed AF in liveview and in video. The Nikon won't. And the A55 uses the same sensor as the D7000.

Where do you guys recommend that I go to get the best deals on cameras? Reliable shops that won;t try to rip me off ones pls.

We have a priceguides section for a reason...
 

I'm picking up the acronyms now. Indeed, I need one with

FAST ENOUGH FPS for kids - It's really frustrating trying to capture pictures of our little girl cos she is just so damn fast and she simply couldn't sit still ... kinda ... like mommy. :p

LIVEVIEW - yes yes it's true. My mini me gets completely distracted whenever I lift up the camera to my face. She needs eye contact to help her to keep still.

HD VIDEO - family moments, certainly cooking videos in time to come

DOF Control - so he can zoom in on the chosen object and blur out the rest.

Having seen all your comments I actually thought for a moment to get the Nikon D7000 .. until I went to dig out the Gain City advert and saw the price tag. OMG!

And a genuine question here. Doesn't it make more sense to spend the extra few hundred on lens instead of a more expensive camera? And can those interchangeable cameras e.g. Sony Nex and Pentax etc etc satisfy the needs listed above?

Aiiiiiiiiiii ... I'm starting to think that maybe I should tell him ahead of time after all. Make it a joint-couple-project to hunt down the best camera. But damnit that would totally ruin my plan. I had initially envisioned "the moment" to be one where he would be so surprised and so touched, that he would literally sweep me off my feet.

Aiyah I'll tell him lah. Give up. Too chim liao to be doing this on the sly. And it's true, my worse nightmare would be that he gets so into photography that he'll wake up one morning in the not-too-distant-future and decides that he actually really wanted ANOTHER machine not this.


Oh yes yes almost forgot. Where do you guys recommend that I go to get the best deals on cameras? Reliable shops that won;t try to rip me off ones pls.

hahaha kudos to you for putting in all this effort for your hubby :) I'm sure he'll be touched no matter what.
Do you have any friends who are have taken up photography more seriously? Perhaps you could bring them along for some camera shopping. They probably also have some brand prejudice, but oh well :)

1) Come up with a budget, and stick to it.
2) Shop around the preferred stores for best price. Refrain from being swayed by freebies and ending up paying more.
3) Shortlist some cameras (based on your requirements, and also the selling price) and go try them out. Perhaps you prefer one user interface much more than another.
 

from what little you know, you sure can talk a lot

well sorry for talking alot =X learning also, since i looked up both cams as to which to buy for first as well.
hope to learn from everyone.
 

I'm as newbie as you can get. I only got my camera about 1 week ago. I can't give you professional advice but here was my thought process.

Many told me because I have very little hands, Nikon might be a better fit. I've seen pictures and feel that pictures from a Canon tends to be nicer on faces ie portraits. The colours are warmer. Whereas, I have seen beautiful landscape pictures which capitavating colours coming out of a Nikon especially the cold colours. Even that, those aren't conclusive. It's usually the user problem.

But when I had a chance to get my hands on the 60D, I loved the feel of the camera. That doesn't mean it's competitors aren't great. It's very personal. Which is also the reason why most people are advising you to bring your hubby along... Not the most romantic I know but hey, this is a gift of practicality anyway!

And one more thing, if your husband has got friends or family members who are into photography and if they use a certain brand, that's probably worth considering because he might be able to borrow lenses at some point.
 

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I'm as newbie as you can get. I only got my camera about 1 week ago. I can't give you professional advice but here was my thought process.

Many told me because I have very little hands, Nikon might be a better fit. I've seen pictures and feel that pictures from a Canon tends to be nicer on faces ie portraits. The colours are warmer. Whereas, I have seen beautiful landscape pictures which capitavating colours coming out of a Nikon especially the cold colours. Even that, those aren't conclusive. It's usually the user problem.

But when I had a chance to get my hands on the 60D, I loved the feel of the camera. That doesn't mean it's competitors aren't great. It's very personal. Which is also the reason why most people are advising you to bring your hubby along... Not the most romantic I know but hey, this is a gift of practicality anyway!

And one more thing, if your husband has got friends or family members who are into photography and if they use a certain brand, that's probably worth considering because he might be able to borrow lenses at some point.

I agreed with you in most of what you said... until the last sentence... that is totally bull. Many people, salesperson and stuff like that would 'advise' you to go with what most of your friends, colleagues and stuff like that because you can 'borrow' lenses from them at some point. Well... being into photography for a while already, one thing that I learn is... most people don't lent their lenses out to anyone (there are exception, but very very few). I mean, a lens can easily cost a couple of thousands dollar, no one, except those who really really know you, or trust you, would lent his/her lens to you.

At least not me. I never lent my lens to anyone, unless I am there personally to look after my lens. So don't ever trust that people will 'lent' you lens.
 

At least not me. I never lent my lens to anyone, unless I am there personally to look after my lens. So don't ever trust that people will 'lent' you lens.

That kind of lend is dangerous, go out shoot together borrow lens try, next thing you know kena poisoned :bsmilie:
 

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