Want to get a camera (Nikon D3100 or Canon 550D?)

[pinholecam]

oh pinholecam: What a fast reply! Yeah, I actually like the colour idea alot, but it is only available in Japan right? Also thinking if I'm getting the Kit3, I can only get it in black. I prefer the red or white body actually...

Ok I just clicked on the link. WOW!!!!!! I'm so impressed. Are "small lenses" = "prime lenses"?

Kr is avaliable here in Black, Pink and White if I am not wrong.

Yes, the DA series lenses are designed for digital and very small. These are primes lenses.
Generally speaking, Pentax lenses are small with 49mm filter diameter being common across most of its prime lenses (others generally use 52mm or larger).

Too bad the Kr sample images are not out yet on imaging resource. But it is know to be better/similar/close to the older model Kx.
Sample images JPEG at ISO3200
Kx : http://www.imaging-resource.com/PRODS/KX/FULLRES/KXINBI03200.HTM
A33 : http://www.imaging-resource.com/PRODS/AA33/FULLRES/AA33INBI03200.HTM

A55/33 series does very aggressive NR at high ISO for its JPEG. This results in a loss of detail that can be seen at the hair, eye lash, texture on the collar.

 

[intrance]

Yes yes, I am definitely looking at the K-r In fact I am now leaning towards to the K-r more than the D3100. Just worried about the weight cos I prefer not to hand or shoulder/carry it. I will most probably be putting it in my tote bag but I will be going to the shop to have a feel before making a decision.

hi sis..

just to highlight..
DSLR or even SLT can easily weigh 700-800g (with kit lens).. it will be going to be tough to carry, as u said, u going put it on ur 'already heavy' tote bag..

so.. have a look again on nex3/nex5.. they can use any A-mount lenses with the help of an adapter..

 

[CorneliusK]

DSLRs can try to correct for white balance, but it may not give exactly the effect you want, e.g. pictures of a birthday party turning out to be too reddis/yellowish. The k-r has perhaps the easiest way to set and control white balance, since it has a dedicated button.

When you have taken a picture and you feel that the white balance is off, just press the WB button and you will see a screen with all the WB preset options along with a preview of how your last picture will look like with each setting. So you can easily choose the most suitable setting. You can even re save the last picture taken with the new setting.

Generally the buttons and ui of pentax cameras are very sensibly laid out. You can control almost everything with one hand.

 

[coolthought]

Right, I did think that i probably won't need bracketing, just thought that it would be an advantage if it is in-built. (getting the best bang for my bucks?) And I know I sound silly, but I was thinking it might be useful for getting the correct WB/ISO (?) when I take pictures at (birthday parties). I have seen very yellowish/too warm or too exposed pictures taken at birthday parties even though the photographer is using a DSLR. I wonder why? Incorrect WB?

I haven't get my hands on a D3100 yet. However, I have tried the D7000 during the nikon kopitiam session. The auto white balance is spot on with the latest Expeed 2 processor. The D3100 too has it. Getting the white balance right in the first place will be good as you do not need to correct it later during post processing.

The D3100 do have settings for wb. You have to scroll through the menu to do it.

Auto (TTL white-balance with 420 pixels RGB sensor)
• Twelve manual modes with fine-tuning
• Incandescent
• Fluorescent
Sodium-vapor lamps
Warm-white fluorescent
White fluorescent
Cool-white fluorescent
Day white fluorescent
Daylight fluorescent
Daylight fluorescent
Mercury-vapor lamps
• Direct sunlight
• Flash
• Cloudy
• Shade
• Preset white balance (immediate or from photo)

Probably, you won't be correcting the wb much on camera unless you are running from places to places with different temperature lights or maybe in a concert whereby the lights keep changing. So, you will only need to set the wb once when or before you start shooting. and you probably won't need to do it since this latest dslr has a spot on auto white balance. One less function to think about so that you can concentrate on capturing that shot.

If die die must white balance quickly, there is still the configurable function button for a quick wb change.

or too exposed pictures taken at birthday parties

There are many instances whereby a photo can be overexposed. My best guess for a dslr is that they are using manual instead of aperture priority or shutter speed priority mode. The processor should pretty much help to correct it immediately and you will just probably need to determine the aperture settings. With auto iso, one less function to worry. Concentrate on your composition instead.

 

[Ghostfit]

I am now also considering the Sony SLT A33 alongside with the K-r.

Aiyo, Ah nia.... refer below lah:

http://www.clubsnap.com/forums/showthread.php?t=766631
http://www.clubsnap.com/forums/showthread.php?t=774463
http://www.clubsnap.com/forums/showthread.php?t=755032
http://www.clubsnap.com/forums/showthread.php?t=767963

Bang for the buck ...buy a K-r
Bang for the buck features ...buy an A33
Bang the majority(canon) ...buy a D90
Bang the minority(everyone else) ...buy a 550d


....BANG ! ....I'm outta here ! :bsmilie:

 

[stanycjw]

Nikon on offer : Buy D300S with 50mm F1.8 now
or
Canon 7D best buy.

 

[cpuer]

hi sis..

just to highlight..
DSLR or even SLT can easily weigh 700-800g (with kit lens).. it will be going to be tough to carry, as u said, u going put it on ur 'already heavy' tote bag..

so.. have a look again on nex3/nex5.. they can use any A-mount lenses with the help of an adapter..

I tried a self portrait with my borrowed Kx, it's not easy. My hands start to shake when i stretch out(granted i am a weak man :embrass. NEX series would be the best as it is so much lighter.

 

[kriegsketten]

Frankly, my opinion? Just go with a high end PnS (Canon S95, Panasonic LX5, etc). These are hardly any weight concerns and picture qualities aren't too bad off... These high-end compact take RAW images, not your ordinary run-of-the-mill PnS... Skip the DSLRs completely coz they are not only weighty but bulky as well... If you want something to just chuck in your bag without any feelings or worries about having to take it out often and still take good pictures... you have my suggestions to look into... Frankly, with a DSLR or the likes, there is a tendency for many to get dedicated camera bags...

 

[akerue]

this is a very interesting thread, where all camps promoting their brands... dont flame me, just see it that way,

neways miss, so what ya decision in the end..?? what did you get for yourself... do tell us, after all its been almost 4 pages of advice, recommendation and personal opinions...

 

[Ghostfit]

Frankly, with a DSLR or the likes, there is a tendency for many to get dedicated camera bags...

...and what's wrong with that ? :sticktong ...ever since my spouse got a dslt, I've been eyeing her handbag enviously !!! :embrass:

:bsmilie: ...would be buying one like hers soon :devil:

 

[cupnoodles]

Bet the seniors will roll their eyes when they see this thread surfacing again. Yet another Canon/Nikon question? Thing is I seem to be getting further and further from my initial choices. :/

Have been lurking around, seeing alot of Can/Nikon threads, reading reviews, going down to stores to have a feel of the cameras, further researching and deciding for the past week.

So like I mentioned, I'm not very keen on carrying a heavy camera with me, so I will carry it out more often. I thought hey, maybe I will just get the LX5 if I like it at the store. When I went down the store, the salesperson told me to consider S95 instead. Apparently it takes better pictures somehow. I have checked out galleries of the respective cameras (before going down to the shop), and indeed found that I preferred some of the S95's pictures compared to the LX5. I also thought that the price of the S95 is more attractive than the LX5, of course. However, it's the grip! The S95 just didn't feel right in my hand. It felt awkward and too small to hold. And I have somehow now developed a habit of holding a camera the DSLR-way (using another hand to hold the lens) after touching different models. The LX5 definitely felt better in my hand but the noise seems quite bad even at ISO400 (picture taken in store).

Then came the Samsung NX10 recommendation. ... i'm very indecisive huh? It felt right in my hand, acceptable weight. I like it, but upon research I found that the NX10:

1) no build-in stabilizer
is a stabilizer in the body of high importance? am i at disadvantage if my camera does not have one?

2) no art filters

3) would like to find out more about the adapter to use other lens. anyone knows how much is it? also, i read something about Pentax K-mount or something.

4) this samsung technology. I fear that it might just go obsolete just like that..

my thoughts on cameras I have held so far:

1) A33 - I like the EVF better than NX10's. Clear and sharp. Didn't like the dial. Felt very hard to turn/control with ease.
2) NEX - Flash has to be attached separately. Did not like the feel of the heavy lens on a light body. (Grip doesn't feel very good)

Now the last camera I am interested in: the Pentax K-r. Just can't get my hands on this one at stores.

I'm in a dilemma, I know I'm super indecisive, already thinking of postponing the camera buying to next year since it's already year end. I guess by 2011 there should be alot of other new cameras... I know I should just get one asap instead of comparing this model and that model.. can't help it. I don't want to suffer post-purchase dissonance! I keep wondering, is there really a need to get an expensive camera? Will I be better off with just a PnS? Should I just get a PnS first, then upgrade to a DSLR/others in the future, or just get a better quality one and stick it for awhile?

I may get the NX10... then next I will have to think of which package to go for -_-
the pancake lens is very attractive, but the 18-55mm kit lens seems to be a wiser choice. should a newbie like me get both? (bundle set is cheaper than buying separately later)

Wonder if anyone would even care to reply to this thread anymore.. haha.

 

[akerue]

well ppl have a tendency to make buying a camera like its the end of world, u can compare all the brands and u still have no definite answers, go for what u feel best suits u and how it feels when u hold it, to me i rather have a camera to shoot rather than keep deciding which camera to buy and thus end up not shooting but deciding which one...

the NX10 is a good camera to start with... go for the bundle kit, its better u can swap arnd and play, explore with it...

hope to see you post some pictures after u get the camera....


cheers enjoy...

 

[Atarandas]

Bet the seniors will roll their eyes when they see this thread surfacing again. Yet another Canon/Nikon question? Thing is I seem to be getting further and further from my initial choices. :/

Have been lurking around, seeing alot of Can/Nikon threads, reading reviews, going down to stores to have a feel of the cameras, further researching and deciding for the past week.

So like I mentioned, I'm not very keen on carrying a heavy camera with me, so I will carry it out more often. I thought hey, maybe I will just get the LX5 if I like it at the store. When I went down the store, the salesperson told me to consider S95 instead. Apparently it takes better pictures somehow. I have checked out galleries of the respective cameras (before going down to the shop), and indeed found that I preferred some of the S95's pictures compared to the LX5. I also thought that the price of the S95 is more attractive than the LX5, of course. However, it's the grip! The S95 just didn't feel right in my hand. It felt awkward and too small to hold. And I have somehow now developed a habit of holding a camera the DSLR-way (using another hand to hold the lens) after touching different models. The LX5 definitely felt better in my hand but the noise seems quite bad even at ISO400 (picture taken in store).

Then came the Samsung NX10 recommendation. ... i'm very indecisive huh? It felt right in my hand, acceptable weight. I like it, but upon research I found that the NX10:

1) no build-in stabilizer
is a stabilizer in the body of high importance? am i at disadvantage if my camera does not have one?

2) no art filters

3) would like to find out more about the adapter to use other lens. anyone knows how much is it? also, i read something about Pentax K-mount or something.

4) this samsung technology. I fear that it might just go obsolete just like that..

my thoughts on cameras I have held so far:

1) A33 - I like the EVF better than NX10's. Clear and sharp. Didn't like the dial. Felt very hard to turn/control with ease.
2) NEX - Flash has to be attached separately. Did not like the feel of the heavy lens on a light body. (Grip doesn't feel very good)

Now the last camera I am interested in: the Pentax K-r. Just can't get my hands on this one at stores.

I'm in a dilemma, I know I'm super indecisive, already thinking of postponing the camera buying to next year since it's already year end. I guess by 2011 there should be alot of other new cameras... I know I should just get one asap instead of comparing this model and that model.. can't help it. I don't want to suffer post-purchase dissonance! I keep wondering, is there really a need to get an expensive camera? Will I be better off with just a PnS? Should I just get a PnS first, then upgrade to a DSLR/others in the future, or just get a better quality one and stick it for awhile?

I may get the NX10... then next I will have to think of which package to go for -_-
the pancake lens is very attractive, but the 18-55mm kit lens seems to be a wiser choice. should a newbie like me get both? (bundle set is cheaper than buying separately later)

Wonder if anyone would even care to reply to this thread anymore.. haha.

I think we are confused to why do you want a camera in the first place already. There are always trade offs between quality , size and handling. If you dunno what you want then most probably you don't need that item haha .

 

[photokit]

Bet the seniors will roll their eyes when they see this thread surfacing again. Yet another Canon/Nikon question? Thing is I seem to be getting further and further from my initial choices. :/

Have been lurking around, seeing alot of Can/Nikon threads, reading reviews, going down to stores to have a feel of the cameras, further researching and deciding for the past week.

So like I mentioned, I'm not very keen on carrying a heavy camera with me, so I will carry it out more often. I thought hey, maybe I will just get the LX5 if I like it at the store. When I went down the store, the salesperson told me to consider S95 instead. Apparently it takes better pictures somehow. I have checked out galleries of the respective cameras (before going down to the shop), and indeed found that I preferred some of the S95's pictures compared to the LX5. I also thought that the price of the S95 is more attractive than the LX5, of course. However, it's the grip! The S95 just didn't feel right in my hand. It felt awkward and too small to hold. And I have somehow now developed a habit of holding a camera the DSLR-way (using another hand to hold the lens) after touching different models. The LX5 definitely felt better in my hand but the noise seems quite bad even at ISO400 (picture taken in store).

Then came the Samsung NX10 recommendation. ... i'm very indecisive huh? It felt right in my hand, acceptable weight. I like it, but upon research I found that the NX10:

1) no build-in stabilizer
is a stabilizer in the body of high importance? am i at disadvantage if my camera does not have one?

2) no art filters

3) would like to find out more about the adapter to use other lens. anyone knows how much is it? also, i read something about Pentax K-mount or something.

4) this samsung technology. I fear that it might just go obsolete just like that..

my thoughts on cameras I have held so far:

1) A33 - I like the EVF better than NX10's. Clear and sharp. Didn't like the dial. Felt very hard to turn/control with ease.
2) NEX - Flash has to be attached separately. Did not like the feel of the heavy lens on a light body. (Grip doesn't feel very good)

Now the last camera I am interested in: the Pentax K-r. Just can't get my hands on this one at stores.

I'm in a dilemma, I know I'm super indecisive, already thinking of postponing the camera buying to next year since it's already year end. I guess by 2011 there should be alot of other new cameras... I know I should just get one asap instead of comparing this model and that model.. can't help it. I don't want to suffer post-purchase dissonance! I keep wondering, is there really a need to get an expensive camera? Will I be better off with just a PnS? Should I just get a PnS first, then upgrade to a DSLR/others in the future, or just get a better quality one and stick it for awhile?

I may get the NX10... then next I will have to think of which package to go for -_-
the pancake lens is very attractive, but the 18-55mm kit lens seems to be a wiser choice. should a newbie like me get both? (bundle set is cheaper than buying separately later)

Wonder if anyone would even care to reply to this thread anymore.. haha.

PnS is like driving a car (just take care of the steering wheel, accelerator and the brakes). DSLR is like flying a plane (knobs, levers, buttons, meters, readings everywhere). So, it is a totally different experience. DSLR gives you more control, so the experience can be really exhilarating. Something for you to consider.

 

[pinholecam]

Bet the seniors will roll their eyes when they see this thread surfacing again. Yet another Canon/Nikon question? Thing is I seem to be getting further and further from my initial choices. :/

Have been lurking around, seeing alot of Can/Nikon threads, reading reviews, going down to stores to have a feel of the cameras, further researching and deciding for the past week.

So like I mentioned, I'm not very keen on carrying a heavy camera with me, so I will carry it out more often. I thought hey, maybe I will just get the LX5 if I like it at the store. When I went down the store, the salesperson told me to consider S95 instead. Apparently it takes better pictures somehow. I have checked out galleries of the respective cameras (before going down to the shop), and indeed found that I preferred some of the S95's pictures compared to the LX5. I also thought that the price of the S95 is more attractive than the LX5, of course. However, it's the grip! The S95 just didn't feel right in my hand. It felt awkward and too small to hold. And I have somehow now developed a habit of holding a camera the DSLR-way (using another hand to hold the lens) after touching different models. The LX5 definitely felt better in my hand but the noise seems quite bad even at ISO400 (picture taken in store).

Then came the Samsung NX10 recommendation. ... i'm very indecisive huh? It felt right in my hand, acceptable weight. I like it, but upon research I found that the NX10:

1) no build-in stabilizer
is a stabilizer in the body of high importance? am i at disadvantage if my camera does not have one?

2) no art filters

3) would like to find out more about the adapter to use other lens. anyone knows how much is it? also, i read something about Pentax K-mount or something.

4) this samsung technology. I fear that it might just go obsolete just like that..

my thoughts on cameras I have held so far:

1) A33 - I like the EVF better than NX10's. Clear and sharp. Didn't like the dial. Felt very hard to turn/control with ease.
2) NEX - Flash has to be attached separately. Did not like the feel of the heavy lens on a light body. (Grip doesn't feel very good)

Now the last camera I am interested in: the Pentax K-r. Just can't get my hands on this one at stores.

I'm in a dilemma, I know I'm super indecisive, already thinking of postponing the camera buying to next year since it's already year end. I guess by 2011 there should be alot of other new cameras... I know I should just get one asap instead of comparing this model and that model.. can't help it. I don't want to suffer post-purchase dissonance! I keep wondering, is there really a need to get an expensive camera? Will I be better off with just a PnS? Should I just get a PnS first, then upgrade to a DSLR/others in the future, or just get a better quality one and stick it for awhile?

I may get the NX10... then next I will have to think of which package to go for -_-
the pancake lens is very attractive, but the 18-55mm kit lens seems to be a wiser choice. should a newbie like me get both? (bundle set is cheaper than buying separately later)

Wonder if anyone would even care to reply to this thread anymore.. haha.

Where have you tried to look at the Pentax Kr? Try MSColor, Orient Photo or SLR Revolution. Else just go to the distributor Emjay. I suggest you ask in the Pentax sub-forum for more details, as I'm not the most updated person in terms of stock/etc (in other words, I don't free free go down camera shops to look see look see )

The Samsung NX10 is a nice little camera. Fantastic form factor, coupled with an APS-C sensor and less menu diving vs many counterparts. The main drawbacks are the lack of a in-camera shake reduction (but its smaller so its also less prone to camera shake) and the unknown future support that Samsung will provide (though they say they will).

There is really no wrong in getting any camera, just how much more features you consider important are being included for the same amt of money.

 

[pinholecam]

Bet the seniors will roll their eyes when they see this thread surfacing again. Yet another Canon/Nikon question? Thing is I seem to be getting further and further from my initial choices. :/

Have been lurking around, seeing alot of Can/Nikon threads, reading reviews, going down to stores to have a feel of the cameras, further researching and deciding for the past week.

So like I mentioned, I'm not very keen on carrying a heavy camera with me, so I will carry it out more often. I thought hey, maybe I will just get the LX5 if I like it at the store. When I went down the store, the salesperson told me to consider S95 instead. Apparently it takes better pictures somehow. I have checked out galleries of the respective cameras (before going down to the shop), and indeed found that I preferred some of the S95's pictures compared to the LX5. I also thought that the price of the S95 is more attractive than the LX5, of course. However, it's the grip! The S95 just didn't feel right in my hand. It felt awkward and too small to hold. And I have somehow now developed a habit of holding a camera the DSLR-way (using another hand to hold the lens) after touching different models. The LX5 definitely felt better in my hand but the noise seems quite bad even at ISO400 (picture taken in store).

Then came the Samsung NX10 recommendation. ... i'm very indecisive huh? It felt right in my hand, acceptable weight. I like it, but upon research I found that the NX10:

1) no build-in stabilizer
is a stabilizer in the body of high importance? am i at disadvantage if my camera does not have one?

2) no art filters

3) would like to find out more about the adapter to use other lens. anyone knows how much is it? also, i read something about Pentax K-mount or something.

4) this samsung technology. I fear that it might just go obsolete just like that..

my thoughts on cameras I have held so far:

1) A33 - I like the EVF better than NX10's. Clear and sharp. Didn't like the dial. Felt very hard to turn/control with ease.
2) NEX - Flash has to be attached separately. Did not like the feel of the heavy lens on a light body. (Grip doesn't feel very good)

Now the last camera I am interested in: the Pentax K-r. Just can't get my hands on this one at stores.

I'm in a dilemma, I know I'm super indecisive, already thinking of postponing the camera buying to next year since it's already year end. I guess by 2011 there should be alot of other new cameras... I know I should just get one asap instead of comparing this model and that model.. can't help it. I don't want to suffer post-purchase dissonance! I keep wondering, is there really a need to get an expensive camera? Will I be better off with just a PnS? Should I just get a PnS first, then upgrade to a DSLR/others in the future, or just get a better quality one and stick it for awhile?

I may get the NX10... then next I will have to think of which package to go for -_-
the pancake lens is very attractive, but the 18-55mm kit lens seems to be a wiser choice. should a newbie like me get both? (bundle set is cheaper than buying separately later)

Wonder if anyone would even care to reply to this thread anymore.. haha.

Where have you tried to look at the Pentax Kr? Try MSColor, Orient Photo or SLR Revolution. Else just go to the distributor Emjay. I suggest you ask in the Pentax sub-forum for more details, as I'm not the most updated person in terms of stock/etc (in other words, I don't free free go down camera shops to look see look see )

The Samsung NX10 is a nice little camera. Fantastic form factor, coupled with an APS-C sensor and less menu diving vs many counterparts. The main drawbacks are the lack of a in-camera shake reduction (but its smaller so its also less prone to camera shake) and the unknown future support that Samsung will provide (though they say they will).

There is really no wrong in getting any camera, just how much more features you consider important are being included for the same amt of money.

 

[daredevil123]

Just go down to the store, try the cameras out, and pull the trigger on the one that your first instinct tell you that you want it.

 

[coolthought]

I'm in a dilemma, I know I'm super indecisive, already thinking of postponing the camera buying to next year since it's already year end. I guess by 2011 there should be alot of other new cameras... I know I should just get one asap instead of comparing this model and that model.. can't help it. I don't want to suffer post-purchase dissonance! I keep wondering, is there really a need to get an expensive camera? Will I be better off with just a PnS? Should I just get a PnS first, then upgrade to a DSLR/others in the future, or just get a better quality one and stick it for awhile?

I think you probably need counseling. :bsmilie:
You can postpone till next year to get your camera. Guess what, I say there will be even better cameras coming out the following year. How leh? Till you got married, have children then grandchildren?? By that time Nikon probably have VR X. Should be perfect for grandma shaky hands.

Make a list. Prioritized the die die must have features or functions near the top. Starting with sure die from "post-purchase dissonance" if don't have or not the best.

Make a second list after you have done with your research.
List down all the camera that at least somehow fulfill some, most or all of the things in the first list. Give score and weightage to how well the camera is able to fulfill your first list. Tabulate everything and see which is the camera that came out top and is within your budget.

After you have finally decided which one to get and bought it, stop looking at any camera advertisement. Stop looking at any camera sale. Stop looking at any new camera coming out. Stop reading threads that say "wah piang eh!! this camera sooooo good.....you should have get this one!!" Start reading how to take better photos. Start learning the basis of photography. Start looking at great photos and be inspired by them. Start taking more photos. Take more photos when you think there is another better camera somewhere. Start a flickr account or any other site to upload your photos. Get them critique and commented. When you get better, bask in the light of praise showered by your peers. This will probably get your mind off from getting a better camera and be glad you have listened to this advice and bought a camera asap. I will be far more happy slurping my noodle in a cup somewhere in a corner rather than typing this long.

 

[TooT19]

hi all, been reading this thread as im looking to purchase my 1st camera as well. find the comments and opinions here very informative.
im similar to the TS in many ways. initially interested in a good pns but decided on dslr.
was aiming canon and nikon but now also open to pentax and sony as well.

lx5 -> d90/A55/Kr.

ts, good luck in ur camera hunting too.

 

[wcljack]

only choose nikon or canon.....no reg