Still here… still amateur
Hey everyone! So it has been a while since I last posted and I don’t have any excuses for you but I do feel bad about it, don’t hurt me. Ok so now that we are friends again I can show you what I have done. Excited?!
I have posted new pictures here because my Flickr account is temporarily out of service – if you notice the blue and yellow sail boat that appears in several of my shots is now wrecked on the shore of kits beach as a result of the storm Vancouver experienced on Wednesday april.7th… wild night!
Oh the camera I was using is a Sony DSC H3 Cyber-shot , The DP Review
The camera – The good – easy to use, lots of fun options, in camera photo manipulation, direct linkage for AC and exporting, awesome long zoom, 3200 ISO, image stabilizing…
The bad – Slow! (I missed a lot of shots due to lag), poor auto focus, no EVF, lens blocks the flash at close range.
Vancouver 2010
The world is definitely here, all of them in our city’s core. I do love people and hope to get a night out with the camera but today was about the city and what we have invited the world to see. I hit the town armed with a Canon 7D and shot everything I could see(using an EFS 18-135mm 1:3.5-5.6 lens).
IMG_0796, originally uploaded by anthonymsmith2010.
Did a walk around downtown Vancouver today shooting the madness…
Comparing prices – what do I pay for?
In my research I found some info atRadiant Lite Photographythat is helpful even though it was published a few months ago. I left most of the content but added some quick facts and updated the prices* by cross referencing some retail stores and consumer sites (based on the body only). There are plenty of deals for body and lens kits, perhaps because of some new releases coming out this month and next.
– Cmos sensor-15.1 effective megapixels, ISO 12800, HD video, 3.0 inch 920k pixels viewing screen, HDMI output, Face detection
– rotating vari-angle view monitor, DX-format 12.3-megapixel CMOS image sensor, Approx. 1.5 x lens focal length, ISO 200 to 3200 or 1 EV (ISO 6400 equivalent) over ISO 3200, 720p video at 24fps
– (uses AA batteries – it makes the camera feel lopsided and I would prefer to carry Li-ion packs) 23.6 x 15.8 mm CMOS sensor, 12.9 million effective pixels, Auto (selectable range) • Manual : 200-6400* • Bulb Mode: up to ISO 1600 • Expandable ISO 100 – 12800 • 1EV, 1/2EV or 1/3EV steps, widescreen HD video – 720p resolution (1280×720) at 24 FPS
| Name | MP | fps | LCD | MV | LV | Price | ISO | Note |
| Canon T1i / 500D | 15 | 3.4 | 3″ hi res | Y | Y | $799 | 12800 | record 1080p @ 20fps |
| Nikon D5000 | 12 | 4 | 3″ swivel | Y | Y | $679 | 6400 | no AF motor |
| Nikon D3000 | 10 | 3 | 3″ | Y | N | $449 | 3200 | no AF motor |
| Olympus E-620 | 12 | 3.4 | 2.7″ swivel | N | Y | $659 | 3200 | compact, 4/3 sensor |
| Sony A230 | 10 | 2.5 | 2.7″ | N | N | $500 | 3200 | |
| Sony A330 | 10 | 2.5 | 2.7″ tilt | N | Y | $600 | 3200 | fast AF in live view |
| Sony A380 | 14 | 2.5 | 2.7″ tilt | N | Y | $800 | 3200 | |
| Pentax K-x | 12 | 4.7 | 2.7″ | Y | Y | $579 | 12800 | compact, hdr, no AF indicator light in viewfinder |
1. Pentax K-x Price: $579*
Although it is not released to the public yet, Pentax K-X is the best value DSLR camera 2009 on the paper. It has advanced features of higher end DSLR camera, but it is significantly cheaper than beginner digital SLR cameras. It features 12 megapixel, 4.7 fps continuous burst and wide ISO range up to 12800 (Because physical limitation, I believe that ISO 1600 – 3200 will be the limit of acceptable images).
It also has a very compact DSLR camera body, built-in image stabilization, movie recording mode, and auto HDR (high dynamic range). Pentax k-x is surely a small camera that have a lot of potential inside it. The nice thing is it comes with several alternative colors such as red, white, and navy blue.
It does has a downside. There is no auto focus light indicator in the viewfinder (the indicator will be in the lcd screen), and smaller camera body might be not comfortable for user that has big hand.
One thing that unique about K-X, like other Pentax beginner cameras is the use of four AA batteries instead of rechargeable lithium battery. Pentax claims that four AA lithium batteries will be able to power the camera up to 1900 shots (based on CIPA Standard), which is very impressive. This could be an advantage but can also be disadvantage. For example, AA batteries are universally available and cheaper, but it might not be very reliable.
2. Canon T1i / 500D Price: $799*
T1i is the most expensive beginner DSLR cameras up to date, but it is also very high in performance. It has 15 megapixel sensor, ISO sensitivities up to 12800 (producing acceptable images up to ISO 3200). It has movie recording mode and able to record full HD 1028 but only at 20 fps. Canon T1i LCD screen is also the best of the bunch, 3″ with 910k resolution. Various reviews also state that Canon T1i has a very fast auto focus system either in bright light or dim light condition.
Perhaps, the most important feature that Canon T1i has is the compatibility to all Canon EOS lenses from very cheap model (50mm f/1.8 which is under $100 until the super telephoto pro grade lenses). Canon has a wide collection of high-end lenses with a reasonable price.
For beginners who does not interested in movie recording mode, then I will suggest to get Canon EOS XSi / 450D. It is $200 cheaper, but you will lose some features such as 15 mp, hi res lcd screen, wide ISO range up to 12800 and movie mode.
3. Nikon D5000 Price: $679*
Nikon D5000 has the same sensor as the higher end cameras such as Nikon D90, so it has nice looking and relatively clean images in high ISO setting (1600-3200). Nikon D5000 has swivel LCD screen to support the movie recording mode.
At a glance, this camera seems to be a better value compared to Canon T1i because it is cheaper than Canon T1i, but Nikon D5000 has a major downside. It does not have built-in AF motor in camera body. Therefore, the camera is not compatible with many older lenses Nikon produces, especially prime/fixed focal length. The new lenses with built-in motor such as Nikon 35mm f/1.8 and Nikon 50mm f/1.4G are not very cheap either. However you will still able to mount the lens and focus it manually.
4. Sony A230 Price: $450
Sony A230 is the cheapest beginner DSLR camera released in 2009. A230 is a very basic photography camera without any gimmicky features. A230 features are pretty much the same as older A200 model, but the the body design has been changed significantly. It looks more modern and stylish, but many users reports that the cameras are not very comfortable to hold. A230 features built-in image stabilization but there is no live view or movie recording mode.
5. Nikon D3000 Price: $449*
Nikon D3000 is an improved version of Nikon D60. It adds a guide mode, 11 auto focus points, and a larger LCD screen. But it still does not have live view and buit in AF motor. Therefore, like D5000, you can’t auto focus when using older Nikon AF lenses.
Thanks to guide mode, operating Nikon D3000 become very easy and simple for beginners. You might pick up some interesting insights too. The kit lens is quite good for casual shooting from landscape to close up. [Read D3000 Full Review]
6. Olympus E-620 Price $659*
Unlike the other DSLR cameras, Olympus use four third sensor which is smaller than regular digital SLR camera. This has a good and a bad implication. The good side Olympus is able to make the camera and lens smaller and lighter, but the bad side is performance in high ISO. E-620 image is good up to ISO 800, a stop lower than most APS-C digital SLR cameras. The other disadvantage lies in Olympus lens collection. Because Olympus DSLR camera has small bayonet mount, Olympus does not have big aperture lenses such as f/1.2 or f/1.4 (except Sigma 30mm and 50mm f/1.4 HSM). However, other than compact body, E-620 still has some good selling points such as swivel LCD, better than average kit lens and back-lit buttons.
7. Sony A330 and A380 Price: $600 – $800
Sony A330 design is similar to Sony A230. It has more advanced feature such as live view mode. Unlike other DSLR, Sony A330 and A380 has two sensors. This additional sensor is built to enable faster auto focus in live view mode. Therefore, you might consider this camera if you love composing picture using LCD screen. To exploit live view feature, Sony A330 and A380 has tilt-able LCD screen. A330 and A380 weaknesses include poorer noise control, uncomfortable grip, relatively expensive price per features ratio.
Conclusion
Competition between manufacturers are very tight in 2009 especially in beginner DSLR cameras. Many of the new cameras has been only slightly improved from its predecessors so you might find unnecessary to upgrade. The biggest improvement might be the addition of movie mode in DSLR cameras. Many still photographers do not like it because it drives the price up, but for amateur videographer or multimedia designers, this might be a dream product.
However if you are looking for an entry level dslr camera for still photography, then you might look at last year models, They might be cheaper so that you can invest more on lenses. Check link below for last year beginner and enthusiasts DSLR cameras.
(Be sure to keep an eye on new products being released over the next few weeks – I will be posting info on these new cameras as it becomes available)
The New Canon 550D T2i
Photo from DPReview.com
Just released today and I can’t wait to check it out. “The EOS 550D redefines the boundaries of Canon’s consumer DSLR range, incorporating technologies and features more commonly found in semi-professional DSLRs into the compact, lightweight body favoured by consumers.”
I am in the process of publishing a comparison of some of the 2009 Canon, Nikon, Olympus and other models, with up to date prices as well as giving you the specific features and individual highlights of each camera. Having said that the news of new cameras being released will (and has) drastically changed the cost of consumer level cameras. Today at London Drugs (Broadway at Cambie) the Canon EOS 40D is on sale for $699.98! And the Canon EOS 50D for a low price as well. So if you are price hunting keep your EYES OPEN for some great deals and if you are looking for the newest changes in the newest Canon DSLR consumer cameras then start here —-> The Canon EOS T2i/550D .
Features at a glance:
- redesigned hand grip
- 18 Megapixel APS-C CMOS sensor
- DIGIC 4 processor with ISO 100-6400 (Expansion to 12800)
- Continuous shooting at 3.7fps
- Full 1080p HD movie recording with manual control and selectable frame rates
- 7.7cm (3.0”) 3:2 Clear View LCD with 1,040k dots
- iFCL metering System with 63-zone Dual-layer Metering Sensor
- Quick Control screen to change shooting settings
- Exposure compensation +/-5 stops.
- Select maximum value for Auto ISO
- External Microphone socket
- Movie crop function
- Eye-Fi connected functions compatibility
The decision: digital SLR or super-zoom
I’ve got a dilemma, I’m not sure what to get. A digital SLR or the other option of possibly a superzoom like the Canon Powershot SX20 IS. I guess my concern is that I will drop $800 on a dSLR and then another $600-800 on accessories (lens, SD cards, etc..). The other option would be a super-zoom camera for around $600 and have everything I need to enter the world of photography, or would I?
I’ve had a look at this review of the Canon Powershot SX2o IS and it looks like a great camera retailing for around $500.
I’ve also looked at the Canon EOS 500D / Rebel T1i which is retails for about $700-800.
Comparing them side by side on CNET here they look similar (I through in the Nikon D5000 in there as well), in fact the Canon Powershot SX20D IS has better zoom, focal length and lens aperture. So what costs $200-300 more in the Rebel T1i? Is it that much better of a camera?
In my opinion there is one main area that superzooms fail and that is image quality. It seems most start to show noise around ISO400 or ISO800, so for the general hobbyist that doesn’t want large prints of their beautiful photos then the superzooms looks like a great option and seem to be extremely easy to use.
It seems at the moment I’m leaning to the more expensive and higher quality allure of the digital SLR…
Researching from home
http://reviews.cnet.com/digital-cameras/
Cnet reviews is a great way to check out some of the cameras on the market. It offers a video description on most models and makes.
Square1
I have started this blog to help myself grow into the photographer that I aspire to be. Like most amateur photographers I want to know everything there is to know about my camera and what it takes to get those amazing shots that keep me coming back for more. At this point I have not really focused on one favorite category to shoot and this I can be attributed to my biggest inspiration, National Geographic. I am totally into all aspects of photography whether I am playing with wild macro shots of water and insects, shooting portraits or catching wildlife in their natural setting. In all of my shots what I aim to achieve is the best clarity, aspect and colors to bring it to life. The brilliance of photography is that we get to create the photos. It is our perception and how we take the shot that determines how the picture will look.
My experience so far with camera’s has been fortunate but limited. I have owned two camera’s in the past, my first was an old, beautiful manual style camera given to me for photography class in school and later stolen. The second was a Sony cyber-shot and it was recently misplaced when I carelessly brought it out on a night of debauchery. Thus I vow to care for my new first camera better for the sake of my wallet. And this is where I begin, with the search for an appropriate camera. As I said I have been fortunate with my access to cameras to use and play with. Most of the people I know have a point and shoot digital camera and they can be a lot of fun at social functions… just don’t leave them there. The most fun of those type of camera I find is the waterproof models for rainy days or hikes that you just cant avoid getting wet. These cameras are fun and easy to use but they lack some key functions of a digital single-lens reflex(DSLR), which is the direction that I am going in. I have done some research into the Canon Eos line of digital cameras and in the search for knowledge of cameras in general I will look into some other competitive lines but I will tell you that I am bias to the Canon Eos because of my experience with them. The competitive cameras that I will be comparing the Canon Eos to are mostly the Nikon F series but i may also look at the Pentax and Leica brands.
The first thing I have to ask myself is what do I want a camera for? The answer to that is easy, everything! Of course Like most of us I don’t have the budget to simply go out and buy the newest, most adaptable top of the line camera with all the cool accessories to go with it so I have narrowed my search by answering a few key questions; How much money am I prepared to spend? What is the best bang for my buck? What type of camera is best for me? And What accessories do I need? I further narrowed my selection by researching individual cameras and their specifications to find out what I was really paying for. This is easily done by visiting any brands web site (for Canada). The most helpful tip I found was to handle the camera you are looking at, it’s a lot different than just looking at them in web windows. If you don’t have access to a camera to play around with go to a retail store and check out the store model. This is a great way to find out what you are comfortable with because not only can you can pick it up and see for yourself how easy it is to navigate through the functions and get your pictures tuned in just right but you can check out the competition in the same go. Just dont let the salesperson push you around, stick to what you know and want.
I will take the time to find the camera that best fits my needs, as I find new deals and comparisons I will follow up on Photo6S. I hope it is worth following and that you may take something away from it.
Anthony
mattsmith604
Photo6S 
