Entry level DSLR

[CoolBug]

I'm also now a happy camper

Opening the box

 

[bwana]

Thanks, had to read that a couple of times but I think I understand now Basically all the image correction stuff that is applied when shooting JPEG is not used when shooting RAW?

That's pretty much it - if you're post processing with DPP then I think it will use the camera settings as a starting point but I haven't used it in years.

If you've got an iPad get yourself a eye-fi card or the camera connection kit.

 

[OMB]

I'd only be using it to maybe sharpen up a bit, and just some light stuff. From what I've read, Canon seems to be a bit on the conservative side with their settings, and images shot in JPEG tend to come out a bit soft. If there's a setting on the camera that allows you to increase the sharpness then it becomes less of an issue, but I haven't been able to check yet. Still waiting to get home

I use paint.net as a rule

but have just finished a trial of Corel Paintshop Pro and might buy it as it has some pretty neat functions and I saw it was going for R800 at Makro

 

[CoolBug]

Wow, my first impressions of this thing, it's huge. And it takes CF cards /face palm.

And buttons... Sooo many buttons

So for now I'm stuck taking photos like this

 

[Mike Hoxbig]

Im still playing around with aperture, shutter speeds and ISO to get the correct exposure in manual mode. It's a bit tricky! for now I'm cheating a bit and set it to aperture priority, and let the camera handle the shutter speeds and ISO. I see what everyone is on about in getting a lens with a higher aperture, it makes it a bit easier to get the right exposure. I'm not comfortable with letting the camera handle the ISO levels because it tends to get a bit aggressive in low light, which introduces a bit of noise

 

[CoolBug]

Dude I'm trying to figure out the buttons

There is this a "fn" type key that's like the fn key on a laptop, one of the functions is to select different af points, like an individual af point or one of the groups of af points, crazy stuff.

Just took this one with my phone

I also really like the ergonomics, very fun and intuitive fiddling

This was my last camera so this is all quite new and exciting

http://www.digitalexperts.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/08/canon-powershot-sx110-is-camera.jpg

Seems like a crappy camera but it's been so amazing, and it slips in your pocket at 45mm wide, this cam is probably why I am a little Canon bias, glad to now have a view finder though.

 

[Paul_S]

Someone is enjoying their toys till the wee hours of the morning.

 

[Borrels]

I'm also looking an entry level SLR and came across this special: http://www.sacamera.co.za/product/1017429/Nikon_D3100_Body_with_1855VR_and_55200VR/

Since it comes with two lenses, it looks like a good deal to me but don't know enough about the different type and specs of equipment.

 

[DTBA]

I'm also looking an entry level SLR and came across this special: http://www.sacamera.co.za/product/1017429/Nikon_D3100_Body_with_1855VR_and_55200VR/

Since it comes with two lenses, it looks like a good deal to me but don't know enough about the different type and specs of equipment.

I am getting my 600D today with the twin lens kit, bag ,Sd card , and a 50m f/1.8 / for just under 9K at orms, best price I could fine with stock

can wait to play with it

I dont knw about nikkon but the 600D and 550D canon is a great starter

 

[bwana]

Dude I'm trying to figure out the buttons

RTM. And then read it again

 

[DTBA]

RTM. And then read it again

This man can day dream and find all the buttons, his a ninja

 

[daWolf]

Hi Guys,

Sorry to hijack this thread but I'm also looking at getting an entry level DSLR camera. I've been doing a lot of research online and I was two minded about going with either the Nikon or Canon route and I’ve decided to go with Canon. Narrowed it down to the following models, 550D, 600D or 650D.

Now I’ve been checking all the local online shops as well as looking out for specials Dion Wired, Makro, IC, etc. been having and there are some competitive prices. To add a twist to this, I will be going on holiday to Bangkok and Phuket in November this year. I’ve been checking online for prices there and I can get a 650D for the same or similar price of buying a 600D here. An example can be found here, http://www.pix-one.com/

I’m sure if I shop around and bargain with these guys in Bangkok, I can get an even better deal. Should I purchase the camera locally or in Thailand? I know the whole deal about them not selling these camera’s with international warranties but I think I will just feel ripped off buying it locally at the prices we pay and knowing that if I wait, I can get it much cheaper in Thailand.

Let me know your thoughts guys.

 

[OMB]

@daWolf

I bought my Nikon D90 kit in Singapore significantly cheaper than I could have got it here. If you're willing to take the warranty risk I think the main thing to watch out for is bringing it back into the country and hoping customs don't nab you.

 

[Mike Hoxbig]

RTM. And then read it again

That's like asking for directions. What kind of man are you?

But yeah the manual is pretty useful, even though it's a lot to take in. I've been reading noob guides to DSLR and it helps quite a bit in conjunction with reading the manual.

 

[daWolf]

@daWolf

I bought my Nikon D90 kit in Singapore significantly cheaper than I could have got it here. If you're willing to take the warranty risk I think the main thing to watch out for is bringing it back into the country and hoping customs don't nab you.

Yeah, I guess I am willing to take the warranty risk. It's so tempting buying things there as it's so much cheaper. Plus you get the tax rebate as well when you buy from certain shops so that's also a further saving.

With customs, I found walking behind the indian aunties with sari's on and big bags OR groups of people with big luggage helps. They grab them and you walk by nice and easy!

 

[DTBA]

@wolf


Like Mean said , Canon does not carry a international warranty.So if u buy in SA u get it fixed here( correct me if I wrong)

 

[daWolf]

@dtba I stand corrected but I think you can purchase an international warranty at a slightly higher purchase price.

 

[DTBA]

@dtba I stand corrected but I think you can purchase an international warranty at a slightly higher purchase price.

I have no clue, do they sell it there like that and how would the price be then

 

[Paul_S]

@wolf

Like Mean said , Canon does not carry a international warranty.So if u buy in SA u get it fixed here( correct me if I wrong)

From what I have read and heard Canon SA will not honour an international warranty but you'll have to phone Canon SA to verify that.

I checked those prices from Asia and they only seem to be about 10% cheaper than the local suppliers.
Then you may get held up by customs at JHB when you return and may end up having to pay import duties even if you claim it's a travel camera.
They are full of nonsense.
Not worth all the hassled and risk for a 10% savings IMO.

 

[DTBA]

From what I have read and heard Canon SA will not honour an international warranty but you'll have to phone Canon SA to verify that.

I checked those prices from Asia and they only seem to be about 10% cheaper than the local suppliers.
Then you may get held up by customs at JHB when you return and may end up having to pay import duties even if you claim it's a travel camera.
They are full of nonsense.
Not worth all the hassled and risk for a 10% savings IMO.

just asking say I want to take mine with me to say AUS. how can Make sure they dont think its one I bought there