Travel Photography - Help with first DSLR

Hi All,

I am about to buy - maybe a DSLR for the first time. My current set-up is a Panasonica FZ18 & and an Olympus 1030sw- for the beach etc.

I really need some help and advice, the FZ18 has been fantastic but it is time to upgrade and i guess a dslr. Zoom is key with us which is why we got the FZ18

So any thoughts, help or advice would be greatly appreciated.

Get a Canon.

No, wait – get a Nikon.

No, I mean get a Pentax. :D

I am not trying to be flip, just pointing out that you will get a lot of different opinions, most of which will likely be based on what camera the particular poster in question happens to own.

A few thoughts:

1] Pretty much any DSLR from pretty much any of the manufacturers still left standing is capable of delivering quality results.

2] Pretty much every manufacturer makes a reasonably wide selection of lenses and accessories in addition to all of the after-market options.

3] I for one would need additional, specific information in order to make anything approaching a meaningful recommendation; budget, size and weight constraint, ability/desire to use image editing software, etc.

2] Pretty much every manufacture makes a reasonably wide selection of lenses and accessories in addition to all of the after-market options.

The OP needs to keep in mind that one is buying into a dSLR system. One should think about all the lens and stuff he/she'll get, both now and future, and decide on brand and specific model. One's not just buying a camera.

And let's just start with the lens. The FZ18 has a zoom lens that's 35mm equivalent of 28-504mm. If one really needs to replicate that, the choices are mainly Tamron's 18-270 or Sigma's 18-250 zooms.

But is an all-in-one zoom really what the OP wants? I have no idea. But if the OP really wants that Tamron, then he should know that it's only made for Canon and Nikon mounts, at least for now. And even 270mm with Canon 1.6x crop factor only gives a 35mm equivalent of 432mm, a bit short of the FZ18's range.

Thanks,

Yes it is going to be hard to pick. One more question though. Why should I buy an DSLR?

Thanks,

Yes it is going to be hard to pick. One more question though. Why should I buy an DSLR?

Yeah, why should you? What is about the FZ18 that you find lacking?

As for dSLR system, there are many reasons to go with them. Two main ones these days -

1) Lens and accessories. You can do macro, you can do super-telephoto, you can do fish-eye. Your imagination and depth of your wallet are the only limitations.

2) Much larger sensor size than most compacts. That means significantly lower noise at the higher ISO.

Thanks,

Yes it is going to be hard to pick. One more question though. Why should I buy an DSLR?1. Image quality. This is mostly the result of (a) much larger sensors for a comparable pixel count, which means under 5 MP per square cm rather than 30+, and (b) better lenses.

2. Less lag when you push the button.

3. Image quality.

4. More features.

5. Image quality.

6. A range of professional-level accessories, such as flashes.

7. Image quality.

8. Available lenses that exceed any non-DSLR at both ends, though perhaps not with the same overall zoom range (and often not cheap, and if you're talking extreme tele, neither small nor light - unavoidable if it has to cover a larger sensor).

9. Did I mention image quality?

You have to decide if you're dissatisfied with your present camera in any of these respects. Then, you have to decide if you're dissatisfied enough to justify the cost, the weight (with multiple lenses to cover the range of your Panasonic ultra-zoom), the hassle of changing lenses, dealing with a more complicated interface (even if you don't use most of the added features), etc.

Pick the lenses you want - both to start and that you'll think you want to move up to later - and base your decision on that.

Thanks,

Yes it is going to be hard to pick. One more question though. Why should I buy an DSLR?

IMHO, in one word - the quality of the image. In digital photography, size matter, not the maga pixel count, but the size of the imaging chip. In most, if not all main stream DSLR, the chip are much larger than those fitted in a digital compact. One can see it in the results, especially in a print, the richness of the image. Going back to the days of steam (or, also know as the film age) a print made from a 35mm negative (printed to any size) would always look inferior to a contact print made from a 8x10 in negative from a view camera. Its sort of same principle.

Both Canon and Nikon now also have 'full size' (35 mm film equivalent in area) image chips, IMHO that will make DSLR move even further away from digital compacts.

Of course, it all depends on what you want a camera for, for most people, a digital compact will do fine; they are small and easy to use. But if you are looking for image quality and versatility (inter changeable lens and WiFi image transmission...) then the DSLR may have the edge.

Again, IMHO, either Nikon, or Canon will do the job fine, but once you decided, it may be expensive to change 'horse' as you would have bought a lens or two.

Now is a good time to buy a 'starter' DSLR, as it cost little more than a good digital compact. IMHO, great value for money.

Yes, I know there are other GREAT DSLRs, but this is MVHO. :D

"Image Quality" can mean many things. If we're just talking about the sensors, the much larger sensors in dSLR mean lower noise at high ISO and usually wider dynamic range. But if you only take pictures in good sunlight at ISO100, then the difference can be minimal.

If you are also talking the lens, then of course there's difference in lens quality too. In general, you can find sharper image from edge to edge, and lower distortion. However, not everybody readily notices these things.

Like I looked at some of my older pictures taken with a point-and-shoot, and immediately I would notice the vignetting, I would notice the barrel distortion from wide-angle. Which I didn't notice before.

9. Did I mention image quality?


I think you did :D

Which brand do your friends and family have? You want the same brand so you can borrow lenses from em. :)

Typically, that means getting either a Canon or a Nikon. I no one you know has anything, my personal 1st dSLR would be the Nikon D90. If too pricey, then a Canon Rebel.

Which brand do your friends and family have? You want the same brand so you can borrow lenses from em. :)

Typically, that means getting either a Canon or a Nikon. I no one you know has anything, my personal 1st dSLR would be the Nikon D90. If too pricey, then a Canon Rebel.

Or ask a knowledgable friend to go look for a 2nd hand one with you... I've recently found 40D as reasonably priced as a new 500D (Canon). Surely same happens to Nikon for the right cameras

Thanks Every one,

The main reason I am considering a move to dslr is image quality i have sister who has a nikon and her images are superb and i would typically take 10 15 times the number of shots she does.

Don't get me wrong the FZ18 is an awesome camera but I think the time is right to step up a level.

What are the Sony's like? I have seen the a350 and it looks to be well featured.

Thanks Every one,

The main reason I am considering a move to dslr is image quality i have sister who has a nikon and her images are superb and i would typically take 10 15 times the number of shots she does.

Don't get me wrong the FZ18 is an awesome camera but I think the time is right to step up a level.

What are the Sony's like? I have seen the a350 and it looks to be well featured.

If i were you i wouldnt go near sony. if you could share lenses with your sister, then look for a brand new entry level or a 2nd hand prosumer. ask your sis to help choosing a 2nd hand if it's possible.

Perhaps think of reselling value as well. Nikon and Canon's market is still substantially larger, and so is their reselling market.

The main reason I am considering a move to dslr is image quality i have sister who has a nikon and her images are superb and i would typically take 10 15 times the number of shots she does.

it has more to do with the photographer than the camera. if she had a canon dslr, her photos would probably be just as good.

Don't get me wrong the FZ18 is an awesome camera but I think the time is right to step up a level.

What are the Sony's like? I have seen the a350 and it looks to be well featured.

i would strongly consider nikon because you could potentially borrow lenses, flashes, etc. from your sister, or she could borrow them from you.

however, i would also strongly suggest going to a store and seeing how the various cameras feel in your hand. for instance, some people think the nikon d60 is too small, others think it's too big. see how easy it is to press the various buttons, go through the menus and change things, etc.

Did anyone mention image quality yet?:D

I have a dSLR and a P&S camera. While I take the P&S almost everywhere, I reserve the dSLR for more specific occasions that I would use the many features that a dSLR has over a P&S such as night shooting, high speed shooting, multiple shooting, macro, etc. When you have to lug lenses and flashes around, the bag starts getting heavy.

I think you have to ask yourself what you would do with the dSLR once you get it.

regards,
drew

I typically bring both. If it's a casual event, then only the P&S.

SLRs have a pretty decent sized learning curve. Sure it's fun to learn, but it still takes time. We always bring the P&S along as a backup cuz the auto mode is so awesome on it. I have a Nikon D200 and a Canon 850 IS so it's not big deal to strap the tiny Canon onto the dSLR camera bag somewhere.

The only bad thing with dSLRs are you can lose/forget to bring something. Like right now, we're trying to pack to go to Maui. We just can't find where we left our 50mm lens. Very frustrating cuz we love that lens, but it's so small it could be anywhere. It's a result of having too many camera bags in use at the same time and a 1 yr old in the house.

Thanks again to every one the advice.

Before you buy anything go to a good camera store and play with the cameras. How does it feel in your hand? Do you like the way the controls work? How's the weight? There are a lot of things to consider.

As has been said, each of the major lines have their fans and detractors.

Do your research, play with the cameras. You are entering a pretty intimate long term relationship here, so don't rush it.

Before you buy anything go to a good camera store and play with the cameras. How does it feel in your hand? Do you like the way the controls work? How's the weight? There are a lot of things to consider.

As has been said, each of the major lines have their fans and detractors.

Do your research, play with the cameras. You are entering a pretty intimate long term relationship here, so don't rush it.

I strongly second that suggestion. The specs and brands are not really that important, all modern DSLRs are very good. The key issue is how the camera feels to you and how natural the operation feels.

Furthermore, if you are on a budget (aren't we all), rather get a lower-end body and the best lenses you can afford instead of spending a lot of the body and skimping on the lenses. The lenses are critical for picture quality and, what is better, usually do not become obsolele like bodies do.

Cheers,
T.

There was a similar thread not long ago which I posted in asking similar questions - and some questions I suspect will be the next ones you think about :)

Beginner Questions thread. (http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/travel-photography/899550-beginner-questions.html)

I'd second though going and trying a few. It's hard to make a bad decision with cameras as they all perform to such a high standard these days, but one you find uncomfortable or counter-intuitive will be a right PITA and it will hinder your interest.

Oh, and once you've taken the plunge, post some of your pictures here! Photogs are a friendly, helpful bunch, and we love looking at other people's pictures. ^

Wirelessly posted (Palm TX: Mozilla/4.0 (compatible; MSIE 6.0; Windows 98; PalmSource/Palm-D050; Blazer/4.3) 16;320x448)

Think Nikon.....

Does anyone have any recommendations on a small/fairly light weight SLR? It'll be my first SLR so I don't want to spend more than £300-400 idealy. I was looking at the Canon rebel 450D but some people say it is too big? Any other ideas?

Does anyone have any recommendations on a small/fairly light weight SLR? It'll be my first SLR so I don't want to spend more than £300-400 idealy. I was looking at the Canon rebel 450D but some people say it is too big? Any other ideas?

Whether or not the Rebel 450 is too big is up to you. Go to a camera store and handle several cameras -- only then you can know. It is one of the smaller and lighter DSLR's around, though.

Big/small is really a very relative thing. For me the Rebel 450 is too small and light.

If you do prefer something smaller, take a look at the Olympus E series cameras, they are very small and light (E-420 is about 100 grams lighter than the Canon).

Cheers,
T.

Does anyone have any recommendations on a small/fairly light weight SLR? It'll be my first SLR so I don't want to spend more than £300-400 idealy. I was looking at the Canon rebel 450D but some people say it is too big? Any other ideas?

If you're thinking that you'll get into using DSLRs with something in the £300-400 range and then upgrade to something "better" I wouldn't recommend it. If you can spend more, it makes more sense to me to spend a little more now rather than £300-400 now and then £500-1000 later. It obviously ends up costing you more in the long run. YMMV.

i would strongly consider nikon because you could potentially borrow lenses, flashes, etc. from your sister, or she could borrow them from you.

This was why I chose Nikon initially. I liked some of their lenses, but had friends who had a wide collection. Since almost all Nikon lenses work with the newer DSLRs (excluding the FX bodies), you can borrow lenses and equipment to experiment with setups. Trying before you buy is also a great advantage. Spec wise, the manufacturers are all competitive, but being able to borrow equipment to test out, is a great positive.

Any other suggestions of DSLRs with live view and are small/light weight (apart from canon 450d and Olympus e series)?

Any other suggestions of DSLRs with live view and are small/light weight (apart from canon 450d and Olympus e series)?

panasonic lumix gh1.

Any other suggestions of DSLRs with live view and are small/light weight (apart from canon 450d and Olympus e series)?

Nothing else is in the 400g range with the lighter Olympus E-4xx series models (E-520 is 550g though.)

All of the current Canon Digital Rebel models that support live view (XS/1000D, XSi/450D and T1i/500D) weigh about the same at around 500g-530g and are of a similar size (1000D the lightest.)

Panasonic Lumix DMC-L10 has live view and is still under 600g.

Nikon D5000 is their only model under 600g with live view.

The Sony Alpha 350/300 are both just over 600g and pretty affordable, with live view.

I rather like the Pentax models, but the one with live view (the K20D) is heavier, around 800g.

Hope that helps.

Why would live view be the primary selection criteria for a DSLR than let's say, lens selection?:confused:

I rather like the Pentax models, but the one with live view (the K20D) is heavier, around 800g.
I am a pentax owner, originally of the *ist DS and now of the K20D. The liveview on it is only of marginal use for folks who do want it. But I'll echo the statement that even caring about the availability of liveview is a bad way to approach selection or actual use of a camera.

I love my Pentax system but I'd not recommend anyone new buy into it. The lens options are fewer and there isn't the same secondary market. They make a quality product but they are a small player in a big market. You suffer for that.

Why would live view be the primary selection criteria for a DSLR than let's say, lens selection?:confused:

Particularly considering live-view's highest and best use [I consider DSLR video to be snake-oil] is on a tripod where an extra hundred grams here or there wouldn't make much of a difference.