Like so many out there who are still confused , have't quite made up their mind as what should be one's first DSLR camera , well redemption is at hand ,read on.
Like so many people, scourging the internet, browsing sites, checking ubiquitous threads of discussions in chat rooms if it somehow has anything to do with any advice regarding choosing a camera and the pros and cons of it and the reasons as to why should one prefer over the other, I had too done it all.
Many pundits of DSLR photography have articulated conflicting views held by their compatriots and it somehow starts to get into one nerves and one wonders aloud WTF?.
These so call Gurus of digital world,why can't they hold a unified view of things rather than squabble amongst themselves, trying to outdo each other over various obscure bullshit of technical jagrons and little to be understood gibberish ,which for a novice like me just bounces off my head?.
If you are a user , who only wants to take a better picture without any intention of ever turning into a pro or pursue the craft more vigorously in future , my most humble advice would be -"Buddy , just choose a bridge camera with a decent enough zoom or remain with it ,if you are happy, rather than stepping into an arena where you are not inclined to take the bull by its horns or expend money than you can possibly endure and then , selling off your gear to recover any amount of your own money that can be had from it.
The reasons are not far to find, for now-a-days the bridge cameras can shoot RAW and have great sensors ,almost at par with entry DSLR with decent to excellent image quality, the zoom range that are available in the market is nothing short of astounding , take for example canon SX40 , it has 35X Optical zoom factor or Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ150,which in an DSLR scheme of things ,would cost you about more than $3000 - Just Imagine!moreover the manual control that one has over the final image is pretty much the same in a Bridge camera in comparision with an entry level DSLR .
So "You" my dear are already equipped with everything that would be required in producing a technically flawless shot -One just has to compose better and fire away and most importantly the Video capabilities are the same 1080P in 30/24 FPS , that means your Bridge camera is already on par with the best of DSLR's in producing stunning video clips in Full HD!.
And to those of my fellow warriors, who have loads of cash to burn or simply committed to master a difficult but enthralling craft , I recommend, after devouring hundreds of websites , thousands of discussion forums , zillion of product reviews , trillion of advices and recommendations of the very best in the business is this - "Your Gear Just Doesn't Matter"!. ahem! ahem!.....the just referred statement, isn't true,right? You might ask in utter disbelief and wonder as to why should I trust his opinion, a No-body and I hardly know him?. Well ,that is true and I ask you not to, until you are absolutely convinced, which I shall try to do in the following paragraphs ,
More Megapixels: How complete can be the illusion that more magapixels means better picture?.
Nothing can be far from truth. Unless you intent on blowing out your photos to 20" X 30" prints,6MP is more than enough to print 5x7 inch photos. If however you are an enthusiast or a serious amateur than your needs may justify for higher pixel count in your gear but for all practical purposes, 18 MP is more than enough, for most of the things, in one's lifetime!.
Consider for once the downside of higher megapixels , it require more storage space & more processing time for your workflow.
For the professionals, shooting in medium format or higher end cameras it is a necessity as they retain the ability to crop their images without sacrificing the image quality and also they have to print large sizes and they make a living out of it but for most average folks, me included the numbers simply don't add up. I too can crop images and make it stronger without always at the expense of image quality but if however one tends to crop images too much in such a way that noise shows up in one's picture, then buddy ,perhaps you need a better lens or otherwise you need to change your shooting style or approach differently to your subject, like getting nearer to the subject either by the use of telephoto lens or walking down nearer to it.
Image Sharpness: Before we delve into the contentious world of sharper images lets explore, for a change, our perception of what an ideal sharp picture feels like?. If you see an image that has everything in focus , does that mean sharpness to you?. If an image has well defined edges of all things or faces , does that mean that the image is sharp?. So what is this sharpness that everybody is so F**ked about?. Why is it such a great deal? I tried to investigate and came with the following conclusions:
a) Sharpness: It is how we perceive an image. For most folks , if in my image the subject stands freezed without denoting any movement and stands suitably exposed that brings-out the natural color tones, is a sharp enough image. But for an advanced user or someone who has considerable experience , sharpness is synonymous with blackness. A Tack Sharp image would mean the contours of a subject is well defined and stands out from the composition such that it conveys accurately and forcefully one's intention and the meaning that is intended to convey to the beholder. (Tip)Pros would recommend that before taking a shot one may underexpose it by half a stop for that sharp image look as it increases the warmth of the shot and renders the subject's outlines a bit darker which brings out the defining features into intimate focus in the shot.
b) One can enhance the sharpness of an image if shooting with a tripod or with fast shutter speeds which help freeze the action such that the features are well defined.(Tip) After you have taken a picture , make sure you enlarge it digitally in your screen to ensure that it is not blurry , if however one fails to get a sharp shot try shooting it in the Burst mode, chances are higher you will have at-least a couple which are sharp. Try it out for yourself and compare your results. It holds true for all types of cameras irrespective of it's capacity to produce a Sharp image or not.
Focus Accuracy: Today's current crop of point & shoot , Bridge or DSLR cameras now sport multiple tracking focus array points which are sophisticated and acquire focus and help keep track of it even in the most adverse conditions . So no matter which camera one might use , the subject would always be in focus except in very low light conditions where it might hunt before locking onto the subject by means of focus assist lamps.
So to contend that only DSLR cameras have the latest software and are capable of superior focus just doesn't fly in my face and is at best a clever marketing strategy to induce potential gullible customers asking them to think that more focus points means superior image quality , sharper image et al.
A picture's strength depends on the composition not on some obscure technical wizardry , however it helps one compose accurately and quickly if one is conversant with technicalities of one's camera , otherwise one just needs to focus and fire away. 99% of the time it works perfectly.
For a novice, it is these three things that matter that are so very confusing to comprehend with so much information available, it is quite possible to be lost in the labyrinthine lanes and by-lanes of counter intuitive assertions of self proclaimed gurus of photography.
Well , this topic is about choosing your first DSLR and it is interesting to note that there are many affordable entry level options available which was unthinkable before 5 years, just imagine!. When it is about DSLR the whole world, to say the least, is divided into two warring loyal camps i.e the Canonians and the Nikonians. Each loyalists vouch for the superiority for their respective brands and together they command over 80% of DSLR market-share. Each system is mature and has at it's disposal a complete retinue of camera accessories that satisfies even the most demanding of photographers. With 80% chance that the reader is a loyalist of the either camp,we shall be limiting two these brands only.
The Contenders:
The Basic entry level segment sees Nikon D3100 pitted against Canon 1100D . The canon has the built in focus motor but the Nikon wins hands down in image quality , ergonomics and user friendly interface. Contended to be one of the best basic entry level DSLR the D3100 doesn't disappoint and if one is upgrading from a point & shot or from a bridge , D3100 is the way to go, sorry Canon!. The Nikon delivers consistently better focus tracking , better noise control and for its features is very competitively priced.
The middle entry level segment is fiercely fought, with Nikon 3200 pitted against Canon 550d. Nikon 3200 is brand new camera and stands its mettle against an equally strong opponent, however if your idea is having the lowest possession cost rather than the lower initial cost, then choose the Canon for it has an inbuilt auto-focus motor which auto-focuses any AF lens without an inbuilt motor in it. So if you ever plan increasing your lens lineup with these two bodies one would incur far less expense with the Canon system than the Nikon, as the D3200 body won't auto-focus with lenses that don't have an inbuilt motor in it. So over a period of time and taking into account one's investment into lenses , the lowest cost of ownership favors the Canon over the Nikon for similar range of lenses.
The upper entry level segment sees Nikon D5100 being pitted against Canon 600D. There are no clear cut winners over here. The Nikon still doesn't have an inbuilt focus motor. Each camera has articulated swivel screen which for a novice like me immensely helps in composing shots in awkward angles when one is learning and experimenting. The things that work for Nikon is excellent image quality and amazing low light shooting capabilities without having to show noise at about 1200 ISO!. If however, you don't plan to be primarily a night photographer and don't intend to print very large sizes , then Canon 600D would be the perfect choice. The gripping is better in the Canon for larges palm sizes but it all boils down to personal preference. The Canon focus is dead-on and faster and like the Nikon has inbuilt creative features that one would love to experiment as one acquires more photographic skills.
Synopsis :
Each of these three segments serves one's purpose in a manner that was not possible a few years before and offer satisfaction of both superior image control and portability. But for an aggressive user , he/she is very likely to outgrow the capabilities of these cameras in very short time. In the foresight ,it would be a wise decision that one must plan where he/she see themselves in about 5 years down the road and invest accordingly. If it is passion for one ,well, if one were to start at a higher segment other than the entry level chances are there that initially one might feel intimidated, but with patience and in the hindsight, the learning curve would be much steeper and exhilarating.
Remember, a body doesn't last you long but is a necessity nonetheless and over a period of time one's investment in them does loses value. As the technology progresses, there will be better bodies, but chances are there that if one initially invests in a good enough body, it would still be relevant many years down the line and you can wait for a replacement that much longer.
In view of the above arguments, Nikon D7000 or Canon 7D are excellent investment work horses that will have an enduring appeal to them, long after technology would have rendered them outdated piece of hardware.
There is another sub-category of DSLR's that are rapidly gaining popularity over the conventional DSLR's. These are called the mirror-less system of DSLR's. The Alpha Male of the pack is that of Sony NEX series followed by Olympus PEN and trailed by Nikon V1 system. Not to be left behind Canon has recently jumped into the fray by introducing its own mirror-less system of cameras.These systems are an enigma as they intelligently cater to a very large segment and is aimed at those who would not like to be conspicuous and be seen with a huge piece of hardware in public. These systems marry the merits of a point & shoot to that of a DSLR and are incredibly versatile photographic devices having mass appeal.
If you are reading this article and have come this far , I wish to address , the first steps to fully awake the giant talent slumbering inside , is to let go of your pre-defined ideas and let the gear,whatever you now own, be just a tool of experimentation of your ideas and your thoughts, without at first worrying too much about the results, they will come eventually, but first create a bond, a good rapport with your gear, find out how it responds and when it does best. Have a conversation with it , try to know and understand it fully and surely you will find a voice speaking to you, pay attention to it and you would have discovered the path to awaken your sleeping giant. Someday , it will surely come to pass that you have outgrown the limits of your gear , it would then be the right time to upgrade and you wont go wrong this time around.
Till then, do send me in your views.
Happy Shutter-bugging!
Adios Amigos!
Like so many people, scourging the internet, browsing sites, checking ubiquitous threads of discussions in chat rooms if it somehow has anything to do with any advice regarding choosing a camera and the pros and cons of it and the reasons as to why should one prefer over the other, I had too done it all.
Many pundits of DSLR photography have articulated conflicting views held by their compatriots and it somehow starts to get into one nerves and one wonders aloud WTF?.
These so call Gurus of digital world,why can't they hold a unified view of things rather than squabble amongst themselves, trying to outdo each other over various obscure bullshit of technical jagrons and little to be understood gibberish ,which for a novice like me just bounces off my head?.
If you are a user , who only wants to take a better picture without any intention of ever turning into a pro or pursue the craft more vigorously in future , my most humble advice would be -"Buddy , just choose a bridge camera with a decent enough zoom or remain with it ,if you are happy, rather than stepping into an arena where you are not inclined to take the bull by its horns or expend money than you can possibly endure and then , selling off your gear to recover any amount of your own money that can be had from it.
The reasons are not far to find, for now-a-days the bridge cameras can shoot RAW and have great sensors ,almost at par with entry DSLR with decent to excellent image quality, the zoom range that are available in the market is nothing short of astounding , take for example canon SX40 , it has 35X Optical zoom factor or Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ150,which in an DSLR scheme of things ,would cost you about more than $3000 - Just Imagine!moreover the manual control that one has over the final image is pretty much the same in a Bridge camera in comparision with an entry level DSLR .
So "You" my dear are already equipped with everything that would be required in producing a technically flawless shot -One just has to compose better and fire away and most importantly the Video capabilities are the same 1080P in 30/24 FPS , that means your Bridge camera is already on par with the best of DSLR's in producing stunning video clips in Full HD!.
And to those of my fellow warriors, who have loads of cash to burn or simply committed to master a difficult but enthralling craft , I recommend, after devouring hundreds of websites , thousands of discussion forums , zillion of product reviews , trillion of advices and recommendations of the very best in the business is this - "Your Gear Just Doesn't Matter"!. ahem! ahem!.....the just referred statement, isn't true,right? You might ask in utter disbelief and wonder as to why should I trust his opinion, a No-body and I hardly know him?. Well ,that is true and I ask you not to, until you are absolutely convinced, which I shall try to do in the following paragraphs ,
Why Your Gear Just Doesn't Count :
More Megapixels: How complete can be the illusion that more magapixels means better picture?.
Nothing can be far from truth. Unless you intent on blowing out your photos to 20" X 30" prints,6MP is more than enough to print 5x7 inch photos. If however you are an enthusiast or a serious amateur than your needs may justify for higher pixel count in your gear but for all practical purposes, 18 MP is more than enough, for most of the things, in one's lifetime!.
Consider for once the downside of higher megapixels , it require more storage space & more processing time for your workflow.
For the professionals, shooting in medium format or higher end cameras it is a necessity as they retain the ability to crop their images without sacrificing the image quality and also they have to print large sizes and they make a living out of it but for most average folks, me included the numbers simply don't add up. I too can crop images and make it stronger without always at the expense of image quality but if however one tends to crop images too much in such a way that noise shows up in one's picture, then buddy ,perhaps you need a better lens or otherwise you need to change your shooting style or approach differently to your subject, like getting nearer to the subject either by the use of telephoto lens or walking down nearer to it.
Image Sharpness: Before we delve into the contentious world of sharper images lets explore, for a change, our perception of what an ideal sharp picture feels like?. If you see an image that has everything in focus , does that mean sharpness to you?. If an image has well defined edges of all things or faces , does that mean that the image is sharp?. So what is this sharpness that everybody is so F**ked about?. Why is it such a great deal? I tried to investigate and came with the following conclusions:
a) Sharpness: It is how we perceive an image. For most folks , if in my image the subject stands freezed without denoting any movement and stands suitably exposed that brings-out the natural color tones, is a sharp enough image. But for an advanced user or someone who has considerable experience , sharpness is synonymous with blackness. A Tack Sharp image would mean the contours of a subject is well defined and stands out from the composition such that it conveys accurately and forcefully one's intention and the meaning that is intended to convey to the beholder. (Tip)Pros would recommend that before taking a shot one may underexpose it by half a stop for that sharp image look as it increases the warmth of the shot and renders the subject's outlines a bit darker which brings out the defining features into intimate focus in the shot.
b) One can enhance the sharpness of an image if shooting with a tripod or with fast shutter speeds which help freeze the action such that the features are well defined.(Tip) After you have taken a picture , make sure you enlarge it digitally in your screen to ensure that it is not blurry , if however one fails to get a sharp shot try shooting it in the Burst mode, chances are higher you will have at-least a couple which are sharp. Try it out for yourself and compare your results. It holds true for all types of cameras irrespective of it's capacity to produce a Sharp image or not.
Focus Accuracy: Today's current crop of point & shoot , Bridge or DSLR cameras now sport multiple tracking focus array points which are sophisticated and acquire focus and help keep track of it even in the most adverse conditions . So no matter which camera one might use , the subject would always be in focus except in very low light conditions where it might hunt before locking onto the subject by means of focus assist lamps.
So to contend that only DSLR cameras have the latest software and are capable of superior focus just doesn't fly in my face and is at best a clever marketing strategy to induce potential gullible customers asking them to think that more focus points means superior image quality , sharper image et al.
A picture's strength depends on the composition not on some obscure technical wizardry , however it helps one compose accurately and quickly if one is conversant with technicalities of one's camera , otherwise one just needs to focus and fire away. 99% of the time it works perfectly.
For a novice, it is these three things that matter that are so very confusing to comprehend with so much information available, it is quite possible to be lost in the labyrinthine lanes and by-lanes of counter intuitive assertions of self proclaimed gurus of photography.
Well , this topic is about choosing your first DSLR and it is interesting to note that there are many affordable entry level options available which was unthinkable before 5 years, just imagine!. When it is about DSLR the whole world, to say the least, is divided into two warring loyal camps i.e the Canonians and the Nikonians. Each loyalists vouch for the superiority for their respective brands and together they command over 80% of DSLR market-share. Each system is mature and has at it's disposal a complete retinue of camera accessories that satisfies even the most demanding of photographers. With 80% chance that the reader is a loyalist of the either camp,we shall be limiting two these brands only.
The Contenders:
The Basic entry level segment sees Nikon D3100 pitted against Canon 1100D . The canon has the built in focus motor but the Nikon wins hands down in image quality , ergonomics and user friendly interface. Contended to be one of the best basic entry level DSLR the D3100 doesn't disappoint and if one is upgrading from a point & shot or from a bridge , D3100 is the way to go, sorry Canon!. The Nikon delivers consistently better focus tracking , better noise control and for its features is very competitively priced.
The middle entry level segment is fiercely fought, with Nikon 3200 pitted against Canon 550d. Nikon 3200 is brand new camera and stands its mettle against an equally strong opponent, however if your idea is having the lowest possession cost rather than the lower initial cost, then choose the Canon for it has an inbuilt auto-focus motor which auto-focuses any AF lens without an inbuilt motor in it. So if you ever plan increasing your lens lineup with these two bodies one would incur far less expense with the Canon system than the Nikon, as the D3200 body won't auto-focus with lenses that don't have an inbuilt motor in it. So over a period of time and taking into account one's investment into lenses , the lowest cost of ownership favors the Canon over the Nikon for similar range of lenses.
The upper entry level segment sees Nikon D5100 being pitted against Canon 600D. There are no clear cut winners over here. The Nikon still doesn't have an inbuilt focus motor. Each camera has articulated swivel screen which for a novice like me immensely helps in composing shots in awkward angles when one is learning and experimenting. The things that work for Nikon is excellent image quality and amazing low light shooting capabilities without having to show noise at about 1200 ISO!. If however, you don't plan to be primarily a night photographer and don't intend to print very large sizes , then Canon 600D would be the perfect choice. The gripping is better in the Canon for larges palm sizes but it all boils down to personal preference. The Canon focus is dead-on and faster and like the Nikon has inbuilt creative features that one would love to experiment as one acquires more photographic skills.
Synopsis :
Each of these three segments serves one's purpose in a manner that was not possible a few years before and offer satisfaction of both superior image control and portability. But for an aggressive user , he/she is very likely to outgrow the capabilities of these cameras in very short time. In the foresight ,it would be a wise decision that one must plan where he/she see themselves in about 5 years down the road and invest accordingly. If it is passion for one ,well, if one were to start at a higher segment other than the entry level chances are there that initially one might feel intimidated, but with patience and in the hindsight, the learning curve would be much steeper and exhilarating.
Remember, a body doesn't last you long but is a necessity nonetheless and over a period of time one's investment in them does loses value. As the technology progresses, there will be better bodies, but chances are there that if one initially invests in a good enough body, it would still be relevant many years down the line and you can wait for a replacement that much longer.
In view of the above arguments, Nikon D7000 or Canon 7D are excellent investment work horses that will have an enduring appeal to them, long after technology would have rendered them outdated piece of hardware.
There is another sub-category of DSLR's that are rapidly gaining popularity over the conventional DSLR's. These are called the mirror-less system of DSLR's. The Alpha Male of the pack is that of Sony NEX series followed by Olympus PEN and trailed by Nikon V1 system. Not to be left behind Canon has recently jumped into the fray by introducing its own mirror-less system of cameras.These systems are an enigma as they intelligently cater to a very large segment and is aimed at those who would not like to be conspicuous and be seen with a huge piece of hardware in public. These systems marry the merits of a point & shoot to that of a DSLR and are incredibly versatile photographic devices having mass appeal.
If you are reading this article and have come this far , I wish to address , the first steps to fully awake the giant talent slumbering inside , is to let go of your pre-defined ideas and let the gear,whatever you now own, be just a tool of experimentation of your ideas and your thoughts, without at first worrying too much about the results, they will come eventually, but first create a bond, a good rapport with your gear, find out how it responds and when it does best. Have a conversation with it , try to know and understand it fully and surely you will find a voice speaking to you, pay attention to it and you would have discovered the path to awaken your sleeping giant. Someday , it will surely come to pass that you have outgrown the limits of your gear , it would then be the right time to upgrade and you wont go wrong this time around.
Till then, do send me in your views.
Happy Shutter-bugging!
Adios Amigos!
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