With a baby coming, my wife and I are convinced it is time for a DSLR. I've never owned one before because I was more into convenience (i.e., putting camera in jeans pocket) than quality of picture.
I've done some research and I think I'll be going with one with video capabilities (Nikon D90, D5000, Canon T1). However, people tell me the videos are kind of blurry. Anybody has experience with these?
Also, I am thinking of just getting a lower model DSLR (Nikon D60) and buying a separate camcorder, but that means I will have another machine to carry. Does the picture quality between a D60 and D90 differ alot?
Any advice is welcomed. Thanks.
I've heard some pretty good things about the videos, but then again I probably haven't done as much investigation as you. My tip is to not focus too much on having a powerful body. While important, the body is secondary to your lenses. Looking back on my purchase, I wish I could have gone for a lesser body so I'd have more to spend on a lens. That's not terribly important right off the bat though ... I used the standard lenses that came in a kit for over a year and they suited my needs just fine. Now I get lens envy though.
I'm not sure how much you fiddled with the manual settings on your point and shoot before, but if you haven't I have a book recommendation:
The digital photography book (click for link) by Scott Kelby is a book I've bought for several friends whenever they take the plunge and buy a dslr and they've all really enjoyed it. His writing style bothers some, but I find it to be a great way to learn. It isn't overly wordy or deep with explanation, just one tip per page for the entire book.
Well, this is a huge jump in cost, but if video is important to you, consider one of the DSLRs that have HD video. When you combine the HD quality with the lense capacity of SLRs, you get some really high-end video capability. To me, it makes far more sense to go the high-end HD camera route than to get a mid-range camera and a mid-range camcorder. And it's a better long-term investment, as every lens you get in the future will be available to you for both video and still photography. Plus you can go from photo to video mode instantly, rather than having to search for the camcorder.
We have a Canon 5D Mark II, and I'd put the quality that we shoot with it up against any HD camcorder. Have a look through Vimeo at what's being shot on the 5D for an idea of just how powerful a tool it is: http://www.vimeo.com/videos/search:c...5d%20mark%20II
We have a Canon 5D Mark II, and I'd put the quality that we shoot with it up against any HD camcorder. Have a look through Vimeo at what's being shot on the 5D for an idea of just how powerful a tool it is: http://www.vimeo.com/videos/search:c...5d%20mark%20II
Wow ... I haven't actually seen a video taken with one yet. The quality is stunning.
I also did a search on the videos from a D5000 and D90 from that website below and the quality of the videos are also very good.
Quote:
Originally Posted by octothorp
Well, this is a huge jump in cost, but if video is important to you, consider one of the DSLRs that have HD video. When you combine the HD quality with the lense capacity of SLRs, you get some really high-end video capability. To me, it makes far more sense to go the high-end HD camera route than to get a mid-range camera and a mid-range camcorder. And it's a better long-term investment, as every lens you get in the future will be available to you for both video and still photography. Plus you can go from photo to video mode instantly, rather than having to search for the camcorder.
We have a Canon 5D Mark II, and I'd put the quality that we shoot with it up against any HD camcorder. Have a look through Vimeo at what's being shot on the 5D for an idea of just how powerful a tool it is: http://www.vimeo.com/videos/search:c...5d%20mark%20II
I also did a search on the videos from a D5000 and D90 from that website below and the quality of the videos are also very good.
That doesn't surprise me; just given my own experience with the 5D (which is mostly watching over my wife's shoulder as she uses it), the video technology on these SLRs is pretty good. Pop a decent lens on it, and you'll already be able to do stuff that a camcorder can't.
How does the focusing work when using an SLR as a camera? Do you focus manually as you shoot or can you use the auto-focus in the lens to constantly keep one object in focus? I can imagine it would become an issue with something like an F/1.4 lens (or some other large aperature) if you were trying to play with bokeh.
How does the focusing work when using an SLR as a camera? Do you focus manually as you shoot or can you use the auto-focus in the lens to constantly keep one object in focus? I can imagine it would become an issue with something like an F/1.4 lens (or some other large aperature) if you were trying to play with bokeh.
On mine (D90), you choose between single AF, continuous AF, auto-select AF or manual. It depends on both the body and the lens what options you will have. Have to say that based on your photos, I would have assumed that you already had a DSLR!
With a new rugrat I'm assuming money might be a bit tight so here's another option. One of my cameras is a Panasonic fz28. It shoots good 720p video and good quality pics. It's got a giant zoom range and many settings plus you can fit it with all the lens filters and such you can with an SLR. I think out of the box it's around $400.
Here's a sample I shot of some kids just to give you an idea. You can click through and go HD mode to see the quality. It's not going to rival the DSLRs at 1080, but for sending videos to the grandparents it's pretty good.
On mine (D90), you choose between single AF, continuous AF, auto-select AF or manual. It depends on both the body and the lens what options you will have. Have to say that based on your photos, I would have assumed that you already had a DSLR!
Thanks! I do have an DSLR, just not one that shoots video (Canon XTi) I typed that last post too fast, I meant specifically the focusing when shooting video.
Thanks for all the comments. I have decided to go with D90. I went to Futureshop and was about to make the purchase but the sales told me they have a VIP day on Aug 24 and they would have better deals on that day. All you need to do is sign up and book an appointment on that day.
Thanks! I do have an DSLR, just not one that shoots video (Canon XTi) I typed that last post too fast, I meant specifically the focusing when shooting video.
Oh, it's manual focusing only once you've started recording on the D90. I'm not really sold on the video mode (without using it - based on what I've read). It's only 720p24, and the rolling shutter tilts anything that's moving or when you pan. Plus it has a 5-minute limit before your sensor overheats. If I decide I want to do video I'd rather get a dedicated video camera than constantly fight with the limitations of the D90.
Finally picked up my D90 last night (Futureshop was out of stock for a couple weeks), I was wondering if it is worthwhile to get the 4 yr warranty for another $150? The warranty also includes cleaning of the camera each year, which is $30-40 each time.
Are there any concerns/problems with the D90 that I should get the warranty?
Does a camera need to be cleaned at a store each year? Can I do these myself?
Thanks,
Need help choosing DSLR camera
I typed that last post too fast, I meant specifically the focusing when shooting video.
