Camera!
I finally got my camera back from Fotokem! It was a long wait and instead of them calling me, I had to call them. Ish. Anyway, at least I can take pictures again! :)
I’m thinking of getting my first DSLR some point in the near future. Any recommendations? *eyes Yee Wei*
:)
Just back from work at about 10pm. Had a quick dinner consisting of grilled vegetables and pesto from D’lish. Oh and a giant slice of cheesecake too after been cheesed off all day at Parliament. I don’t know how other journalists do it but I can’t. The quality of debate was a crying shame … but not worth my tears lah :P
And parking WAS hell!!!!!!
Second last day tmrw. Darwin give me strength!! :)
May 27th, 2008 at 11:10 pm
the nikon d40 is a good choice..
May 28th, 2008 at 10:25 am
*Poof!*
Did anyone rub my lamp? :P
I strongly advocate old-ish dSLRs. I personally believe that:
1. the race for more megapixels does not benefit most consumers (6 megapixels can print 10 x 5 inches, which is way more than enough already). However, due to very good propaganda machines, the market is driven into a megapixel craze, and newer cameras with more pixels can sell for a higher price.
2. there are only 5 controls that are absolutely needed: shutter speed, aperture, focus, ISO, white balance. Fancy picture modes (baby wtf, party, fireworks) are just a means of choosing the above 5 parameters. Again, this little bell would need more money to buy.
That said, there are real technological advances that might make a newer model genuinely attractive, such as:
1. Improved write speed and buffer size will allow you to blast off n images at once and store the data on camera before slowly writing that data to the card. Might come in handy if you tend to shoot away hoping to catch something interesting.
2. Improved sensor technology allows higher sensitivity and lower noise. Particularly useful when you shoot in darker environments and do not want the images to come out grainy and mottled. However, this is generally not a strong marketing point and you’d need to look at geeky noise comparison charts (such as this: http://www.dpreview.com/reviews/SonyDSLRA100/page20.asp).
Entry level models for Canon are (in order of release) 300D, 350D, 400D and 450D.
Entry level models for Nikon are (in order of release) D40, D40x, D50 and D60.
Entry level models for Sony are (in order of release) α 100, α 200
Entry level models for Pentax are (in order of release) K100D, K110D, K100D Super and K200D.
(accuracy of the above list not guaranteed)
There is a bustling market for used photographic equipment here: http://www.mir.com.my/rb/photography/ftz/index.php
Sony and Pentax models have in-camera shake reduction. Albert Ng (of http://www.glaringnotebook.com/) swears by that stuff. Good for longer exposures in low-light conditions.
One of the great things about having an SLR is the large array of lenses you can use. However, the cost of a new lens can easily be equal or greater than the price of the camera so it does pay to think a bit about whether you want to add to your arsenal in the future. If so, which manufacturer’s lenses are cheaper?
I personally think the best first upgrade would be a simple 50mm 1.8. A brand new Canon 50mm 1.8 goes for about 400 I think. The large aperture of 1.8 allows the out-of-focus background areas to blur out creamily, contrasting with the tack-sharp in focus areas. Addictive, this stuff. (random sample of a 50mm 1.8 from Flickr: http://flickr.com/photos/buvudu/2515346579/in/pool-one-point-eight )
Cheap upgrading options (old, manual focus lenses for low cost, high quality optics):
Pentax cameras are compatible with a long line of lenses stretching back to the mid 70s. With an adapter, M42 screw mount lenses from the 50s can be used.
Nikon cameras are compatible with the Nikon F-mount lenses dating back to the early 60s.
Canon cameras are not compatible with old Canon lenses from before 1987, but will easily use M42 screw mount and Nikon F lenses with the use of widely available adapters.
Sony cameras are compatible with Minolta AF-mount lenses that date back to 1985. They can also be used with M42 screw mount lenses with an adapter.
Oh, and make sure you know why you want an SLR. While the image quality is fantastic and the response is fast, they are rather cumbersome to lug around.
Ok, i think my thesis is ready for submission. When do I have to defend my thesis?
May 28th, 2008 at 8:56 pm
If you want to go Nikon, go for the D50 which generates damn good images.
Canon, go 350D; 400 sucks in terms of image quality.
Sony, get the 100.
The D40 is a terrible camera, no offense to Zai. I’ve have friends who bought it and say they regret it buying it, after going against my advise.
May 28th, 2008 at 10:21 pm
Try this one:
http://www.directphoto.com.my/webshaper/store/viewProd.asp?pkProductItem=949
U will not regret…..