Entry level SLR, Complete confused!!

[Ganeshkumar]

Hi,

I have been using Olympus C450z Camera for the past 7 years.

Now looking to change my camera, but completely confused over it. My budget is less than 28K... I will be happier to make the spending as less possible.

Looked at Canon EOS 1000D, felt good for 20K from letsbuy.com after 15% cashback coupon. But, i eliminated this option in video department.

Now looking at the EOS 1100D, 26.5K - 2K = 24.5K, is it good to go ?

Which is the best place to buy camera, India or US ? I see, 1100D is expensive in US, whereas Panasonic FZ35 is very cheaper in US. (Here it is 25K, but in US its just arnd 300$) So, is it brand to decide where is cheaper ?

I am casual photographer... like to try hands in SLR... Currently my budget is very limited... I would like to shoot videos also...


Any other model, I should consider, please advice...

 

[sujoyp]

for ur budget its one -on-one D3100 vs 1100D

Just compare these 2 for now

BTW if u r just a casual photographer dont go DSLR way...its costly...sometimes not easy to change lens and u miss the chance..ex normal lens can not take macro shots and macro can not take normal ones...soo I miss soo many shots coz of this..

just coz my D3100 have soo poor range with 18-55 that I cant just shoot a single bird I am getting a 55-200 zoom lens costing another 11k

But if really want to learn photography in depth...just get the cheapest DSLR...even 2nd hand will do...get some used lenses and start shooting..

Else Just get FZ45 or Canon SX30IS type of cams with good quality and great zoom...u would be satisfied

 

[Ganeshkumar]

Thanks Sujoyp...
This is really a needed reply for me...

My brother is still inclined towrds DSLR, but i am moving away from DSLR. So decided to plan the buy after a month or two.

Thanks,
Ganesh

 

[Ganeshkumar]

Hi,

Can anybody tell me how is Nikon P500 ?

I need Good low light shot and decent video recording apart from great day light shot..

I am planning to order it in US, as I see point and shoot super zoom cameras are cheaper there...

 

[Sounava]

If you want good low light shot then forget about compact cams. Go for DSLR. Since you want good low light photos + good video, I would suggest go for D3100.

 

[sujoyp]

yaah for low light forget p&s ...all r poor in low light..

DSLR r just too good in low light

Donno y but D3100 perform good with 50mm 1.8 in videos but it cant autofocus it...I have to manually focus each every thing...
Just dont consider video here

 

[Ganeshkumar]

Ahhhhh.. Everything I can't get in one.. it seems..

Sony A390 for 350$..... but no video support... so kicked it out....

Now thinking of A560 for 530$ (Good buy??) or any sony cams you would recommend ?? below 600$ ?? I am getting sony cams with high discount...

Thanks.

 

[sujoyp]

For Sony get Alfa A55 ...thats the latest tech from sony...very good performance...can beat even canon 550D in some ways

 

[Ganeshkumar]

@Sujoyp...

Man, I need something inside by budget... A55 is around 800$ :O :O :O

I am getting 15-25% discount..

 

[sujoyp]

bro lets be clear about this...Sony SLR dont have market in India...just drop the idea...if u can bring ur lenses from US..u can freely get Sony SLRs..

Stick to Nikon Canon in india...Nikon D3100 or canon 1100 r not poor in any sense...just that in DSLR u have to continuously invest...

In SLR world u need good support of market for lenses, adapters, accessories like hood, battery, chargers etc, lens protectors...and in India its difficult to find all these for Sony SLRs

Just trying to help u out dont get demotivated

 

[Ganeshkumar]

Thanks ji...

I moved away from DSLR...

But, seeing that tempting offer i was thinking about it... Alpha A560 for 530$... market price around 700$... make me tempt.

I understand your practical advice to our scenario... which i could not read it in reviews!!

(Off-topic: Our profile picture similar.. )

 

[Cool G5]

I would say go for Canon 1100D+ kit lens & get Canon EF 50mm f/1.8(Rs.4,8K) lens for low light.

 

[Sounava]

Donno y but D3100 perform good with 50mm 1.8 in videos but it cant autofocus it...I have to manually focus each every thing...
Just dont consider video here

D3100 do not have in body focus motor so it will not autofocus AF lenses. It will autofocus AF-S lenses.

 

[Ganeshkumar]

If you want good low light shot then forget about compact cams. Go for DSLR. Since you want good low light photos + good video, I would suggest go for D3100.

Thanks for reply...


Ok, let me realign my requirements
Average to Descent low light photos needed...

Nikon P500 or Canon SX30 or Panasonic Z45 (Correct one?? )
advice...

I saw some reviews...
In snapsort.... P500 has leading edge...
Nikon P500

What you guys say?

I have also another idea...
Get sub 250$ point and shoot now.. and get a DSLR by year end...

Any 3 recommendations in this below 15K segment ?
I have shortlisted currently,
Sony H70...
Fuji S series...
(How are these, Fuji S Series.. they are so cheap.. S4000, 30X zoom 14 MP @ 230$, amazon :O :O Is it worth, going >???)

Yes.. am sitting on wall..


Please bare with me.. and answer all or as many questions possible..

I would say go for Canon 1100D+ kit lens & get Canon EF 50mm f/1.8(Rs.4,8K) lens for low light.

G5, No SLR's for now... If I get it with great deal... I would go... Else, I am putting DSLR in hold...

 

[sujoyp]

@G5 I understand that 50mm 1.8 + DSLR is great combo...but then if budget is 25k its not possible

Also u can not use DSLR body+50mm alone...u will lose on wide coverage

@Sounava....I am sorry if I sounded like a noob...actually I wanted to say that D3100+50mm 1.8 is a great combo for video but u have to manually focus

@Ganeshkumar
I will do some search and reply tomorrow about ur selection ...and yaah profile is similer...is it ur cat??

 

[Ganeshkumar]

Actually,
In my brief research, A560 is better except for its video. It also lacks auto focus during video recording. Obvious, support in India.

@Sujoy
Sure Thanks... I will be waiting...

Yep, that cat was orphaned and was staying at my home for a couple of week , while someone took it away...

 

[Sounava]

@ Ganeshkumar:

1. Do not ever use that snapsort website. The site is absolutely bogus. Merely comparing some of the specs does not conclude anything.

2. If you want to buy Superzoom (be it P500, SX30 IS, HS10 or whatever), go for the Panasonic FZ45/FZ40 (same camera, different names in different location) eyes closed. You may feel that you will not need any other camera at all.

3. If you do not want humongous amount of zoom, and if you do not like the fact that DSLRs are bulky and are a lot of investment in terms of lenses, filters etc, you may consider buying the S95 or G12. These cameras are extremely good in low light and are compacts.

4. Canon IXUS 115HS (if you dont want monster zoom) or Canon SX130 IS (caution: uses AA batteries). The fujifilm S series cameras sure look promising, but there are no proper reviews available anywhere.
[Let sujoyp suggest Sony alternatives.]

5. Do not consider buying from US if you do not get international warranty. It is as good as buying from the grey market then.

 

[ithehappy]

Can anyone tell me a good review site holding a review of P500? I am used with dpreview, but can't find it there.

 

[sujoyp]

@itthehappy look here ->Nikon Coolpix P500 Digital Camera review - Trusted Reviews

Ok soo here P500 review says good ISO performance and nice quality upto ISO3200

Conclusion - I will write preference

1. FZ45
2. P500
3. SX30IS

but I will say all 3 have some problem or the other...I would say get FZ45 for its good low light shooting ...and option to take pics in RAW..also 24x zoom is enough...even its very difficult to take shots handheld at that zoom

 

[p!e]

Hi,
Canon sx 300 is has the poorest low light performance also the images look grainy even at 200 ISO.Nikon p500 has some battery issues (read somewhere in dpreview.com forums).Panasonic seems to be good.
You can also check Sony HX 1.Although a newer version Sony HX 100v has been anounced but not launched in INDIA.