D-SLR Camera's

[Ron Fox]

I am in the market for a new D-SLR camera. I have done little homework and read up on a few brands and models. I have never had a D-SLR camera but I am leaning towards the Canon 60D, the Canon 2Ti, the Sony a33, and the Sony a55. I like the Sony camera's with their new Translucent Mirror Technology. This technology makes for faster focusing with non delay when taking multiple photos. They say the Sony video portion on the a33 & a55 has continues focus. Also, the stabilizer is inside the Sony camera rather than inside the lens. (Canon, Nikon, etc.)

Does anyone have the Canon 60D, Canon 2Ti, the Sony a33 or Sony a55? If so, may I have your pro's and con's on the camera?

I plan on using the camera for general purposes (family photo's, family events, car shows, sporting events, etc.)

Please commit on all others brands and models of camera's as well.

Thanks.

[andrewb70]

I have a Canon 5D and the 2Ti. The 2Ti takes amazing pictures and the video quality is really amazing. However, when shooting video the continuous focusing is not great. You really have to plan on the shots that are being taken. On the other hand, you can mount any canon lens and shoot video in 1080hd. That kind of capability is hard to find for a camera with a similar price point. I do have a Canon bias, because I am familiar with the controls.

Andrew

[Ron Fox]

When you take still photo's or a photo of a slightly moving target with your 5D or 2Ti does it take a few seconds for the camera to auto focus and take the photo? I was in the store testing out the Canon and Sony camera's a few weeks ago. When I took photo's with the Canon the auto focus went back and forth for a couple of seconds trying to focus on the subject. When I took photo's with the Sony as soon as I hit the button a photo was taken. I could push the button time after time and a clear, focused photo would take every time. Is this because the Translucent Mirror Technology in the Sony?

Thanks.

[SVTforme]

I bought a 60D several months ago when it just came out - have really been pleased with the way it works. I was going back and forth between the 50D and the 7D, then the 60D came out and I was sold (mainly as it has video capabilities and the 50D did not).

The video quality is stunning with the 60D, the only drawback is that it is manual focus (not that bad once you get used to it).

As for the focus time when in auto focus - do you now what lens was on the camera? As you likely know a lens can also make a break a camera. They can cost as much or more than the camera itself.

[Ron Fox]

I bought a 60D several months ago when it just came out - have really been pleased with the way it works. I was going back and forth between the 50D and the 7D, then the 60D came out and I was sold (mainly as it has video capabilities and the 50D did not).

The video quality is stunning with the 60D, the only drawback is that it is manual focus (not that bad once you get used to it).

As for the focus time when in auto focus - do you now what lens was on the camera? As you likely know a lens can also make a break a camera. They can cost as much or more than the camera itself.

Not sure what lens were on each of the camera's but it took several seconds for the auto focus to focus in and take the picture on the Canon. With the Sony I would press the button one right after the other and a clear, focused photo would be produced each time. I was actually looking at the camera's a Best Buy and they had several different brands and models. I like the Canon's but the Sony seems to be beginner friendly and has updated technology with the Translucent Mirror. I would like to shoot a lot of video and with Sony's continues auto focus sounds like a killer feature.

Correct me if I am wrong but someone said the lens of Canon and Nikon have their stabilizer inside the lens which makes for a more expensive lens and Sony has it's stabilizer inside the camera and not in their lens which makes the Sony lens less expensive. Yes, the lens for Canon and Nikon are very expensive and there many lens to choose from.

Are the Sony D-SLR's fairly new?

[wmhjr]

From a purely lens perspective the canon and in particular nikon lenses are of far superior quality. Their lens lines run further into the pro category than the Sony. That being said, though I'm a nikon guy I'm sure the Sony optics are good.

[69Pony]

Sam's Club has the Canon T1i on sale for $799 with a 55-250 lens and camera bag. I was checking it out in the sotre the other day. It caught my interest....

http://www.samsclub.com/sams/shop/product.jsp?productId=prod1842154

[61ragtop]

Sam's Club has the Canon T1i on sale for $799 with a 55-250 lens and camera bag. I was checking it out in the sotre the other day. It caught my interest....

http://www.samsclub.com/sams/shop/product.jsp?productId=prod1842154


http://www.photoexpert.com/spec-sheet.html?catalog[name]=Canon-EOS-Digital-Rebel-T1i-outfit-%28EF-S-18-55mm-IS-kit%29-Digital-cameras&catalog[product_guids][0]=840bcb8b-f151-40fd-b44d-f22e17816de6


http://www.photoexpert.com/spec-sheet.html?catalog[name]=Canon-EOS-Digital-Rebel-T2i-EF-S-18-55mm-IS-Kit-Digital-cameras&catalog[product_guids][0]=3900e3d7-8f7b-4c78-8310-3cd568924ee8

Might be cheaper to look around. Not sure what the shipping charges are but this is where I got my T2i and this price is below cost due to a mail in rebate the store claims after the sale.

[61ragtop]

Hmmm those links are not working but you can search their site for the models for pricing, the T2i is 769.00

[SQUIREBOY]

anyone have an y feelings on the nikon dig cameras??

[wmhjr]

I've been using Nikon digital slr's for years. Now shooting with a d300. Top notch gear.

[andrewb70]

The focusing speed is partly determined by the lens that is being used. For instance, I like using prime (non-zoom) lenses. I feel that they offer superior image quality and very fast focus. On my Rebel 2Ti the lens of choice is a 28mm 1.8f. This lens is very fast, sharp, and the focal length is perfect for photographing people in a room. The large aperture (1.8f) makes it possible to shoot in low light conditions, especially when coupled with a high ISO setting (800-1600). I find that there is very little noise on the 2Ti even at those high ISO settings. The same can be said for my 5D. The lens of choice on the 5D body is a 50mm 1.4f. Effectively the 28mm and the 50mm have the same focal length on the different bodies because the 2Ti has a 1.6 conversion factor, while the 5D uses a full, 35mm size image sensor.

I read the reviews on the Sony. They seem good especially if you are looking to do a lot of video. I am mostly a still photographer and the video capability is secondary for me. What makes Canons (or Nikons for that matter...like Ford vs. Chevy..LOL) attractive is the number of lenses that are offered. In addition to all the Canon brand lenses, there are a ton of lens makers that offer lenses with Canon mounts. The lens choices are mind boggling. I don't know that the same can be said for the Sony cameras.

Just my thoughts on the subject.

Andrew

[wmhjr]

I agree with everything Andrew said. I would also suggest that the canon and nikon mounts have more higher quality lenses available that are simply not available for Sony. Sony is generally thought of as video and not still. Nikon vs canon is mostly personal preference to be honest. Both have top notch photo equipment and are the brands of choice for either 35mm or dslr professionals.

[trapin]

anyone have an y feelings on the nikon dig cameras??
I shoot a Nikon D300. I started out with a little D40 to learn the ropes and then graduated to the D300.

I can't speak on the Sony equipment but when comparing the Canon to Nikon, they are one in the same as far as quality is concerned. You can't go wrong with either or. But before choosing a camera and lenses you first have to ask yourself; "What do I want to shoot?" The answer will better help you to determine your choices.

For instance, if you're shooting portraits of people, landscapes, or static automotive photography, it's just my opinion but I don't know why anyone would look past Prime (fixed) lenses for these situations.

On the flipside if it's shooting wildlife, autocrosses, sports, and children in their natural enviornment (basically stuff that is either in motion or gradually changing distance) then obviously these would be situations where a zoom lense would suffice. Some of your priciest lenses are zoom lenses with a fixed focal length (sometimes referred to as Prime lenses too) like the Nikkor 70-200 f2.8 which runs around $2200.

B&H Photo is a great resource.

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/

[wmhjr]

Tony, I'll second the f2.8 70-200! I don't (yet) have one, but I keep looking for a deal. Unfortunately, I've been looking for 2 yrs. I also completely agree that good prime lenses are awesome!

[yellowrallys]

I'm pretty amature, but I've got a Nikon D5000 that was bought as a kit (2 lenses). I've added a few more lenses, tripods, & accesories. I like the Nikon stuff. I put a lot of pics on flikr. http://www.flickr.com/photos/stevemoore19/ I buy mostly from Adorama Camera.

[John McIntire]

Hey Steve, I have the same camera and kit as you and really like it. What other lenses do you have,as I still am using the "kit" lenses.

[yellowrallys]

Hey John, I have a 18-105mm f3.5/5.6 that stays on mine most of the time. I like it for all around shooting, but I have a 12-24mm wide, a 10.5 fisheye thats a lot of fun, a 35mm f1.8, good for portrait stuff. I use it some in a particular small music venue where I can get close to the stage. I would have a lot more stuff if it weren't for these ol' hot rods!

[stage2ROUSH]

I've got the D3000, and have not even begun to see what it will do !!! ps, hey Steve !! hows it going????

[yellowrallys]

Hey Scott hope you guys are well.....Darlene has the D3000, great camera!....you still at the mouse? Gotta get down there around March hopefully!

[Ron Fox]

From a purely lens perspective the canon and in particular nikon lenses are of far superior quality. Their lens lines run further into the pro category than the Sony. That being said, though I'm a nikon guy I'm sure the Sony optics are good.

Canon does have a nice, large selection of lenses.

[Ron Fox]

The focusing speed is partly determined by the lens that is being used. For instance, I like using prime (non-zoom) lenses. I feel that they offer superior image quality and very fast focus. On my Rebel 2Ti the lens of choice is a 28mm 1.8f. This lens is very fast, sharp, and the focal length is perfect for photographing people in a room. The large aperture (1.8f) makes it possible to shoot in low light conditions, especially when coupled with a high ISO setting (800-1600). I find that there is very little noise on the 2Ti even at those high ISO settings. The same can be said for my 5D. The lens of choice on the 5D body is a 50mm 1.4f. Effectively the 28mm and the 50mm have the same focal length on the different bodies because the 2Ti has a 1.6 conversion factor, while the 5D uses a full, 35mm size image sensor.

I read the reviews on the Sony. They seem good especially if you are looking to do a lot of video. I am mostly a still photographer and the video capability is secondary for me. What makes Canons (or Nikons for that matter...like Ford vs. Chevy..LOL) attractive is the number of lenses that are offered. In addition to all the Canon brand lenses, there are a ton of lens makers that offer lenses with Canon mounts. The lens choices are mind boggling. I don't know that the same can be said for the Sony cameras.

Just my thoughts on the subject.

Andrew

Andrew, I see I have a lot to learn about lenses as well as camera's.

[Ron Fox]

I don't know why choosing a camera is difficult. I may end up buying 2 camera's but I know I only need one. Sounds like any above average camera will do with the lenses being the key. I like the Sony with it's video quality but I also like the Canon with it's track record and lens selection.

[TonyHuntimer]

My first and only D-SLR is a 5D. I love it. I haven't used another DSLR to compare it against. ...well, I did have to borrow another 5D for an afternoon. So, comparing a 5D to a 5D...I'll have to say that I like the Canon 5D better.
I do wish I had a Canon 5D MarkII.

[trapin]

No substitute for good glass.

[andrewb70]

No substitute for good glass.

Very true. What got me looking at prime lenses in the first place is the Canon 50mm 1.8f. That lens can be purchased for less than 100 dollars. Ive taken amazing shots with that lens.

Andrew

[CDMBill]

I was in the same two months or so ago in making this kind of choice. I went with the Sony A55 because I wanted one decent Camera for both stills and video and the ease of focus for video especially with a moving target like a car and the 10 Frames per second burst capability with auto focus was really compelling.

The Sony A series uses the same mounts as the Minolta/Konica Maxxum line used to, (Sony bought them to get into the DSLR market) Lens selection doesn't match the range and breadth of Canon or Nikon but it was more than enough for me as most aftermarket lenses are available for all three mounts. One other factor in my decision was that I had a full set of Minolta Maxxum auto focus lenses form an SLR I had purchased in the late 80"s and they work perfectly with the new A55 body inlcuding the AF. I bought one more Minolta wide angle lens used (still in original box and packing) off eBay for $45 and I am set.

The result s are very good and comparable to my eye with other APS sensor cameras. Its pretty light but did well mounted to my roll cage for some in car videos and the 10 FPS is nice for seeing what the car is doing as it exits a tight turn for example.

You will want a longer telephoto lens than the standard one that comes with the A55 or A33 for that matter for track side action shots. One of my old ones is a 70/210 that really works well. My buddy who is a bit of a camera snob tells me the older glass made for film cameras is much better than the "kit" glass sold with many of the lower priced DSLRs such as the Sony or lower line Canon's and Nikons in the same price range.

Hard for me to tell as all my stuff I just see on the computer screen.

The link below is to the first drag strip video I shot with the A55 and its standard lens. It doesn't remotely do justice to the 1080P version when connected to a flat screen TV but you get the idea. Watching it frame by frame on a large screen is great diagnostic tool.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XLEbxLrunjU