Finding the best DSLR for an amateur

If we look few years back, DSLR or SLR world is limited only for professional photographers. People like you and me would never think of buying a DSLR at that time due to the huge cost and complexity of the operation. But the time and technology has changed everything and today most of the people (cool ones like you and me) are going for DSLRs instead of compact cameras.

If you have decided to upgrade from a compact camera to a DSLR there would be so many questions you may have. Buying a good and suitable DSLR is not easy task and you’ll need little bit of understanding about professional photography terms, technologies, trends … etc. to select the best camera for you.

DSLR world is growing very fast and you will find number of DSLR manufacturers, brands as well as technologies in today’s market which offers thousands of new features. Therefore buying a new DSLR has become extreme difficult task. I was one of the victims of this and the most difficult thing for me was to understand which camera suits me most. I started writing this post to share my experience and give you some tips as well as some important factors which I found really useful when buying a DSLR after few years in touch with the photography world.

This is a continual attempt of providing a best buying guide for a DSLR mainly for amateurs. Please feel free to send your comments so I can improve this blog.

Here are some of the questions you may have right now with DSLR world. See whether they are useful!

1. Why you would need a DSLR instead of compact camera?
2. What is a DSLR, Why it’s better than a compact camera?
3. Price
4. Why we should worry about brand?
5. The Megapixel war

Is Canon reaching the heights of Mega pixel war?

Canon Rumor told that there will be a development announcement of a high end DSLR from Canon. It seems that both 39 MP and 46 MP prototypes are among the candidates. If this will be a success in this year then Canon will be far ahead from Nikon where Nikons biggest achievement of this year, D800 will be with 36MP sensor.

Why we get different ads for different Google accounts?

Do you know that Google is storing our personal search preferences and other sensitive information to display the most relevant ads when a web page is loaded?

Here’s a cool way to check it.
To get successful results, you’ll need a Google account which you have put searches regarding a specific area for a bit long time. If you are a computer geek like me, who’s searching for code segments, ORA errors or similar things throughout the day you’re an ideal person to check this

Here’s a good example I found recently.
I have two Google accounts and one used for most of my work related things. Most of the searches performed related to technical stuff done with this account. Here’s the advertisement (left side) I got in a website which loaded with this account.

Then I opened the same web page with Chrome connected to my other Google account, the Gossip one! See the difference

Google Ads are primarily filtered based on the content of the web site and the preferences of the user. You can check/modify the ads preferences by logging into Ads Preferences Manager. If you don't want ads to be personalized, you can Opt out the ad preferences. If you want to check which companies have enabled interest based ads on your browser and Opt out the preference, you can do it by visiting http://www.aboutads.info/choices/.

Check this video about Ads personalisation

The Megapixel war

Major marketing weapon still used by DSLR manufacturers is the number of mega pixels in the camera. But do we have to really worry about this? Are you planning to enlarge your photo to large format poster or a sky scrape banner?? If not then don’t worry about the mega pixel of the camera. The least DSLR in today’s market has more than 10 MP. It’s pretty enough for enlarge into a 12 X 15 without distortion. Having large megapixels is sometimes become a headache. You’ll need more memory to store the pictures, super fast computers to process and take long time to transfer. So be careful when you buy. 15-18 MP is more than enough for you even your picture is nominated to display in an art gallery.

Why we should worry about brand?

There’s a never ending war in DSLR world between several companies. Nikon and Canon are the frontiers in the market but now Sony is also catching the market with the improved alpha-α range DSLRs. It’s quite important to get in touch with new releases form them for some period because then you can get an idea about the current market trend and what is best for you. I’m not force you to go for one of these brands but they have improved a lot than their competitors and products are reliable and easy to use. Most importantly there are lot of help forums available for these camera brands so it’s easy to search for an answer to your problems.

Price

Price is the main decisive factor when buying a DSLR. Basically there are three types of DSLRs in the market, Amateur DSLR, Mid-Range DSLR and Professional DSLR. You can identify the type of the camera by its product name and the price also tells what type of a camera it is.

Buying a DSLR is pretty different than buying a mobile phone or a laptop. Usually most expensive phone or laptop has the best configurations and super cool features. But story is different in DSLRs. In DSLR world most expensive cameras are the professional type ones. If you are very new to the field, don’t go behind most expensive cameras. Their operation is complex and you’ll need some knowledge before operating these alien machines.

If this is your first step in DSLR world, what suits you most is an amateur DSLR camera. You can buy an amateur type DSLR for comparatively lower price and you don’t need to have much knowledge in photography to operate this type of a camera.
Mid range DSLR are bit advanced than amateur type once but it’s suitable for a beginners as well. If you’d ask me what to buy, I’d say to buy a mid ranged DSLR because you can learn more and try out advanced photography techniques with these ones. Basically a mid range DSLR will be there with you longer time in your photography life than an amateur camera.

I’m not going to say many things about buying a professional DSLR because I’m also not there yet. If you know the field and need a professional DSLR, you should know what to buy better than me!

What is a DSLR, Why it’s better than a compact camera?

SLR (Single Lens Reflex) is a camera which typically uses a mirror and prism system that permits to view exactly the same what will be captured at the end. Photo capturing mechanism is almost the same in old days film SLRs and in modern DSLRs. But DSLR is equipped with a sensor and digital storage device instead of film to store the photograph. Most distinguished difference between a DSLR and a compact camera is the lens. In a compact camera, you can’t change the lens as you want. If your manufacturer says its 24mm-500mm, that’s it! You cannot go beyond that.

But in DSLR you are free to choose the lens as you want. In SLR world, lens should fit for the purpose. If you are taking portrait photographs, 50mm standard lens would fit it mostly. If you are into wildlife photography, you would need a telephoto lens for the job. Normally most of the amateur and mid-ranged DSLRs packed with a standard lens. But most of the vendors would give a chance to change the lens if you want or sell the camera with an additional lens. Therefore you should be extra careful when choosing the DSLR since your lens might not be suitable for your expectations with the camera.

Another main advantage with DSLR is the ability of changing the settings as you want. In all DSLR cameras it should possible to change the shutter speed, aperture and the ISO sensitivity. If you are not familiar with these words, just forget them. At least most of DSLRs have many different pre defined picture modes and processing techniques which you can use to snap a good picture.

Why you would need a DSLR instead of compact camera?

You might decide to go for a DSLR due to various reasons. Maybe your friend or colleague has DSLR and you saw some great pictures taken by them in Facebook or Flickr? Perhaps you might fed up with your pocket size compact camera and aiming for a big one in size??

Whatever the reason is, I recommend you to do a pre study before buying a DSLR just to check whether you really need one. Otherwise you can go for a SLR-like (bridge) cameras which has most of the capabilities of DSLR and most importantly very easy to use than a DSLR.

If you still reading this article, that means you are really interested in buying a DSLR rite? Then we’ll go for it. Actually buying a DSLR is one of the ‘best’ things happened in my life. I was in the photography field for many years with film cameras and it took very long time for me to switch to digital world. It took me very long time to search for a good DSLR and compare the features between each of them. Do you know what I ended up at last? After going through more than 10 different models, I choose Nikon D90 which was not so popular after three years of its release. I think I made the correct choice since none of the cameras I have used ever since weren’t able to satisfy me than my beauty. That’s my story with DSLR and now we’ll get into the business.

Nikon D600 Officially Announced

Yesterday (13th Sep), Nikon has officially announced the New Nikon D600, Nikon's Smallest, Lightest and Most Affordable Full-Frame HD-SLR. This piece of beauty packs with many advanced features and Nikon technologies like the newly developed high resolution CMOS sensor and EXPEED 3 image processing engine which are designed to meet the needs of the most demanding creative vision. Additionally, Nikon's new optional WU-1b wireless adapter allows users to shoot high quality HD-SLR images and transfer them to their mobile device, making it easier to stay connected, without the need for wires.

The Nikon D600 will be available on September 18for the suggested retail price (SRP) of $2,099.95*, for body only, or with the AF-S NIKKOR 24-85mm f/3.5-4.5G ED VR for the SRP of $2,699.95*. The WU-1b will be also available on September 18, 2012 for an SRP of $59.95*. The MB-D14 Multi Power Battery Pack will be available in late September for an SRP of $322.00*. For more information on the new Nikon D600 and other Nikon products, please visit www.nikonusa.com.

Nikon D600 Product Tour


Source: NR
Related Atricles: UPCOMING NIKON D600 WITH 24.7MP FULL FRAME SENSOR

Fujifilm X-E1 Mirror-less to be released this Autumn

The Fujifilm X-E1 looks very similar to the X-Pro1 which is a major hit Mirror-less camera by FujiFilm.However, there now seems to be a pop-up flash included and an electronic view finder rather than the clever hybrid optical and electronic types as found on the X-Pro1 and X100.

There are few details at the moment. According to sources the X-E1 will sit in Fujifilm's range just below the X-Pro1. What is interesting is that the lens attached to the mirrorless camera, and also leaked as a stand-alone pic, is a f/2.8-4 18-55mm. All previous pro lenses were primes, so it seems that the manufacturer is trying to break into a new market.

Here are some of the specs of X-E1

16MP sensor as in the X-Pro1 (with max ISO of 25,600)
6 fps
Light magnesium body
Improved AF speed
Price: bellow $1000
To be released before Christmas
Same video recording capabilities as the X-Pro1
Mic input
EVF only (not hybrid as the X-Pro1)
Two colors: black and silver
Pull 25 ISO to simulate Velvia in JPEG mode

Sony NEX-5R full Specs - Release date 29th Aug

Sony will announce the new Sony NEX-5R tomorrow (29th August). We have got some of the specs of NEX-5R as listed below

• 16.1 Mpx APS-C CMOS Exmor sensor
• New Bionz imaging engine
• ISO 100 up to 25.600
• Full HD video recording at 1920×1080/60p AVCHD 2.0 format
• PASM shooting and digital zoom support
• Phase/Contrast Hybrid AF
• 99 phase detection AF points
• 25 contrast AF points
• Continuous AF and AF tracking
• MF assist
• Peaking level/color
• Auto Portrait Framing
• Self Portrait, Self timer
• 3 inch tiltable screen
• Touch screen LCD with Touch Shutter
• 15 picture effects
• 2x Clear Zoom
• over 400 pics per battery charge
• takes the optional FDA-EV1S external viewfinder
• Stereo mic
• Shutter: 30sec up to 1/4.000
• Time lag 0.02 sec
• WiFi
• Remote control via Application support

Source : sonyalpharumors

Upcoming Nikon D600 with 24.7MP full frame sensor

There’s been a lot of chatter about the new Nikon D600 which is expected soon. Specs for Nikon D600 has been released/ reviced several times and according to the latest information, this will have 24.7MP full frame sensor and weather sealed body.

Here are updated Specs from NikonRumors

• 24.7MP full frame sensor
• Weight: 760g (850g with battery and memory cards), the D800 weights 900g
• 3.2" LCD with 921K dot with ambient sensor control
• HDMI output
• Video compression: H264/MPEG-4
• Full HD with 30p, 25p, 24p, HD with 60p, 50p, 30p, 25p
• Viewfinder coverage: 100% for FX , 97% for Dx
• The Nikon D600 will have built-in AF motor
• The body most probably will be weather sealed
• The D600 may not have built-in GPS as initially reported
• ISO range: 100-6400 (with Lo-1 ISO 50 and Hi-2 ISO 25,600)
• 39 AF points (with an option of 11 AF points), 9 cross-type AF points
• AF face detection
• Exposure compensation: ±5 EV (same as the D800)
• The D600 will probably use the EN-EL15 rechargeable Li-ion battery

Nintendo 3DS - New Super Mario Bros. 2

Bowser has once again kidnapped Princess Peach, but this time, Mario has another objective. The Mushroom Kingdom is bursting with more gold coins than before. Each level is littered with gold as coins rain down from overhead pipes, trails of coins are left behind special gold enemies and gold pipes transport Mario into coin-filled caverns. It's up to players to collect as many coins as possible throughout their adventure.
The game was first released in Japan on July 28, 2012 and was released in Europe, Australia, and North America in August 2012.

Nintendo 3DS - New Super Mario Bros. 2 E3 Trailer

Angry Birds "Rocked"

Rovio launched Angry Bird Friends earlier this year on Facebook. It allows Facebook users to play challenges against friends each week, tracking scores and standings. Partnerships have previously been struck with groups like 20th Century Fox, NASA and the Philadelphia Eagles. Now Rovio is turing to the music world.

For all you rockin’ gadget fans, launched this week is a new version to check out. Veteran punk band Green Day came to Angry Birds Friends. Green Day releases a trilogy of albums in the next four months – first coming September 24 – Rovio created 10 playable levels that include a rock and festival flavor. Featured within the game are “Oh Love” and “Troublemaker,” two tracks from the first album. Plus, as you can see from the picture – a new look for the birds.

Here's the sneak peek of the Angry Birds Friends ft Green Day

Canon EOS-1D C Cinema Camera before end of 2012?

by Michael Daniel Ho

Canon announced the EOS-1D C cinema camera a few months ago. This camera is the first Canon hybrid DSLR to offer onboard 4K motion imaging and Full HD motion imaging on CF cards, in a rugged, ultra-compact form factor. Coupled with Canon's compact EF-mount lenses, the EOS-1D C facilitates 4K image origination in the tightest and most challenging environments, opening up fresh cinematic opportunities along the way. As for retail availability, the EOS-1D C will start shipping to customers sometime before the end of 2012.

Features & Specs of Canon EOS-1D C :

• 24 frames per second to 60p at Full HD
• 18MP full-frame sensor
• HD recording
• Aspect ratio of 16:9
• Real time audio monitoring
• 8-bit 4:2:2 Motion JPEG 4K
• HDMI port facility
• Dual CF slots
• ISO sensitivity of 25,600

New Microsoft Logo

Microsoft has decided to change their Logo after 25 long years. The new logo includes a multicolored symbol that's typically found on the company's Windows products. They are prepared to change the logo in Windows 8, Windows Phone 8 OS, Surface Tablet, XBox and in every other windows products.

The logo has two components: the logotype and the symbol. For the logotype, they are using the Segoe font which is the same font used in every product as well as in marketing communications.

Source : Official Microsoft Blog

Canon EOS 3D X is around there...

Canon is going to release it's newest DSLR with 46 MP which will the leader in Mega Pixel game for now. Here are the specifications given in CR. Release date is not yet published but most probably it will release early in 2013?

Canon EOS-3D X Specifications

• 46 MP
• 3.7 frame per second
• Dual DIGIC 5+
• ISO: (25) 50-6400 (12800)
• AF: Same as 1DX
• USB 3
• CF+SD

Another feature mentioned about the camera is better heat dissipation of the sensor compared to other EOS cameras. Apparently, this results in industry leading low ISO performance.

Source : CR

Microsoft Unveils Surface Tablet

Microsoft Surface- PC Gamer

On Monday, June 19, 2012, Microsoft has finally unveiled their next generation tab, the Surface.
Microsoft Surface is a line of tablet devices running the company's next-generation Windows operating system and marks Microsoft's first foray into the ever-expanding tablet market. Yes, you read that correctly: Microsoft will be building and branding its own tablets, effectively competing with its own hardware partners such as Dell, Hewlett-Packard, and Lenovo.

The Surface tablets will be available in two distinct versions. The first, running Windows RT -- effectively the "light" version of Windows 8 -- will launch in the fall, around the same time as Windows 8 does, and run on an as-yet-unnamed ARM CPU. While it won't have the full desktop version of Windows 8, running only the Metro apps available through the Windows app store, it will include a version of Microsoft Office at no additional charge.
Surface (Windows RT) tablet key specs

Windows RT operating system

• Nvidia ARM CPU
• 9.3mm thick
• 676 grams/23.85 ounces
• 10.6-inch ClearType HD Display
• 31.5 watt hour battery
• Ports: microSD, USB 2.0, Micro-HD video, 2x2 MIMO antennas
• Storage options: 32GB and 64GB for Windows RT
• Front- and rear-facing "HD" cameras
• Surface (Windows Pro) tablet key specs

Windows 8 operating system

• Intel third-generation Core i CPU
• 13.5mm thick
• 903 grams/31.85 ounces
• 10.6-inch ClearType "Full HD" Display
• 42 watt hour battery
• Ports: microSDXC, USB 3.0, Mini DisplayPort video
• Storage options: 64GB and 128GB
• Front- and rear-facing "HD" cameras

Source: CNET

New Canon Rebel with Touchscreen on June 8?

It seems that June 8th will be the release date for the next in line Rebel DSLR for Canon. The 650D would be the Canons’ first proper DSLR to boast a touchscreen after the patent application was filed in 2011. Additions to the touchscreen, rumored specs include 18MP CMOS sensor (which is the same resolution as the Rebel T3i), 9 cross-type AF points and full-time AF in video mode.

Source: CanonRumors

Related News: Canon EOS 650D unconfirmed features , Canon EOS 650D Rebel T4i will be announced soon

Canon EOS-1D X will be delayed until July

Canon has previously announced that EOS-1D X will be release in mid-2012 but according to sources it seems that the release date will be delayed until July. According to CanonRumors, blame being placed on battery approval in Japan, FCC approval in the United States, production issues with certain parts of the camera, serious firmware issues that had to be resolved to name a few. Canon has kept the issues very close to the vest and very few people know the exact reasons.

EOS-1D X is Canons’ latest flagship professional DSLR. The 18MP camera is built around a full-frame sensor capable of shooting at up to 14 frames per second (12fps with AF), allowing it to replace both the 1D Mark IV and 1DS Mark III in Canon's lineup.

Source: CanonRumors
Related Stories: CANON EOS-1D X RELEASE TO THE MARKET AT THE END OF APRIL