GreyMatter
Uncommon Perspectives by Naveen Bachwani
Filed under Photography, TechTalk | 17 January 2009 |
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Note: This series of posts is written for the amateur/hobbyist/newbie photography enthusiast. It will cover much of what I’ve learned through hundreds of manhours of research and nearly fifteen years of practising photography. It will include more details on Nikon as I am more familiar with the Nikon system. However, my own experience with photography gear includes both manual and automatic SLRs in 35mm and digital formats from Nikon, Canon and Pentax.
Should you buy a Prosumer or a DSLR?
Excellent question with one simple answer: Go for the lightest, smallest DSLR you can afford, unless you really want an all-in-one affordable package.
For the uninitiated, a “prosumer” compact is a digital camera that usually has a mega-zoom (upwards of 10x optical) but a fixed lens (e.g. Panasonic FZ50). Such cameras are usually smaller than a DSLR and cannot use interchangeable lenses. They are also typically very battery-hungry and too slow to respond to shots of kids, pets or any thing that moves.
No matter what kind of photography you want to do – birds, buildings or beasts – a good DSLR can give you results that are just not possible with a fixed-lens camera, no matter how much it costs or how long the zoom is. The list of DSLR-only features usually includes startup times of less than 1 second, excellent results in high ISOs and very fast AF and frame rates that let you “get” that shot. And, don’t forget, the DSLR can always be used in its “Auto” (or even better “Program”) mode, just like a point-and-shoot!
Every thing is better on a DSLR! You only have to try it to believe it.
Tip: Start with any entry-level DSLR from Canon, Nikon, Sony or Pentax, and you should do just fine! Plus, if you stick with a good “system” like Canon or Nikon, your investment stays relatively future-proof as it will allow you to use great lenses over a period of decades.
Canon, Nikon or other?
Broadly speaking, Nikon and Canon systems allow you access to a universe of glass. And they’re both fantastic camera- and lens- makers that you can rely on.
Personally, I prefer Nikon because of their commitment to quality, their superior ergonomics and their serious approach to design. As an example, Nikon has consistently chosen to limit the megapixels (totally irrelevant to picture quality) instead, working on increasing ISO capabilities in their camera bodies (totally relevant to picture quality), in spite of enormous market pressures to do otherwise.
If you already have old glass, the choice is easy. If not, you’ll have to factor in other dependancies like memory cards (Sony’s proprietary format?), service support in your country (Pentax’s non-existent presence in India?), etc. If you have no such constraints, you can start with any thing.
You should also bear in mind that innovations in industry often come from other players, not the market leaders. One example is how entry-level Pentax DSLRs have had in-body Image Stabilisation (IS) for years! Another example is Panasonic’s recently launched (DMC G1) – a completely new mirror-less shutter design in a new micro four-third mount, making it half the size of a comparable DSLR!
The fact remains that there are alternatives to Nikon and Canon that have a lot to offer at comparable or lower costs. Do your research, and factor in your personal constraints to make the choice that’s right for you.
Should you spend more on a better body or a better lens?
The short answer : Lenses.
Remember, DSLR bodies get obsolete in two years but a good lens can last you for two decades or more.
The long answer : Don’t compromise significantly on the body either. As in all things, it’s a tradeoff. Make sure you’re well informed about which factor you’re trading for what benefit.
For example, Nikon’s entry-level DSLRs (D40/D40x/D60) are simply outstanding in what they do. But, they don’t AF with older (non AF-S) lenses, as the AF motor is not on the body but on the bundled kit lens. This also keeps their costs down, making it more affordable for you to buy. And, this is not a problem when you’re starting off, since the kit lens works just fine and autofocuses too. But, if you want to expand your kit to include other lenses (new or old), you’ll soon discover that AF-S lenses cost significantly more than their AF counterparts. So, you’ll have to spend many more times the dollars you saved on the body, on buying lenses that AF with that body!
And, in case you’re thinking : “I’m never going to buy a bunch of lenses”, think again. Sooner or later, you will. And you will also discover the other golden rule of buying photography gear – The investment you made on the first DSLR was only the beginning, not the end!
Tip: If you’re on a budget and still want AF capabilities with older lenses, go for a used Nikon D50 / D70 / D70s. You should be able to get one for a bargain (with its kit lens!).
There is enough and more out there on the issue of whether or not the equipment matters. My own take? Many a times, newer technology helps you shoot in light conditions where earlier technology may not have. At least when it comes to modern-day DSLRs, every few months or so, there are significant advances made that can be used to your advantage. That said, bear in mind that all things newer are not necessarily “better”. Detailed reviews of DSLR models from even Canon and Nikon – the global leaders in this category – will show how a certain feature (like metering) worked better on the older model than it does on the newer one! So, do your research.
Thom Hogan has written the best writeup I’ve ever encountered on choosing lenses rationally. Also, If you want to compare specifications across Nikon DSLRs, see these links for current and old models. (Thanks, Thom!)
That said, I wouldn’t worry too much about buying Nikon or Canon technology that’s a year or two older than the current. But it may make a difference to you if you want a feature that they rolled out only in the last year.
Continue reading Part 2…
Also read “It’s Not About The Gear” (Nov ‘09)
It’s Not About The Gear (GreyMatter)
on 1 November 2009 at 10:16 pm
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