How many DSLR users here?

[milehighj]

Canon unveils Cinema EOS C300 interchangeable-lens video camera

Canon has unveiled the EOS C300 Digital Cinema Camera interchangeable-lens video camera at a press event in Los Angeles. Available in in two models, the EOS C300 comes with an EF mount, while the EOS C300 PL features a PL mount. Both models feature an 8.3MP Super 35mm CMOS sensor developed specially for the system, a modular design and a new range of dedicated video lenses.

The C300 is scheduled to be available in late January 2012 for an estimated list price of $20,000. The C300 PL is scheduled to be available in late March 2012, also for an estimated list price of $20,000.

http://www.dpreview.com/news/1111/11...neoscinema.asp

[CarbonMan]

... an 8.3MP Super 35mm CMOS sensor ...

... price of $20,000 ...

Sweet and spicy.

[ihuffman]

In recent times, DSLRs have become a little too common with the community and you can always see in a group an individual sporting one strapped around his neck.

I am not saying that there is something wrong with it as it is a gadget anyone is entitled to have but it has certainly lost that appeal that makes one look a professional in terms of capturing stills.

I have a Nikon D90 by the way.

[CarbonMan]

In recent times, DSLRs have become a little too common with the community and you can always see in a group an individual sporting one strapped around his neck.

I am not saying that there is something wrong with it as it is a gadget anyone is entitled to have but it has certainly lost that appeal that makes one look a professional in terms of capturing stills.

I have a Nikon D90 by the way.

That's always the case with technology. I was part of a local community that produced Singapore/Malaysia's first GPS maps back in the early 2K's. It was a very niche and technical community with specialized GPS equipment trekking the roads to produce the final product which could only be used on Palm and Microsoft CE devices. Today, every tom, dick and toyota has a built-in GPS system in their cars. It has evolved into a far less "fun" hobby because of its prevalence and easy-to-use stage of development.

However, having said that, one can always find the "fun" by going into niche areas that no one has done before (or fewer people have done) in any hobby - there'll always be the generalists and the specialists.

I have a Canon 7D, 60D, 450D and a small set of lenses but not enough time to play with them.

[phaleesy]

In recent times, DSLRs have become a little too common with the community and you can always see in a group an individual sporting one strapped around his neck.

I am not saying that there is something wrong with it as it is a gadget anyone is entitled to have but it has certainly lost that appeal that makes one look a professional in terms of capturing stills.

I have a Nikon D90 by the way.

There is nothing to stop one from doing the reverse - using film and pin-hole camera. Maybe there is more fun playing with chemicals in the darkroom than sitting in front of the computer post-processing.

[Singapore Sling]

Just bought a Canon EOS 600D with EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 IS II Lens Kit and Hoya 58mm Pro-1 Digital UV Screw in Filter.

What do you lot think off the Canon EF-S 18-200mm f/3.5-5.6 IS lens? As I only what to be carrying one lens most of the time. The 18-55mm is fine for the bird spotting, but need more zoom for the ones with wings.

Also thinking about a Canon EF 70-300mm f/4.0-5.6 IS USM Lens (day time wildlife use) and also want something for indoor low light use, thinking EF 50mm - f/1.4 USM Lens.

[phaleesy]

Congratulations on getting your new toy, Singapore Sling!

I don't have experience with the Canon 18-200mm but had played with the Nikon equivalent a couple of times. That is the lens stuck on nearly every Nikon which were waved in front of my nose at all tourist attractions! Travellers love it. I understand why. One lens for everything. Food, landscape, people... so these photographers merrily click away not missing that shot, while silly me has to stop and change lenses now and again.

The images looked okay to me on the Nikon LCD screen. But I don't know how they looked at 100% on the computer or when printed. I don't know how the Canon equivalent performs. But I don't think the reviews are very complimentary. Something about the focusing system not being too good? But if it's just ordinary shots of friends and family and souvenir shots of places you've travelled too, I think it should serve its purpose.

I don't think it would perform satisfactorily when tracking wildlife and fast moving subjects. That's where the 70-200mm L lenses come in I suppose, which is why I carry 3 lenses all the time (16-35mm, 28-70mm, 700-200mm).

I was at Guy Edwardes' workshop recently and had a play with his 70-300mm lens. I like it. Extremely versatile. Not too heavy. Not too big. Focuses fine! If you're serious about wildlife and flying birds (metallic or feathered), you should seriously consider it. It has crossed my mind several times that I could get rid of my 70-200mm and 300mm lens and just have the 70-300mm. But I love my 70-200mm. All the images from the 70-200mm F2.8 and 300mm F2.8 lenses are pin-sharp, and they are such fast lenses. I don't think the 70-300mm F4-5.6 lens would perform well in low light (morning/dusk shots in safaris). Guy said that is his favourite lens. He is a well-known and respected UK photographer and if he feels it is a good lens, it must mean something! But I think he has only used the lens on a tripod for landscape and handheld for wildlife during the day. I don't think he mentioned using it during low light conditions.

The F1.4 is usually used by wedding photographers for their arty surreal depth of field play. I don't know if I'd actually use the lens in low light since the depth of field would be so such that I'd find many essential bits out of focus, unless it was my intention to have that effect of course. Since you're using it on a crop sensor, the effect would not be as great as if you were using a full frame, so that should help, depending on how you look at it.

p.s. I forgot about the 100-400mm and soon to be out 200-400mm! But I guess you're not after the 400mm range, though your 600D would give you that range with the 300mm lens anyway!

[Singapore Sling]

Thanks for all the info phaleesy. Typo spotted or you have a very big lens the wrong way round! quote: 700-200mm. I take it that it should be a 70-200mm (or 200-700mm, good for shots off men on the moon )

I`m not looking for tack sharp photos with the 18-200mm, just normal souvenir/tavel type shots.

[kelvgoh]

I use the Nikon equivalent of the 18-200mm lens and it works very well for me (and I suspect for you too). Won't hesitate to recommend as it's a very versatile lens which enables you to avoid changing lens all the time, but of course it comes with its own compromises. For regular use, I think its fine.

Personally I think you would enjoy having an 18-200 as your primary lens, rather than the 18-55 kit lens. Once you've figured your scope with the 18-200, then perhaps you could have a think about what you would need for those special occasions.

[Singapore Sling]

Personally I think you would enjoy having an 18-200 as your primary lens, rather than the 18-55 kit lens. Once you've figured your scope with the 18-200, then perhaps you could have a think about what you would need for those special occasions.

I was also thinking along those lines. Good to hear you find the 18-200mm a good all round lens. Will be poping down the local lens shop tomorrow, so will try a few different ones out while I am there. All ready added some bits and pieces to my kit, like a RC 6 - remote control, spare battery, tripod and close up filter. Still along way to go before I catch up with all the pro`s here.

[stargold]

A new "large-sensor compact" from Canon:

http://www.dpreview.com/previews/canong1x/

Certainly looks interesting, as it seems to be pretty much a G12 on steroids. Looking at the sensor size comparison, the only real difference in area comes from the fact that G1x sensor is 4x3 whereas APS-C sensors are 3x2, so low-light performance should be fantastic as well.

I will be watching it closely - I've been eyeing up a hybrid-ish camera and this is looking like the best bet if it has no crucial faults. Lens quality will be the big question, I think.

[CarbonMan]

It's good to see manufacturers competing on sensor size instead of megapixels. Another latest trend also seems to ensure having an "x" in the model's name. Quite hilarious observing these marketing guys.

[darklord-x]

A new "large-sensor compact" from Canon:

http://www.dpreview.com/previews/canong1x/

Certainly looks interesting, as it seems to be pretty much a G12 on steroids. Looking at the sensor size comparison, the only real difference in area comes from the fact that G1x sensor is 4x3 whereas APS-C sensors are 3x2, so low-light performance should be fantastic as well.

I will be watching it closely - I've been eyeing up a hybrid-ish camera and this is looking like the best bet if it has no crucial faults. Lens quality will be the big question, I think.

If they make the Canon G1x with f/1.8-4.0 4x Zoom Lens, it might sell like hot cakes; easier to carry when traveling around and will make stunning shots with nice bokeh. Sometimes it's not convenient to take photos with your DSLR especially if you want it to be discreet

Currently, the only low-light performer for compact model from Canon is Canon Powershot S100 (f/2.0 at the widest zoom, 24mm). And I can tell you, it might actually produce similar picture quality with Canon 400D equipped with 18-55 kit lens (even so, bokeh on S100 is better still).

[stargold]

If they make the Canon G1x with f/1.8-4.0 4x Zoom Lens, it might sell like hot cakes; easier to carry when traveling around and will make stunning shots with nice bokeh.

Given the sensor size, the lens would have been huge if it was as bright as you suggest. And then the size/form factor advantage would have been completely lost. I'm sure they would have loved to put in a more impressive lens, but more impressive=bigger and heavier when you have a meaningful sensor size unfortunately.

[N_Architect]

While in South Korea last month, I got the Samsung NX10.

It's supposed to be an entry-level dSLR, mirrorless, the size is quite compact if one may be able to use this word. Got it with two NX lenses (18-55 and 50mm) and an extra battery in a LE kit package; bought in addition the 35mm equiv. prime lens.

The NX10 is the old model actually, the NX11 is the current one, but it appears as Samsung may actually be heading towards not developing further the NX dSLR line.

The main reason for the purchase was to have something practical and as lightweight as possible with me when I travel. The second reason was to make a hopeless attempt in steering myself away from ordering a custom Leica MP a la carte, but frankly speaking I do not see this working for too long. As soon as I go back to Pusan or Europe I expect to jump on that acquisition fairly fast.

Having said that, the Samsung is a very nice camera indeed, practical, fast, the quality of the rendered pictures is top notch. Only complaint is the viewfinder, which for me, could be larger and clearer. Overall a decent purchase for the relatively low price paid. Tried the Nikon V1 and also the Fuji X10 and X100 but none of these fit the purpose (based on what I originally wanted).

The new Fuji X-1Pro must be cool but again if one is prepared to look around for burning so much cash, then they may as well go and buy a Leica and be done with it - my personal opinion, anyway.