Some questions...

[raunak]

Hey!

I have always had a few questions about cameras, lenses & stuff and I thought, what better place to discuss them other than The Photographer! So, here they are:

1. If we compare a prosumer camera and a DSLR lens with same zooming capabilities, why are the DSLR lenses so huge?

2. Can we somehow use multiple lenses on DSLR cameras?

3. Why is RAW better than JPEG when it comes to post processing?

4. How do we read a sensor size? For example, what is meant by 1/2.5"?

5. What is 35mm equivalent and why the heck is this figure so important in photography?

6. What would 'D' mean in a lens spec like f/1.8D?

7. What are filters; why would one need them and what all types are available?

That's all I can remember right now... Maybe I'll shoot some more later.

Other than the above questions...... After playing with my Fujifilm S5700 for about an year, I am planning to buy my first DSLR in a few months. But of course, DSLRS are expensive and I don't want to spend a fortune on one (coz I dont have a fortune [:D])... How about buying a used DSLR? Will that be a decent option? Initially I am looking for a basic 18-55mm lens (preferably VR) and after getting the camera, I am thinking of getting a Nikkor AF 50mm f/1.8 Prime (http://www.nikon.co.in/productitem.php?pid=106-387119c054). As many of you might know already, it has a 7 blade diaphragm for some beautiful bokeh and I think is quite a deal at about 6K [Price @ JJmehta.com (http://www.jjmehta.com/webshop/en-us/dept_51.html)]. I have always wished for a fast lens and I think this lens would be something!

Since I've had my S5700 for more than an year now, I've been really impressed & spoilt by what dynamic capabilities its 10x zoom lens offers and that's why I've decided to keep it even after buying a DSLR. Oh and while we're on the topic, which camera in your opinion would be a good entry level DSLR??

[KrishnenduKes]

Q&A Topic Approved

[Sarao]

1. If we compare a prosumrer camera and a DSLR lens with same zooming capabilities, why are the DSLR lenses so huge?

Because when you use Digi Cams, their purpuse is just to click photographs, most of the time, those cams are to keep the moments alive. Where SLR have others aspect with it, like printing, flexibility of what you need in a scene and changing it according to you. Which is not possible in other camers. Since SLR are all about quality of images, the glass in the lenses make it larga and their focal length.

2. Can we somehow use multiple lenses on DSLR cameras?

Don't know, never seen anything like this, but in MACRO PHotography, lenses are mounted in reverse.

3. Why is RAW better than JPEG when it comes to post processing?

RAW means everything is in the form of as it is and not processed with in camera. When photographs are clicked in RAW, the WB and other settings, like sharpening contrast are not applied to the photo. Which enables one to change it according to their taste and requirement.

4. How do we read a sensor size? For example, what is meant by 1/2.5"?

I'll pass it on.

5. What is 35mm equivalent and why the heck is this figure so important in photography?

Because 35mm is the standard size of Film. When its compared to other things, it shows the image formed as on either Full Frame camera or on a 35mm Film. Because Digital sensors like APS-C crop 1.6 of the original image.

6. What would 'D' mean in a lens spec like f/1.8D?
Can you elaborate it? If I M getting you correct, "D" simply denotes model labelling, any special glass used in the lens, which starts from D, or if we talk about Canon L Lenses, it means LUXURY.

7. What are filters; why would one need them and what all types are available?

Filters are used to put some special effects on the image. Like warm filters produce a yellow or orange feel in the image, cool filters put the same as cool effect by producing blue tinting, CPL or circular polarizers are used to remove the haze and reflections and to increase saturatioons etc.


As per your camera requirement, I'd suggest you to go for canon, buy a used 350D or 400D. I wont go with Nikon by any means. As far as I know, Nikon lenses are expensive. The same 50mm 1.8 is for 5k here at Chandigarh. The feel Canon bodies gives doesn't seem to present in Nikon ones.

[raunak]

Hey thanks a lot Sarao! Need a few more clarifications though...

So RAW images mean that they've been left untouched by the camera, right? Do you know if RAW uses any compression?

Yeah, f/1.8D is a spec used by a Nikon lens. So in this case, what does D stand for?

From what I get from your answer and from what I've read on the internet, very same filter effects can be applied on the image during post processing in any decent software. Am I right?

While researching for more entry level DSLRs, I came across an option that I'm finding very interesting - the Sony Alpha A200K. It comes with a 18-70mm zoom lens, 10.2 MP CCD sensor with a 2.7 inch screen but no live view. The camera retails for about Rs. 28000 with warranty and I think I'll get a 2GB CF free. It supports Sony α, Minolta and Konica Minolta AF lenses.

How is the availability & price of these lenses & what do you think about this camera?

[Sarao]

Yes, RAw images are uncompressed. Usual Size of a RAW image is from 8mb to 15 mb. Don't know that much about Nikon range bro. But will look into it. Yes the same effects can be applied in PP but what produced Naturally, cant be produced in any software. Also, if looking for a CPL, there is no subsitute to remove reflections and haze.

I wont go with sony. May be for the time being you may find it intresting, but at a later stage, you would regret your purchase. and I dont think you can resell it with ease. So again, I would suggest to go with Canon.

[Sarao]

Sorry for the typos, I am not getting friendly with my new Lappy.

[raunak]

Thanks a million for the clarification Sarao! :)

Yeah, after doing some more research, I too started thinking that Sony wouldn't be a good decision. The specs & reviews are pretty good but in the larger picture - resale / lens availability / support etc, it won't give any competition to a Nikon or a Canon...

Now, the cameras that I'm considering are:


Nikon D40
Canon 1000D
Canon 350D
Canon 400D
Nikon D60
Canon 450D
Pentax K100D


Out of these cameras, some do not offer a kit lens in which case, I can go for a seperate 18-55mm lens (VR/IS if possible). And I dont want to go for Nikon D40 or Pentax K100D because they both have 6.1 MP sensor. I would rarely print a photograph but I'd still like to go for atleast 8 MP. Canon 350D has a very small (1.8" screen)... Canon 1000D's grip is very poor (I tried my friend's 1000D and didn't like grip)... Canon 450D and Nikon D60 are expensive cameras and I dont want to spend that much. So, Canon 400D is a considerable option. What do you guys think?

And can anybody please tell me where can you find used and / or gray market DSLRs in Hyderabad???

[Sarao]

From that list, 450D would be my choice. But since I own a 400D myself, I dont find anything TOO tempting to go for 450D. You can look for 450D used locally. Many are there who just buy a DSLR but then they realise they are Point and Shoot type persons. so I would suggest you to see a local dealer for the same. 350D won't be my choice, small screen, no PictureStyles, dont feel good in hands compared to 400D.

Again, I wont go with Nikon.

[raunak]

Thanks Sarao. I definitely am not a point & shoot person... Atleast, not anymore :D

As far as 350D is concerned, even I don't like it (because of its rather low-end specs). Am searching for a used 400D/450D and trying to find out where I can get used / gray market DSLRs in Hyderabad. Anybody from Hyderabad wanna help me out please? Infact, is anybody other Sarao even reading my thread?? :(

[Sarao]

For how much you are looking a 400D and 50mm combo? I might help you ;)

[raunak]

Thanks Sarao ;)

I am initially looking for 18-55mm lens with VR preferably but I guess even a 50mm f/1.8 would suffice my crave for sometime atleast :D The price would ofcourse depend on the age but I am thinking of 25K... I guess the price of a 18-55mm VR is almost equal to a 50mm f/1.8, right? What do you think? ;)

[Sarao]

VR are of Nikon Series. with Canon, those are IS. PM me your price range. I have a few options for you.

[nelson_sanjoy]

Thanks Sarao. I definitely am not a point & shoot person... Atleast, not anymore :D

As far as 350D is concerned, even I don't like it (because of its rather low-end specs). Am searching for a used 400D/450D and trying to find out where I can get used / gray market DSLRs in Hyderabad. Anybody from Hyderabad wanna help me out please? Infact, is anybody other Sarao even reading my thread?? :(

Kindly note that 400D is out of production - now its either 1000D or 450D.

[Sarao]

Kindly note that 400D is out of production - now its either 1000D or 450D.
Yup, 400D is not available, but he's looking for a used Body.

[v_310]

@raunak - you have PM :)

[Sarao]

I don't see 50mm in the Signature. If you feel the deal is good for you, let me know I am selling my 50mm.

[raunak]

Thanks Sarao... I was actually thinking of going for the 50mm after a few months of buying a cam with a run of the mill 18-55mm. But still, PM me the price. If I am able to, then I might go for it with the camera.. Btw, that lens has a 5 blade diaphragm, right?

[Sarao]

Yes. Its 5 Blade

[synn]

1. If we compare a prosumrer camera and a DSLR lens with same zooming capabilities, why are the DSLR lenses so huge?

Because when you use Digi Cams, their purpuse is just to click photographs, most of the time, those cams are to keep the moments alive. Where SLR have others aspect with it, like printing, flexibility of what you need in a scene and changing it according to you. Which is not possible in other camers. Since SLR are all about quality of images, the glass in the lenses make it larga and their focal length.

True. DSLR lenses have more elements that are of larger diameter so that they can cover the entire size of the large sensor.

2. Can we somehow use multiple lenses on DSLR cameras?

Don't know, never seen anything like this, but in MACRO PHotography, lenses are mounted in reverse.

If one means multiple lenses per se, yes. That is the whole point of a DSLR! if one means at the same time, Like Sarao said, for macro etc. You mount one lens in reverse in front of the other.

3. Why is RAW better than JPEG when it comes to post processing?

RAW means everything is in the form of as it is and not processed with in camera. When photographs are clicked in RAW, the WB and other settings, like sharpening contrast are not applied to the photo. Which enables one to change it according to their taste and requirement.

There is more to it. RAW is usually of 12-14 bit, which means more color info. Also, it is lossless, unlike JPEG. Any changes applied to RAW images in post production progs like Lightroom, Aperture etc. are non-destructive and you can always go back to the original file any time.

4. How do we read a sensor size? For example, what is meant by 1/2.5"?

I'll pass it on.

Sensor size is measured in mm. A "Full frame" is 35mm wide across. a DX is roughly APS-C sized (approx. 23mm wide). A 4/3rds sensor is exactly half the size of a full fame sensor.

5. What is 35mm equivalent and why the heck is this figure so important in photography?



Because 35mm is the standard size of Film. When its compared to other things, it shows the image formed as on either Full Frame camera or on a 35mm Film. Because Digital sensors like APS-C crop 1.6 of the original image.

Each exposure in a film used to be 35mm across (Unless one uses specialized cameras like the Hasselblad panorama one that exposed two 35mm sized blocks next to each other simultaniously). All lenses were optimised for this sensor size. When one uses a lens for a full frame on a DX sized DSLR sensor, part of that image gets cropped out. So a 50mm lens only gives an angle of view of a 75mm lens (on a 1.5x crop sensor. Canons have a 1.6x crop. 4/3rds sensors have a 2x crop, so 25mm becomes 50mm). A full frame sensor captures images exactly like how film is supposed to, without any cropping. Essential, if one needs true wide angles.Also, the larger sensor area means more details captured.

6. What would 'D' mean in a lens spec like f/1.8D?
Can you elaborate it? If I M getting you correct, "D" simply denotes model labelling, any special glass used in the lens, which starts from D, or if we talk about Canon L Lenses, it means LUXURY.

Only Nikonians would get this, haha. The "D" part refers to "Distance reporting", which relays back the focus distance to the camera. This helps in matrix metering, and pre- AF-D lenses only do center weighted or spot meters in all but the most expensive bodies.

7. What are filters; why would one need them and what all types are available?

Filters are used to put some special effects on the image. Like warm filters produce a yellow or orange feel in the image, cool filters put the same as cool effect by producing blue tinting, CPL or circular polarizers are used to remove the haze and reflections and to increase saturatioons etc.

Pretty much. Pieces of plastic one puts in front of the lens to alter the scene. Some of it can be done in post (Color filters), some can't (polarizers).


As per your camera requirement, I'd suggest you to go for canon, buy a used 350D or 400D. I wont go with Nikon by any means. As far as I know, Nikon lenses are expensive. The same 50mm 1.8 is for 5k here at Chandigarh. The feel Canon bodies gives doesn't seem to present in Nikon ones.

1) In India, yes. I have no idea why. Elsewhere in the world, prices are pretty much on par.

2) Disagreed wholeheartedly! :D

[anvancy-(macro analyst)]

regarding the difference between RAW and JPG in JPG the image passes thru optics>sensor>processor>card.

in RAW its optics>sensor>card straight.the processor sits still.nothing is processed.thats why its "RAW".the processor is what differs one camera from the other during JPGs.the color generation power,contrast power sharpness power etc.

pentax has now launched the K7 with two "weather sealed" kit lenses.thats actually a steal for the money.also look for the K2000 kit.since the buy will be first timer the K2000 will also be good to u.pentax has name in weather resistance.

anvancy

[KrishnenduKes]

regarding the difference between RAW and JPG in JPG the image passes thru optics>sensor>processor>card.

in RAW its optics>sensor>card straight.the processor sits still.nothing is processed.thats why its "RAW".the processor is what differs one camera from the other during JPGs.the color generation power,contrast power sharpness power etc.

pentax has now launched the K7 with two "weather sealed" kit lenses.thats actually a steal for the money.also look for the K2000 kit.since the buy will be first timer the K2000 will also be good to u.pentax has name in weather resistance.

anvancy

Did not understand that part in bold. You mean they are reputed to have weather sealing?

Besides, this is useful information anvancy. Thanks.

[synn]

Pentax puts pro levels of weather sealing into everything but their most basic model (The K-m). They really can last through a nuclear holocaust. The few used K1000s I saw in the shops are as good as new physically.

I was into the K-m before I got the D70s. Unfortunately, it's near impossible to find here and the aftermarket lens scene is also kinda sparse for Pentax over here.

[anvancy-(macro analyst)]

the K20D has 72 seals on its body.the DA* series lenses which are now ofcourse of hoya optics are also weather sealed.pentax with the launch of the K7 have introducted the two weather sealed lenses.18-55 and 55-200.so for starter guys pentax is offering a really beautiful kit.an ideal buy for the first timers.

as of now pentax has shop(office)in india.they have their film series lenses which run on the K10 or 20 or now the 7.and pentax does have some sharp zooms and primes.availability is well mail pentax..they reply.

pentax is more of bang for the buck.where as the C and N are more of brand wars.pentax also has capability like those from the C or the N.the thing is in INDIA the C and the N has been marketed heavily.so few know pentax.

also regarding lenses.many dont buy lenses every month or two.u build ur setup according to ur needs.and there pentax pancake lenses and limited are a jewel!

anvancy.