500D or D5000? Decision Taken... neither!

[Ranjith]

So im almost abt to upgrade frm my P&S and Film SLR to a DSLR.
The 2 stand out models tht fits my budget are 500D and D5000.
But which among them?i read a lot abt the two but still cant decide bet. them.
I am sliding slightly towards the NIKON since ive used the D90 a lot and i have few friends using NIKONs.
Pls do give me your suggestions and there are few things i would like to know
1.i want a normal ZOOM lens which is what comes with the KIT but what if i buy only the body and with the money ive saved can i buy a better normal zoom lens?

2.Are there any other brands/models in this segment i should be looking into?

3.What abt SONY Alpha's?i do have a Prime,Wide angle and a Zoom lens of the FILM Minolta SLR's...they do work with the SONY DSLRs right?

Thank you

To the mods-im sry if ive posted in the wrong section!

[KrishnenduKes]

Also have a look at the 550D which also gives you Full HD at up to 30Fps and 18.7Megapixels for photos. Have a look here: http://www.dpreview.com/previews/CanonEOS550D/
Got released on the 1st of March in Europe.

Approved and Moved to "Help me Choose a Camera" section

[anvancy-(macro analyst)]

the 550D also has "manual exposure controls" for video.an amazing feature indeed.many say video for a DSLR is not important.but when u use it,the bokeh,noise control etc,your holiday videos also become fantastic.

D90 is now pretty old.i last enquired the kit was for 50k.ill vouch for the 550D against the D90.

do u have AF minolta lenses?or manual ones?

Anvancy

[KrishnenduKes]

the 550D also has "manual exposure controls" for video.an amazing feature indeed.many say video for a DSLR is not important.but when u use it,the bokeh,noise control etc,your holiday videos also become fantastic.

D90 is now pretty old.i last enquired the kit was for 50k.ill vouch for the 550D against the D90.


I agree on both counts.

I managed to use the 550D today. Feels like a great piece of machinery!

[Aryan]

@Ranjith: I have used both the D90 and the EOS 500/550D. I would give +1 to Nikon for the sturdy feel that the D90 provides in the hand! It's almost built like a tank. However, since I have used Canon cameras since the time I started taking photographs, I would vouch for the EOS 500/ 550D, depending on the kind of budget you have! If you want a Canon D-SLR, I would seriously suggest you to have a tough, hard look at the EOS 550D! Super equipment, really. :)

[anvancy-(macro analyst)]

have you considered the pentax Kx?

its running rougly for 33k which includes one kit lens and one telephoto lens.

Anvancy

[nelson_sanjoy]

If I were in your shoes I would have gone with Sony Alphas considering the fact that you already have compatible lenses and that you can get IS in-body.

Similarly I got a Pentax Kx for my father who already had 3 K-mount lenses and with Pentax 50mm f/1.2 and even ISO 6400 its pure bliss. Only D90 can beat it in ISO performance.

AFAIS C/N/P/S camera doesn't matter much - its the lenses :)

[Ranjith]

First of all sorry for not replying...i had somehow missed this section and thought my post was rejected! :o


Also have a look at the 550D which also gives you Full HD at up to 30Fps and 18.7Megapixels for photos. Have a look here: http://www.dpreview.com/previews/CanonEOS550D/
Got released on the 1st of March in Europe.


yes ive been looking into it but any idea what the price is like in India? my budget is only around 41K
the 550D also has "manual exposure controls" for video.an amazing feature indeed.many say video for a DSLR is not important.but when u use it,the bokeh,noise control etc,your holiday videos also become fantastic.

D90 is now pretty old.i last enquired the kit was for 50k.ill vouch for the 550D against the D90.

do u have AF minolta lenses?or manual ones?

Anvancy
I have the manual ones!:( i believe tht the AF ones only work with the Alphas? right?


have you considered the pentax Kx?

its running rougly for 33k which includes one kit lens and one telephoto lens.

Anvancy
hmm...no i haven't since i dont know much abt Pentax,will check it out but how is their Service and Support in India?


Thanks a lot guys!
but i have another question!
how is the Video capture on D5000 or 550D compared to Video Cameras in the budget of around 15k?

Thank you

[KrishnenduKes]

yes ive been looking into it but any idea what the price is like in India? my budget is only around 41K

The 550D in India should cost somewhere between 40K-45K with papers.

how is the Video capture on D5000 or 550D compared to Video Cameras in the budget of around 15k?

Thank you

They are NOT comparable. The 550D video quality is far superior with interchangeable lenses, manual controls, controlling bokeh quality with aperture, WB controls and so on... a video Cam for 15K will not be much really to my knowledge!

[Ranjith]

thank you Sir!
i was thinking abt getting a D3000 so tht i can get a video cam for around 15k.

btw the price you mentioned...is it the Kit price?

[Ranjith]

oh btw guys will i get Intl. Warranty if i buy it frm an Authorised Dealer outside India?

thank you

[robin234]

you get international warranty, if its mentioned on the package otherwise not .usually people get international warranty, when they buy from dubai/Japan(overseas products) etc etc.

[Cyclops]

Hi Ranjith,

Currently, Canon 550D at Canon Store is INR 51,995

Nikon D5000/D3000 are real good cameras, but will put a hole in your pocket when getting lens/glass as they don't have an auto-focus screw in the camera body. You will be spending more for the lenses with in-built motor.

Canon cameras starting from 1000D has all the features that are needed like AEB, AWB, Multiple Exposures that are only available in D80/D90 or Dxxx & Dx Nikon series. That's a major turn off if you really want to try various photo techniques.

If your lenses work well with Sony, then I would suggest that you stick to it as older glasses/lenses have better built quality and feel than the newer ones. I can't comment much on Pentax series, but it really won't hurt to try at the shop and get a better feel. :)

Best of luck with your photography endeavors!

[Ranjith]

Thank you Cyclops.
Yes i did consider SONY since i have few Minolta Lenses but since mine are non-AF it wouldn't work with the ALPHA's :(

i was considering a D3000 and a basic camcorder but right now ive almost decided on 550D! since HD recording is very imp. to me!!!
btw does the 550D have In-body AF?


anyway in case i have to cut short my budget, do you guys recommend the D3000?Kenrockwell tagged it as the "worst DSLR by NIKON" :O any other suggestions for this range?

and one more Q...what are your experiences with the Grey Market?what kind of warranty do you get?and how do we make sure its a genuine and new product?


Thank you

[Cyclops]

Hi Ranjith,

I understand the AF part for Minolta lens on Sony Alpha series, but I'll just ask you to go to the shop, fix your old Minolta lens and try MF with it. Since they are old lens, they have very good grip when using MF compared to the recently introduced lenses as they have very smooth barrel rotation for less stress on battery. This is just my $0.02 (others may differ here).

I have used a D3000 for a couple of hours & IMHO, I find my humbler D40 much better, though D3000 has a few additional tit-bits for a newbie plus more focus points. But, since it doesn't have an in-built motor, AF would be troublesome & you need deeper pockets to get the Nikon DX built-in motor lens. 3rd party in-built lenses are cheaper compared to Nikon, but still sky high when compared to a camera with in-built motor. (My only repentance for getting a Nikon D40, as the lens need motor & I can't afford good telephoto ones).

In grey market, you don't get any warranty or guarantee of any sorts. Its just your luck, if you get a good piece you own the world other wise... :) My camera is a brand new grey market and had no problem with it for last 1.5 years. Since, I don't earn much, I can only afford to save and get grey market stuffs. Its usually genuine products bought in to the country illegally by smuggling and not paying any duty. So, the one who gets it can't show the papers and hence cheaper. You need to inspect the product thoroughly before getting from grey market.

Since, you are a malayalee (like me), you can get the product from outside via your relatives and its brand new with warranty and cheaper compared to here. :) Just an option. Or, cheaper still would be Canon 40D which has been replaced by 50D or getting a less used piece from abroad or good market in India. Keep searching for used and if luck is on your side, you will get a nice piece for less than your budget and rest cash can be spent on getting nicer lens as they matter more than the body. ;)

I hope this helps you out. :)

[Ranjith]

I understand the AF part for Minolta lens on Sony Alpha series, but I'll just ask you to go to the shop, fix your old Minolta lens and try MF with it
hmm now im confused...what i have understood so far is the the NON-AF Minolta lenses have a diff mount from the AF Lenses hence only AF Minolta Lenses mount on ALPHA's??

btw does the 550D have in body AF motor?


thank you

[KrishnenduKes]

Hi Ranjith,

Currently, Canon 550D at Canon Store is INR 51,995


That is the MRP. Actually deal price is usually less by several thousand!

[Cyclops]

hmm now im confused...what i have understood so far is the the NON-AF Minolta lenses have a diff mount from the AF Lenses hence only AF Minolta Lenses mount on ALPHA's??

btw does the 550D have in body AF motor?


thank you

1) Well, you need to check this online or at the shop. I've not used Sony so can't shed much light on it. You might also find some adapters for such things, but again, it needs patience and searching.

2) Yes, all Canon bodies have in-body AF motor/screw drive starting from the cheapest DSLR 1000D to 5D MK IV. This issue is only with the cheaper Nikon DSLRs only.

@KrishnenduKes - No one here is willing to give my friend the camera below the MRP, so just mentioned. Maybe things are different outside my state owing to VAT & other insane taxation.

[anvancy-(macro analyst)]

hmm now im confused...what i have understood so far is the the NON-AF Minolta lenses have a diff mount from the AF Lenses hence only AF Minolta Lenses mount on ALPHA's??

btw does the 550D have in body AF motor?


thank you

exactly.manual focus lenses will not work on AF bodies.thats why even I am facing problems getting old minolta lenses since all are MF but none are AF.the mount changed in AF which now is carried in Sony Alphas.thats why the Alpha is the mount name.

Sony lenses will work on my Maxxum but i dont want to dent my pocket.

Regarding Pentax Ill suggest ditch it since you have like 0.0000001% Pre and After Sales Service here.

And Btw last i checked the D90,with 18-105 VR which is a beautiful lens the quoted price was 50k.So if you want to join Nikon D90 is there.Now old but still an option.

Anvancy

[Ranjith]

I still have to check the prices for 550D..ive almost decided on tht


And Btw last i checked the D90,with 18-105 VR which is a beautiful lens the quoted price was 50k.So if you want to join Nikon D90 is there.Now old but still an option.

Anvancy
Yes even i liked the lens a lot...does Canon have a similar lens so tht i can get it along with the 550D body?

Thanks a lot

[KrishnenduKes]

I still have to check the prices for 550D..ive almost decided on tht


Yes even i liked the lens a lot...does Canon have a similar lens so tht i can get it along with the 550D body?

Thanks a lot

The Canon has a EFS 18-200 with IS, check here: http://www.the-digital-picture.com/Reviews/Canon-EF-S-18-200mm-f-3.5-5.6-IS-Lens-Review.aspx

And also a EFS 17-85 IS USM check here: http://www.the-digital-picture.com/Reviews/Canon-EF-S-17-85mm-f-4-5.6-IS-USM-Lens-Review.aspx

Now have I managed to confuse you even more! :)

Do let us know what you decided. :)

[hitanshu]

Do take a solid look at the Tamron 18-200 if you plan to use it alot for travel!

[Bibudesh]

@ranjith- I am kind of trying to understand the minolta lens thingy. Is the bayonet not fitting into A series SLRs?

If it is fitting then wats the big deal!.. I presume u know the fact that glass quality of minolta is league ahead of Nikkor/Canon counterparts!.

I dont find any issue in using MF with the SLR. Select the lens you need for sporting, birding etc. where u really need AF, buy them. For stuffs like portrait, landscapes etc. MF is absolutely fine.

I am using my 50mm AF on D40 for past 2 years without any hickup. I do manual.

If I were you, I would have never thought of any other brand given the fact of having minolta lens in my stable. Many Nikonians and canonians use adapter with minolta lenses.

[Ranjith]

@ranjith- I am kind of trying to understand the minolta lens thingy. Is the bayonet not fitting into A series SLRs?

If it is fitting then wats the big deal!.. I presume u know the fact that glass quality of minolta is league ahead of Nikkor/Canon counterparts!.

I dont find any issue in using MF with the SLR. Select the lens you need for sporting, birding etc. where u really need AF, buy them. For stuffs like portrait, landscapes etc. MF is absolutely fine.

I am using my 50mm AF on D40 for past 2 years without any hickup. I do manual.

If I were you, I would have never thought of any other brand given the fact of having minolta lens in my stable. Many Nikonians and canonians use adapter with minolta lenses.
i havent tried my Minolta lenses on an APLHA yet...but frm what i read i understand tht Non-AF Minolta lenses dont fit into ALPHAs due to an older mount...you need some kind of an adapter which is a bit hard to find not all tht great.
if these lenses would have fit the ALPHAs i would have considerd a SONY seriously!
btw what APLHA is an alternative to a 550D?

chk this link http://www.flickr.com/groups/sony_alpha/discuss/72157605226135097/

Do take a solid look at the Tamron 18-200 if you plan to use it alot for travel!
sure ill check it out! tnx!

The Canon has a EFS 18-200 with IS, check here: http://www.the-digital-picture.com/Reviews/Canon-EF-S-18-200mm-f-3.5-5.6-IS-Lens-Review.aspx

And also a EFS 17-85 IS USM check here: http://www.the-digital-picture.com/Reviews/Canon-EF-S-17-85mm-f-4-5.6-IS-USM-Lens-Review.aspx

Now have I managed to confuse you even more! :)

Do let us know what you decided. :)

tnx a lot..i hope the prices are good now! :)

[Ranjith]

guys one more Q
What all settings can you control over the Movie Mode on 500D?

Thank you

[Ranjith]

guys guys!
URGENT!
ill be going in sometime to get the 550D :D....any thing i should check for?any known problems with 550D ?and are all the canons MADE IN JAPAN?
ive got a deal for 44,940.27 INR.... KIT+8GB+Lowepro bag..D90 is only 4k rs more...but i want this HD recording badly!

thank you

UPDATE
GOT IT! :D

http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc3/hs550.snc3/30089_10150170356260058_590890057_12120123_4778865 _n.jpg

[KrishnenduKes]

guys guys!

thank you

UPDATE
GOT IT! :D


Congrats. All the best. Now show us what you can do with this machine! :D

Renaming thread!

[anvancy-(macro analyst)]

@ranjith- I am kind of trying to understand the minolta lens thingy. Is the bayonet not fitting into A series SLRs?

If it is fitting then wats the big deal!.. I presume u know the fact that glass quality of minolta is league ahead of Nikkor/Canon counterparts!.



Minolta changed to A mount once they started manufacturing Auto focus lenses.the mount was totally new than the old MF mounts.so Sony carried the alpha series to their cams.so only Alpha mount lenses will work on sony cams.no MF lenses.and shops dont have any adaptors for minolta users atleast here in my city.

Anvancy

[Technocrat]

Congrats on getting the 550D :)

[anvancy-(macro analyst)]

guys guys!

UPDATE
GOT IT! :D

http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc3/hs550.snc3/30089_10150170356260058_590890057_12120123_4778865 _n.jpg

wasnt the 550D along with 18-135 kit available?

Anvancy

[shutterbug]

Ranjith mone, Congrats on your new cam! Hope to check it out once you are back in Cochin.