First of all, I would like to start with my exposure to a DSLR and then the idea of getting a DSLR. I first saw a DSLR is way back ago when two of my friends brought their Nikon to a friend's birthday party. That was the first time I heard the shutter sound of a SLR/D-SLR camera and it is quite addicting to listen to it to be honest. You can listen to it non stop and never felt bored! (at least for me =P)
They are the first few who owns a DSLR before it becomes a trend in our society. A normal person with least interest in photography will be satisfied to settle down with a normal compact digital camera.
Over the years, more and more people started to own a DSLR, be it an entry-level model or a professional body. From the days of feeling "Oh man, you are so cool to have that big bulky camera hanging around your neck!" till the feeling of "Oh man, another noob shooting with auto mode and even camwhore with a DSLR!". I told myself not to be someone like that and should really master the basics before I shift from compacts to SLRs.
One by one, my friends around me owns a DSLR. Even my relatives gained interest and bought themselves a DSLR too. Whether they are following the trend, or they do really have interest in photography. With the entry level bodies going around the RM2k range, owning a DSLR is no longer a luxurious dream.
I always resist myself when I saw my friends posting photos they took, holding a DSLR on their hands, taking nice pictures. The temptation is really hard to resist and I tell myself, I should not follow the trend. Do I have the money to buy 1? Do I have the time to learn about photography, since photography is an art, and not random point-and-shoot for fun thingy.
Sometimes it is also very funny to see some people add in watermarks for their so so pictures and make it seems very professional. The real photographers adds watermark to distinguish their work, as well as copyright their images. But seeing the amateurs and beginners putting watermark on meaningless photos is really a big joke, no offense!
One day when me and my bro are cleaning up the house, we found our dad's old camera box. To our suprise, we found two SLR cameras inside! Along with it we discovered two lenses, two broken flash guns and some filters. At that time, we know nothing about cameras and their accessories. So we just try to fit the lens and look through the viewfinder, to try to grab the feeling of holding a DSLR.
My dad bought these two bodies from Singapore a long time ago according to my mum, I never know he had the interest of photography. I guess the hobby of photography is an expensive hobby to play with due to the use of film and the price of the gears back then. The models are Canon AT-1 and Canon AE-1 but the Canon AE-1 has a faulty shutter release as you can notice from the pictures below. According to my dad, given the suitable battery, the SLR SHOULD BE ABLE to function properly but we never try it thou.
As I mentioned at that time, we know nothing about camera, we know nothing about lens. We dunno what is aperture, what is focal length and all the buttons and dials on the camera body. All we know is to attach the lens and try to focus through the viewfinder. However, we felt weird as we are only able to focus but not zooming through the lens. We don't even know how to read the labels off the lens and the meaning of it too. Yes, total noob.
After doing some reading on the net, finally I understand all the meaning of the labels on the lens. My dad has two 50mm lens, which is obviously single focal, that explains the reason of unable to zoom when we rotate the lens ring. The one of it has an aperture of f1.8 and the other one has an aperture of f1.4, which is a very good prime lens but too bad it is not compatible with the newer DSLR models.
Next will be the two National flashguns which I doubt the functionality of it as it is quite old and one of it has a broken horseshoe mount. Nothing much to elaborate about since flashgun is not my expertise. We'll move on to the filters.
There are alot of filters in the camera box, all with the size of 52mm, which fits both of the 50mm lenses. These filters are not the common filters that are used nowadays, some like the skylight(1B), Center-spot and star-eight filters are least common compared to the UV, CPL and ND filters. These filters can still be reused in the future, given the same diameter lenses.
OK, that basically ends my talk on the antique cameras that we found from my dad's old camera box. This further increase my interest of getting a DSLR for quality use.
As I mentioned earlier in the previous post, I promised myself not to think of buying a DSLR unless I managed to graduate in first class. Well, while waiting for my results, I started to read up about DSLR, the basics, their functions, the differences and so on. I also read up about what we able to control in a DSLR that a compact digital camera doesn't has, such as the aperture, the shutter speed and etc that depends on the camera model. However, at that time being, my knowledge about lenses are pretty much zero and also, even thou I understand the difference and some basics, i'm still not very good at it.
I was confused about why DSLR has so many models given that they provide the same function? (that was what I think that time) I only know two brands, which are Nikon and Canon at that time. All my friends are in Nikon camp, non of my friends are using a Canon at that time. My relatives on the other hand, one has a Nikon D90, while the other one has a Canon, which model is not known.
I only know a few models such as the Nikon's D3000, D5000, D90 and D40; Canon's 1000D, 450D and 500D at that time, and I dunno what's the difference between these models. I can only roughly judge the performance of each model based on their price tag. The bigger the number, the better it is, make sense?
Slowly after this, I start to read up reviews of various models and also read comments on forum about the different models and brands and start to learn more and more about DSLR. I also realised that besides the SLR/D-SLR, the camera industry has come up with newer technologies such as the micro 4/3 cameras and the alpha cameras, with their pros and cons compared to the SLRs.
However, I still prefer the bulky look of a DSLR and also the availability of lenses to be chosen from. The maturity of DSLR is way advanced than other new technologies. When the time these technologies reached the same maturity, I guess my camera almost reach its time as well.
After deciding on getting one, I set a budget and also started to scout for the appropriate brand and model. I decided to narrow down my scope to Canon and Nikon with a budget of approximately RM3000. I also decided not to go for lower entry levels such as Nikon D3000 and Canon 1000D etc as I know definitely will be tempted for an upgrade after some time.
My options are further narrow down to Canon's 500D and Nikon's D90. Performance wise, the D90 wins hands down of course, but it also comes with a bigger price tag. Canon's 500D on the other hand, is cheaper, and has higher megapixels (which doesn't really matter) but some how lose out in some functionality.
Besides that, many people around me owns a D90 and I don't feel like getting a similar one unless there's no other options. My selection is then further narrow down to Canon, and with the newer Canon 550D, it really attracts my attention with all the functions and the attractive price tag.
So I began to search for a best deal, targeting Canon 550D, probably with kit lens. I have no idea about lenses during that time and I thought any lens will do. Further reading recently exposes me to various kind of lenses and their differences, and often a lens can easily cost more than the camera body itself.
After surveying around, the best deal at that time was RM2350 body only, RM2700 for 18-55 kit lens, RM2900 for 18-55 kit lens package. Then my brother told me that a 18-135 lens will be a better deal for a walkabout zoom lens, and then we started to look for 18-135 package as well.
Unfortunately, not long after that, I was recalled for National Service and the scouting for a camera is halted. However, I still ask my gf and my brother to continue scouting for me during my away. I realised that Canon Malaysia is having a 1+2 years warranty promotion that will end on the 31st of August 2010 (which is extended to 31st of December 2010) and my NS training ends early September. Which means, I cannot make it for the promotion if I were to buy it after my NS. Hence, I decided to purchase it during my NS break between 10th to 15th August.
The best deal we can find for 18-135 kit lens package will be RM3600 inclusive of UV filter, tripod, 8GB SDHC card and a bag. Which is currently the best deal for our current location at Kuala Lumpur. I contacted the seller and made arrangements to meet her up in low yat plaza. This is the most expensive one-pieced equipment I ever bought.
Collecting my camera on the 11th of August, the Canon EOS 550D has joined my family of gadgets, together with my handphone and my PC. As expected the tripod and bag given are the generic ones, which is a DIGIeye TR-37 and a generic bag. However the SDHC card is slightly better than my expectation, which is a Toshiba Class 4 SDHC instead of a common SanDisk Class 4 SDHC. Even thou both brands, given the same class, the Toshiba records video in FullHD with no problems with some acceptable FPS drops. Which is still better than the SanDisk which often drops out and stops recording due to the slower writing speed. I'm quite satisfied with the card given. As for the others, such as the filter, tripod and bag, no complains for such a price tag. I will slowly upgrade it in the future, have been eyeing on some particular products recently and only will buy it when money permits.
The Canon EOS 550D, or known as Canon Rebel T2i in US or Canon EOS Kiss X4 in Japan, is the successor of the previous model, EOS 500D. However, everything in 550D is redesigned including sensors, processor, buttons, screens etc. Overall, it is way better than the 500D in terms of performance. In fact, the 550D is also known as a baby 7D as both cameras has almost identical functions and specifications, including the megapixels, metering technology, sensor type and video recording mode. Only a few things distinguish the 7D away from 550D which are the dual sensor, ergonomics , AF points and the continuous burst mode of 8fps compared to the lower 3.7fps of the 550D.
More details can be obtained from this complete review from dpreview.
Canon EOS 550D/Rebel T2i Review
It gives a very complete detail of the specification, functions as well as the new technology implemented on it. Otherwise, you can also refer to one of my favourite reviewer in Youtube below.
I think the reviews and videos covers all the things I wish to share about this camera. It is one of the top entry-level DSLRs offered by Canon.
The next thing I would like to talk about is the lens. The EF-S 18-135mm F/3.5-5.6 IS standard zoom lens is a relatively new lens that fits in between the 18-55mm and 18-200mm. The EF-S lens is specially designed for APS-C sensors bodies, which is not a full-framed obviously. This lens is made in Taiwan, feels plastic, yet solid and weighs about 455g. I will let the website reviews to do the technical talking for me.
Photozone
The-Digital-Picture.com
Well, even thou this may not be the best lens around, yet it is still a good walkabout lens that covers most of the focal length needed for normal daily usage, be itwide or telephoto. Comes with a RRP of RM2000, often be able to get it for less than RM1600.
If you notice from the picture above, there is another small lens together with the EF-S 18-135mm. This particular lens is the lightest and cheapest lens from Canon, with a RRP of RM350 and often you can get at RM290 for this small little prime lens. It's the EF 50mm F1.8 II, the lightest (150g) lens from Canon, suitable for portraits and mayb some low-light shooting.
When I hold it on hand, it gives me a very plastic toy feel, as claimed by many others. It doesn't make you think that it is actually a DSLR lens, compared to my dad's 50mm F1.8 and this EF 50mm F1.8, the ergonomics is very different. The old lens is way heavier and solid than this plastic "toy". However, never judge the book by its cover. The price may seem cheap, but never let it deceive you, the image quality delivered by this lens is considered very good and sharp for its price and no complains from me!
The downside of this lens is the AF (auto-focus) is very slow and the micro-motor is noisier than my EF-S 18-135mm. Some people maybe annoyed by the focusing sound as it really reassembles the noisy toy motor sound. Another thing is the tight focal length of this lens on a crop-body, especially on my 550D with a 1.6x crop factor, which is identical to a 80mm focal length for a 50mm lens. Which is very tight especially when you have to shooting in a tight room or on the same table, trying to take pictures of everybody. Often, you need to stand a lot further behind your subject in order to put everything in the frame. Nevertheless, this prime lens is the best bang for buck available in the market as long as you are not too choosy about the build quality and the squeecky-cheecky noisy micro motor in it. This made in Malaysia lens gives very nice and sharp portraits and food shots, but with a 5 blade aperture that gives a pentagonal bokeh. Well, doesn't really matter as long as it is CHEAP!!
For more information, visit the review site from dpreiview
Overall, the Canon EOS 550D is a very good camera for starters like me with all the top-notch function available for a small body like it. Even thou some people complained about the petite size of this rebel model, I find it suitable for my hands as my hands aren't that big either. It grips well into my fingers and palms. I have no regrets on buying this baby even thou there is a minor price slash on the price of the body recently for the gila-gila sales. The only thing I dislike is the 1.6x crop factor and the 9-point AF focus, which is too little in my opinion. But of course, if you want more, you have to pay more. Full frame bodies are way out of my budget unless I'm earning a good pay from my work.
All the future upgrades and additional accessories will be remain as wishlist and shall only be considered in the future. First, I would like to add some filters esp CPL, then will be a proper bag to keep my gears, followed by a flashgun and a professional tripod, no need too high-end, but yet enough for my future travel usage. Lastly will be additional lenses, probably a wide-angle or ultra wide angle (UWA) lens, telephoto lens and maybe a L-lens and a macro lens. A body upgrade might be considered, but it all depends on my pay wage in the future. For now, it all remains in my wish list, as a future term.
My first noob experience of handling a DSLR will be updated in my next post.
Next will be the two National flashguns which I doubt the functionality of it as it is quite old and one of it has a broken horseshoe mount. Nothing much to elaborate about since flashgun is not my expertise. We'll move on to the filters.
There are alot of filters in the camera box, all with the size of 52mm, which fits both of the 50mm lenses. These filters are not the common filters that are used nowadays, some like the skylight(1B), Center-spot and star-eight filters are least common compared to the UV, CPL and ND filters. These filters can still be reused in the future, given the same diameter lenses.
OK, that basically ends my talk on the antique cameras that we found from my dad's old camera box. This further increase my interest of getting a DSLR for quality use.As I mentioned earlier in the previous post, I promised myself not to think of buying a DSLR unless I managed to graduate in first class. Well, while waiting for my results, I started to read up about DSLR, the basics, their functions, the differences and so on. I also read up about what we able to control in a DSLR that a compact digital camera doesn't has, such as the aperture, the shutter speed and etc that depends on the camera model. However, at that time being, my knowledge about lenses are pretty much zero and also, even thou I understand the difference and some basics, i'm still not very good at it.
I was confused about why DSLR has so many models given that they provide the same function? (that was what I think that time) I only know two brands, which are Nikon and Canon at that time. All my friends are in Nikon camp, non of my friends are using a Canon at that time. My relatives on the other hand, one has a Nikon D90, while the other one has a Canon, which model is not known.
I only know a few models such as the Nikon's D3000, D5000, D90 and D40; Canon's 1000D, 450D and 500D at that time, and I dunno what's the difference between these models. I can only roughly judge the performance of each model based on their price tag. The bigger the number, the better it is, make sense?
Slowly after this, I start to read up reviews of various models and also read comments on forum about the different models and brands and start to learn more and more about DSLR. I also realised that besides the SLR/D-SLR, the camera industry has come up with newer technologies such as the micro 4/3 cameras and the alpha cameras, with their pros and cons compared to the SLRs.
However, I still prefer the bulky look of a DSLR and also the availability of lenses to be chosen from. The maturity of DSLR is way advanced than other new technologies. When the time these technologies reached the same maturity, I guess my camera almost reach its time as well.
After deciding on getting one, I set a budget and also started to scout for the appropriate brand and model. I decided to narrow down my scope to Canon and Nikon with a budget of approximately RM3000. I also decided not to go for lower entry levels such as Nikon D3000 and Canon 1000D etc as I know definitely will be tempted for an upgrade after some time.
My options are further narrow down to Canon's 500D and Nikon's D90. Performance wise, the D90 wins hands down of course, but it also comes with a bigger price tag. Canon's 500D on the other hand, is cheaper, and has higher megapixels (which doesn't really matter) but some how lose out in some functionality.
Besides that, many people around me owns a D90 and I don't feel like getting a similar one unless there's no other options. My selection is then further narrow down to Canon, and with the newer Canon 550D, it really attracts my attention with all the functions and the attractive price tag.
So I began to search for a best deal, targeting Canon 550D, probably with kit lens. I have no idea about lenses during that time and I thought any lens will do. Further reading recently exposes me to various kind of lenses and their differences, and often a lens can easily cost more than the camera body itself.
After surveying around, the best deal at that time was RM2350 body only, RM2700 for 18-55 kit lens, RM2900 for 18-55 kit lens package. Then my brother told me that a 18-135 lens will be a better deal for a walkabout zoom lens, and then we started to look for 18-135 package as well.
Unfortunately, not long after that, I was recalled for National Service and the scouting for a camera is halted. However, I still ask my gf and my brother to continue scouting for me during my away. I realised that Canon Malaysia is having a 1+2 years warranty promotion that will end on the 31st of August 2010 (which is extended to 31st of December 2010) and my NS training ends early September. Which means, I cannot make it for the promotion if I were to buy it after my NS. Hence, I decided to purchase it during my NS break between 10th to 15th August.
The best deal we can find for 18-135 kit lens package will be RM3600 inclusive of UV filter, tripod, 8GB SDHC card and a bag. Which is currently the best deal for our current location at Kuala Lumpur. I contacted the seller and made arrangements to meet her up in low yat plaza. This is the most expensive one-pieced equipment I ever bought.
Collecting my camera on the 11th of August, the Canon EOS 550D has joined my family of gadgets, together with my handphone and my PC. As expected the tripod and bag given are the generic ones, which is a DIGIeye TR-37 and a generic bag. However the SDHC card is slightly better than my expectation, which is a Toshiba Class 4 SDHC instead of a common SanDisk Class 4 SDHC. Even thou both brands, given the same class, the Toshiba records video in FullHD with no problems with some acceptable FPS drops. Which is still better than the SanDisk which often drops out and stops recording due to the slower writing speed. I'm quite satisfied with the card given. As for the others, such as the filter, tripod and bag, no complains for such a price tag. I will slowly upgrade it in the future, have been eyeing on some particular products recently and only will buy it when money permits.
The Canon EOS 550D, or known as Canon Rebel T2i in US or Canon EOS Kiss X4 in Japan, is the successor of the previous model, EOS 500D. However, everything in 550D is redesigned including sensors, processor, buttons, screens etc. Overall, it is way better than the 500D in terms of performance. In fact, the 550D is also known as a baby 7D as both cameras has almost identical functions and specifications, including the megapixels, metering technology, sensor type and video recording mode. Only a few things distinguish the 7D away from 550D which are the dual sensor, ergonomics , AF points and the continuous burst mode of 8fps compared to the lower 3.7fps of the 550D.
More details can be obtained from this complete review from dpreview.
Canon EOS 550D/Rebel T2i Review
It gives a very complete detail of the specification, functions as well as the new technology implemented on it. Otherwise, you can also refer to one of my favourite reviewer in Youtube below.
I think the reviews and videos covers all the things I wish to share about this camera. It is one of the top entry-level DSLRs offered by Canon.
The next thing I would like to talk about is the lens. The EF-S 18-135mm F/3.5-5.6 IS standard zoom lens is a relatively new lens that fits in between the 18-55mm and 18-200mm. The EF-S lens is specially designed for APS-C sensors bodies, which is not a full-framed obviously. This lens is made in Taiwan, feels plastic, yet solid and weighs about 455g. I will let the website reviews to do the technical talking for me.
Photozone
The-Digital-Picture.com
Well, even thou this may not be the best lens around, yet it is still a good walkabout lens that covers most of the focal length needed for normal daily usage, be itwide or telephoto. Comes with a RRP of RM2000, often be able to get it for less than RM1600.
If you notice from the picture above, there is another small lens together with the EF-S 18-135mm. This particular lens is the lightest and cheapest lens from Canon, with a RRP of RM350 and often you can get at RM290 for this small little prime lens. It's the EF 50mm F1.8 II, the lightest (150g) lens from Canon, suitable for portraits and mayb some low-light shooting.
When I hold it on hand, it gives me a very plastic toy feel, as claimed by many others. It doesn't make you think that it is actually a DSLR lens, compared to my dad's 50mm F1.8 and this EF 50mm F1.8, the ergonomics is very different. The old lens is way heavier and solid than this plastic "toy". However, never judge the book by its cover. The price may seem cheap, but never let it deceive you, the image quality delivered by this lens is considered very good and sharp for its price and no complains from me!The downside of this lens is the AF (auto-focus) is very slow and the micro-motor is noisier than my EF-S 18-135mm. Some people maybe annoyed by the focusing sound as it really reassembles the noisy toy motor sound. Another thing is the tight focal length of this lens on a crop-body, especially on my 550D with a 1.6x crop factor, which is identical to a 80mm focal length for a 50mm lens. Which is very tight especially when you have to shooting in a tight room or on the same table, trying to take pictures of everybody. Often, you need to stand a lot further behind your subject in order to put everything in the frame. Nevertheless, this prime lens is the best bang for buck available in the market as long as you are not too choosy about the build quality and the squeecky-cheecky noisy micro motor in it. This made in Malaysia lens gives very nice and sharp portraits and food shots, but with a 5 blade aperture that gives a pentagonal bokeh. Well, doesn't really matter as long as it is CHEAP!!
For more information, visit the review site from dpreiview
Overall, the Canon EOS 550D is a very good camera for starters like me with all the top-notch function available for a small body like it. Even thou some people complained about the petite size of this rebel model, I find it suitable for my hands as my hands aren't that big either. It grips well into my fingers and palms. I have no regrets on buying this baby even thou there is a minor price slash on the price of the body recently for the gila-gila sales. The only thing I dislike is the 1.6x crop factor and the 9-point AF focus, which is too little in my opinion. But of course, if you want more, you have to pay more. Full frame bodies are way out of my budget unless I'm earning a good pay from my work.
All the future upgrades and additional accessories will be remain as wishlist and shall only be considered in the future. First, I would like to add some filters esp CPL, then will be a proper bag to keep my gears, followed by a flashgun and a professional tripod, no need too high-end, but yet enough for my future travel usage. Lastly will be additional lenses, probably a wide-angle or ultra wide angle (UWA) lens, telephoto lens and maybe a L-lens and a macro lens. A body upgrade might be considered, but it all depends on my pay wage in the future. For now, it all remains in my wish list, as a future term.
My first noob experience of handling a DSLR will be updated in my next post.
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