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Upgrade my DSLR or buy new lenses?

 
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rocklee



Joined: 04 Oct 2005
Location: Seoul

PostPosted: Sat Jun 16, 2007 11:11 pm    Post subject: Upgrade my DSLR or buy new lenses? Reply with quote

I'm an owner of a Nikon D50 of which I've had for 2 years now with the same lenses (Nikkor VR 18-55). I love it for the fact that I don't have to do much but point and shoot and the occasional artsy shots every now and then. I'm debating between buying a new lense (18-200) or buying a new camera altogether. Doing either would more or less cost the same.

One of the main reason for the upgrade is because while the Nikon is good, I find myself having to edit my pictures on computer, mostly to add a bit of contrast. The Nikon is sharp but lacks life in its photos. I know I've been using the cheapo 18-55 lenses, I've pretty much been relying on creativity than on the strengths of the camera/lenses. Would a 18-200 change anything or do I need to get a better camera? I'm not really one to buy boxes of lenses.

Are there any Sony A100 owners out there? This camera appeals for the following reasons :

Quote:
Fight Blur With Your Camera, Not Your Lens

The DSLR-A100 camera is engineered to combat blurry pictures through high light sensitivity (up to ISO 1600) and Super SteadyShot� image stabilization, a Sony technology that shifts the image sensor to compensate for camera movement.

Because Super SteadyShot is built into the camera body, all compatible telephoto, wide-angle, standard and macro lenses are automatically image-stabilized. This also allows from two to 3-1/2 stops of latitude in exposure, which supports hand-held shooting at longer shutter speeds than would otherwise be possible. In the end, you have more opportunities to shoot in natural lighting without a tripod or a flash.

Innovative Approach to Deliver Exceptional Image Quality

The α (Alpha) DSLR-A100 will be the only D-SLR camera that can optimize dynamic range, meaning the range from highlights to shadows, including gain and contrast, through in-camera hardware processing.

Sony�s Dynamic Range Optimizer (DRO) analyzes the captured image data and instantly determines the best exposure and color tonality of an image before JPEG compression. Unlike software optimization of a processed image, DRO is performed in the hardware. It is the first hardware-based DRO solution with the speed required for high-speed shooting.

Now You Can Really Catch The Action

The high-speed Bionz image processing engine allows you to capture pictures at lightning speed. The camera will offer high-speed burst shooting at up to three frames per second continuously, at 10.2-megapixels and the finest JPEG compression. For those action shots, you�re limited only by the speed of your media card.

The new camera will also have a long battery life. The supplied lithium ion battery gives you up to 750 shots per full charge, depending on usage patterns and environmental conditions.

Get Dust under Control

�For D-SLR camera users,� Neal said that, �dust is the enemy.�

Dust collects on the image sensor, usually when lenses are changed, and appears as annoying spots in photos, which then need to be retouched later. Sony�s new system offers a novel, two-pronged approach to fighting dust.

The camera�s CCD image sensor has an indium tin oxide coating to avoid static build-up so that dust does not readily adhere. Additionally, when you turn the camera on or off, an anti-dust feature is activated to literally shake off dust particles.

A Flexible System for Creative Possibilities

Sony is continuing its long-standing relationship with Carl Zeiss� to deliver superior optical performance for the α (Alpha) camera system. The two companies have co-developed three lenses, including an ultra-wide, 16-80 mm Vario-Sonnar T* zoom model and two fixed focal length telephoto models ─ a Planar T* 85 mm and Sonnar T* 135 mm.

The system will also be supported with a full range of accessories, including a line-up of flashes, cable releases, rechargeable battery packs and several styles of carrying cases.

Convenience and Simplicity

The α (Alpha) camera also features eye-start auto focus, which starts focusing your picture before you even press the shutter; a 2.5-inch Clear Photo LCD Plus� screen for wide-angle viewing and exceptional color reproduction; JPEG and RAW file format support; and a comfortable camera grip with easily-accessible function and mode dials.

There is a slot for CompactFlash Type I/II and Microdrive� media cards. The camera also accepts Memory Stick PRO� and Memory Stick PRO Duo� media cards through a supplied adaptor.
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dogshed



Joined: 28 Apr 2006

PostPosted: Sun Jun 17, 2007 4:18 am    Post subject: Reply with quote

Here's a review. I really like dpreview.com They
have a feature compare where you can check the features
you want and get a table of cameras to compare.

http://www.dpreview.com/reviews/sonydslra100/
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rocklee



Joined: 04 Oct 2005
Location: Seoul

PostPosted: Sun Jun 17, 2007 4:40 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

Hey thanks, I actually got the above info from that site Very Happy
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unplugged_boy



Joined: 17 Jul 2006

PostPosted: Mon Jun 18, 2007 9:11 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

get the lenses. that 18-55mm is a piece of sh*t.

if i was in your position...
i wouldn't break the bank on a nikon zoom lens. look around get a much cheaper sigma or tamron alternative. zoom lens is a compromise and should be used for convenience when you don't wanna carry so many lenses. with the extra cash, i would recommend getting some nice prime lenses as well. 28mm, 50mm, 135mm etc.. you can find some older good glass without AF on ebay at pretty cheap prices. you'll see the difference in your pictures.

the camera you got now is not bad. its a good little camera that is comparable to the d70 in performance. and besides.. the lenses that you buy now can be used later in future if you then have the cash to upgrade.
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Giant



Joined: 14 May 2003
Location: South Korea

PostPosted: Tue Jun 19, 2007 1:53 am    Post subject: Reply with quote

Simple, get better lenses and learn to shoot with manual mode.
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SuperHero



Joined: 10 Dec 2003
Location: Superhero Hideout

PostPosted: Tue Jun 19, 2007 3:27 am    Post subject: Reply with quote

Giant wrote:
Simple, get better lenses and learn to shoot with manual mode.

I agree.

kit lenses bite. if you are using automatic you may as well just buy a point and shoot.
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