what about the Nikon latest model from Nikon D3000? the price is just around RM2000+ with guide mode really good to teach beginners.. looks same or maybe better than Canon 1000D from the spec alone.. except no live view..

go for 1000D. CMOS sensor is better. and IINM the sensor in Nikon cameras was made by Sony,no?

All brands sensors r made by Sony, this is what i heard from another forum

ah..that is where you are wrong my fren
Canon actually has it's own fab to make CMOS sensors for them
that's why you have APS-C 15 mp, 18mp, FF 21 mp and APS-H sensors
the others uses Sony sensors, that's why you see most Nikon and Sony uses same format and mp count sensors

then this confirm my suspicion
i was like, 'how the heck Sony would be manufacturing the sensors for all brands?!'

interface and buttons and all, simplified from the previous version until people don't like it. even changing AF point also take more steps.

this is a good thread and useful for me due to I also wanna start playing wif DSLR... I think I will go for Canon 450D for my starting point~

Besides, I think if you have a gang for friendship playing the same brand DSLR with different Lens, that will more fun in your learning... Can do lens exchange and try out more effect~

This post has been edited by jeffreyng: Sep 26 2009, 10:11 AM

the brothers/sisters here very often organised a TT (teh tarik) session.
You can post in the Nikon, Canon or Sony thread and look for any TT session. Then you can try and ask questions with those photo kakis. Good way to learn (and get poisoned as well) this TT thing

Ya.. I have a question to ask... My hand is not a steady hands..

so am I suitable to play around DSLR? I think that many photographer need the hand very steady only can get the nice picture..

but somehow, my friends said it can be solve with the lens itself.. so any advices?

your friends talk as if lens so magical. LOL. don't think they know what they're talking about.

so Goldfries... any advices? is DSLR suitable for me?

the advice all given already. just refer to page 1 and 2. there's no way to tell which one is best for you - in the end there will be ONE that suits you.

about the hand shake, you must understand that whether stabilization on LENS or on BODY - it NEVER solves your lack of steady hand problem. it just help by making the situation better.

Nikon and Canon (now Sigma also has) has lenses that has the mechanism that tries to compensate camera shake (some call it image stabiliser, etc). However those lenses are wee bit pricey.
On Nikon, the lenses are the VR models (VR = vibration reduction iianm)
On Canon, the lenses are IS ( = image stabilizer)

However on Sony Alpha camera has the image stabilizing mechanism on the camera body. (sony's term is SSS = Super Steady Shot). Advantage of having the image stabilizing mechanis on the camera body is, you can have SuperSteadyShots on any lenses you put on your Sony Alpha camera body.

Hope Ive explained it clearly Im not too good with words

since the thread is concerning beginners, what kind of focal length advancement is recommended for a normal learning curve? Everyone starts out with the kit lens. Would the nifty fifty be a good next step? Or a constant-aperture lens that has a range before and after 50mm? Or exploring the remaining focal length from 55 to 200mm? Flashgun?

For focal length this might help

Focal Length

so If let say I buy Canon 450D with IS Kit.. it means it got image stabilizer effect?

If the Canon lens has the IS written on it, then it has the image stabilization mechanism. Im not sure is the 450D kit lens has it though. The Canon IS lens are not cheap IMHO hence I do not think those IS lense are offered as kit (ie they are sold separately). Kit lenses generally are basic lenses that should be enough to get beginners started shooting with less hassle.

However, to avoid shaking, you can experiment shooting photos with higher camera shutter speed too.

Am I confusing you?

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Added on September 26, 2009, 10:55 am
normal learning curve?

It depends on the person's requirement IMHO. If the person likes shooting in low lit surrounding eg indoor/house/etc... then lenses with shorter focal length with big aperture.
For shooters that shoot sports / games... then a longer lense would be the logical advancement.


This post has been edited by Banzai_san: Sep 26 2009, 10:55 AM

no.. u are not confusing me... very thanks for your advice!

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Added on September 26, 2009, 10:59 amif it stated:
EOS 450D Kit (18-55IS)

consider IS lens?

This post has been edited by jeffreyng: Sep 26 2009, 10:59 AM

Yes that kit comes with IS means got Image Stabilisation.

should be.

IMHO the 450D camera are good beginner DSLR camera.
The suggestions by the brothers (and sisters?) here are sound.

Shop around first. Try the 450D or other canon beginner DSLR camera. Try also the Nikon entry level cameras. And try and test Sony Alpha A200/230/300/330/350/380 (A380 I think is not available in Malaysia) range of beginner level camera.
Try holding those cameras and feel them in your hands. You would then have a better view / personal opinion on those cameras.

Once you hv short list which one... then compare price. Some shops give lower price but jack up the price for accessories. You can even post here the pricing and ask the bros (sisters?) here whether the pricing is acceptable or rediculous
Just dont get conned into buying everything the salesperson push to you...