i think if you watch the video again you might get your answer. note that i am refering to sony a55/33 only.

sniper has provided a good explanation on how to focus manually.

erm..did you watch the video that i posted? slow AF?

if your kid is running up down left right centre go far go near your lens, i doubt, as an amateur videographer, manual focussing can do a better job. even pro videographers might have a bit of problem for that matter.

if you are recording something moving moderately fast in a straight line without changing the direction or distance between the camera, i think the AF still can cope.

oh, and one more pros for the EVF, you can record videos through the view finder as well

can sony a33/a55 shoot video with manual focus ?
i read from others sony a33/a55 can only shoot video with AF, is it true ?

Yes of course I did. Was impressed with the speed of the autofocusing. Would have thought that big names like Canon and Nikon also the same. Surprised.

Think I'll like the EVF cos don't like holding camera away from body/face - it's not so steadly especially at shutter speeds longer than 0.5 second. Hate having to carry tripod or monopod.

Was checking the camera and lens prices just now and noticed that Canon bodies come in EOS and D series, correct? Can you guys tell me what are their differences? Thanks a lot.

of course can. just set the settings the MF.

big names? i'd like to think of them as heavily advertised brands.

oh, did i mention the a55 can go 10 frames per second too? but of course there are some restrictions shooting at such high speed.

errr..they are the same la..

eg. canon eos 550D, canon eos 5Dmark2...canon eos 7D.. can ask canon users to clarify though

I believe there will be less camera shakes cos no mirror movement as it is fixed. You all forgot to highlight that Variable Angle Xtra Fine LCD which I found very useful from past experience.

Just found out that Sony A33 can only shoot up to 11 minutes of video at 20 degrees Celsius with Image Stabilization turned on, due to sensor overheating issue. A55 worse, only 9 minutes. In our hot weather it'll be worse.

What a waste cos I've more or less decided on Sony SLT DSLR (provided it feel right when I go and check it out in the shop and not too bulky like I saw on the web). Now only need to see which model and package to go for. I may have to top up my budget by 1-2k if I go for A55. Hope my bank manager won't ask me to sleep on my own after my purchase.

Last but not least, thanks to all of you sifus for your guidance. Really appreciate it.
Mmm Koi Mmm Koi!!!

This post has been edited by sevenor: Oct 22 2010, 06:49 PM

hahaha. i knew you are going to say that. its negligible. if you turn off Super Steady Shot you can go up to 29 minutes.

but then again, ask yourself, how often are you going to shoot 11 minutes straight without pausing?

True, true. I agree. Phew!

The A55's EVF protrudes out so much wonder nice to use or not. Heard it has got this 'rainbow' ghosting issue.
And the PASM dial, so unconventional located. Don't know practical or not.
What do you guys think?

This post has been edited by sevenor: Oct 22 2010, 10:48 PM

why not you just go to a sony shop now and try for yourself instead of reading reviews. not to say they are useless...but sometimes..when something is so good..people tend to find the slightest of faults..

its lucky you haven't read the 'a55 sucks because it doesnt have soft focus/pin hole/tilt-shift filters unlike the canon 60D'...

Now? Now is already 11:21pm where can I still find photographic shop opened leh?
Tomorrow too busy think Sunday I'll check it out in one of the major retail outlets in The Curve.
Keeping my fingers cross that I'll like it and that the A55 body plus one good and practical lens is within my reach.

there are already a few users of sony a55 in this thread:

http://forum.lowyat.net/topic/1603420

maybe u can ask their opinion.

THANKS!

Type of camera/lens/accesories : DSLR
Budget:RM3k including accessories and lenses
Your Location: KL
Preferable brand : Can on
Type of photography u want to do : Everything
Any specific models in mind? : 450D,550D
Any specific features u want? : Good ISO performance

Additional comments(Please bear with me ):

Saw a good deal on a 2nd hand 450D body @ RM1.3k with 2 years+ warranty left.Budget below 3K.Initial target was a brand new 550D body@2.2k +2nd hand 1855 for around RM300 +accessories.If i get the 450D, i have around RM1.7k left which i could get a good lens like the siggy 30 f/1.4 or a Tammy 17-50 non VC.Both of which are definitely much superior than the 1855.But if i get the 550D, i can only afford a 1855 kitlens =(

I understand that the 550D has a much superior ISO limit and performance compared to the 450D, and a better metering system,FHD video recording and other really nice features.Oh ya, and that 18mp sensor! A fast lens like the siggy could probably compensate for the lack of ISO performance.Flashgun would be useful too.

And also, resale value of a 2nd hand body is higher than that of a brand new set.Heck,might be able to sell it off at the same price even!But a 2nd hand unit might be problematic and have some "hidden" problems,who knows? =D Brand new no need to say lar..

Haha reminds me of Kai's "expensive body with a cheapo lens or a cheapo body with an expensive lens".So what do ya guys recommend?Also, considering that i might upgrade my body in the future probably a few years time

Do advise =)

This post has been edited by -kytz-: Oct 23 2010, 11:22 PM

my question is, why do you need the 2nd body?

It will be my first body,i haven't gotten a DSLR ma-just lurking around Canon thread oni,hence maybe the confusion

Will sell off my LX3 to fund either options,bye bye You've served me well

Really pening..

This post has been edited by -kytz-: Oct 24 2010, 12:13 AM

lol. i'd take the canon 550D if i were you. much, much better specs. i have a 450D i know how sucky it is compared to 550D. oopsssssss. no offense 450D users =X

the kit lens is one of the best among the 3 big brands..and i'd suggest you save some money to get the VC version of the 1750..

and although the siggy is better in quality..how sure are you that you would like a prime?

In Kai's case... both are up-to-date bodies.

In your case... I'm with zstan on this, I'd still reckon the 550D and use the 18-55 IS (though $300 is a lil expensive).

Practice with the 18-55 IS first... you'd still be able to get more subject isolation and better low light capability than your current LX3.

ps: I just bought the 18-135mm today and if I can turn back time and to do everything all over again.. I would get the 18-135 kit.. since a jack-of-all-trade lens always have a place in the dry box. Now I dunno what to do with all the other lens I don't use anymore.

sell off lor... all ur unused lens.

This post has been edited by leongkokloon: Oct 24 2010, 10:44 AM

I'm still indecisive of two dslr . one of them would be my first dslr : Canon 500D or 550D

a forumer offered his july set 550D + 18-135mm with 4Gb memory , bag and Hoya filters for 3.25k .

my initial plan was to get a 500D new/used since I don't think I use the HD video function at all .

is 3.25k worth it ? or should I just settle for the 500D with 18-55mm brand new set do advise . thanks

price drop already la.... can get it for 3k 2nd hand unit

Type of camera/lens/accesories : DSLR
Budget: 2k
Your Location: KL
Preferable brand : Canon
Type of photography u want to do : Scenery, potrait
Any specific models in mind? : 500D
Any specific features u want? : none