I use "Single" Point, never use Area mode....

See the article again, it also can happen for single point:
"If the focus area contains objects at different distances from the camera, such as Subject is inside a cage. The two different distances read by the same sensor will confuse the AF system."

"If the main subject in the focus brackets is relatively small, such as a person standing in front of a distant background. This may result in the background being in focus, while the subject is out of focus. This is more likely to occur when a wide angle lens is used."

My case, if I remember correctly, the subject appears bigger than the focus point (which I'm using the center here), but only slightly bigger if I'm not wrong. So, it's possible that the Focus Point actual size is bigger than what we see in the camera? Else, I'm not sure what's wrong, unless I remember wrongly.

Anyway, next time need to be more careful for such situation, perhaps can try focus on the body/clothes which have better contrast to ensure the focus lock correctly.

You can try shashinki, there's a brand called Justino I think; It's China brand I think, but from the review of shashinki owner, it's seems to be good quality and durable. You can try read and check it out, the price is cheaper than those branded ones.

Another brand you can take a look at is "Vanguard", the quality and looks is good, there's many types of model to choose from as well, and the price is cheaper than those branded ones. There's people selling in LYN, or you can find them in certain shops which carries Vanguard products, but they're selling at retail price which is really expensive. One shop that gives good price for the Vanguard product is the "Olympus" shop at MidValley Megamall, ground floor, near Harvey Norman / Fish Manhattan. Most other shop is really expensive, especially Foto Flash (even after their sale discount).

A high end prosumer will do; There's no need to invest on a DSLR, plus when you invest on a DSLR with just kitlens, you're limited with max aperture of f/3.5, and when you zoom, it'll be at f/5.6; While with a point and shoot, most of them comes with f/2.8.
Next, the DOF, with DSLR, you would get more problems like sharpness, subject not in focus, etc. With Point and Shoot, you don't really get these problems or even know this problem exist. In short, when you get DSLR, you might find it's not really so great if you don't utilize or learn how to use it properly. The shots may actually come out worst than a point and shoot.
Plus, the weight and size makes it more inconvenient to carry around, some/many people bought it, excited for a period of time, then leave it at closet, etc. It becomes a burden to carry it around to where they go, they rather use their handphone.

One more thing with DSLR, if you refer to use "LiveView" or the "LCD", you should forget about DSLR. I'd said it function worst than a point and shoot, it's slow, and when you take a photo, it'll actually black out and there's noticeable delay, etc.
And if you use a viewfinder, whatever settings you change, you don't see the "effects" in the viewfinder, so people who are used to the "LCD" will feel wierd (e.g. the settings produce a dark image, but it doesn't reflect on the viewfinder; unlike a point and shoot, you will see the effect in the LCD so you can make necessary adjustment).

If you're keen on photography but not investing so much, and prefers something that's easy to carry around (which you wouldn't worry everytime you want to go out), smaller in size, etc. yet as powerful as DSLR. You can actually check out those EVIL or mirrorless cameras, e.g. Sony NEX, Panasonic G series (GF, GH), Olympuns PEN, etc.
Sony NEX maybe bulkier especially with the 18-55mm lens, but it has sensor size similar to a DSLR and excellent noise handling.
The latest GF3 is more towards consumer, small and slim.
The Olympus PEN is more towards profesional.
All supports touch-screen, and blazing fast focusing (especially the Panasonic and Olympus - what's more, you can touch, the camera will focus and takes a picture IMMEDIATELY with no delay and no "processing image" or "saving", which means, you can do it continuously... With DSLR on LiveView mode, you can't even compare....).

Even with DLSR, you need to know how to use to get to take proper night scene city shot; If on AUTO, most likely it will use slow shutter, or if you use NIGHT SCENE mode, it will also use slow shutter. So.... you still need to hold the camera steady for slow shutter. With Kit Lens, there is VR, for those who are new to DSLR, let's say the bought a 50mm f/1.8G, they have no idea that the camera has no image stabilization unlike PnS which is very common nowadays.

Anyway, mirrorless or those EVIL cameras, the noise handling is already very good; Sony NEX is using same sensor size as DSLR. Most (if not all) of those mirrorless nowadays can handle up to ISO6400 already and have "usable" image.
Lastly, there's still many people restrict themselves from going above ISO1600 despite using a capable DSLR.

In the end, it's about making it worth and using the camera. Most important is for the person to understand what he/she wants/needs; Many people thought DSLR is the best and think to get a nice shot, must get a DSLR; but without proper knowledge on utilizing and investing on better lens, it may not deliver the result they wanted, moreover they face more problems like need to clean sensor, DOF causing out of focus on subject, easily out of focus, heavy, hard to carry around, lazy to bring and use. So, what's the main point of getting a camera, when the person just want a easy to use camera and take some nice pictures, when the camera becomes a burden to them, they don't want to carry the big thing around (end up in the closet never touch), etc.

My suggestion is purely based on individual; If the person understand what is the DSLR, and really want to get serious on it, then go ahead; But if the person just want something that is easy to use, not invest so much or anymore on it, easy to carry, etc. then they should not be looking at DSLR, moreover, many people think that ONLY with DSLR they can take great pictures.

At least you have real interest in photography, especially since you are in design field.

As long you love the DSLR and enjoy using it, learning it, it's not wasted. Those alerady gotten it, can try to learn it, but if they feel it's not for them, then they should quickly decide whether they want to keep it or sell/trade it before the value drops further. I know people who never touch their DSLR for years, or lazy to carry/use it, always use the handphone instead, even AT HOME; The DSLR is just there, they're lazy to take it out, put in the battery (not to mention need to charge already), etc.

New things usually it's exciting, later it's different; But if one truly wants/enjoys a DSLR, it will be different.

Bro,

Long time no see

upgrading or jumping ship?

Price around 2K or around entry level DSLR price?

It depends, we don't carry DSLR around everywhere we go; Sometimes when I'm at some place, I don't have a DSLR, have to make do with camera phone, but the slow performance to capture action is a disaster, plus the time for "processing/saving image". There're also DSLR owners who owns mirrorless camera; Nowadays mirrorless offer superb performance like DSLR, the focusing is blazing fast, it's a much better choice over typical PnS.
The latest GF3 market price RM1999 with the pancake lens, the LX-5 were around RM1899 last time? Even my friend who bought the LX-3 a year ago? Saw the GF3 price, he's shocked.

Anyway, as I mentioned in previous post, DSLR is not for everyone; Many people want a simplea and easy to use camera, DSLR is not one of them, and many people actually prefer the "LCD" or "LiveView"... with DSLR, the "LiveView" use is a dissaster, it's worst than a PnS? Plus, there're many more things to worry about, particularly the maintenance, sensor cleaning, buying accessories, DOF (PnS users hardly or even know what is this), VR/IS, etc.

In short, I'd said it depends what the person want or looking for; For the people I know, I will ask them what they want and understand their needs, then suggest them and also ask them to go try it out themselves.
As I also mentioned before, I know many people who never touch their DSLR anymore, it's more wasted that way, what's the point in getting a DSLR when they will not be using it or even lazy to take it out from the closet.

This post has been edited by Andy214: Aug 22 2011, 12:15 PM

Haha, you're veteran

Rephrase: I'm talking more about those people who just get a DSLR because they think it's can take better pictures or because it's the "IN" thing; In short, getting for the wrong reasons, ended up not utilizing/using it, they prefer something that is easy to use (like a PnS), and easy to carry around.

Those that really know a DSLR, the knowledge, etc. but rarely use is kind of different; You know what you want and know what you're getting; I'm more like referring to those that made the "wrong" (is this word appropriate?) choice, so, I'm just trying to make people understand better and to think and decide again what they want to get, and I don't force or say don't, it's just an advice.

If the person really want to get a DSLR, there's nothing wrong with it; just hope they understand and what/why they are getting it.

This post has been edited by Andy214: Aug 22 2011, 12:37 PM

Yea, but some may face different problem; Using/Handling DSLR is different from PnS; They might find it harder to use, harder to compose photo, they may be very good at PnS using LCD and sort, when they use DSLR, suddenly, they feel like a noob and the picture turns out worst than their PnS.

Plus, without proper skills and knowledge using/handling a DSLR, they may not actually utilize it, and to get many of the effects/things that they want, they will later find out they need to invest on the lens, etc; Which some people actually didn't know and were not willing to invest so much.

As for some that I know, they have the knowledge and also guidance, they know how to use, but they said very troublesome to carry around, even take out from the closet at home. I brought one of my friend tested the mirrorless and he's amazed with the performance and size, he never thought a camera that size can perform so well, so easy to use.

The tools is not important, whether a DSLR or PnS, etc. as long as they enjoy using the tool and are making use of it.

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Added on August 22, 2011, 2:32 pmNot sure whether it's the lost interest in taking photographs? Many of them still take photographs, just they found out DSLR is a burden to carry, they want something that is compact, easy to carry when they go out, they see something nice they want to shoot, they can take out their camera easily and snap (like handphone or PnS); but with DSLR, they found out later, it's too troublesome.

If their DSLR is small and compact, easy to carry, they'd still be using it. Hence, it's important to understand what the person want and needs; Many people just go straight for DSLR when they think about a good camera to take good photo.

Look at phone camera, many people still use it to take many photos, because it's very "convenient" to use. The features many not be as simple and a lot, but the "convenience" is there. When they want a camera, they forget about the simple things, and concentrate on gadgets, specs, etc. So what if one get a D3S, but too lazy to use it, find it a burden/troublesome to carry, ended up using his iPhone camera most of the time?

Add On:
Some (or many) people, have a DSLR and a Point and Shoot; You might see them carry the DSLR when it's still new, later, the DSLR will be in the closet, and they ended up using the PnS more.
OH, I'm talking about "general", not the usual people here who are more serious into photography and DSLR of course. If we only look at "here", then we don't get to see the whole picture.

This post has been edited by Andy214: Aug 22 2011, 02:37 PM

Err... well, I'm not talking about you, me or the serious DSLR photogs here; I'm referring to "general".
If you try to look around people, you will understand what I mean. Most people they get the DSLR for the wrong reasons,.

This is not an assumption, it's a fact that is obvious.

That's why I mentioned "were"; If I'm not wrong, the retail price for LX-5 when it launch were RM1899, or somewhere close to that. My old LX-2 was around that price too.

My colleague just bought a GF3 with twin kit lens for around RM2.2K.
Simply put, I explained to him about DSLR and Point and Shoot difference; You can say that "general" most people after understanding these, they prefer using LCD/LiveView and they prefer a compact and easy to use camera; That's why I say, DSLR is not for everyone.

Entry Level DSLR tries to make it easy to use with many presets, and those beginner/PnS features; and like D5100, it becomes smaller and so on; Still, it may not actually suit everyone as most people are actually more comfortable and prefer to use the LCD, easy to carry around, etc.

Hence, again as previous, I don't mean the serious photogs here who prefers DSLR;
I know there're people who prefers the viewfinder, I have friends who prefers using the viewfinder as well.
Some prefer because they say 'it looks more professional', which I think it's not the good/right reason.

Yea, but again, it's depends on individual; Some people they want a PnS that is powerful like a DSLR, mirrorless can be an option; Those who really want a compact, can go for those high end compacts, like S95, LX-5, ZX-1.
But those mirrrorless performs way better and offers more options due to the ability to change lenses.

I'm not directly comparing just based on size alone; If one just need a small and compact, and "a-OK" performance, those compacts are way to go, but if one is looking further, e.g. DSLR performance, but much smaller size, easy to carry around, using LCD/LiveView; Mirrorless is an option.
And I don't force people to choose, I asked them to go try out themselves, they can try out a high-end compact, the mirrorless and then the DSLR, and decide which is suitable for them.

---

Added on August 22, 2011, 3:37 pmWhen talk about buying things, isn't that common? People buy things, they have the $$, they want the best without proper understanding and whethr they will utilize it. It doesn't just apply for camera.

D3S is just an exaggerated example; but if you look around, there're actually many people who bought DSLR and never really utilize it due to the reason I mention, and what I said it not an assumption or story, it's real fact and what's been happening since long ago. I've known many people who never touch their DSLR for ages, even in FB you can see.
I'm just sharing something that is already obvious, but perhaps some people never met or seen, maybe their friends are all serious enthusiast?

This post has been edited by Andy214: Aug 22 2011, 03:37 PM

Nice, I'm also kind of interested in that one; but the upcoming NEX-5 and 7 looks kinda good.
Too bad Nikon choose to go for smaller sensor than micro 4/3, but wait and see the actual thing first.

There's still diference.... DSLR, you need a bigger pouch/bag, and cannot fit in ladies handbag.
Mirrorless, you can fit in small pouch, even more compact with pancake lens (usually, if one want compact, can just carry the pancake). For ladies, those with bigger handbags, they can put in easily.

In short, to say, there's quite a big difference comparing DSLR and mirrorless in terms of size.

If you say to ditch, it also applies to camera, people rather use handphone. So, it's pretty much the same thing actually.
But a DSLR and mirrorless, the size and how you can carry it out is quite big difference. You can fit the mirrorless with pancake lens into a small pouch easily, if one need to carry the zoom lens, it can be fitted into another small pouch OR those belt pouch; For DSLR, you can too of course, but the size is dramatic to compare (especially for small size person).

Yea, but we don't know what price will the GF3 later. Plus, sometimes ago, the NEX3 can get at RM1699 with pancake lens I think; This is with APS-C size sensor.

The retail price I think was RM2.4K++
That was street price.

It's just an option for people, it may not suit everyone too. I would consider it much more compact than DSLR, not not as compact as a compact PnS; Comparing with DSLR, the difference is quite a lot as a whole.

For normal travel, it's not always convenient to carry the DSLR bag. (e.g. go to Wedding Dinner, or some small events, carry the DSLR bag around may not always be a good choice, depending on the situation and/or person).

Anyway, I'm just giving examples, it really depends on individual and situation; If the person are unsure, then he/she should try it and consider which fit him/her more. I have nothing against any type, just trying to help people so that they don't make the wrong/bad choices, but the final choice is always up to the person.

I understand what you mean, but it's always option for people, different types of people, and also situation or purpose. About downright silly and false economy, it doesn't just apply to cameras

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Added on August 22, 2011, 4:58 pmRAW files basically doesn't apply any of those settings you set.
But as jchue73 mentioned before, it does store the information, which only works if you open it with Nikon ViewNX/CaptureNX.


This post has been edited by Andy214: Aug 22 2011, 04:58 PM

Yes, it does, but it's really resource consuming, so I didn't use it. I have an old PC, even LR is slow


Spot on. Most important is it serves the purpose and the person is utilizing it.
Example: My friend who wants to buy a camera, thinking a DSLR can take good photo so wanted a DSLR; After explaining the difference, and for what he want to use and do, he feels he most probably wouldn't be utilizing it as it's burden to carry around, but he still want to take photo most of the time, and will end up using his camera phone "again". So, he decided to go for more compact, which I advice him to go test out and decide himself which he thinks suit him.

Hehe, nothing wrong with that (I mean idling or stay in the room for weeks). My previous comment was actually mean different thing, like really no longer use anymore.

Nice shot!

Mind sharing the details of the shot?

This post has been edited by Andy214: Aug 23 2011, 10:17 AM

Close Up or Macro is like that, especially, if you use focus and recompose technique then you need to becareful and know how much the DOF covered, you can try focus different place and see the difference; I tried taking model car, let's say at f/8, I tried focus on different area and the result can be quite/very different.

Careful with lens diffraction which can cause loss of shaprness or resolution:
http://www.kenrockwell.com/tech/diffraction.htm

You can see sample image in above site; Or if you don't like him, you can read other similar article, lol.

Haha, many people seems didn't like him; I have nothing against him, he did provide good information and review, just that in his article, he loves to say things like "this is the BEST in the whole wide world" kind of thing, which maybe his way of express his over-excitement, or a kind of marketing technique or some sort, you know, people love to hear and be convinced to buy something (I don't do this, thus people don't trust me; Ironic, people loves to hear lies and be cheated, they want firm and confident answers; I prefer to explain in detail and ask the person to decide).
Anyway, his way of writing, other brand owners will not like it when reading.

He did sound like Nikon fan-boy, but if you read more about him and his other reviews, articles, etc. It's not exactly so; There's lots of information, just that you need to "close eye" on those words like "omg, this is the best camera" thing...

I don't think need to go into menu as well for Custom. Not sure lower end models, but D7000 can do it without going through menu, even save it.
Going through menu is an option and also when you want to use other picture WB as your base WB.

If I'm not wrong, A700 and above are high end models?
D7000 should be around A580 models?
A700 should be with D300S?

If using other picture as base WB (e.g. Previous Event Picture at same location and lighting WB), then for D7000, you have to go through menu (if I'm not wrong). But if setting Custom WB based on white card, grey card, etc. there's no need to go through menu.

Actually doesn't matter whether it's D300 or D300S, what I mean is the "range" or "classification".
Like cars, we have B segment, C segment, D segment, etc.
So, for A700 classification/range, the current lineup was D300S from Nikon and 7D from Canon. It's just a reference; For this range/classification, it's consider high end prosumer or meant for profesional, thus it usage/handling will be different with lower end.

Anyway, taking this aside, not trying to compare which is better or worst; The way I see it, it's better to have. If Sony has it, then it's good, other makes can wish/hope for it, so that their makes will implement this, rather than pretend/protect in the end the maker don't know or don't bother since the users also doesn't care.

P/S: Menu wise, it's really personal; The reason I choose Nikon mainly is because I prefer the menu and UI, then the body design, handling/egornomics, etc. I was interested in Sony previously, but was kind of turn off by the design/button layout and menu/UI. It really depends on individual taste.

If White/Grey then it's like what CY mentioned, no need to go through menu; You can save into few available slots (e.g. d-0, d-1, etc), which in short, you can actually save few Custom WB for different lighting condition on the same event.

Like CY mentioned, only those more complicated like tweaking in details.
OR, you want to use WB from other pictures (e.g. previous event picture at same location and same lighting condition?), just select the photo in the Custom WB menu to store it in available Custom WB (which has a few, e.g. d-0, d-1, etc).

Haha, reminds me of "Kai".

Anyway, yea, it really depends on individuals. Just like Canon VS Nikon; Canon users usually says Canon's better, while Nikon will say theirs better; In the end, it just suit different type of people.

But if we're talking about some good feature that wasn't available in either one of the makes, then it's worth mentioning and hope that this good features will be made available.
There're many types of feature classification, like those "easy to access", or other features which is "nice to have".
Those "nice to have" may not be a necessity, which some people who don't need it may think why want this feature, but it's is a "nice to have", there's no harm having, and there're people who can use it.