Seiko Club Singapore Museum

Photography

Wade
Photography
I just took up a new hobby ''photography'' but I need a DSLR camera.

Did some research and keen on Nikon DSLR D3200 or D5200 and commonly see the price as 999 to 1,119 with standard package boby + 18-55mm & etc...



As I new to this hobby and need some advice on what should I need for normal usage taking photo during vacation. Is D3200 or D5200 good enough for usage for vacation.



Body: D3200 or D5200 - which one better or good enough for entry level?

Len: 18-55mm - ok? need better len for example 55-200mm or 55-300mm

Flash: should I get? if yes, what model for entry level



Will it be cheaper to buy from Japan like BIC Camera or Yodobashi?



Looking forward for expert advice...
telepgm
Re: New hobby Photography
My wife is selling D90 with lenses. Please PM me if you are keen in exploring to purchase a pre-loved DSLR.
david.tan
Re: New hobby Photography
ever tog of getting mirror-less ? if you are not serious into pixel peep, mirrorless cam like Fuji X, Sony NEX, olympus Pen are very good enough for normal use



i find DSLR is too huge n heavy to carry around esp going for travel :)
Solanum88
Re: New hobby Photography
For tours I prefer using a EVIL system (aka mirrorless) due to the compact size.

Not only is it easier to bring around, it also attracts less attention to yourself which is a plus if you are visiting certain locations.



I don't think a flash is necessary if it's not part of the package, I would rather get a prime lens with low F stop instead for low light shots.
ivan
Re: New hobby Photography
Try sony RX1

My current fravourite.
chriscentro
Re: New hobby Photography
If getting an entry level DSLR coupled with the kit lens that comes with it doesn't really give one the "wow" one is looking for.



I suggest to at least get a Tamron 17-50mm f2.8 lens to go with the D3200/5300. You will be able to zoom from a wide angle of 17mm for landscape to 24mm for general purpose shots and to 50mm for portraits. At f2.8 at all focal length enables you to have shallower depth of field. I've had this lens before, it's a sharp lens. If you buy, you need to get the BIM (built-in motor) version to work with Nikon D3200 or D5300.



For a start, you can go without an external flash as having flash means you'll have another variable for you to control. Learn the basic first.
Trident
Re: New hobby Photography
Agree with chriscentro, the Tamron is very good, you can't go wrong.I am using it too.
nightwatchman
Re: New hobby Photography

"Trident"

Agree with chriscentro, the Tamron is very good, you can't go wrong.I am using it too.


Resale value for Tamron lenses very low sia (expect to lose up to 60% if sold as used). Also, their colors and contrast very flat. Best to save up a bit more to buy original.



If you insist on buying 3rd party lenses, I highly-recommend Tokina.
TheChef
Re: New hobby Photography

"Trident"

Agree with chriscentro, the Tamron is very good, you can't go wrong.I am using it too.


Get Nikon 17-55 f2.8. After a few months of being very unhappy with Tamron lens pic sharpness and contrast, a friend of mine sold it at 30% of price he bought. I personally got issue with Tokina. I sold it, but heng heng only lost $100 because I bought it cheap. Very disappointing lens. Or else, get a Sigma lens. But, Sigma also need to test for sharpness before buying. For peace of mind, get a Nikon.
marshy
Re: New hobby Photography

"chriscentro"

If getting an entry level DSLR coupled with the kit lens that comes with it doesn't really give one the "wow" one is looking for.



I suggest to at least get a Tamron 17-50mm f2.8 lens to go with the D3200/5300. You will be able to zoom from a wide angle of 17mm for landscape to 24mm for general purpose shots and to 50mm for portraits. At f2.8 at all focal length enables you to have shallower depth of field. I've had this lens before, it's a sharp lens. If you buy, you need to get the BIM (built-in motor) version to work with Nikon D3200 or D5300.



For a start, you can go without an external flash as having flash means you'll have another variable for you to control. Learn the basic first.


Actually the effective focal length would be 27-80mm as camera in use is crop sensor. You need to multiply lens indicated focal length with x1.6
nightwatchman
Re: New hobby Photography

"TheChef"

I personally got issue with Tokina. I sold it, but heng heng only lost $100 because I bought it cheap. Very disappointing lens.


I had my Tokina 28-70 f2.8 AT-X Pro for over 15 years. I took all my photojournalism assignments with this lens and a Nikon 80-200 f2.8 AF-D two-touch lens. It is built like a tank. I sold it for $400 in 2007 after I bought a Nikon 17-35 f2.8 AFS.



You know I had the Tokina 11-16 f2.8 AT-X Pro DX lens once upon a time. This lens had some sharpness issue but I heard the version 2 has addressed most of the earlier hiccups. Regardless, I must say Tokina makes the best 3rd party lenses now.



Yes, I agree that Nikon 17-55 f2.8 AFS DX is a great lens. It is my bread-and-butter, workhorse lens until today (I sold the 17-35). I also heard that Nikon 16-35 f4 AFS VR is a fantastic lens. I personally haven't try it but the feedback from many users is very good.
nightwatchman
Re: New hobby Photography

"marshy"

You need to multiply lens indicated focal length with x1.6


Bro, the crop factor for Nikon DX is 1.5.
chriscentro
Re: New hobby Photography
No doubt the Nikon lens is good but it's also heavy and expensive.. If one want to spend so much might as well get a entry level full frame cam.
TheChef
Re: New hobby Photography

"chriscentro"

No doubt the Nikon lens is good but it's also heavy and expensive.. If one want to spend so much might as well get a entry level full frame cam.


If full frame, then may need to buy Nikon 24-70 f2.8 wor. Even heavier and more expensive because it is a full frame camera lens. I personally prefer non-full frame camera. Cheaper, lighter, more lens choices and better reach due to crop factor.
chriscentro
Re: New hobby Photography

"TheChef"

[quote="chriscentro"]No doubt the Nikon lens is good but it's also heavy and expensive.. If one want to spend so much might as well get a entry level full frame cam.


If full frame, then may need to buy Nikon 24-70 f2.8 wor. Even heavier and more expensive because it is a full frame camera lens. I personally prefer non-full frame camera. Cheaper, lighter, more lens choices and better reach due to crop factor.[/quote]

I was going to recommend the D610 with the 35mm f2 lens.

Actually there is a Tamron 28-75 and newer 24-70 with vibration control.



I only use fast prime lenses, no zooms for me except the 150-500mm lens.



I think one has to shoot more to see what lens is more suitable for himself.
kingsky
Re: New hobby Photography
Go mirrorless!! It's so easy to bring it around.
TheChef
Re: New hobby Photography

"kingsky"

Go mirrorless!! It's so easy to bring it around.


No need mirrorless. I just use compact camera and handphone.
nightwatchman
Re: New hobby Photography

"kingsky"

Go mirrorless!! It's so easy to bring it around.


Mirrorless cameras have its pros and cons. Serious hobbyists and tan chiak photographers like TheChef and myself still prefer the speed, handling and ergonomics of a DSLR.



It really depends on ones' need.
nightwatchman
Re: New hobby Photography

"TheChef"

I just use compact camera and handphone.


Yeah... iPhone takes fantastic pictures. I use my handphone very often these days.
TheChef
Re: New hobby Photography

"nightwatchman"

[quote="TheChef"]I just use compact camera and handphone.


Yeah... iPhone takes fantastic pictures. I use my handphone very often these days.[/quote]

Nowadays, most of the time I use my handphone to take shots in my line of work. Very convenient. Pics can be shared out to others very quickly. A pic beats a thousand words. Don't hurry into buying expensive equipment. Practice photography with a handphone and compact camera first.
nightwatchman
Re: New hobby Photography

"TheChef"

Practice photography with a handphone and compact camera first.


Learn how to compose your pictures is more important than owning the most high-end and advanced camera system. What good is your $10,000 camera if you position your subject smack in the center in every picture?
Wade
Re: New hobby Photography
It is cheaper to get D5200 from airport dutyfree?

I saw Yodobashi or BIC Camera is selling at Yen58,800 (Sin 717.36) cheaper than Sin (S$1,199), sound good deal...
Lgt
Re: New hobby Photography

"Wade"

It is cheaper to get D5200 from airport dutyfree?

I saw Yodobashi or BIC Camera is selling at Yen58,800 (Sin 717.36) cheaper than Sin (S$1,199), sound good deal...


If you are at BIC Camera, show your passport and use Visa card to pay. U get 5+5% discount. It's cheaper to get Apple products there too, not forgetting Seiko JDM watches.........
Wade
Re: New hobby Photography

"Lgt"

[quote="Wade"]It is cheaper to get D5200 from airport dutyfree?

I saw Yodobashi or BIC Camera is selling at Yen58,800 (Sin 717.36) cheaper than Sin (S$1,199), sound good deal...


If you are at BIC Camera, show your passport and use Visa card to pay. U get 5+5% discount. It's cheaper to get Apple products there too, not forgetting Seiko JDM watches.........[/quote]

sound not bad, does this 5+5% discount still vaild in Jan/Feb.
Lgt
Re: New hobby Photography

"Wade"

[quote="Lgt"]


If you are at BIC Camera, show your passport and use Visa card to pay. U get 5+5% discount. It's cheaper to get Apple products there too, not forgetting Seiko JDM watches.........


sound not bad, does this 5+5% discount still vaild in Jan/Feb.[/quote]
I think so. Google VISA Japan promotion.
Wade
Re: New hobby Photography

"Lgt"

[quote="Wade"]


sound not bad, does this 5+5% discount still vaild in Jan/Feb.

I think so. Google VISA Japan promotion.[/quote]

got it...thk bro

http://www.visa-news.jp/visitjapan/i-merchant/01bic.html" false;
Evirobie
Re: New hobby Photography
Checked out the camera pricing of BIC online. The price doesnt seem as good as amazon jp or mapcameras. Maybe the in shop pricing is different.
Wade
Re: Photography
I will be helping my frd to take his wedding photos at restaurant & tea cermony.

Which lens will be suitable for wedding as I only have the kit lens, 35mm f/1.8 lens & 55-200mm f/4-5.6 lens?

Don't think i will spent $$$ to get additional lens.
oncleoliver
Re: Photography
Get a Sony mirrorless.... no need to lug heavy camera around or learn how to use it but can still take incredible shots on vacation.



Choice of fathers and salarymen everywhere.
Wade
Re: Photography

"oncleoliver"

Get a Sony mirrorless.... no need to lug heavy camera around or learn how to use it but can still take incredible shots on vacation.



Choice of fathers and salarymen everywhere.

Thk for your input. Currently using D5200 and don't think will spent $$ to get another camera.
roo7
Re: Photography
A flash is definitely more useful as you will be faced with a lot of low light situations.
Wade
Re: Photography

"roo7"

A flash is definitely more useful as you will be faced with a lot of low light situations.

Yes, external flash will be added.

But which lens should be suitable; kits lens, 35mm f/1:1.8G or 55-200mm f/1:4-5.6G?
Ed.YEO
Re: Photography

"TheChef"

[quote="nightwatchman"]


Yeah... iPhone takes fantastic pictures. I use my handphone very often these days.


Nowadays, most of the time I use my handphone to take shots in my line of work. Very convenient. Pics can be shared out to others very quickly. A pic beats a thousand words. Don't hurry into buying expensive equipment. Practice photography with a handphone and compact camera first.[/quote]
However... nowadays phone cameras have fixed resolutions that requires further editing or cropping of the taken pics such that the pictures can be uploaded to companies' mail server of some forums which have upload size limitations.

This is why nowadays the pictures i had uploaded are mostly cropped to meet the uploading size limit.



Phone cameras are still mostly fitted with large apertures f2.2 and above. Taking pictures in dark surroundings will still be filled with noise, even though i had most of the time set the ISO to it's max. Phone cams with smaller apertures are much more ex currently.



I had thought of getting the Sony QX10 mobile attachment when it was released last year. Not only it's flexible, where one can no need to mount onto their mobilephones, yet can still take good pictures while holding the attachment and the mobile in one another hands to take pictures, i may also be able to use the camera attachment with any other devices as long as they're Android or iOS base. But the price was very high locally then... 5++??? Too high liaoz... Until the price drops, which is the recent announcement of 2 new models to replace the current QX10 and QX100, in Japan, the QX10 can be get @ less than SGD$250 @ BIC Camera store. That made me tempted... yet i'm greedy for the QX1 which comes with much better specs and flexibility of using alternate lens attachment!

Sigh... budget tight, and still greedy for better camera function... really... I think i stick to my KODAK DC better... Haaa~~~



Btw... to those who are going to Japan in recent weeks... The QX1 can only be preordered from tomorrow onwards till the official launch on the 10th in Japan. No idea about the SG launch date.

Price of the QX1 @ YODOBASHI(OSAKA, no idea about the rest of the cities) will be available in 2 configuration.

If just only the main body without any lens attachment, ￥38750.

If comes with a full set with SONY lens attachment, which is interchangeable, ￥54950.



Price of QX30 with fixed CarlZeiss lens, ￥46850.
Wade
Re: Photography

"Wade"

[quote="roo7"]A flash is definitely more useful as you will be faced with a lot of low light situations.

Yes, external flash will be added.

But which lens should be suitable; kits lens, 35mm f/1:1.8G or 55-200mm f/1:4-5.6G?[/quote]

Read some review somewhere as it said AF-S NIKKOR 50mm or 85mm f/1.8G would also be a good choice.

Any bros could like to me know whether 55-200mm f/4 would be workable/suitable for wedding photography; I want a great & clear photo...:)
roo7
Re: Photography
People shots is not really my thing but I would think that you need to be fast to take and flexible because not everybody will make way for you unless it's a coordinated shot.



Shots taken when the action is going on is pretty random at times, so I think having a bigger zoom range is better. Keep the wide for group shots when it's coordinated.
ckw
Re: Photography
i used to do a lot of photography some 10-15 years back with a film SLR, with 3 prime lenses, motor drive, metz flash gun...until the digital revolution and work commitments.



recently, decided to get back into photography, did a lot of research and finally got an OM-D E-M10. its light and compact compared to DSLR, cheaper and quality (both make and photos) are fabulous. it even have a built-in flash for unexpected moments. personally think mirrorless, M43 format combines the best of DSLR & compacts, with a good array of lens to choose from.



as I am not young anymore and gotten sick of lugging kilos of equipment around, the EM10 fits my requirements perfectly, not to mention that it looks good too. having handled my friend's D800 recently, i was so glad i got the EM10, as i got tired just holding the D800 for 10mins.



in terms of mirrorless systems, think Olympus Pens and OM-Ds have the fastest and most accurate auto focus, able to rival DSLRs...



so do explore M43 format...they have good expansion options like DSLR, but lighter and smaller for travelling, good picture quality and think its excellent for beginners with a wide system to expand upon and easier on the wallet, not to mention shoulders as well...
Wade
Re: Photography
does anyone know how much a Nikon 24-70mm f2.8 cost in SGP?

I have kit lens, 35mm f1.8 and 55~200 f4-5.6G.



I intend to get 24-70mm f2.8 which might be good for traveling for portrait and landscape shot.

any suggestion for me whether to get 24-70mm f2.8 or stick to 35mm f2.8 which is good for portrait but i can't zoom in for landscape.
chriscentro
Re: Photography

"Wade"

does anyone know how much a Nikon 24-70mm f2.8 cost in SGP?

I have kit lens, 35mm f1.8 and 55~200 f4-5.6G.



I intend to get 24-70mm f2.8 which might be good for traveling for portrait and landscape shot.

any suggestion for me whether to get 24-70mm f2.8 or stick to 35mm f2.8 which is good for portrait but i can't zoom in for landscape.


Bro, I wana give you my input. After a few years in photography hobby, I've come to realise one only needs a full frame camera and a f1.4 35mm lens.



This set up is very versatile for general photography, from landscape to environmental portraits and even a bit of closed up due to short minimum focus distance of a 35mm lens. You can browse photos using this set up in flickr to see what I mean.



https://www.flickr.com/groups/2064616@N24/"http://theonlinephotographer.typepad.com/the_online_photographer/2010/05/letter-to-george.html" rel="noopener noreferrer">http://theonlinephotographer.typepad.com/the_online_photographer/2010/05/letter-to-george.html" false;
Wade
Re: Photography
@chriscentro bro, indeed your input is very useful/important to me; I have learn pretty much knowledge from you.



Re-cap, I will be shooting my bro-in-law wedding ceremony soon and decided/taking ur advice on using 35mm f/1.8 lens. I have tried many shots at home to simulate the indoor/outdoor shooting with external flash and come to a conclusion with below setup. I would like to hear some advise from you.



Indoor:-

Using Aperture mode, manual set to ISO500 to 800, auto shutter speed.



Outdoor:-

Using Aperture mode, manual set to ISO100, auto shutter speed.



Restaurant:-

Using Aperture mode, auto shutter speed but have no idea on the setting for ISOxxx (need your input & view)



Night shot:-

Using Aperture mode, auto shutter speed but have no idea on the setting for ISOxxx (need your input & view)
chriscentro
Re: Photography

"Wade"

@chriscentro bro, indeed your input is very useful/important to me; I have learn pretty much knowledge from you.



Re-cap, I will be shooting my bro-in-law wedding ceremony soon and decided/taking ur advice on using 35mm f/1.8 lens. I have tried many shots at home to simulate the indoor/outdoor shooting with external flash and come to a conclusion with below setup. I would like to hear some advise from you.



Indoor:-

Using Aperture mode, manual set to ISO500 to 800, auto shutter speed.



Outdoor:-

Using Aperture mode, manual set to ISO100, auto shutter speed.



Restaurant:-

Using Aperture mode, auto shutter speed but have no idea on the setting for ISOxxx (need your input & view)



Night shot:-

Using Aperture mode, auto shutter speed but have no idea on the setting for ISOxxx (need your input & view)


Bro, whatever mode you are in, remember to review your shots by checking your cam's back LCD for the exposure as sometimes the sensor is fooled by bright ceiling lights causing the image to under-expose.



And ensure that your shutter speed is fast enough not to cause camera shake in your photos.
TheChef
Re: Photography
I prefer to use manual mode. I control exposure manually using my experience instead of letting camera auto pilot. I like to over expose my pics a bit and adjust using post processing software if necessary.
Wade
Re: Photography
@christcentro & TheChef bro,



Pt to note:-

- Shutter speed is fast enough not to cause camera shake in photos

- Manual mode will be prefer due to control exposure manually



What would you suggest the Manual mode setting for the below event.



Indoor:-

what ISOxxx to set to?

Shutter speed?

f/1.8 for portrait and f/8 for group shot.



Outdoor:-

what ISOxxx to set to?

Shutter speed?

f/1.8 for portrait and f/8 for group shot.



Restaurant:-

what ISOxxx to set to?

Shutter speed?

f/1.8 for portrait and f/8 for group shot.



Night shot:-

what ISOxxx to set to?

Shutter speed?

f/1.8 for portrait and f/8 for group shot.
TheChef
Re: Photography
What camera and lens are you using? What is the lighting condition? Using flash? Using tripod?
Wade
Re: Photography

"TheChef"

What camera and lens are you using? What is the lighting condition? Using flash? Using tripod?

Nikon D5200, Nikon 35mm f/1.8 prime lens, external flash with tripod.

I would say room light
TheChef
Re: Photography
There is no hard and fast rule.



Generally, I may set to the following:



Indoor and restaurant:-

Don't use flash for portrait if possible. If you need to use flash, make sure you diffuse the light to make it as natural as possible. Shutter speed should be at least 1/70s, as you are using 35mm. Use as low ISO as possible to reduce noise. Not more than ISO1600 for your camera, but preferably below ISO800.



Outdoor:-

Don't use flash. Shutter speed can easily dial to 1/100s or faster. Use low ISO. ISO400 or below should be good enough.



Night shot:-

Don't bother taking portrait or group shot. It won't look good anyway.
Wade
Re: Photography
@TheChef,



Which one will u use for focus mode



1) Single-point AF Mode



2) Dynamic AF Mode = Number of AF points: 9, 21, 39 and 39 (3D-tracking)



3) Auto-area AF Mode
TheChef
Re: Photography
Depends on the situation bro.



Single point AF is for static subjects.

Dynamic AF is for moving subjects.

Auto area is for focussing on nearest subject. Good for photographing flying objects against wide open spaces. I use this mode as my camera does not have dynamic AF.



Best is try it out on your own and see what works for you.
Evirobie
Re: Photography
The upcoming Panny LX100 looks interesting for beginner and amateur who might not want to invest in a huge array of lens and body.



~~~Delivered personally by the minions~~~
Wade
Re: Photography

"TheChef"

Depends on the situation bro.



Single point AF is for static subjects.

Dynamic AF is for moving subjects.

Auto area is for focussing on nearest subject. Good for photographing flying objects against wide open spaces. I use this mode as my camera does not have dynamic AF.



Best is try it out on your own and see what works for you.


I have try Single point AF for portrait to have DOF, but which mode is better for group shot?? Auto area AF mode?
TheChef
Re: Photography
I will use single point. Set aperture to F8.