Camera Labs

I guess all things being equal, difficult in relation to the D5100 AF results. Basically, given some of the limitations of the D5100 AF in movie mode, is it really a plus for that camera, or can I get the same results in a manual focus effort? Or, as limited as the D5100 is in this regard, is it still significantly better than attempting to focus manually?

Thanks

Depends on the lens--actually the design and implementation of the focus ring--as well as your skill level, but yes, it's possible to get similar results manually, provided conditions allow it. e.g. camera up on a crane = no manual focus. Which leads to why I don't see how having a choice to use a feature (or not use it) can ever not be a plus, even if you can get similar results manually.

But if focus while shooting video is that important to you, you may want to look into a GH2.

Full disclosure: I own a GH2 - Mark

hello
i'm looking at buying my first camera and just looking for some feed back on this model
This camera will be used for photos of my baby boy thats around the corner and also my hobby which is dog show based i spend many hours out and about in the countryside whilst walking my dogs so i'm looking for a good al rounder that i wont out grow to quick looking at some good action shots and also portraits
is this a good option for the money ???
thanks in advance Danny

Hi staffdan,

If you have a baby on the way I can recomend this camera basically from the sensor and its video mode. Because you mostly would be shooting video of your little boy and the 18MP sensor is the same on some higher end models, thats enough for me to consider it over the Nikon 5100.

I personally think that the articulating screen is probably the best way to get started in DSLR territory mainly because it offers a lot more felxability for first time users who dont religiously use an opitical view finder.

Walking the dogs mean you can hold the camera low and still see the image wihtout having to get on your knees to shoot photos, the same with little children. I honestly dislike seeing video and photos of babies taking their first steps etc from the angle of the person holding the camera up 10billion stories high over the kid.... A camera like this with a rotating screen will help you get down low and probably get some really nice shots of the little one attacking the lend with his sticky fingers

3.7 Frames a second isnt bad at all - I had 3fps in my old Olympus I sold and that was still used for action photos. Not the best but you will always get a few shots you will want to keep.

and if you are the kind of person that likes to fiddle, 18MP means you can chop the image relatively in half and still maintain a 10MP image.

Some ppl can dismiss this camera JUST because its upgrade from the previous model is a screen and wireless trigger for flash guns. But if you are getting started, the usefullness of these features is deffinately worth the money... REmember, even Apple had to raise the price of the iphone when they added a crap camera to it.

_________________
1) Olympus OM1 [Zuiko Auto-S 50mm f/1.8]
2) Pentax MZ-60 [Sigma 28-90 & 100-300]
3) Canon 7D [EF-S 15-85 & 70-200mm f/4 IS]

Leo's Flickr Page

Thanks Leo
After posting the question I found the 2 videos of the nikon and canon and found them
Helpful and informative .
I've had an interest in photography for a few years now, but never been able to afford the camera I wanted but managed to get the best out of point and click cameras so ive concentrated my efforts to improve or alter my basic shots on photoshop so raw will be ace for me I've also been reliant on other people to supply me with photo to play with
You hit one of my main concerns with you comments on shutter speeds as I felt this was lower than I've seen fingers crossed they will be fine
I'm thinking of also including the 70-300 lense to give me more flexibility
Thanks again
Danny

How about getting a 60D.... you basically pay a couple of hundred more for a stronger body, more manual control, and 5.3 FPS and volume control for video. It also has wireless flash control.

A 60D with a 15-85mm and then get the 70-300 another time, prefferabley get a 70-200 f/4 IS USM which is (Im guessing) slightly cheaper.

_________________
1) Olympus OM1 [Zuiko Auto-S 50mm f/1.8]
2) Pentax MZ-60 [Sigma 28-90 & 100-300]
3) Canon 7D [EF-S 15-85 & 70-200mm f/4 IS]

Leo's Flickr Page

Only if the 70-300mm L lens is meant. But personally I guess it's the "normal" EF version or even the (better than Canon's non-L and cheaper) Tamron lens.

_________________
Canon EOS 500D + Canon EOS 5D Mark III
Canon EF 24-105mm 4L IS USM + EF 100-400mm 4.5-5.6L IS USM + EF 100mm 2.8L Macro IS USM + Sigma 12-24mm 4.5-5.6 EX DG HSM + Canon Speedlite 580 EX II + Nissin Speedlite Di 466

Excellent! I didnt think of the Tamron 70-300.

_________________
1) Olympus OM1 [Zuiko Auto-S 50mm f/1.8]
2) Pentax MZ-60 [Sigma 28-90 & 100-300]
3) Canon 7D [EF-S 15-85 & 70-200mm f/4 IS]

Leo's Flickr Page

Just finishing to play around with the 600D, I have to say that it's ergonomics feel quite similar to the 650D's. Nice, decent grip, although a bit too small for my hand. Thumb rest is pretty good, I like the rubberized part. Also the flip out screen is pretty handy. Focusing is slower compared to the 650D, but still in low-light it was giving pretty decent results.
This is the last I needed before buying the camera, to test it out one final time, and it didn't disappoint, it's just what I want for the price I'm willing to pay.

_________________
Gear: Canon SX20 IS, Canon Rebel T3i, Canon EF-S 18-55mm
Wishlist: Canon 50mm f/1.8 II, Canon EF-S 55-250mm f/4-5.6 IS II
Visit me and leave me a comment in My Flickr

Finally got my T3i and after playing a while with it, I have to say it is a great camera for the price. Feels pretty light, something that would bother me a bit with heavier lenses, but it's also pretty nice when carrying it around.
Didn't use it for very long because the battery is always discharged, but it had a bit of juice to use it for a few minutes.

I'm very happy so far with it

_________________
Gear: Canon SX20 IS, Canon Rebel T3i, Canon EF-S 18-55mm
Wishlist: Canon 50mm f/1.8 II, Canon EF-S 55-250mm f/4-5.6 IS II
Visit me and leave me a comment in My Flickr