[.anshuman]

Originally Posted by Chetan_Rao

Need camera buying advice for Dad. He's 60, and has only used P&S cameras till date. His needs aren't complex, he just wants an easy-to-use camera that clicks good pics. His last P&S (Kodak) was a disappointment so he's looking for something better.

I personally suggested an entry-level DSLR from the usual suspects, but he has concerns about the bulk and practicality of use features-wise. I know this should be simple enough to decide, but I don't want to get him something he'll have a tough time using instead of having fun.

Advise.

Have a look at Sony RX-100. I use RX-100 Mark 2, brilliant little camera! For your Dad, the intelligent Auto mode and good out of camera JPEG's will be great.

I bought it because i cannot lug my DSLR everywhere, especially on business trips. With full manual controls, 1 inch sensor, ability to shoot RAW and F1.8 lens i don't miss my DSLR. The more i use it, the more i love it.

Review: http://www.dpreview.com/reviews/sony...shot-dsc-rx100

[nilanjanray]

Further to my earlier post: I have fallen in love with it. But totally different genre. A one night stand that is never meant to be :-(

(No flash or lighting props used)

[Gandhi]

Originally Posted by thalavoy

Pentax/Ricoh seems to be on the right track after a long time.
Their first full frame DSLR camera announced.
2 new full frame zoom lenses - 70-200/f2.8 & 150-450
Smallest weather resistant DSLR - K-S2
Retractable kit lens - 18-50 (weather resistant too)
Looking good for Pentax fans.

Yes. Specially the K-S2. It's so well specced camera paired with the new kit lens. No other manufacturer gives features like weather sealing, 100% coverage penta-prism viewfinder, dual control wheels in this price range.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9BbRWp4ApAA

[ksmrsm]

Originally Posted by gr8guzzler

If you want an adapter lens for Macro capability on your kit lens, Raynox DCR-250 is a better buy. Alternatively if it just for experimentation, try picking up a reversing ring and experiment. If you are serious in Macro photography and need 1:1 magnification, then it is better to buy a dedicated lens like Tamron 90mm f/2.8 or Canon 100mm f/2.8.

Thanks so much Kishore. I don't want to use a reverse ring and though serious, cant spend on a 1:1 right now though I would love it. Need one more help, is the Raynox DCR-150 smiler and an alternative to the 250.

[Chetan_Rao]

Originally Posted by .anshuman

Have a look at Sony RX-100. I use RX-100 Mark 2

Thanks! The RX range does look impressive, the biggest plus being image quality in a compact package. I saw three variants available online: the original, M2 & M3. The original is probably old equipment now, but does the M3 justify the ~40% premium over M2, keeping in mind the requirement is casual photography?

[gr8guzzler]

Originally Posted by ksmrsm

Need one more help, is the Raynox DCR-150 smiler and an alternative to the 250.

The diff is magnification, here's a good article on the differences.
https://www.flickr.com/groups/raynox...7622763003554/

[Quarter Mile]

Nice thread. I am a hobbyist wildlife shooter.

This is my gear:

DSLR: Canon 40D
Lenses: Canon 100-400mm, 300mm, 400mm, 1.4x T.C, 2x T.C, 50mm 1.2

Will post some shots soon.

[pahwa]

Folks. All of sudden my Nikon D5100's charger has gone kaput. There was no fluctuation or mishandling of any sorts. Is this normal or plain bad luck?

Have ordered a local one from ebay already. Strange that Nikon does not offer any warranty on camera accesories - battery, charger etc.

[Quarter Mile]

Originally Posted by pahwa

Folks. All of sudden my Nikon D5100's charger has gone kaput. There was no fluctuation or mishandling of any sorts. Is this normal or plain bad luck?

Have ordered a local one from ebay already. Strange that Nikon does not offer any warranty on camera accesories - battery, charger etc.

Plain bad luck I guess. These usually don't die out soon.

It could be just the charging cable at fault / unit at fault or even both.

[nilanjanray]

Originally Posted by Quarter Mile

Nice thread. I am a hobbyist wildlife shooter.

This is my gear:

DSLR: Canon 40D
Lenses: Canon 100-400mm, 300mm, 400mm, 1.4x T.C, 2x T.C, 50mm 1.2

Will post some shots soon.

Welcome to Team BHP. Look forward to seeing your photos and reading about your wildlife trips.

Nice gear.

[Quarter Mile]

Thanks mate. Will start to share soon. Most of my trips have been to Kabini (LeopardScape), Bandipur, Masinagudi and endless birding spots in Bangalore.

Originally Posted by nilanjanray

Welcome to Team BHP. Look forward to seeing your photos and reading about your wildlife trips.

Nice gear.

[M35]

Originally Posted by ampere

Congrats. I know once you get addicted to a macro, the addiction stays! I have the 100mm 2.8 IS L Canon. Now that has become my defacto lens. The IS helps give brilliant portraits and close-ups as well.

Thanks Amp. Don't know how did I miss this post of yours. Yes, macro is very challenging especially shooting and composing those tiny bugs with the available DOF and light. Yet to do anything serious on macros as I am into birding these days.

The lens is great for close-ups. One picture below, not so great DOF though.

[ampere]

Originally Posted by M35

The lens is great for close-ups. One picture below, not so great DOF though.

Great!

Off late I have been spending too much time (in fact almost all the time) with the macro. Always on the lookout for a scenario. And am really am thrilled with the explorations and constant new revelations of this genre. Especially the 100mm L colours are to die for!

[trammway]

Does anyone used the Canon Tilt Shift lens for pure macro shoots ? if then what are the benefits and what are the shortfalls ?

I could see logical questions on why tilt-shift when the macro lenses are cheaper. But my question comes as I already own a Canon TS-E 24mm f/3.5 L II and amazed by the short focus distance. Also the ability to tilt and shift and change the focus plane is amazing, not sure if anyone have used it for pure macro so this question.

[mykal shoemaker]

Originally Posted by VCheng

Both are good lenses. On a D7000 with the crop sensor, the 35 mm will give the equivalent of a nearly 50 mm field of view on an FF sensor, while the 50 will be closer to 85. For general photography, chose the 35 mm, while the 50 mm will be great for portraits and mild telephoto shots. Both will be equally good indoors with the fast f1.8 aperture.

Thank you for the tip. Bought a 35 mm. Excellent lens for the price. Great low light response. As 50 mm would be a tough choice for indoor group/wide pictures, I settled with 35 mm.