DSLR & Lens upgrade question & Video editing query
Discussion
Hi,
I've done some good reading around in terms of what I'm wanting to purchase in order to get the results I want and have a fairly good idea of what I'd like. I would like for some of the more experienced ones amongst you to provide me with a little feedback and knowledge please!
1. I've had a Sony NEX-5 mirrorless camera from a few weeks after it's launch back in 2010 I think it was and been very very happy with it. I decided not to jump into a full DSLR at the time and use this camera to begin learning about basic photography and building my skills up. I'm now looking to go to a mid level budget DSLR and I'm most likely going with the Nikon D5300. I'll most likely also go for the upgraded package that includes the Nikor 18-140mm lens. I've also seen the Sigma 70-300 f/4-5.6 DG lens at PC world for £98 and I thought I'd opt for that to complement. However I see that there's another Sigma lens with the same model as above but with the added letters of APO for £170 or so. I've still yet to fully read up and understand differences in lenses, so what's the extra benefit of the APO lens for £70 or so more? Once I know more about lenses, I will add ones to my collection. In terms of subject material, then I'll be doing mainly automotive both static and as I get better, moving shots, shots of car interiors and closer to specific details - without having to get a specific macro lens for now. Other usage would be family pictures, landscapes and photoshoot locations for cars/people etc.
This automotive website/blog has some nice quality imagery and would it be possible to get a relatively inexpensive lens (say up to £400 or so) to get the same'ish level of image quality ? http://www.slamsanctuary.com/
2. I'd like to get a drone with a built in 4K camera, thinking of the DJI Spark (£500 or so) or Yuneec Breeze (£350). I've seen some side by side captured video comparison of the two with the Spark producing 'darker' video quality but more stable footage given it's built in Gyro. The Breeze produces 'brighter' video quality but isn't as stable when flying. Can captured video be processed afterwards to 'brighten' the quality ? I'm sure it can but would just like to know it's possible using some consumer level, recommended software that I can purchase afterwards as the DJI Spark is my favoured choice.
Thanks in advance for advice and knowledge given,
Cheers, Dennis!
I've done some good reading around in terms of what I'm wanting to purchase in order to get the results I want and have a fairly good idea of what I'd like. I would like for some of the more experienced ones amongst you to provide me with a little feedback and knowledge please!
1. I've had a Sony NEX-5 mirrorless camera from a few weeks after it's launch back in 2010 I think it was and been very very happy with it. I decided not to jump into a full DSLR at the time and use this camera to begin learning about basic photography and building my skills up. I'm now looking to go to a mid level budget DSLR and I'm most likely going with the Nikon D5300. I'll most likely also go for the upgraded package that includes the Nikor 18-140mm lens. I've also seen the Sigma 70-300 f/4-5.6 DG lens at PC world for £98 and I thought I'd opt for that to complement. However I see that there's another Sigma lens with the same model as above but with the added letters of APO for £170 or so. I've still yet to fully read up and understand differences in lenses, so what's the extra benefit of the APO lens for £70 or so more? Once I know more about lenses, I will add ones to my collection. In terms of subject material, then I'll be doing mainly automotive both static and as I get better, moving shots, shots of car interiors and closer to specific details - without having to get a specific macro lens for now. Other usage would be family pictures, landscapes and photoshoot locations for cars/people etc.
This automotive website/blog has some nice quality imagery and would it be possible to get a relatively inexpensive lens (say up to £400 or so) to get the same'ish level of image quality ? http://www.slamsanctuary.com/
2. I'd like to get a drone with a built in 4K camera, thinking of the DJI Spark (£500 or so) or Yuneec Breeze (£350). I've seen some side by side captured video comparison of the two with the Spark producing 'darker' video quality but more stable footage given it's built in Gyro. The Breeze produces 'brighter' video quality but isn't as stable when flying. Can captured video be processed afterwards to 'brighten' the quality ? I'm sure it can but would just like to know it's possible using some consumer level, recommended software that I can purchase afterwards as the DJI Spark is my favoured choice.
Thanks in advance for advice and knowledge given,
Cheers, Dennis!
The photos on that site have had a lot of processing (though it's done well in my opinion).
The photo of the gold Audi C7 was taken on a Canon 550D on a 50mm lens at f/1.8. (according to its EXIF data). That's a £300 camera and probably a £80 lens so hardly expensive equipment. You could achieve very similar results with any used Nikon or Canon DSLR from the last ten years to be honest.
It's all in the processing, but a lens with a wide maximum aperture is what throws the backgrounds out of focus. From my experience it's that single factor that people are most likely to equate with a "professional" photo.
Finally, read about shooting RAW files. They give you the maximum flexibility for the post-processing and therefore the best chance of achieving your desired look.
The photo of the gold Audi C7 was taken on a Canon 550D on a 50mm lens at f/1.8. (according to its EXIF data). That's a £300 camera and probably a £80 lens so hardly expensive equipment. You could achieve very similar results with any used Nikon or Canon DSLR from the last ten years to be honest.
It's all in the processing, but a lens with a wide maximum aperture is what throws the backgrounds out of focus. From my experience it's that single factor that people are most likely to equate with a "professional" photo.
Finally, read about shooting RAW files. They give you the maximum flexibility for the post-processing and therefore the best chance of achieving your desired look.
DennisCooper said:
2. I'd like to get a drone with a built in 4K camera, thinking of the DJI Spark (£500 or so) or Yuneec Breeze (£350). I've seen some side by side captured video comparison of the two with the Spark producing 'darker' video quality but more stable footage given it's built in Gyro. The Breeze produces 'brighter' video quality but isn't as stable when flying. Can captured video be processed afterwards to 'brighten' the quality ? I'm sure it can but would just like to know it's possible using some consumer level, recommended software that I can purchase afterwards as the DJI Spark is my favoured choice.
I didn't think that the Spark could do 4K video? Only up to 1080p.Could your budget stretch to the D7100 over the 5300? I ask as the D7100 has an internal focusing motor, allowing you to use non-afs lenses - which are usually considerably more affordable on the second hand market, plus the D7100 has a few other convenience features you may enjoy.
I have the the 18-140mm on a 7200 and the results are more than reasonable. The shots that you have linked too are perfectly achievable with the a fast prime lens. Nikon make a few in 50mm - the most affordable of which is a non-afs model, so will only auto focus on the 7100 body. That said, used, you can pick one of these up for less than 100 pounds and it's a great lens to start with and get to know your camera and depth of field limitations. To add a little more versatility to your bag - I'd look for a used 18-55mm kit lens, the VRii model is highly rated, but to be honest all of them can give good results. The advantage of these is that they are very cheap on the used market.
I'd recommend a body only d7100 and a prime lens to get going and then work out where you need to go from there.
I have the the 18-140mm on a 7200 and the results are more than reasonable. The shots that you have linked too are perfectly achievable with the a fast prime lens. Nikon make a few in 50mm - the most affordable of which is a non-afs model, so will only auto focus on the 7100 body. That said, used, you can pick one of these up for less than 100 pounds and it's a great lens to start with and get to know your camera and depth of field limitations. To add a little more versatility to your bag - I'd look for a used 18-55mm kit lens, the VRii model is highly rated, but to be honest all of them can give good results. The advantage of these is that they are very cheap on the used market.
I'd recommend a body only d7100 and a prime lens to get going and then work out where you need to go from there.
Also, for used kit look no further than www.mpb.com - Not the cheapest but their service is excellent.
Alternatively the London Camera Exchange shops have always impressed me, the staff are usually keen photographers.
Alternatively the London Camera Exchange shops have always impressed me, the staff are usually keen photographers.
I would personally be looking at a second hand D7100 over the D5300.
I think the best options are to either get the D3300 or skip the 5 series entirely and go straight to the D7100. It honestly offers so much more than the D5xxx and D3xxx lines, better viewfinder, better metering, better autofocus, high speed flash and flash commander modes, 1/8000 shutter, weathersealing, magnesium body, autofocus fine tuning, the list goes on.
This looks very nice and comes with the 18-140 and 35mm Prime
http://r.ebay.com/co8ash
I would skip the sigma 70-300. Its a terrible lens, bad autofocus speed and accuracy and doesn't even get close to resolving 24mpix. I doubt without doing the Autofocus fine tuning on the D7100 it would work properly at all, definately don't get this with the d5300.
The new Nikon 70-300 af-p lens is very very good. Super fast autofocus, light, cheap, and pretty sharp. £200
http://r.ebay.com/4gRv1S
As you upgrade, you really want a prime for long stuff and I would get the older 300f4 AFS *non vr* lens and a 1.4 MkII TC to go with it. This makes a nice 300/ 430mm lens so 600mm equiv at longest.
I think the best options are to either get the D3300 or skip the 5 series entirely and go straight to the D7100. It honestly offers so much more than the D5xxx and D3xxx lines, better viewfinder, better metering, better autofocus, high speed flash and flash commander modes, 1/8000 shutter, weathersealing, magnesium body, autofocus fine tuning, the list goes on.
This looks very nice and comes with the 18-140 and 35mm Prime
http://r.ebay.com/co8ash
I would skip the sigma 70-300. Its a terrible lens, bad autofocus speed and accuracy and doesn't even get close to resolving 24mpix. I doubt without doing the Autofocus fine tuning on the D7100 it would work properly at all, definately don't get this with the d5300.
The new Nikon 70-300 af-p lens is very very good. Super fast autofocus, light, cheap, and pretty sharp. £200
http://r.ebay.com/4gRv1S
As you upgrade, you really want a prime for long stuff and I would get the older 300f4 AFS *non vr* lens and a 1.4 MkII TC to go with it. This makes a nice 300/ 430mm lens so 600mm equiv at longest.
Hi,
Thank you everyone for the detailed responses and recommendations, much appeciated!
I can go to a D7100 in terms of budget no problem at all and I really like the idea of a used body and new excellent lenses. I think I'll go with this option and claw back some money with the sale of the NEX-5.
I do understand that the website I linked to has some post processing done to the images. What I really like is that without heavy processing, images can be captured which have that smooth, clean glass like 'sheen' to the image - dare I say that sometimes the effect is there with no processing. My NEX-5 just doesn't produce the same when I take my shots. Once I learn more about the basics and the beginnings of more intermediate level use, I'm sure I could 'lightly' process my images to give some excellent results.
Expat2B - That 300mm Nikon lens is definitely going to be a better buy at £195 than the Sigma option, so I'll go for that for sure - thank you. I'll look for a used 18-55mm lens for general use/all rounder. Later, as I learn more I'll perhaps go for a good Macro lens and a mild fisheye. Your line 'get the older 300f4 AFS *non vr* lens and a 1.4 MkII TC to go with it. This makes a nice 300/ 430mm lens so 600mm equiv at longest' I will admit I don't quite understand in terms of what to search for, especially the '1.4 MkII TC' aspect - a quick search showed me some Adidas trainers!, would you mind clarifying what I should search for and the benefits of getting them please?
The DJI Drone which does do 4K is the Mavic Pro - sorry for the confusion, it's a bit out of budget for now so may just got with the Spark even if it's 1080p. The 'stability' aspect is preferable. Can anyone confirm if video footage can be post processed to 'lighten' it ?
The mpb.com website looks great! Bookmarked now!
Cheers, Dennis!
Thank you everyone for the detailed responses and recommendations, much appeciated!
I can go to a D7100 in terms of budget no problem at all and I really like the idea of a used body and new excellent lenses. I think I'll go with this option and claw back some money with the sale of the NEX-5.
I do understand that the website I linked to has some post processing done to the images. What I really like is that without heavy processing, images can be captured which have that smooth, clean glass like 'sheen' to the image - dare I say that sometimes the effect is there with no processing. My NEX-5 just doesn't produce the same when I take my shots. Once I learn more about the basics and the beginnings of more intermediate level use, I'm sure I could 'lightly' process my images to give some excellent results.
Expat2B - That 300mm Nikon lens is definitely going to be a better buy at £195 than the Sigma option, so I'll go for that for sure - thank you. I'll look for a used 18-55mm lens for general use/all rounder. Later, as I learn more I'll perhaps go for a good Macro lens and a mild fisheye. Your line 'get the older 300f4 AFS *non vr* lens and a 1.4 MkII TC to go with it. This makes a nice 300/ 430mm lens so 600mm equiv at longest' I will admit I don't quite understand in terms of what to search for, especially the '1.4 MkII TC' aspect - a quick search showed me some Adidas trainers!, would you mind clarifying what I should search for and the benefits of getting them please?
The DJI Drone which does do 4K is the Mavic Pro - sorry for the confusion, it's a bit out of budget for now so may just got with the Spark even if it's 1080p. The 'stability' aspect is preferable. Can anyone confirm if video footage can be post processed to 'lighten' it ?
The mpb.com website looks great! Bookmarked now!
Cheers, Dennis!
Edited by DennisCooper on Wednesday 6th September 21:14
DennisCooper said:
Hi,
Thank you everyone for the detailed responses and recommendations, much appeciated!
I can go to a D7100 in terms of budget no problem at all and I really like the idea of a used body and new excellent lenses. I think I'll go with this option and claw back some money with the sale of the NEX-5.
I do understand that the website I linked to has some post processing done to the images. What I really like is that without heavy processing, images can be captured which have that smooth, clean glass like 'sheen' to the image - dare I say that sometimes the effect is there with no processing. My NEX-5 just doesn't produce the same when I take my shots. Once I learn more about the basics and the beginnings of more intermediate level use, I'm sure I could 'lightly' process my images to give some excellent results.
Expat2B - That 300mm Nikon lens is definitely going to be a better buy at £195 than the Sigma option, so I'll go for that for sure - thank you. I'll look for a used 18-55mm lens for general use/all rounder. Later, as I learn more I'll perhaps go for a good Macro lens and a mild fisheye. Your line 'get the older 300f4 AFS *non vr* lens and a 1.4 MkII TC to go with it. This makes a nice 300/ 430mm lens so 600mm equiv at longest' I will admit I don't quite understand in terms of what to search for, especially the '1.4 MkII TC' aspect - a quick search showed me some Adidas trainers!, would you mind clarifying what I should search for and the benefits of getting them please?
The DJI Drone which does do 4K is the Mavic Pro - sorry for the confusion, it's a bit out of budget for now so may just got with the Spark even if it's 1080p. The 'stability' aspect is preferable. Can anyone confirm if video footage can be post processed to 'lighten' it ?
The mpb.com website looks great! Bookmarked now!
Cheers, Dennis!
Dennis - the terminology about the 300mm lens is good advice. Essentially - go for the fixed (non-zoom, i.e. prime) 300mm as optically it is superior to a zoom, then the 1.4 MkII TC is a 1.4x magnifier, so increases the 300mm to a 430mm (higher numbers mean 'more' zoom) on a crop sensor camera, like the D7100 this is the equivalent to a 600mm lens. Thank you everyone for the detailed responses and recommendations, much appeciated!
I can go to a D7100 in terms of budget no problem at all and I really like the idea of a used body and new excellent lenses. I think I'll go with this option and claw back some money with the sale of the NEX-5.
I do understand that the website I linked to has some post processing done to the images. What I really like is that without heavy processing, images can be captured which have that smooth, clean glass like 'sheen' to the image - dare I say that sometimes the effect is there with no processing. My NEX-5 just doesn't produce the same when I take my shots. Once I learn more about the basics and the beginnings of more intermediate level use, I'm sure I could 'lightly' process my images to give some excellent results.
Expat2B - That 300mm Nikon lens is definitely going to be a better buy at £195 than the Sigma option, so I'll go for that for sure - thank you. I'll look for a used 18-55mm lens for general use/all rounder. Later, as I learn more I'll perhaps go for a good Macro lens and a mild fisheye. Your line 'get the older 300f4 AFS *non vr* lens and a 1.4 MkII TC to go with it. This makes a nice 300/ 430mm lens so 600mm equiv at longest' I will admit I don't quite understand in terms of what to search for, especially the '1.4 MkII TC' aspect - a quick search showed me some Adidas trainers!, would you mind clarifying what I should search for and the benefits of getting them please?
The DJI Drone which does do 4K is the Mavic Pro - sorry for the confusion, it's a bit out of budget for now so may just got with the Spark even if it's 1080p. The 'stability' aspect is preferable. Can anyone confirm if video footage can be post processed to 'lighten' it ?
The mpb.com website looks great! Bookmarked now!
Cheers, Dennis!
Edited by DennisCooper on Wednesday 6th September 21:14
DennisCooper said:
Hi,
Your line 'get the older 300f4 AFS *non vr* lens and a 1.4 MkII TC to go with it. This makes a nice 300/ 430mm lens so 600mm equiv at longest' I will admit I don't quite understand in terms of what to search for, especially the '1.4 MkII TC' aspect - a quick search showed me some Adidas trainers!, would you mind clarifying what I should search for and the benefits of getting them please?
The "TC" referred to is a teleconverter. To all intents and purposes it's just a magnifying glass. In this case one that magnifies by 1.4x. They have their limitations and if you read up on them you'll find out what those limitations are.Your line 'get the older 300f4 AFS *non vr* lens and a 1.4 MkII TC to go with it. This makes a nice 300/ 430mm lens so 600mm equiv at longest' I will admit I don't quite understand in terms of what to search for, especially the '1.4 MkII TC' aspect - a quick search showed me some Adidas trainers!, would you mind clarifying what I should search for and the benefits of getting them please?
As to that "sheen" I suspect you're referring to the complete lack of grain/noise in an image, perhaps related to overall image quality. As a rule you'll be wanting to use the lowest possible ISO setting on your camera, a nice mid-range aperture (f/8 would be a good figure as a guide), and get the exposure bang on so that no gain needs to be applied when processing. (It would increase noise too). Having plenty of light around is usually good.
Some noise reduction will help as well, even if you don't see any noise, the effects of noise reduction can still be seen.
Chances are you have a local photo club too, and whilst not everyone's cup of tea I'm sure they could be the source of lots of useful tips.
Hi,
Thank you for the additional information, all taken on board !
I have a manfrotto tripod, it was on offer at PC World for £35 down from £49 a year or so ago so I snapped it up. For now, I think it'll suit fine for most picture locations etc and I'll look into some of those smaller bendy tripods to 'attach' somewhere if needed. On my NEX-5, I added a rotatable polarizing filter and a UV filter so I'll do the same with the DSLR I get once I read up a bit more about them.
I've got the 70-300 mm Nikkor lens recommended above saved in my ebay list and now it's a case of picking and purchasing a decent D7100 and then zipping out to do some test shots one afternoon on a weekend I can dedicate so begin more learning and practice.
I'll do a bit more research as well for the Drone, can anyone confirm if video can indeed be post processed to be 'lighter' please? that DJI Spark with it's good stability for footage is the sensible choice for now but I want that Mavic Pro !
Cheers, Dennis!
Thank you for the additional information, all taken on board !
I have a manfrotto tripod, it was on offer at PC World for £35 down from £49 a year or so ago so I snapped it up. For now, I think it'll suit fine for most picture locations etc and I'll look into some of those smaller bendy tripods to 'attach' somewhere if needed. On my NEX-5, I added a rotatable polarizing filter and a UV filter so I'll do the same with the DSLR I get once I read up a bit more about them.
I've got the 70-300 mm Nikkor lens recommended above saved in my ebay list and now it's a case of picking and purchasing a decent D7100 and then zipping out to do some test shots one afternoon on a weekend I can dedicate so begin more learning and practice.
I'll do a bit more research as well for the Drone, can anyone confirm if video can indeed be post processed to be 'lighter' please? that DJI Spark with it's good stability for footage is the sensible choice for now but I want that Mavic Pro !
Cheers, Dennis!
Hi,
Quick update - A very nice deal came up and I went for it! D7100, 18-140 kit, battery grip, 32GB & 16GB SD cards, UV filter, 2 genuine batteries, Hama case, Nikon shutter remote control. All for £680 delivered. Camera and this little kit were purchased 4/5 months ago and I'm not concerned with the shutter count etc, just want to get to learn more with it etc.
Is it worth selling off the 18-140 lens and picking up the Nikon 18-55mm and then the 70-300mm (as mentioned above seeing as it's now £179 delivered) ?
At a car show tomorrow hopefully pending timings on a few other aspects so will start getting used to it !
Cheers, Dennis!
Quick update - A very nice deal came up and I went for it! D7100, 18-140 kit, battery grip, 32GB & 16GB SD cards, UV filter, 2 genuine batteries, Hama case, Nikon shutter remote control. All for £680 delivered. Camera and this little kit were purchased 4/5 months ago and I'm not concerned with the shutter count etc, just want to get to learn more with it etc.
Is it worth selling off the 18-140 lens and picking up the Nikon 18-55mm and then the 70-300mm (as mentioned above seeing as it's now £179 delivered) ?
At a car show tomorrow hopefully pending timings on a few other aspects so will start getting used to it !
Cheers, Dennis!
DennisCooper said:
Hi,
Quick update - A very nice deal came up and I went for it! D7100, 18-140 kit, battery grip, 32GB & 16GB SD cards, UV filter, 2 genuine batteries, Hama case, Nikon shutter remote control. All for £680 delivered. Camera and this little kit were purchased 4/5 months ago and I'm not concerned with the shutter count etc, just want to get to learn more with it etc.
Is it worth selling off the 18-140 lens and picking up the Nikon 18-55mm and then the 70-300mm (as mentioned above seeing as it's now £179 delivered) ?
At a car show tomorrow hopefully pending timings on a few other aspects so will start getting used to it !
Cheers, Dennis!
Re the selling off the 18-140 lens to replace with an 18-55 kit lens. I use the 18-140 as my general walk about lens. It is head and shoulders above the 18-55 lens in every way. Quicker to focus, much sharper, longer reach make it an ideal general purpose lens. I use it for mixed photography, so landscapes, cars, portraits, seascapes, it produces some lovely pictures, some of which have ended up on people’s walls.Quick update - A very nice deal came up and I went for it! D7100, 18-140 kit, battery grip, 32GB & 16GB SD cards, UV filter, 2 genuine batteries, Hama case, Nikon shutter remote control. All for £680 delivered. Camera and this little kit were purchased 4/5 months ago and I'm not concerned with the shutter count etc, just want to get to learn more with it etc.
Is it worth selling off the 18-140 lens and picking up the Nikon 18-55mm and then the 70-300mm (as mentioned above seeing as it's now £179 delivered) ?
At a car show tomorrow hopefully pending timings on a few other aspects so will start getting used to it !
Cheers, Dennis!
My advice, from experience, is keep it and simply don’t get the 18-55 lens.
Hi,
Thanks once more for the tips! I'll be keeping the current 18-140 lens ! I had a chance to take some shots over the weekend at a car show, deliberately left the camera in auto mode just so that I can get used to it and will play around with more settings/setup later as I get used to the camera. Given the 70-300mm lens is on offer now at £179 delivered, should I just get it and between the two most of my currently anticipated usage will be covered? I might need a lens for shooting products from close range/in situ as well as potentially some close up stuff - best to get a lens for the former and a macro for the latter?
Thank you also for the thoughts on video footage - I have a laptop with an i7 processor, 2GB video card, 16GB RAM and a 512GB SSD, running W10. I'd have thought it'd be ok to use for any light video editing I may need? The new Go Pro Hero 6 is soon to be officially announced so thinking of one of those for now that I can fix onto a 'normal' drone and a 4K camera equipped drone later.
Cheers, Dennis!
Thanks once more for the tips! I'll be keeping the current 18-140 lens ! I had a chance to take some shots over the weekend at a car show, deliberately left the camera in auto mode just so that I can get used to it and will play around with more settings/setup later as I get used to the camera. Given the 70-300mm lens is on offer now at £179 delivered, should I just get it and between the two most of my currently anticipated usage will be covered? I might need a lens for shooting products from close range/in situ as well as potentially some close up stuff - best to get a lens for the former and a macro for the latter?
Thank you also for the thoughts on video footage - I have a laptop with an i7 processor, 2GB video card, 16GB RAM and a 512GB SSD, running W10. I'd have thought it'd be ok to use for any light video editing I may need? The new Go Pro Hero 6 is soon to be officially announced so thinking of one of those for now that I can fix onto a 'normal' drone and a 4K camera equipped drone later.
Cheers, Dennis!
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