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Hi Roland,
Just wandering whether you do private function (wedding dinner & during ROM) photo? If so, may I know the charges?
Thanking you
Adeline.
Hi Adeline,
Well, at the moment, I haven’t turned professional yet. Photography is still just a major passion in life. I have shot private functions and weddings for friends before, but I weren’t really doing them as professional jobs. Thanks for the interest anyway!
Best regards,
Roland
You’re beyond professionalism.
Some professionals take photography as a way of life and that attitude has made their job a duty.
For others, amateurism can lead to incremental progress, which in turn, may ultimately take them to a new level that exceeds the professional standards.
It is the final results that dictates the level of quality, not the title.
James
Hi Roland,
I am buying a camera this week and am confused on wether to buy the 400d or the 40d, is the price difference worth buying the 40d?
I am going to africa in 3 weeks and i am really hoping to come back with some great wildlife photos. Also i have a 300mm lens but it isnt for a digital camera, is it compatible? Will i have to get a new one?
I would really appreciate your advice on this, thanks.
Hi Louisa,
Wow, that’s a very difficult question to answer. There is no doubt that the 40D is a much better built camera and with a lot more features and function compared with the 400D. But whether all that will be important for you or make the 40D a “better” camera for you is something only you can decide.
For example, 40D being a more solid and better built camera is significantly bigger and heavier than the 400D. Some people would view bigger size and better built as any advantage, others would see it as a disadvantage and would much prefer the smaller and lighter 400D.
You have to understand many of the improved or new features are not directly related to image quality. Having a larger LCD, larger viewfinder, Live View, metal body, spot metering…etc, etc would not make your photos look better.
In my humble opinion, good or great photos are much more related to the photographers skill and technique than the camera features. I would even say in over 95% of situation, a 400D is the hands of a good photographer will take photos that are just as good as from a 40D.
So why don’t we all just buy the 400D and forget the 40D? Well, the reasons are many. A lot of features although not directly related to image quality would make your life easier using the camera. An analogy would be 2 exact same cars, one equipped with items like leather seat and air conditioner and the other without these items. Would the car with these extra items drive any better than the one without? Obviously no, but I sure would like to drive the one with leather seats and air conditioner than the one without.
Of course the 40D would also give me an advantage in those 5% of situation where the 400D would be at a disadvantage, like shooting sports and action at 6.5fps compared to 3fps for 400D. the larger buffer would be useful in such situation too.
In the end, all these are questions that only you can answer. The street price of the 40D in Hong Kong is almost twice that of the 400D. Whether that extra cost is worth it for you is something no one can help you with.
As for the 300mm lens, can you tell me exactly what lens it is i.e. the make and model of the lens. Without know those data, it is not possible to give you an answer.
Dear Roland, I love my 20D but here lately I have been getting error99. Any idea what this is and how do I fix it? Thanks, Patsy
Hi Patsy,
What lens were you using when you were getting error99 message? error99 indicates a lens problem. it happens more likley with 3rd party lens, but if there is a fault with a Canon lens, you may also get error99.
I was using a canon 75-300.
Hi Patsy,
If error 99 happened frequently with the 75-300mm and not with other lenses, then there maybe a problem with your Canon 75-300mm. You should take your 75-300mm for check-up/repair. If error 99 is happening with all lenses, then it maybe a problem with your 20D, then you should take your 20D for repair.
i must say its a perfect place for phography lovers. one cany find usefull photography related articles here
even one can get answers to his problems
graet job – keep it up
Roland, I’ve just accidently come across your site- Very interesting. I’m thinking about purchasing a Canon DSLR and you have provided some very interesting comments – Thanks. One major question I have – What is the difference between the EOS 400D and the EOS 40D? I haven’t been able to figure this out yet.
Cheers,
Hi Roy,
There are actually quite a lot of difference between the Canon EOS 400D and 40D. The 400D is basically the entry level DSLR camera from Canon (although not straightly true now, since Canon decided to re-issue the old 350D, 400D predecessor recently at a even lower price point) with price, design and feature set aimed at beginner or budget level photo enthusiasts whereas the 40D is a mid price DLSR in Canon’s range with build quality, design and feature set that are aimed at advanced amateur or even professional photographers.
The main differences are:-
400D vs 40D
- plastic body vs metal alloy body
- smaller, lighter body vs heavier and bigger body
- 2.5″ LCD vs 3″ LCD
- no separate info LCD display vs info LCD display on top of camera
- 3 fps continuous shooting vs 6.5 fps continuous shooting
- 27 jpeg/10 RAW buffer vs 75 jpeg/17 RAW buffer
- less custom function settings vs more custom function settings
- maximum ISO 1600 vs maximum ISO 3200
- no wireless LAN grip vs wireless LAN grip available
- shorter battery capacity vs larger battery capacity
- 12 bit vs 14 bit
There are lots of other differences too and I can’t list all of them here.
Basically, there is no doubt that the 40D is a better camera then the 400D, but it is also almost twice the price of the 400D (at least in Hong Kong). So whether the extra cost of the 40D over the 400D is worth the extra features and benefits is something only you can decide.
Hi Roland,
I am enjoying looking around your site and reviewing your advice, so I thought I’d share my big question with you.
I want to buy a Canon wide-angle zoom for my EOS30D; I’ve not had a play with either of these lenses yet, but I wondered if you or your readers can distinguish between the 17-40 and 16-35 ‘L’ lenses – apart from the cost. Given the sensor size on my camera, would I have to buy the 10-22 to get a decent wide angle comparable to 24mm in a film camera, or would either of the two mentioned fulfill this role.
Thanks – Jason.
The biggest difference between the 17-40mm and the 16-35mm is that the more expensive 16-35mm is one stop faster at f2.8 and the 17-40mm is an f4 lens. Whether you need that extra stop of light and the shallower depth of field possible with f2.8 is something only you can decide.
However, neither of these lenses are ultrawide on the 30D, 16mm only has FOV equivalent on 25.6mm on the 30D and 17mm has a FOV equivalent of 27.2mm.
To go truly ultrawide on the 30D, you will need the EF-S 10-22mm, which will give you practically the same FOV equivalent of the 16-35mm on a full frame camera.
Thanks Roland.. you have explained that very well and it does help me in my decision. Regards, Jason.
Hai,
I like to read your blog,but one thing, do you try other lens (3rd party) beside canon? And which lens you think better between tamron and sigma? Thank you.
Hello! Would like to know which ultra wide lens is next best to the Canon 10-22mm? Sigma 10-22mm?
Tamron SP AF 11-18mm? Or Tokina DX AT-X Pro 12-24mm? (this is for a Canon 40d) Thanks!
Hey roland!
I’m looking forward to buy a DSLR camera in Hong Kong.. I’m just a beginner, eager to learn DSLR skills in photography. I’m faced between two brands, canon or sony. In Sony – the A350, Canon – 450D.. I’ve heard that the sony 14Megapix high frequency noise can disrupt the images taken, but sony has a lot of features though. While I’ve heard a lot of good things in Canon too, because it is tried and tested in photography.. both of them are at the same price range. I might check it out at Echo, MongKok DC Centre, or WingShing.. Better at Broadway if I can huggle for the price, because I believe this place is trusted by many. Can you give me a photographer’s view of these cameras? thanks!
Hi Roland,
the new Nikon D700 is coming now. did you read or hear when you can buy it in Hongkong? And for how many Dollars? Here in Germany you can buy it in two weeks for 2599 Euros.
thanks for a short info
Hi Jeanny2503,
There is no pricing information for the Nikon D700 in Hong Kong yet. I have heard from someone who has connection inside Nikon Hong Kong that stocks should arrive in Hong Kong at end of July and pricing info should be available mid July.
thank you. maybe I can get one at the 3 of august when I am flying back from Australia via Hongkong.have a nice weekend
bye
Hi Roland, i am looking forward to buy EOS 40D in Canada. By the way I am just a beginner but i hope to get a finest camera because i notice photography becomes a major part in my life. I would like to learn and from your site i get a lot of photography info. It is a very interesting and nice site.
Can you give any advice to me as a beginner?
Thanks you~
Hi L,
Sorry for the late reply. I can’t really give you any specific advise unless you have a specific question. However, the general advises I would give to you as a beginner are:-
1. Read some books or from photographic websites about basic photographic techniques like learning about basics like exposure control, color, composition etc.
2. Try to learn something about image post-processing on a computer. That is an integral part of digital photography. Again, either buy some books and read from various websites.
3. Practice, practice and practice. Shoot a lot and you will learn along the way. the great thing about digital is that, it hardly cost anything for you to shoot and experiment.
Hi Roland,
Your Canon 50D review was awesome! I’m going to buy a Canon 50D. I’m confused between the following lenses for it; Canon EF 70-200mm f/4.0L USM and Canon EF 70-300mm f/4-5.6 IS USM.
I’m more inclined towards the L lens. But I’m worried about it having no IS. I’m a serious amateur and this is going to be my first DSLR. Please HELP!
Hi Rohan,
Both of those lenses are good. The 70-200mm f4L might be ultimately slightly sharper and have constant f4 aperture. However, the trade off is that, it has short range at tele end and does not have IS (image stabilizer). Of course, you can also consider the 70-200mm f4L IS USM, but that would be significantly more expensive. The choise is not a easy one, but ultimately, only you can make that choice. Both are really good lenses, but have different tradeoffs. There are no perfect lens. I am sure you’ll be happy with choosing either.
Hi Roland,
Here’s are some photographs that I’ve shot last year http://www.betterphoto.com/gallery/free/gallery.asp?memberID=200090
I’ve shot them with Cyber-shot DSC-W30 P&S. I feel this is some of my best work. I’d highly appreciate your feedback on them.
Hi Rohan,
I have taken a look at your pics. The macro flower shots are nice, I guess as good as you can do with a P&S digicam. Some of the shots were a bit under-exposed, which can be easily fixed with a bit of post-processing though. I am sure with the 50D and a good macro lens, you should be able to get much better quality shots though. If you don’t minf me saying, the composition fo some of the shots could be improved a bit as well.
Keep shooting and practicing and keep up the good work!
Hi Roland,
After reading your report I am seriously thinking of buying a Canon 5d mk2. I have an older (but very good) Metz 45 CT-1 flash and would like to know if it will be suitable for use with the 5d mk2. (I know there might be voltage issues)
I would intend using the flash sync lead/pc socket and manual camera settings. Do you think this is possible?
regards
David S
Hi David,
Actually, I have no idea if your Metz 45 Ct-1 flash would work with the 5D Mark II, as I neither have this flash or know anything about it. I’ll see what I can find out, but your best bet is probably to call or email Metz and ask them about it.
Hi Roland
Thanks for your very prompt reply, I will try Metz and see what happens. I may just have to buy a speedlight.
regards
DS
Hi Roland,
Next Sunday I plan to travel to Hong Kong. I plan to shop an EF 300mm F4 L IS USM. Could you give me a piece of advice of where to buy it. In Jakarta, this lens costs USD 1,290.
regards
sn
Hi Suhadi,
I have asked the price of the EF 300mm f/4L IS USM at Echo Photo & Audio, and they are selling it for HK$10,500, which is more expensive than the price you quoted in Jakarta. I don’t think you’ll find it selling for significantly cheaper at other camera shops in Hong Kong. However, if you mind buying gray import, then you maybe able to find it at a significantly cheaper price. I am sorry I don’t know the gray import price, but you can try Tin Cheung Cameras or even Echo, they can usually get the gray import alternative if you request.
Hi Suhadi,
Next month I plan to travel to Jakarta. I like to buy a Eos 5D mark II with 24-105 F4 L IS USM lens (kit). I heart that in Jakarta it is probably cheaper to buy than in Amsterdam (euro 3.000 or about US$ 4.100).
Do you have a recommendation where to go and look in Jakarta and maybe you know what the body and or kit with lens would cost in Jakarta?
regards,
Max
Hi Roland!
Read your comment on the Canon 5d2. I personally hold it at Canon showroom and tried a few shots. I like the pics. Thinking really hard whether to get myself the birthday present and my first personal SLR.
Me and my family is spending our school vacation in Hong Kong 15th Jun 09. Can you recommend some good and reliable photoshop to purchase a unit? How much will one cost? Also thinking of 16G for the camera,any recommended brand and price.
Your advice and reply is appreciated. Thanks.
Have a good day!
Philip Tan
Singapore
Hi Philip,
Please read my article on Recommended Camera Shops in Hong Kong for camera shops recommendation in Hong Kong:-
http://rolandlim.wordpress.com/2007/08/26/recommended-camera-shops-in-hong-kong/
Please read my article on Camera and Lens Street Prices for price info:-
http://rolandlim.wordpress.com/2009/03/20/camera-lens-street-price-list/
Hi Roland,
I am from the Philippines, and am an avid diver who loves taking underwater pictures.
I will be going to Hong Kong at the end of October and am planning to get the Canon G10 with it’s underwater housing WP-DC28. But with the release of the new G11 ang its housing WP-DC34, will it be wiser to get the G11 instead? Would you have an idea how much it would cost and the best place to get it?
Thanks so much,
Ricky
Hi ricky,
Nobody have used or tested the new G11 yet, so it is hard to say if and how much it will be better than the G10.
Unless if Canon has somehow managed some revolutionary change that significantly improves image quality, you may not see any great difference between the G10 and G11. Whether to upgrade to G11 is a very personal choice anyway and is something only you can decide for yourself.
Hi Roland,
I will ask my friend to buy Canon 50D kit for me in Jakarta.
Can you suggest any place?
Thanx a lot,
Harun
Hi Harun,
Please check my article on recommended camera shops in Hong Kong for where to buy:- http://rolandlim.wordpress.com/2007/08/26/recommended-camera-shops-in-hong-kong/
Hi Roland,
I am confused now … which camera to buy, can you please help. Thanks.
Canon 7 D or 5 D Mark II or Nikon D 700
I like to take family photo especially my children and also scenery. I normally use Canon G10 for pictures of family and also travelling, but now would like to upgrade to one of those camera above. As I like travelling, i would to use lightest full frame camera with wide angle lenses (versatile…with zoom of course).
Please recommend which camera and lenses to buy.
Thanks and have a nice day.
Cheers..
Ajis
Hi Ajiis,
The Canon EOS 7D is not a full frame camera, so if full frame is really what you want, then the 7D is out. The Canon EOS 5D Mark II and Nikon D700 are both full frame cameras.
However, are you really sure full frame is what you want? You said you are using a Canon G10 now, which is not a DLSR camera. Do you know the pros and cons of full frame vs cropped frame DSLR? The fact that you don’t even know the 7D is not full frame makes me wonder whether you really know the answers to these questions.
There is no light weight full frame DSLR on the market. They are all quite heavy. The Canon EOS 5D Mark II is the lighter one at 820gm, the Nikon D700 is heavier at 995gm. The Canon EOS 7D, although not a full frame DSLR, is actually heavier than the 5D Mark II at 820gm. If weight and full frame are “the” criteria for you, then the choice is simple, 5D mark II is the lightest.
As for lens choice, it depends on your budget and image quality expectation. The really good wide angle zoom lens tend to be more expensive and heavier as well. It is not possible to give you any recommendation without knowing more about you and what you really want or need.
Dear Roland,
Thanks for your kind Comment and advise. Let me info you on the background.
You are right that I do not know much about camera as I am new into this DSLR. Since I have been using G10 likes the quality and after seeing my friend photos using DLSR …in which quality much better.
So my objective now is for better / best quality photo. because I realised now a moment need to be captured at the time…time can not be rewind. ..especially for family photos / moment that could last forever.
I learned from my friend that I have to get one of those DLSR. In other words, I need to upgrade my G10 to DLSR which I do not know very much. Price / budget should be ok, but one thing is that I prefer not to carry big pouch when I travel with my family.
If there is no available DLSR with lightest then I am prepared to carry a bit heavier camera.
So my focus is quality. Budget should not be a concern. My concern on quality and size of camera to carry.
So far I have read a few review like dpreview.com and also from you on 7D, 5D mark II and Nikon D700.
Thats why I am asking you for advise.
So this is about me and what I desire. Hope you can help. Greatly appreciate your kind advise as I am still learning on photography from internet.
Some friends suggested on 5D makr II other Nikon D700 since it has flash. 5D MKII no flash.
Thanks and regards,
Ajis
Hi Ajis,
Sorry I could not answer your questions earlier as you questions required more thorough and longer answer than most other questions.
So if I understand correctly, you want the best photo quality but you also want light weight/small size.
Let’s start with a few basics first.
1. No DLSR on the market is really very light and compact as compared to advanced point and shoot like the G10. I am sure you know that already.
2. The best quality DSLR are all quite heavy and bulky as compared to lower end DLSR.
3. For best image quality, you will also need good lenses and none of these are small and light. You will probably need at least 2 lenses to cover the range of what you need to shoot. One singe zoom lens with a huge zoom range usually does not offer the best image quality.
4. For best image quality, you can forget about in-camera flash. They are all rather weak flash and cannot offer you the best quality for flash photography.
5. For the 3 cameras you are considering. The heaviest is the Nikon D700, the Canon 7D and 5D Mark II are very similar in weight.
6. For best image quality, I would rate 5D Mark II as 1st overall. The 7D probably offer higher resolution at low to medium ISO, but the D700 should offer better image quality at high ISO.
7. As for lens choices. For Canon, the best wide angle zoom lens is probably the Canon EF 16-35mm f2.8L USM. For general purpose zoom, you can consider either the Canon EF 24-70mm f2.8L USM or the Canon 24-105mm f4L IS USM. However, for the best image quality you should also consider getting prime lenses like the Canon EF 35mm f1.4L USM, Canon EF 50mm f1.2L and Canon EF 85mm f1.2L USM.
For Nikon lenses, the best wide angle zoom is the 14-24mm f2.8. For general purpose zoom, try their 24-70mm f2.8 VR. For prime lenses, try AF Nikkor 35mm f/2D, AF-S NIKKOR 50mm f/1.4G and AF Nikkor 85mm f/1.4D IF.
However, having said all that, don’t forget even the best camera and lenses are merely tools. Without good photographic knowledge and skills and post-processing skills on a computer, it will not be possible to get the good quality photos even with the best equipment. This a a part that one needs to spend time and effort to learn and improve and is something that money cannot buy.