Can you use DSLR lenses on compact system cameras?

Ye2

I know nothing about DSLR cameras vs compact system cameras! I really want to upgrade from my point and shoot Sony to the Olympus Pen E-PL1 Camera. Now I'm aware that the lens on this camera is not good for zoom shots. Could I use a Nikon lens taken from a friend's DSLR camera?

Answer
Sorry short and very simple answer NO because the Lenses on a Point and Shoot Cameras can not be removed.

What are the best camera lenses (zoom or static) for a Canon DSLR mark ii?

Bob

the cheaper the better! :)
I'm talking about the Canon 5D mark ii, that is just the most popular/common "mark ii" people seem to use... So I assumed people would know which one I was talking about here... hope that clears up any confusion
And one more thing: Can anyone edit their answers and post a YouTube example of the Canon 5d mark ii or mark iii with the lens or lenses they suggested? That would be the most helpful thing so you could see real examples of what footage looks like (instead of ideas in your head from what somebody says), although if you don't post a video with examples I guess we could all go scour YouTube ourselves...
Thanks everyone for all the answers, much appreciated.

(btw - I'm more interested in using the DSLR for shooting HD video than shooting photographs)

Answer
It all depends on what type of photography you do. Since we have no way of knowing whether you shoot portraits or sports or landscapes or weddings there is no way for us to make an intelligent suggestion.

Note that "... best camera lenses ..." and "... cheaper ..." are never used in the same sentence.

Here is a listing of all currently available Canon lenses:
http://www.usa.canon.com/cusa/consumer/products/cameras/ef_lens_lineup

NOTE: Ignore all lenses that are EF-S because they can't be used on a 5D MK II.

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Buying a semi-pro DSLR camera, any suggestions?

Q. I'm a young amateur photographer who's finally got a job and will be able to afford a camera better than my old Sony Cybershot. I'm hoping to eventually pursue a side career in event photography and photojournalism. I guess what I'm looking for a "semi-professional" or starter digital SLR camera, but I have really no experience with brands or makes and I need some advice. My price range would be preferably under $500.

Also, I would like to buy used to keep costs down but I'm a little weary because I've been told that shutters wear out [or something to that effect] and that the cameras actually have a limited number of exposures.

Anybody have advice or a suggestion?

Thanks!

Answer
A DSLR camera is an investment but it can be well worth it. DSLR cameras have the larger sensor so you get a higher quality images. You can change lenses which can be valuable, by allowing to adjust to different needs. Here is what I recommend to people getting into a DSLR for the first time.

There are a number of good brands so don't be sold on the idea one brand is better than another. I would keep your costs down. I would get a DSLR with a short zoom (like a 18-55mm) to start. No reason to spend more than $425 to $550. Either a 10MP or 12MP will do just fine.

Below, I listed some links, the first link listed below is to a web page that lists the 3 DSLR cameras I am recommending. This list will let you compare features and specs, also it has links to reviews of the cameras, the reviews include sample images from the cameras. Also I included some links to some dealers so that you can try and get the best price. Some dealers have some nice extras, free shipping is very common, and sometimes they are offering a free memory card and/or camera bag. Sometimes you have to click in the âadd to cartâ button to see the actual price.

Here are some models that I think are well worth researching:

Nikon D3000 10MP DSLR Digital Camera with 18-55mm VR Lens - $449
EOS Rebel XS (1000D) 10MP DSLR Digital Camera Kit w/18-55mm IS Lens - $499
Pentax K-x 12MP DSLR with 18-55mm Zoom (has HD Video also) - $550

Pick a price range, some features you know you want, and even consider which camera feels good in your hand as a factor. Plenty of great cameras, get one you like and start learning the principles of photography and you will be on your way to making some great images.

If you want to stay under $500 then go Nikon or Canon but, I think the Pentax could be of special interest, since it can do HD video and has excellent quality at higher ISO settings which can be useful in low light places and helping get the picture. These features, especially the HD video, on a Nikon or Canon will cost you $100 to $200 more.

If you have any questions and if you think I can be of help then please do contact me.

Hope this helps. Good luck.

Mark

marksablow.com

What is a good entry level dslr camera?

polishswee

I have recently become interested in these cameras i love a digital camera but want something a little more. I am starting a little more advanced then just point and shoot and everything. So there are many out there but i need something that is easy to figure out and everything. thanks for all your suggesting in advanced.

Answer
A DSLR camera is an investment but it can be well worth it. DSLR cameras have the larger sensor so you get a higher quality images. You can change lenses which can be valuable, by allowing to adjust to different needs.

There are a number of good brands so don't be sold on the idea one brand is better than another. I would keep your costs down. I would get a DSLR with a short zoom (like a 18-55mm) to start. No reason to spend more than $425 to $550. Either a 10MP or 12MP will do just fine.

Below, I listed some links, the first link listed below is to a web page that lists the 3 DSLR cameras I am recommending. This list will let you compare features and specs, also it has links to reviews of the cameras, the reviews include sample images from the cameras. Also I included some links to some dealers so that you can try and get the best price. Some dealers have some nice extras, free shipping is very common, and sometimes they are offering a free memory card and/or camera bag. Sometimes you have to click in the âadd to cartâ button to see the actual price.

Here are some models that I think are well worth researching including estimated price range:

Nikon D3000 10MP DSLR Digital Camera with 18-55mm VR Lens - $479 to $500
EOS Rebel XS (1000D) 10MP DSLR Digital Camera Kit w/18-55mm IS Lens - $499 to $550
Pentax K-x 12MP DSLR with 18-55mm Zoom (has HD Video also) - $485 to $525

Pick a price range, some features you know you want, and even consider which camera feels good in your hand as a factor. Plenty of great cameras, get one you like and start learning the principles of photography and you will be on your way to making some great images.

Most people go with Nikon or Canon but, I think the Pentax could be of special interest, since it can do HD video and has excellent quality at higher ISO settings which can be useful in low light places and helping get the picture. These features, especially the HD video, on a Nikon or Canon will cost you $100 to $200 more.

If you have any questions and if you think I can be of help then please do contact me.

Hope this helps. Good luck.

Mark

marksablow.com

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Zoom of DSLR cameras...?

k_udhayan

Hi. I have two questions about DSLRs..
1. I am planning to buy a DSLR camera. Since I am new, when the lens says for a focal length of 18-55 mm, how close and far away objects from the camera can be focused sharply?
2. My point an shoot camera has got an optical zoom capacity of 15X. But DSLR lenses have comparatively a very low zoom / magnification range. I thought because DSLR are more expensive I would get magnification higher than point and shoot cameras. What am I missing to understand here.

Pl. help. Thanks in advance.

Answer
What you are missing is that the cost of making lenses for dSLR cameras is up to 100 times more than those found on P&S cameras. Since photographers only buy the lenses they need for their dSLR cameras, they do NOT lenses with extreme zoom ratios.

P&S cameras, on the other hand, have a fixed lens, so some have an extreme optical zoom range because there is no way for the user to change lenses.

The size of the sensor of a dSLR is only one reason the interchangeable lenses cost so much more.

Look at the different sensor sizes.

http://cameraimagesensor.com/size/#42,27,24,a

The 18-55 mm lens is perfect for learning how to use a dSLR. It provides angles of view needed to shoot landscapes, group shots, full body shots and head and shoulder portraits.

There are a few long reach zooms like the 18-200 mm or new 18-300 mm zoom

what the zooming capacity for a 18-55 mm dslr camera lenses?

suresh

i mean the optical zooming capacity? What is the closest thing it can focus?

Answer
The zoom capacity (a term usually used in compact p&s cameras) is 3x as 3 x 18mm = 54mm. As for closest focus, this is the information for the Nikon 18-55mm. Other brands may be similar.

Close Focus: 11" (0.28m) from the back of the camera. This is 4.5" (11.5cm) from the front of the lens.

http://www.kenrockwell.com/nikon/18-55-ii.htm

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How do I convert a digital camera's zoom from x increments to mm?

dslr camera lenses zoom image

Kinsey6

I have two digital cameras, one with a 10X zoom and another with a 15X zoom. I want to get a DSLR camera but don't know how to compare the zooms I have on my current cameras to how they're measured in mm on DSLRs. So what I'm wondering is, what is a 15X zoom equal to in mm, and how do I convert a 55-140mm and 55-300mm zoom lens back to x increments?

Also, I see some camera bundles with 2.5X lenses. Do these make, e.g., a 140 or 300mm zoom lens 2.5 times longer, or only provide a simple 2.5X zoom on the camera's body?

Thanks

Answer
Actually, you don't bother unless you're just curious. Then its simple division - divide the long end of your DSLR zoom lens by the short end. An 18-55mm zoom thus has a 3.05x zoom ratio (55/18 = 3.05).
A 70-200mm zoom has a 2.85x zoom ratio.

AVOID all "bundles" you might find on Amazon or eBay. Other than the acual camera and lens about 90% of the items included in "bundles" is junk. Things labeled as "2.5x Tele Lens" or "0.43 Wide Angle Lens" are NOT lenses they are cheap screw-in attachments that will do more to degrade your images than they will to help it. Also, notice that nothing included in these "bundles" has a name brand or even a name - just vague descriptions such as "... high power digital flash ..." or "... 4 section tripod ..." or "... 3 pack of digital filters ...". Junk. Junk. Junk.

Buy from a local store or a reputable on-line dealer. Here are just three:

http://www.bhphotovideo.com
http://www.adorama.com
http://www.keh.com

What lenses do you think are ideal for all kinds of photography?

Susan Fern

I plan to buy a DSLR camera. I am a bit confused as to which lenses I should buy for covering almost all kinds of photography. If I buy 18-55, 35-100 and 100-400mm, can it be said that it is a good combination. I don't like big zoom lenses like 28-200 or 18-250. What are your opinions? I would like to hear from you.

Answer
Hello Susan. Your confusion is more than apparent. What I'm going to suggest is based on spending the last 39 years learning about and enjoying photography.

Buy the DSLR of your choice with the lens that comes with it. Now remove from your mind any idea of buying another lens. Spend the next 6 months learning how to use your new camera and learning the capabilities and limitations of the lens that came with your camera. During this time you'll also begin learning what type of photography you like doing the most.

Suppose you discover that exploring the close-focusing capability of the 18-55mm zoom is fascinating and you decide that you'd like to get into true macro photography. None of the lenses you listed is a macro lens so you'll have spent money needlessly and still won't have the lens you really need. A true macro lens will give you a 1:1 (life-sized) reproduction ratio. Take a picture of a 10mm long ant and it will be 10mm long on your sensor. A close-focusing (misleadingly labeled as "macro") zoom lens will seldom exceed a 1:4 (1/4 life-sized) reproduction ratio. Your 10mm long ant will be a mere 2.5mm long on your sensor.

Suppose you decide that shooting in low-light without the flash gets your creative juices flowing. You'll very quickly want a fast prime lens like a 50mm f1.4. A lens like this allows use of a lower ISO to achieve a faster shutter speed and a low ISO is always better for image quality.

You might find that wide sweeping landscapes are your passion and 18mm just isn't wide enough. Now you'll be wanting a lens as wide as 10mm to 12mm and those lenses you originally bought will be a further waste of money.

So, Susan, start with a camera and one lens. From July of 1971 to late 1972 all I had was a camera and a 50mm f1.7 lens. To zoom in I walked closer. To zoom out I backed up.

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How do I convert a digital camera's zoom from x increments to mm?

dslr camera lenses zoom image

Kinsey6

I have two digital cameras, one with a 10X zoom and another with a 15X zoom. I want to get a DSLR camera but don't know how to compare the zooms I have on my current cameras to how they're measured in mm on DSLRs. So what I'm wondering is, what is a 15X zoom equal to in mm, and how do I convert a 55-140mm and 55-300mm zoom lens back to x increments?

Also, I see some camera bundles with 2.5X lenses. Do these make, e.g., a 140 or 300mm zoom lens 2.5 times longer, or only provide a simple 2.5X zoom on the camera's body?

Thanks

Answer
Actually, you don't bother unless you're just curious. Then its simple division - divide the long end of your DSLR zoom lens by the short end. An 18-55mm zoom thus has a 3.05x zoom ratio (55/18 = 3.05).
A 70-200mm zoom has a 2.85x zoom ratio.

AVOID all "bundles" you might find on Amazon or eBay. Other than the acual camera and lens about 90% of the items included in "bundles" is junk. Things labeled as "2.5x Tele Lens" or "0.43 Wide Angle Lens" are NOT lenses they are cheap screw-in attachments that will do more to degrade your images than they will to help it. Also, notice that nothing included in these "bundles" has a name brand or even a name - just vague descriptions such as "... high power digital flash ..." or "... 4 section tripod ..." or "... 3 pack of digital filters ...". Junk. Junk. Junk.

Buy from a local store or a reputable on-line dealer. Here are just three:

http://www.bhphotovideo.com
http://www.adorama.com
http://www.keh.com

What lenses do you think are ideal for all kinds of photography?

Susan Fern

I plan to buy a DSLR camera. I am a bit confused as to which lenses I should buy for covering almost all kinds of photography. If I buy 18-55, 35-100 and 100-400mm, can it be said that it is a good combination. I don't like big zoom lenses like 28-200 or 18-250. What are your opinions? I would like to hear from you.

Answer
Hello Susan. Your confusion is more than apparent. What I'm going to suggest is based on spending the last 39 years learning about and enjoying photography.

Buy the DSLR of your choice with the lens that comes with it. Now remove from your mind any idea of buying another lens. Spend the next 6 months learning how to use your new camera and learning the capabilities and limitations of the lens that came with your camera. During this time you'll also begin learning what type of photography you like doing the most.

Suppose you discover that exploring the close-focusing capability of the 18-55mm zoom is fascinating and you decide that you'd like to get into true macro photography. None of the lenses you listed is a macro lens so you'll have spent money needlessly and still won't have the lens you really need. A true macro lens will give you a 1:1 (life-sized) reproduction ratio. Take a picture of a 10mm long ant and it will be 10mm long on your sensor. A close-focusing (misleadingly labeled as "macro") zoom lens will seldom exceed a 1:4 (1/4 life-sized) reproduction ratio. Your 10mm long ant will be a mere 2.5mm long on your sensor.

Suppose you decide that shooting in low-light without the flash gets your creative juices flowing. You'll very quickly want a fast prime lens like a 50mm f1.4. A lens like this allows use of a lower ISO to achieve a faster shutter speed and a low ISO is always better for image quality.

You might find that wide sweeping landscapes are your passion and 18mm just isn't wide enough. Now you'll be wanting a lens as wide as 10mm to 12mm and those lenses you originally bought will be a further waste of money.

So, Susan, start with a camera and one lens. From July of 1971 to late 1972 all I had was a camera and a 50mm f1.7 lens. To zoom in I walked closer. To zoom out I backed up.

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What are the best camera lenses to use for portraits and concerts?

dslr camera lenses zoom image

x�mead

I just want to hear your suggestions about what camera lenses to use use if you want to...

Take sharp portraits. A lense that captures face and body well. When you photograph outfits or fashion and makeup pictures.

Secondly, I wonder if there's any good lense for concert photography? I guess I should look for a tele-zoom. Some people say they make pictures more blurry. Is this true or just a myth?

Thank you.

Answer
Good portraits can be taken with any quality lens, however something in the 50mm-85mm range is good on a APS-C sized sensor (ie entry levels & prosumer DSLR's). I use either a 50mm f1.8, a 50mm f2.8 macro or an 85mm f1.8.

Concert work - well depends on how close you are & how much light there is. If you're some distance from the stage you'll need something with some reach - a good general purpose lens would be something like the 18-200mm. If its dark, you'll need a lens which is capable of wide apertures (ie f2.8). Unfortunately, to get a combination of long reach AND wide aperture costs a great deal!

How do I compare zoom between point&shoot and DSLR camera?

Robert Mag

I want to buy a camera with really good quality and very high zoom, I see a lot of point&shoot cameras that specify their zoom level, like some new models now indicate 20x zoom.
However, how would that compare to a dslr camera if I buy a telephoto lens or something,
how do I know if the dslr and lens have better than 20x zoom?

Answer
Most cameras now show the focal length in 35mm equivalents. If I take my old compact as an example then:-

It had a 10x zoom. The wide angle lens on this camera started at 25mm. That means simply the "zoom" was 25-250mm in equivalent terms as 25x10=250.

My DSLR lenses on the otherhand are:

18-55mm = 3x
50mm = 0x
70-300mm = 4.3x

Although the crop factor changes the values slightly in 35mm terms (18-55 becomes a 28-80 approx) the 3x "zoom" stays the same.

I think one of the biggest zooms on DSLR is the Tamron 15x 18-270mm

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What are the best camera lenses to use for portraits and concerts?

dslr camera lenses zoom image

x�mead

I just want to hear your suggestions about what camera lenses to use use if you want to...

Take sharp portraits. A lense that captures face and body well. When you photograph outfits or fashion and makeup pictures.

Secondly, I wonder if there's any good lense for concert photography? I guess I should look for a tele-zoom. Some people say they make pictures more blurry. Is this true or just a myth?

Thank you.

Answer
Good portraits can be taken with any quality lens, however something in the 50mm-85mm range is good on a APS-C sized sensor (ie entry levels & prosumer DSLR's). I use either a 50mm f1.8, a 50mm f2.8 macro or an 85mm f1.8.

Concert work - well depends on how close you are & how much light there is. If you're some distance from the stage you'll need something with some reach - a good general purpose lens would be something like the 18-200mm. If its dark, you'll need a lens which is capable of wide apertures (ie f2.8). Unfortunately, to get a combination of long reach AND wide aperture costs a great deal!

How do I compare zoom between point&shoot and DSLR camera?

Robert Mag

I want to buy a camera with really good quality and very high zoom, I see a lot of point&shoot cameras that specify their zoom level, like some new models now indicate 20x zoom.
However, how would that compare to a dslr camera if I buy a telephoto lens or something,
how do I know if the dslr and lens have better than 20x zoom?

Answer
Most cameras now show the focal length in 35mm equivalents. If I take my old compact as an example then:-

It had a 10x zoom. The wide angle lens on this camera started at 25mm. That means simply the "zoom" was 25-250mm in equivalent terms as 25x10=250.

My DSLR lenses on the otherhand are:

18-55mm = 3x
50mm = 0x
70-300mm = 4.3x

Although the crop factor changes the values slightly in 35mm terms (18-55 becomes a 28-80 approx) the 3x "zoom" stays the same.

I think one of the biggest zooms on DSLR is the Tamron 15x 18-270mm

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