Canon 60D vs Canon T2i - Digital SLR Shootout - Déjà vu

Canon 60D with articulating LCD

The Canon 60D just splashed onto the US market in August, 2010. Are there enough significant differences to warrant a Canon 60D vs Canon T2i digital shootout? You may be surprised as you read this article.

It is a bold move for Canon to place a camera with the 60D name in a place that should have been reserved for an upgrade to the Canon 50D. Since it is not a true upgrade in the most technical sense.

The Canon 60D does, however, fit the position into which it is being targeted. Engineers have been working overtime throughout the past year, and it is apparently paying off "in spades" as the Canon T2i and the Canon 7D have done extremely well against all challengers.

Canon 60D vs Canon T2i

Canon 60D vs Canon Rebel T2i

In a head-to-head comparison, the 60D vs T2i is an interesting study. While both use the exact same sensor and processor, as well as the body construction, there are a few differences that make the newer camera worth the extra money.

Just wanted to mention here that video is not one of those added benefits, because the T2i also has outstanding video quality. However, Canon has evidently made video a priority in their new DSLRs. All three of its mid-range DSLR cameras that have been released during the past year have shared video as one of their top features. That being said, there is one added feature to the video package of the 60D. It is an improved audio input system which allows for dual stereo input.

An articulating 3" LCD screen puts the 60D in a class all its own. This is a first for Canon DSLRs. It is a real plus when capturing video and for shooting from unusual positions like really low to the ground or above the head.

Yet another advantage of the 60D vs T2i is the rate of image capture. The 60D can operate at 5.3 fps vs 3.7 fps in the Rebel model.

The new camera also has an electronic level in the viewfinder. This makes it easy to get that horizon straight.

Both the Rebel T2i and the 60D have 9 point auto focus control. However, there is now cross-type auto focus for each of the 9 points in the 60D, while the T2i has only one cross-type auto focus point. Another plus for the new kid on the block.

Wireless flash control and improved control called auto-ISO which makes it easier to change ISO settings on the fly round out the most significant improvements in the Canon 60D.

Canon 60D vs T2i - The Final Word

The Canon T2i is a marvelous camera for the entry level DSLR photographer. Excellent image quality is just one of many reasons for the popularity of the T2i. In fact, the Canon Rebel T2i is among the top 5 best sellers at the online stores. You just can't miss if you decide to buy one.

The Canon 60D, in comparison, may end up being in the same entry level category, since semi-pros might be put off by the "hybridization" of the new model, the more durable magnesium body construction (available in the 50D) being just one example.

So which camera will you choose in the Canon 60D vs Canon Rebel T2i competition? Do you need additional information in order to make up your mind? Visit http://digital-photographic-resources.com/cameras/canon-mid-range.html for a visual side-by-side comparison.

Compare 50mm Lenses for Canon Digital SLR Cameras

Cheap 50mm Lens for Canon

Is there a Cheap 50mm Canon Lens With Image Quality

Are you one of those who believe that cheap and good do not come together in the same package? How about a good, cheap 50mm lens for a Canon digital SLR camera? Even harder, right? Make sure you read this entire article because you will be very surprised at what you will learn.

The understanding is that if you are an SLR owner, then you should also own a 50mm lens. The "50mm standard" is still the believe of many photographers who have been shooting for a long time. The development of zoom lenses has made the "50mm rule" a relic. Many photographers who are new to the business or hobby are not aware of the premise at all.

But a 50mm lens is a prime lens, and prime lenses almost always win the battle of image quality when pitted against a zoom lens.

In particular, the Canon 50mm prime lenses have been developed to a point where they are technologically sound and nearly perfect. Therefore, every photographer really ought to think about having one in their camera case.

It's a logical conclusion when you really think about it. Changes in focal length that happen during the "zoom process" necessitate much more complex technology to deal with unwanted effects like barrel distortion or vignetting. Since the Canon 50mm lenses are already fantastic in their engineering, if a new development in lens glass comes along, they just have to replace the glass and all is good.

Right now there are actually three(3) models of the 50mm Canon lens (well, 4 if you take into consideration the 50mm Canon macro).

• Canon EF 50mm f/1.2 L USM - top of the line, part of the Canon "L" series which is their very best group of DSLR camera lenses
• 50mm f/1.4 - medium price and fantastic
• 50mm f/1.8 - cheap but fantastic

There is not much difference to note unless you look a little closer. The differences are in build quality and aperture. The first two on the list are more solidly built and have more lens glass than the third one. But that does not mean the image quality is a whole lot different. To a "normal" viewer there will be very little noticeable difference in the photos from these lenses (this is a trained technician type who examines photos for the purpose of lens and camera reviews).

Cheap 50mm Lens For Canon

As far as the 50mm f/1.8 lens is concerned, Canon has used the amazing technology developed for the glass and configuration of the basic lens and combined it with a cheaper wrapping, this being plastic, to make it much more affordable so that virtually every Canon DSLR owner can have one.

For photographers who are fairly new to digital SLR cameras, this cheap 50mm lens for Canon cameras could be the perfect lens, especially if you own a Canon 50D or one of the Canon Rebels. Since those types of cameras have a "crop sensor", the image is more like one shot with an 80mm lens (this is 1.6 x 50mm), which makes this lens perfect for portraits and other mid-range focal length requirements.

Here is the plain truth. Buying a zoom lens for the same money that will get you the cheap 50mm lens will get you a cheap lens with poor quality images. On the other hand, you get really good image quality if you buy a cheap 50mm lens.

Yes, the build quality of the lens is a bit "toyish" in feel, but the output is nothing less than great.

If you take care of this little lens, you will have fantastic photos for a long time.

Hopefully, you are ready to find out much more about this dandy little "cheap" Canon 50mm lens. Click on www.canoneoslenses.org to find out whether this is the right choice for your Canon digital SLR.

Canon Rebel Portrait Lens - Special Lenses Give Special Results

A Canon Rebel Portrait Lens
will make a good camera better

Working with a DSLR camera makes you an ideal photographer to shoot those portraits for family and friends. Which Canon Rebel portrait lens is right to get the best head shots? You may be surprised.

The day you get your first (or upgraded) Canon Rebel digital SLR camera is very exciting. You are now a master, or at least a semi-pro. Men and women around you will naturally assume that you are in truth a professional.

Do you know anything about portraits? Do you know the requirements for a Canon Rebel portrait lens?

As a photographer, you will be called upon to do a portrait or two at some time. Even if it's just your relatives who takes it for granted that you are a fabulous portrait shooter. More to the point, these people will expect you to do the job for little or no money.

It is simply undeniable. When people see that huge digital camera, they simply suppose that you're a pro and you will shoot any type of photo with excellence.

Just a word of advice, don't actually tell them you just got that Canon Rebel. Keep that awesome camera in front of your face and let them think you are great at your particular hobby.

Listed below are the two main things to bear in mind for getting a great portrait.

Initially, you will want to be from about 6 to 20 feet away from the subject of your portrait. You will likely get some distorted facial features if you are nearer than half a dozen feet.

Secondly, make sure you choose as large an aperture as you can, like f/2.8 or f/4. A large aperture tend to give you a narrow depth of field, meaning that the plane of focus is restricted to several inches behind and in front of the main focus area (this would be the face in a portrait). The object of a narrow depth of field is to create a blurry background.

Selecting a lens to do this might only mean looking in your camera case or actually currently on the Rebel, because you may currently have a great lens.

Your Canon Rebel has a sensor that multiplies the focal length of the lens by a factor of 1.6. To figure the effective length of a lens when using a Canon Rebel, you simply need to multiply the focal length by 1.6. So, a 100mm lens actually acts like a 180mm lens when attached to a Rebel.

A head shot usually consists of a photo area roughly 3 to 4 feet tall. Taking a photo by using a 100mm lens might place you about 15 feet from your model... excellent.

The very least focal length lens you can actually use to obtain that same photo will be a 50mm lens, and that would put you, the photographer, six feet from your model to be able to get the ideal portrait.

Canon EF-S 60mm Macro - Excellent
as a Canon Rebel Portrait lens

One lens in particular, the Canon EF-S 60mm Macro, is designed mainly for cameras such as the Canon Rebels. It truly is excellent for macro and portraits.

The perfect Canon Rebel portrait lens could also be a longer focal length. In particular, a 70-200mm zoom lens works really well due to how totally amazing the pictures are. It is in reality what lots of photographers indicate is Canon "Flagship" lens. Should you possess one of several 70-200mm lenses (and there are five of them now), you will be set.

On the other hand, a lot of photographers feel that a single focal length lens does the best job and takes the very best portrait images (a prime lens has a single focal length instead of a zoom). You cannot find any disagreement that a superb portrait photo could be obtained by using a 100mm prime or possibly a 135mm prime lens. These are excellent lenses. Yet they're also higher in price than many others.

If, perhaps budget may play some role during your decision, keep in mind the focal length is generally from 50mm or higher. It really is your position (distance from your subject), the point of view of the picture, and the level of quality of the lens that make the photograph.

Should you be getting numerous portraits, then a good quality lens with the proper focal length and aperture might be an excellent investment. Having said that, if you are not considering producing portraits your main kind of photography, you really should purchase a lens that can satisfy your desires for whichever sort of images you plan to major in and let it be used as a Canon Rebel Portrait lens.

For more about Canon Rebel Portrait lenses, visit http://www.canoneoslenses.org/canon-portrait-lenses/.

Decide on the Right Canon Rebel Macro Lens

Canon Rebel Macro Lens - How To Decide

Getting a Canon Rebel Macro lens that's good for you is a mixture of exactly what your budget is and what the lens is capable of. Exactly which macro lens should you decide upon?

Dragon Fly - Canon Rebel Macro lens shot

Canon Rebel DSLR cameras can be bought in a number of versions. The newest is the Rebel T2i, and the oldest that may continue to be ordered new is the Canon Rebel XSi. There is a reasonable amount of difference amongst the models, but the thing common to each of them is that they are the entry-level digital SLR cameras in the Canon line.

That is necessary to understand when choosing a Canon Rebel Macro lens that is right for you.

The truth is, there are numerous macro lenses that can fit the camera, regardless of whether you have the latest or the most seasoned Rebel. In fact, ALL macro lenses constructed for Canon will fit.

Couldn't be any simpler. Just select one. But hold it. Is it possible that there is a BEST Canon Rebel Macro?

Is Price A Factor?

Now I'm considering that if you possess an entry-level digital SLR, you could possibly prefer to go lightly on the purse.

Assuming you spent about $700 for the camera, might you want to lay out an additional $600 or $900 for a lens that takes macro photos? Those price tags would certainly get you one of the Canon 100mm macro lenses. There are actually two, one of which is an "L" lens, the very best that Canon makes.

Don't forget, if you choose those types of rather expensive lenses, you will get an exceptional portrait lens too. That's due to the fact the 100mm lens is excellent for portrait work... Genuinely great.

Another consideration is a macro lens (with an identical focal length) by third party manufacturers such as Tamron or Sigma. These would probably save about $100.

If you wish to go much less expensive, you could contemplate a zoom lens that includes a macro setting. For example, the Sigma 70-300 features a macro switch on the lens that does some thing to the controls that actually rates it as a macro. Even so, you still can't get extremely close to the subject, and the quality is not nearly as good as the alternative lenses already mentioned. A good thing may be the selling price - under $175. This kind of lens does a reliable task of taking other styles of shots mainly because its key task is not as a macro.

Another option is to go for a shorter focal length. As an example, you will find lenses at 50mm and 60mm that are true close-up lenses. They run about $300.

Do Yourself a Favor and Get a Real Canon Rebel Macro Lens

Something that is really important to keep in mind is that taking shots of very small stuff does require different optics and technology. Obtaining a single focal length allows you to get improved image quality, significantly better than working with a zoom lens. Plus your distance from the subject will likely be shorter having a "real" macro lens.

Choosing the right Canon Rebel Macro lens really should not be hard. Take a few momemts to consider your priorities. What do you need the lens to do, and exactly how much have you got in your spending budget. Maybe you would be more satisfied waiting until you really can afford a more suitable lens rather than purchasing now and being dissatisfied with your choice.

For more about Canon Rebel Macro lenses, visit www.canoneoslenses.org.

One Of a Kind Canon EF-S Macro Lens - 60mm f/2.8 USM

Canon EF-S macro 60mm

The Canon EF-S Macro is a breed all its own. That's right, there is only one Canon EF-S Macro lens and it's a 60mm focal length. But maybe one is enough; it's a great lens.

Photographers come in all shapes and styles. Not every one is a professional. Of this I am guilty.

But I really like my Canon EOS 30D. And, while my camera is not a pro dslr camera, I have taken some genuinely excellent images with it. I have also earned some honors on different websites as "image of the day".

Searching for lenses for my own Canon dslr led me to take a look at the Canon EF-S macro lens selection. I find that EF-S lenses function extremely good, simply for the reason that they are produced specifically for my kind of camera. In the event you have a Canon Rebel, any specific model, or any of the XXD Canon cameras, you could use these extraordinary lenses on your current dslr camera.

The engineering has been specifically targeted for cameras with a APS-C sensor (this is the sensor that is in the entry-level to mid-level digital slr cameras referred to above).

To my surprise, there is only one Canon EF-S macro lens out there. It is the 60mm f/2.8 USM lens, and it is a specific macro lens. You can take photos of really small objects, bugs, flowers, and all manner of little things. On a personal note, macro photography is the reason I actually moved from a point and shoot camera to my very first Canon Rebel.

So, locating a close-up lens for my Rebel was huge on my priority list. I checked out the complete collection of lenses, some of which have a value as high as the camera alone... too much for my budget.

I settled on the Canon EF-S 60mm lens after examining the reviews and customer comments regarding it.

I have made plenty of mistakes in my life, but this was not one of them. The Canon macro 60mm lens is my most loved by far, not merely because of the macro pictures it creates, but also due to the fact it manages other sorts of pictures well, too. For example, when I want to take a portrait of one of the grandchildren, the Canon EF-S macro lens is my personal pick. It is the perfect focal length to get professional type portraits.

I also use my 60mm macro for taking a few product-type shots in my home-made light box. In spite of my crude set-up, the results are great.

While the Canon 60mm does take care of many photographic situations, it is not the perfect lens for every occasion. For instance, it is not my lens of choice for landscapes, and on excursions to the zoo, there will be a different lens on my Canon DSLR, however, I think that the Canon EF-S macro lens handles the majority of of my serious work with wonderful final results.

In addition, if I decide to upgrade to a newer camera (the Canon 7D is looking really good, and negotiations on terms with my better half have started), the EF-S lenses will work just fine.

As you can tell, I am a big fan of macro photography. And in my personal experience, I discovered that the Canon 60mm has truly done the job beautifully. It has an superb wide aperture of f/2.8 to produce fast shutter speeds for those elusive bugs and butterflies. It also yields a wonderful blurred background, the objective of a respectable close-up image. The USM (ultra sonic motor) gives speedy focus, again, nailing the bug shots with a pretty good "keeper" rate.

I would not be reluctant to recommend a Canon EF-S macro 60mm lens to virtually any Canon camera user. It is an awesome lens. Go to www.canoneoslenses.org/macro-canon-lens/ for a much better look.

Cheap Digital SLR - Pentax K-x vs Nikon D3000

Nikon D3000 vs Pentax K-x - Both are Cheap DSLRs

Are you looking for an entry-level digital SLR?

Pentax K-x vs Nikon D3000 makes a unique comparison.

What do you think?

Nikon has a fantastic reputation for producing quality digital SLRs. Thousands of photographers think about Nikon first. And the Nikon D3000 is competitively priced as an entry level digital SLR. Let me just throw out this question for you to consider - How much of the "value" of the D3000 is because of their huge marketing campaign?

Pentax seems to depend on just giving good quality and letting the product market itself. Well, not totally, but their marketing is nothing near what Nikon puts out.

So, how do these two entry-level digital SLRs really compare?

There are a few areas where the Pentax K-x dominates with respect to features and benefits:

1. The first is that image stabilization is IN the camera. For Nikon, you have to purchase lenses with the VR (vibration reduction) technology. Lots of Nikon lenses are being produced with VR (vibration reduction), but many do not have it. However, with the Pentax, you can attach virtually any lens (even older ones - up to 40 years old), and you will have... image stabilization.
2. Lenses - all Pentax lenses, even lenses made by other manufacturers for Pentax digital SLRs, work on a Pentax K-x. This is not true for the Nikon D3000. It seems like I just said this above, but there is another issue to consider. This has nothing to do with IS or VR. There is a group of lenses that are made for Nikon cameras like the D3000 that only work on the cameras that have a "crop" sensor. Basically, this means that if you eventually upgrade to a high end Nikon, you would have to replace some, or all, of your lenses for the higher end digital SLR Nikon camera.
3. Video - Yes for Pentax, no for Nikon.
4. Live View (this allows you to compose your images in the LCD panel in real time) - another no brainer - Yes for Pentax, No for Nikon.
5. Price - advantage... neither. The price of each is very similar.

In what areas does the Nikon D3000 dominate the Pentax K-x?

Well, there is one. This one point is a point that many photographers think should have been included. It is Auto-Focus points. They are visible in the Nikon D3000 but not in the Pentax K-x. These AF points let the photographer see where the camera is setting its focus point. To some folks, this is very important.

In truth, the Pentax is more of a higher end entry-level DSLR than the Nikon D3000. The Nikon D5000 does have all the missing features that the D3000 does not have when compared to the Pentax. That all the features except the price. The D5000 is much more expensive.

For a side-by-side comparison of Pentax K-x vs Nikon D3000, CLICK HERE? The link will take you to www.digital-photographic-resources.com/cheap-dslr.html 

Buy a Canon 60D

This is an awesome time for photographers because you can now buy a Canon 60D.
The 60D is a kind of hybrid that will fit nicely between the Canon Digital Rebel T2i and the Canon 7D. Both the feature set and the price are just about half way between those two models.
The Canon 60D has a great video capability that allows the same quality as a dedicated camcorder. For photographers who do video, this is really good news.
There is also a new 3" LCD with an articulating screen. This just means that you compose your shot from some very unique perspectives. You do not have to be directly behind the camera in order to see the LCD screen because you can twist it into viewable positions either up high or down low.
The new 60D is compatible with all EF and EF-S lenses.
It is being targeted toward semi-pro and amateur photo enthusiasts. If you are one of those, you will definitely want to take a peek at one.
They are on sale now at major camera stores.
Order online at Amazon or B & H Photo by using the links below.