Some DSLR questions

[john_p]

I've been using a Minolta Dimage 5 for a while and I'm pretty happy with it. I like having full control of the shutter speed (etc) as I can be a bit more 'creative' that way, and am starting to use some lens accessories (semi-fisheye etc) and filters. I'm tempted by a better camera though as the Dimage has some problems:

Autofocus v. slow - I get around this by leaving everything on infinite which seems to work

Repeat shots - not fast enough to be any use (I think it's 2 shots a second or similar)

Viewfinder - shuts off completely when taking photos which makes tracking difficult (although I have kind of got used to it and can still track by guesswork!)

Took this yesterday at Silverstone:


To what extent would these problems be solved if I moved up the camera range to a 'prosumer' DSLR ? Especially the last part - I'd quite like to take pics of fast-moving cars and aircraft but a lack of viewfinder makes this difficult. Being able to take lots of pictures in quick succession would also be a help, but is this something that is limited with any DSLR camera given the amount of data involved?

Also .. using a semi-fisheye 'lens accessory' (has to screw on the end of the existing lens, as the dimage has a non-replaceable lens) look at the blurring at the corners of this image:



Does this effect get eliminated if you use a 'proper' wide angle lens?

Just wondering if it's going to be worth my while getting one. What 'other' benefits would I get, other than increased image resolution?

>>> Edited by john_p on Friday 17th September 15:06

[Simpo Two]

john_p said:

Autofocus v. slow - I get around this by leaving everything on infinite which seems to work Repeat shots - not fast enough to be any use (I think it's 2 shots a second or similar) Viewfinder - shuts off completely when taking photos which makes tracking difficult (although I have kind of got used to it and can still track by guesswork!) To what extent would these problems be solved if I moved up the camera range to a 'prosumer' DSLR ?

I guess you're looking at the Canon EOS300D and Nikon D70 - I'm only qualified to talk about the latter, but it does appear to be the standard-setter in the sub-£1,000 bracket.
So, answering your Qs:
Autofocus: Fast and quiet if you have lenses with 'silent wave' motors (USM in Canon speak and AF-S in Nikon speak)
Repeat shots: D70 is 3fps and will go for 9 shots at maz quality JPG before having to stop for breath; this number increases at lower res and you can see how many you'll get in the LCD display.
Viewfinder: By definition you will lose the view momentarily as the mirror flips up to let light through to the CCD, but it's very fast and something you never think twice about. You can still see through the viewfinder between shots of course, even when using the 'motor drive'.

john_p said:

Also .. using a semi-fisheye 'lens accessory' (has to screw on the end of the existing lens, as the dimage has a non-replaceable lens) look at the blurring at the corners of this image: Does this effect get eliminated if you use a 'proper' wide angle lens?

Drastically reduced, even with a cheap 'proper' w/a lens. And the more you pay, the better the quality of course.

john_p said:

What 'other' benefits would I get, other than increased image resolution?

A bigger chip = better sensitivity = better low-light performance and faster shutter speeds.
Choice of lenses from 12mm to 600mm, plus macro.
Big strap-on flash if you need it
Total control of shutter speed, aperture (depth of field), resolution, exposure compensation, ISO, flash compensation, auto-bracketing, matrix, centre-weitghted or spot metering, white balance... it's a different world, I assure you