Looking into getting started with a Digital SLR
Senior Member
True Car Nut
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 5,158
Likes: 0
From: Toronto, Ontario, Canada
Originally Posted by toastedoats
ok, now i understand that a bit more.. and with some further research im certainly learning alot.
two more questions for tonight:
How does a motor in-lense operate? I understand how an in-body AF motor works, but how do the in-lense
is there any real advantage of either style?
two more questions for tonight:
How does a motor in-lense operate? I understand how an in-body AF motor works, but how do the in-lense
is there any real advantage of either style?
Some (more $$) in-lens AF systems are 'ultrasonic' (USM, Canon) or 'silent save motor' (SWM, Nikon) or 'supersonic motor' (SSM, Sony). They are marketed as being faster and quieter and are built into the lens. It might matter, I don't have any SSM lenses myself.
That said, in all of my film and digital SLR shooting, the Sony/Minolta non-SSM setup has ALWAYS been in-body motor drive. And my AF performance is just about every bit as good as any other setup out there and I do not see the need to invest in the technology. Again, it often depends on what you shoot. At rock concerts I'm not particularly going to care if my focus motor is a little loud, but I will care if the camera has trouble locking focus in super super dark clubs and bars lit only by a couple lights. ISO 6400 AND f/2 as a necessity? You bet it'* happened to me
Cliff'* notes: Is one better? Probably. Would it matter to you? Likely not right now.
We can sit and discuss gear until the cows come home - it'll help you make an informed decision as you are after all plunking down almost a thousand bucks here. But play with the cameras! Work on the photography skills and experience to really take advantage of a DSLR.
ps: Do you currently have a 35mm autofocus film SLR camera body at all? This could potentially influence your chocie of brand if you wish to use the film body still. It'* a great way to learn to THINK through your photography.
Senior Member
Certified GM nut
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 1,937
Likes: 0
From: Yuma, AZ.
I agree you dont need it right now. Start shooting weddings and you'll look for it. Its soo quite at a wedding and you want to be able to focus ASAP because stuff happens fast and you may miss the most important parts like the first kiss 
Thread Starter
Senior Member
True Car Nut
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 6,837
Likes: 3
From: Fitchburg Ma _ToastedRice_
Is there a difference in cost for in-camera vs in-body?
i tend to think that in-body would make the body more expensive, and lenses cheaper, and vice-versa
unfortunately i do not have access to any SLR camera with auto-focus, only an old 35mm Minolta(?) that a friend has that is totally manual
i tend to think that in-body would make the body more expensive, and lenses cheaper, and vice-versa
unfortunately i do not have access to any SLR camera with auto-focus, only an old 35mm Minolta(?) that a friend has that is totally manual
Senior Member
True Car Nut
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 5,158
Likes: 0
From: Toronto, Ontario, Canada
Yeah, old MF Minoltas won't be working on a Sony body
The ONLY DSLR ever produced that doesn't have the in-body focus drive is the D40(x)... all others have it. Generally speaking, other than the supplied kit lens, the better lenses will have it in the lens but they're also more expensive
The ONLY DSLR ever produced that doesn't have the in-body focus drive is the D40(x)... all others have it. Generally speaking, other than the supplied kit lens, the better lenses will have it in the lens but they're also more expensive
Thread Starter
Senior Member
True Car Nut
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 6,837
Likes: 3
From: Fitchburg Ma _ToastedRice_
so, the "kit" lens is manual only?
at best buy it lists an AF-* kit lens? the AF-* and AF-I have the drive motors built in?
at best buy it lists an AF-* kit lens? the AF-* and AF-I have the drive motors built in?
Originally Posted by dpreview
Perhaps the biggest negative on the D40 is that it doesn't have an internal focus drive motor and hence no mechanical focus drive pin, instead it only has CPU contacts which means it can only Auto Focus with AF-* and AF-I lenses (those with built-in focus motors).
