Nikon or Canon?

[isuzurover]

(I suspect this may end up like holden vs ford or Landrover vs Landcruiser...)

The time has come to buy a DSLR.

My hard working AE-1 Program body has seen better days, and my lenses won't fit any DSLRs. So although I have bought nothing but canon in the past, it seems I am free to choose either brand.

I would be looking at a mid range body - e.g. 60D / D7000.

So - Which brand and model would you buy and why???

Which 2-3 lenses would you buy to accompany the body?

To make things fun I have also added a poll...

[Ace]

Im saving for a Nikon, not sure on the model yet, asked alot of questions in here. Im chosing Nikon for no other reason than most people i know with DSLR's have Nikons so they must be good, most people on here recommended Nikon's when I asked also.

[LSD_AUTOMOTIVE]

I have a Nikon D90, previously I had a Nikon L100 (P&S)....Love it.
It was sold to my other half by a forum member no less :) Best Christmas gift ever!

[abaddonxi]

I bought Nikon, but didn't even look at a Canon to compare.

I'd say buy the cheapest body that has its own autofocus motor, get the kit lenses because they cost almost nothing as part of the package. Then when you're bored of them buy some primes. Fixed focal length lenses are lighter, smaller, faster than zooms. 50mm is cheap as chips and fast.

I've got a D700 so full frame. I carry around a 28mm, a 50mm and a fast 70-210mm.

But mostly I stick to the 50mm.

[dmdigital]

The Canon 60D and Nikon D7000 aren't really comparable models. The 60D is closer to the Nikon D90 and the D7000 is more closer to the Canon 7D.

My first SLR was a Canon and then I moved to Nikon and never went back. For me Nikon ergonomics are far superior to Canon. Also if you had Nikon lenses then most, if not all, would still be usable.

[big guy]

I have always been a Nikon man, I worked for the former News paper and several magazines. I did all of the Grand Prix here in Adelaide.
They were the film days, just before I stopped that line of work I won a full package Canon gear with a 50mm f1.2 lens. Oh what a kit.
Anyhow, most pros use Nikon and that must tell you something.

In the entry range I believe the Canon is more value for money.

For example, I just bought a Canon G12 which is kind of a top line compact in a way. Canon have brilliant colour and are very user friendly IMHO.

Nikons similar camera was not even in the ball park.

I did however have a feel and play with both as so should you or any other purchaser as no 2 people are alike and you may prefer one ergonomics to another.
Definately have afeel and rather than buying 2-3 lenses, buy 1-2 really good one, you will not regret a quality fast lens. Nikons 18-200 is brilliant and can almost be used everyday.
They are cumbersome though and be prepared to accept that in 2-3 years totally outdated and worth 1/4 of purchase price.

Having said that, it may even be wise to spend less and update every 2 years and ebay or give old camera to kids etc.

Also do not get into the Mega pixel race, many manufacturers and now cut back and gone for quality rather than a zillion pixel with no way of properly recording it for you and the image gets grainy.

Research is the key once again.

Good luck and enjoy.;)

[C0L0N3L]

If your starting out it is wise to choose whichever you can borrow from friends.

If none else has gear. I would suggest picking which ever is most comfortable.

I find Nikon more comfortable, I can adjust everything while holding the camera in one hand (cept ISO :'( ) Wouldn't want to try that with canon.

Canon seems to have a larger second hand market.. (maybe cause they are all swaping to nikon :wasntme:)
D60 vs D7000
I would take the D7000 for sure. Its better in almost everyway.

As for lenses, this depends on how much you have left.
18-105mm I think comes with the D7000 and is an excellent walk around lens.
People typically go for the 50mm 1.8 ..but a lot of people complain that its an awkward focal length (on crop factor) I kinda agree
Then just go for a wide angle.

Hopefully you can make sense of that.

[KarlB]

I used a Canon F1 for years. Loved it. Couldn't kill it. Was dropped over a cliff in a back pack and it just kept going. So when I decided to go digital I went for Canon. With price limit I set my self, I ended up with a 500D body (bought it on the grey market so it is labeled a Rebel T1i) coupled with EF 24-105mm f4 IS USM lens. Fellows at work were also influential in continuation of my Canon direction. Three of them are serious wildlife photographers. Another freelances for the local newspaper. Most have multiple bodies and bags of lenses. All use Canons. I really believe you can't go wrong with either Nikon or Canon. How does it feel in the hand? What is your gut instinct? Why do you drive a Land Rover when logic and popularity tell you to drive a Tojo?

Cheers
KarlB
:)

[slug_burner]

I have a similar background, AE1, A1 then I got a G2. The menu structure from the G2 to my Rebel XTi that I got when living OS was similar and more natural than the Nikon. At that stage I don't belive Nikon had anything to compete against the Canon entry level DSLR bodies below the D200 so I stuck with Canon. I went for a couple of L lenses as I believe that it is better to spend on lenses than camera bodies. So I got a 24-105mm f4 IS which is the most often used for day to day stuff, also got a 70-200mm f2.8 IS and a 16-35mm f2.8.

My wife kept wanting to use the camera so ended up getting a second body(400D), the kit lenses came for free well almost. But these lenses are toys compared to the L series.

I think the market is a lot more even now with Nikon having brought out some good entry level/consumer DSLRs. Have a look at the lens costs for the higher end lenses before you make the decision if that is the way you think you will go.

I think that Nikon relied on their reputation from the film camera days and Canon took a lot of sales with the entry level DLSR and have taken a lot of market share and now have the the mass market but the top end is still held by Nikon (snob value maybe?).

I think either brand will do, don't know much about the models you have listed. If you like sharp pics spend on the lenses.

[PSi]

From a philosophy/personality point of view, Land Rover owners should have a kinship with Nikon while Tojo drivers ought to hang out with Canon.
Logic being, both LR and Nikon are quite specific and focused in who and what they are.
LR is about go-anywhere 4X4s, Nikon is about optics and imaging. Announce you just bought a Land Rover, and people know what you got, as well as who and what you are. Ditto for Nikon.
Whereas, "I bought a Toyota" could be anything from a Corolla or Yaris to a 5-ton lorry or even a forklift. Similarly, Canon could be a printer, copier, fax, scanner, calculator, maybe even a camera.
If it's just a camera you'd want, both are good and I'd go with oft-given advice about trying out the models you're interested in.

[lebanon]

Good day,

photography is an art as such the most essential element is the photographer and not the hardware.

Give the best camera to someone who doesn't have the art and his pictures will be rubbish where as if you give any camera to a talented photographer I am pretty sure that the pictures would be magnificent.

[Chucaro]

Good day,

photography is an art as such the most essential element is the photographer and not the hardware.

Give the best camera to someone who doesn't have the art and his pictures will be rubbish where as if you give any camera to a talented photographer I am pretty sure that the pictures would be magnificent.

Nope!! give a pro a kit lens to take a shot of a bird @ more than 10m distance and the result will be very bad.

Give a top mechanic a pipe wrench to rebuild an engine and the result will be faliure.
Knowledge is fundamental but tools are what give the best result.
If not, why nature photographers invest $ 10.000 in a 600mm lens when the job can be done with a $200 lens?

I would agree that it is more important the lens that the camera body and the trip be the most important part of the kit if sharp images are what the photographer need.

[Chucaro]

Regarding the original question.
1) What will be the main use for the camera?
This is important because will dictate which body and lens will be appropiate for the use selected.
Note: regadless of the application if you like to have tack sharp images get a good tripod before get a good camera body. Manfrotto will be a good choice.

Assuming that you will use it for family indoor shots and landscaping I will suggest:
Nikon D7000
Lens Nikon 50mm f/1.8 Nikon 70-300VR and Tokina 12-24 f/4

For nature photography including wild life
Nikon D300s
Lens Tokina 12-24 f/4 for landscaping
Nikon 70-300VR for wildlife and Canon 500D diopter for close up work.
I would include the awesome Nikon 50mm f/1.8 or f/1.4 for low light work and family shots. This lens will be equal to 75mm crop on the D300s.

For avian photography if you have only $ 3000 to expend then I will go for a used Canon D40 and the awesome Canon 300mm f/4 IS with a 1.4 converter and a good tripod.
Nikon does not offer an 300 mm lens with VR :(
Cheers
Arthur

[Tombie]

I wouldnt say either is better... DM said it best with.... Ergonomics...

Pick the one which 'feels' more natural to you....

As for most Pros use Nikon... I dont believe this is true..

I've seen many lovely white Canon lenses.. You see them everywhere, and plenty of shiny Nikons too...

2 professional photographer friends of mine... 1 shoots Canon, the other Nikon...

Both take fantastic images...


Go for the one with the features YOU like / want, the deal YOU want...
And that feels most comfortable to you..

We all want the best of the best... But often theres a big difference what we want and what we need...


Personally, I shoot Canon... And will continue to because my lenses are Canon.. I find the unit comfortable and easy to use.. Mines a metal body, not composite... And will upgrade it soon when my house is finished!

[DeanoH]

If you can, beg, borrow, steal or hire and have a go using your cameras of choice. Ergonomics is very important, if it doesn't feel right then its not the camera for you regardless of how many whiz bang thingys it has or its price. I'd spend the bulk of my $ on the lens(s), even if it means buying a second hand body. You can take great shots with a good lens and an obsolete body, it's bloody hard to take great shots with a cheap lens, regardless of the body.
One reason we (Kaye and I), have stayed with Nikon is because of the way the Canon zoom operates. The depression caused by the action of the Canon zoom strikes me as more likely to allow the ingress of dust than the operation of the Nikon zooms. As we do a lot of outback (dusty) traveling this is a major consideration for us.
We currently use a D70, D80 and a D300. All very good cameras. The chargers, lenses and batterys are interchangable between the three which is also a major convenience. Odly enough, of the three I prefer the 'feel' of the D70.

Deano:)

[PSi]

You can take great shots with a good lens and an obsolete body, it's bloody hard to take great shots with a cheap lens, regardless of the body.

Deano:)

This only partly true, and the advice is a holdover from the days of film, when cameras were not much more than lightproof boxes that hold the film and give the correct shutter speed.
The final quality (technical part, not artistic) of the image was determined by the film.
In today's DSLR, the camera IS the film, and newer models are getting better at an exponential rate, equivalent to better film.
I was very satisfied with my D70 in every way until I played with the D300. Then, the ergonomics were still fine but the image quality became sadly lacking, especially in low light.
Then I played with the D700 next, and it was another quantum leap.
I am now on the D3s, which is less of a leap over the D700 in image quality, but superior in speed and handling.
The part about cheap lenses, I agree wholeheartedly with.

[isuzurover]

Regarding the original question.
1) What will be the main use for the camera?

Landscape/scenery
Wildlife
indoor/people (distant third at this stage)

I have tries a few EOS and nikon models that friends have owned, and have liked both of them - but haven't used either extensively.

The AE-1 (with a few lenses) and our IXUS have done the job up till now, however we have found that the convenience of the digital means we are trying to use it in preference to the SLR - for things it isn't designed to do.

I have always bought canons in the past (for myself and relatives) as they have seemed better value for money - though that may be the lower end stuff only??

So far there seems no compelling argument that Nikon is better - other than all the cool kids have them???

Psi - I was hoping for more technical and less emotive reasons. If a nikon is the land rover of the camera world, does that mean the elecrics are poorly designed, it leaks, and you need to click the shutter 15 rapidly to disable the flash?

[PSi]

isuzurover, there is hardly anything to choose from between the two in terms of technical competence. They're both Japanese, and they are the top two in the world of optics and digital imaging.
That's why all the brouhaha between fanboys of either camp is entirely emotional, even if both sides use technical arguments to forward their cause.
You won't go wrong with either if you choose entirely based on whether C or N is your lucky letter, or simply because you prefer white to black.
Hence, ergonomics and ease of use are the only real criteria, and even these are subjective and personal.

[Slunnie]

I wouldnt say either is better... DM said it best with.... Ergonomics...

Pick the one which 'feels' more natural to you....

As for most Pros use Nikon... I dont believe this is true..

I've seen many lovely white Canon lenses.. You see them everywhere, and plenty of shiny Nikons too...

2 professional photographer friends of mine... 1 shoots Canon, the other Nikon...

Both take fantastic images...


Go for the one with the features YOU like / want, the deal YOU want...
And that feels most comfortable to you..

We all want the best of the best... But often theres a big difference what we want and what we need...


Personally, I shoot Canon... And will continue to because my lenses are Canon.. I find the unit comfortable and easy to use.. Mines a metal body, not composite... And will upgrade it soon when my house is finished!
I agree, especially that easily most of the photographers that I see use Canon equipment with L-glass (red ringed and white lenses). I have absolutely no doubt about this.

Personally I use Canon too - I like the Canon and as I've moved through various bodies, the lenses have been carry over. This said, my Mum uses Nikon. In reality, its probably much of a much for the non-professional and enthusiast photographer.

I would also back the comments that the glass is a lot more important than the body of the camera. My L-glass is just so much better and once you've been there you wont be coming back.

[DeanoH]

This only partly true, and the advice is a holdover from the days of film, when cameras were not much more than lightproof boxes that hold the film and give the correct shutter speed.
The final quality (technical part, not artistic) of the image was determined by the film.
In today's DSLR, the camera IS the film, and newer models are getting better at an exponential rate, equivalent to better film.
I was very satisfied with my D70 in every way until I played with the D300. Then, the ergonomics were still fine but the image quality became sadly lacking, especially in low light.
Then I played with the D700 next, and it was another quantum leap.
I am now on the D3s, which is less of a leap over the D700 in image quality, but superior in speed and handling.
The part about cheap lenses, I agree wholeheartedly with.


I take your point but (unstated...sorry), I was comparing DSLR's, specifically the D70, D80 & D300 with a variety of Nikon kit and better lenses. I still hold that in this scenario and most others, the lens is the most important component. You can compensate for all sorts of things but a poor lens will always give poor results regardless of the body and the users technical expertise.

Deano:)

[flagg]

I don't think anyone could go wrong with the D7000.

When I first got a dSLR I went Nikon because Canon didn't have a spot meter.

The D7000 with the 17-55 f2.8 is a superb combination. Sharp, versatile and a joy to use. Its also a bit bulky and expensive.

I had a D70 before, dropped it several times (like, out of trees..) its been wet, muddy, used in rain etc etc etc. Basically treated how I treat my county and it never missed a beat.

For the glass - use the kit lens and if you love photography and want more go to a good second hand camera place and get the best you can. If you can use the lens, check for condition etc you can save much money and still not worry about condition like you would buying from ebay etc.

cameras.net.au are great to deal with. They are Australian, use Australian stock with an Australian warranty. They are a proper pro photography shop and have a good range of second hand gear too. They ship Australia wide - and its cheap.

[dmdigital]

Several years ago Canon very aggressively marketed their Pro-DSLR systems, especially to the visible photographers shooting sports and other events - a lot of significant individuals and some organisations were given a lot of equipment - let's face it advertising works. Nikon never tried to match this and lost a huge market share which they have now clawed back. This is the primary reason many pro's ended up with Canon systems. Added to that Canon also aggressively market mega-pixels and this roped in a lot of others. Thirdly Canon for a while eclipsed Nikon in the sensor technology in low light conditions.

This has all changed and Nikon is now the ruler of the low light conditions, Canon is no longer as aggressively marketing with freebies, free servicing etc and lastly Canon has finally rained in the concept of rushing ahead with more mega-pixels.

Many people consider Nikon ergonomics superior to Canon but at the end of the day this is still a personal thing. Canon has a much larger range of equipment to Nikon, but there is a lot of overlap and duplication. When it comes down to it both have very good lenses within their range and both have unique lenses in their range.

As for mega-pixels, they will slowly increase as technology improves.

Nikon were way ahead of Canon to get a DSLR to market, Canon got a better one out for a while but as PSi put it, Canon marketed like Toyota, whilst Nikon had better quality control and something akin to Land Rover's marketing section trying to promote them.

I like Nikon, others don't. Both are good.

[KarlB]

This web page may be worth a look: Nikon vs. Canon (http://www.kenrockwell.com/tech/nikon-vs-canon.htm)

Cheers
KarlB
:)

[big guy]

More Pros use Nikon--Period. Fact..

I know many, seen many and been one although before digital era I still keep in touch.

Canon has made inroads in many ways but the solidity and reputation is better for Nikon.

On this discussion does anyone else get the feeling that the people with Nikon feel its better because that is what they got and vice versa?

I am back to Canon basic compact set up but if I was to go back and test the water in the photographic industry, Nikon would probably get the tik.

There are lots of techno geeks out there too who have all the latest gear and technical know how but as far as composition or a detail is concerned they falter.

There is a lot more to being a pro in this industry than just mere gear.

My old teacher in Israel only ever had a Pentax K1000 and took pictures I could never dream of.
He just knew when, why, how and for long to expose and shoot.

He was a pro, God only knows what he is upto now with digital technology.
---Probably still shooting with his K1000:D:D:D---

Go and play with all the brands and don't be fooled, if you don't have the eye, you will still take crap photos but that can be learned but does take time. So be patient and enjoy the journey and keep shooting no matter what gear you have.;)

[Chucaro]

One of the reasons why many pros are using Nikon now when the time come to upgrade the gear is because Canon have a lot of problems with the top of the range cameras by releaseng them to early without proper test.
many of them have serious faliures in the field.
I think that now they are ok but the 7D is not as fast focus camera for action like the D300s.
The D3s is a fantastic camera and a class in its own when low light and for action shots @ high ISO settings.
Cheers

[isuzurover]

Thanks for all the replies so far.

How do the L-series lenses compare in price to the equivalent nikon lenses???

[dmdigital]

Thanks for all the replies so far.

How do the L-series lenses compare in price to the equivalent nikon lenses???

Unfortunately they are usually cheaper :(

[isuzurover]

Unfortunately they are usually cheaper :(

Thanks.

So would this lens:
Nikon AF-S 70-200mm f2.8G VR IF-ED II LENS | Digital Cameras and Camera Accessories | Video Cameras | Teds Cameras Australia (http://www.teds.com.au/nikon-slr-lenses/nikon-af-s-70-200mm-f2-8g-vr-if-ed-ii-lens/w1/i2105613_2074820/)

be equivalent to:
This:
Canon EF 70-200mm f2.8 L USM | Digital Cameras and Camera Accessories | Video Cameras | Teds Cameras Australia (http://www.teds.com.au/canon-slr-lenses/canon-ef-70-200mm-f2-8-l-usm/w1/i2105572_2074819/)

or This:
Canon EF 70-200mm f2.8L IS II | Digital Cameras and Camera Accessories | Video Cameras | Teds Cameras Australia (http://www.teds.com.au/canon-slr-lenses/canon-ef-70-200mm-f2-8l-is-ii/w1/i6449885_2074819/)

?

[Chucaro]

The IS lens in canon is the equal to the VR in Nikon or the OS in Sigma.
Cheers
Arthur

[dmdigital]

Nikon AF-S 70-200mm f2.8G VR IF-ED II LENS | Digital Cameras and Camera Accessories | Video Cameras | Teds Cameras Australia (http://www.teds.com.au/nikon-slr-lenses/nikon-af-s-70-200mm-f2-8g-vr-if-ed-ii-lens/w1/i2105613_2074820/)

equals

Canon EF 70-200mm f2.8L IS II | Digital Cameras and Camera Accessories | Video Cameras | Teds Cameras Australia (http://www.teds.com.au/canon-slr-lenses/canon-ef-70-200mm-f2-8l-is-ii/w1/i6449885_2074819/)

[PSi]

Nikon AF-S 70-200mm f2.8G VR IF-ED II LENS | Digital Cameras and Camera Accessories | Video Cameras | Teds Cameras Australia (http://www.teds.com.au/nikon-slr-lenses/nikon-af-s-70-200mm-f2-8g-vr-if-ed-ii-lens/w1/i2105613_2074820/)

equals

Canon EF 70-200mm f2.8L IS II | Digital Cameras and Camera Accessories | Video Cameras | Teds Cameras Australia (http://www.teds.com.au/canon-slr-lenses/canon-ef-70-200mm-f2-8l-is-ii/w1/i6449885_2074819/)

Price at Teds for Nikon 70-200 is way too high, and picture shows the old model.

Try this ...

Nikon 70-200mm f/2.8G AF-S VR Zoom-Nikkor ED-IF Lens - Compare Prices and Deals, Shop & Buy Online in Australia at MyShopping.com.au (http://www.myshopping.com.au/PR--71467_Nikon_70_200mm_f_2_8G_AF_S_VR_Zoom_Nikkor_ED _IF_Lens)

or this ...

Cheap Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 70-200mm f/2.8G ED VR II Lens | Cameras Direct - Compare Prices & Save shopping in Australia (http://www.getprice.com.au/Nikon-AF-S-NIKKOR-70-200mm-f-2-8G-ED-VR-II-Lens-Gpnc_16--49434889.htm)

To compare with Canon equivalent ..

http://www.myshopping.com.au/PR--71521_Canon_EF_70_200mm_f_2_8L_IS_USM_Image_Stabil izer_AutoFocus_Telephoto_Zoom_Lens?Find=canon%2070-200%20f2.8%20is%20ii

[PSi]

More apples vs apples, oranges vs oranges comparos ...

Nikon Price: $2148.00 AUD
Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 70-200mm f2.8G ED VR II Lenses (http://www.dwidigitalcameras.com.au/store/product.asp?idProduct=2292)

Canon Price: $2146.00 AUD
Canon EF 70-200mm f2.8L IS II USM Lenses (http://www.dwidigitalcameras.com.au/store/product.asp?idProduct=2648)

Nikon Price: $999.00 AUD
Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 28-300mm f/3.5-5.6 ED VR Lenses (http://www.dwidigitalcameras.com.au/store/product.asp?idProduct=3058)

Canon Price: $2391.00 AUD
Canon EF 28-300 f3.5-5.6 L IS USM Lenses (http://www.dwidigitalcameras.com.au/store/product.asp?idProduct=55)

Nikon Price: $1696.00 AUD
Nikon AF-S Nikkor 24-70mm f2.8G ED Lenses (http://www.dwidigitalcameras.com.au/store/product.asp?idProduct=1917)

Canon Price: $1319.00 AUD
Canon EF 24-70mm f/2.8L USM Lenses (http://www.dwidigitalcameras.com.au/store/product.asp?idProduct=946)

Nikon Price: $111.00 AUD
Nikon AF 50mm f1.8D Lenses (http://www.dwidigitalcameras.com.au/store/product.asp?idProduct=118)

Canon Price: $95.00 AUD
Canon EF 50mm f/1.8 II Lenses (http://www.dwidigitalcameras.com.au/store/product.asp?idProduct=63)

[lebanon]

Nope!! give a pro a kit lens to take a shot of a bird @ more than 10m distance and the result will be very bad.

Give a top mechanic a pipe wrench to rebuild an engine and the result will be faliure.
Knowledge is fundamental but tools are what give the best result.
If not, why nature photographers invest $ 10.000 in a 600mm lens when the job can be done with a $200 lens?

I would agree that it is more important the lens that the camera body and the trip be the most important part of the kit if sharp images are what the photographer need.

Good day Chucaro,

please check this site:

Your Camera Doesn't Matter (http://www.kenrockwell.com/tech/notcamera.htm)

it explains well why I believe that it is what's behind the camera that makes the difference.

Also check the link to Chase Jarvis' work shot with only his iPhone.

Regards

[Chucaro]

Lebanon, instead of reading articles just try to tak two shots of a bird @ 10 meters distance with a camera in a tripod using the same settings in both shots.
One shot with the Nikon 70-300VR and the other with the cheap 70-300 version.

For wild life there are not substitute for a good quality lens.
If your argument was valid believe me all the pros will using kit lens and not one will invest in a $ 6000 lens or more.;)

[Disco EMU]

I recently bought a canon 60D twin lens kit for $1672 from JB HiFi ... Canon 18mp DSLR Twin Is Lens Kit Camera - Digital Cameras - JB Hi-Fi (http://www.jbhifi.com.au/photo/digital-cameras/canon/18mp-dslr-twin-is-lens-kit-camera-sku-61846/) pretty good value in my opinion (not that I'm an expert) and have just ordered the 50mm f1.8 to go with it.

Have a look at theses two sites for reference.

DigitalRev DSLR, Digital Camera, Lens & Photography Accessories Store (http://www.digitalrev.com) also have an ebay shop
Canon and Nikon digital SLR Cameras and lenses - Sydney and Brisbane pickup - Discount Digital Photographics (http://www.d-d-photographics.com.au/)


The reason I bought a Canon?

I work in the television industry and the Canon DSLR's are becoming very common for video shoots, in particular the 5D.
Lots of people I work with have Canons (from 450's to 5D's) so it's like having my own library bank of information on how best to use it.
I work around the corner from Canon in Sydney (should anything go wrong).

Gotta tell you though ... it's a steep learning curve if you wanna get away from full auto mode and get into manual mode! You've gotto have the time to take photo after photo, making slight adjustments, learning how to navagate the menus ... but it's a hell of a lot of fun!

Cheers

Craig

[Cap]

Lots and lots of great advice here, and very relevant too. I find when speaking to camera owners that their selection of brand usually is influenced by outside factors, such as mates owning a brand, or work giving a camera to use in which you then adapt to, etc.

All these are emotional ties, rarely technical ties. Lots of information on the net confuses matters moreso.

I agree with the notion of what feels right and what $$ you want to spend. Decide on one brand and then just comit to the purchase. In time you will know if that was the right decision :angel:

best of luck

[blitz]

I bought a Nikon D300s and I love it - I reckon if I bought Canon equivelant I would love it as well.

I had a Tamron 70 300mm zoom which I loved on my film Nikon, haven't been happy with the sharpness of it on the digital (because it isn't sharp but didn't show up on film as I never enlarged any photos) and now I am having other problems but not relevant here. I am probably going to replace it with a 28 300 mm zoom nikkor lense because once you get a camera capable of very high quality photos you really do need the equivelant quality lense or you just wont be happy.

[dirty130]

I make my living from Pentax and their superb glass. For the money you pay for a very capable, but bottom of the range Canon or Nikon you can be the proud owner of a weather sealed, built like the proverbial brick ----- Pentax.
And have access to some of the best and well priced lenses that anyone could ever require. Their range of primes is second to none. If you require 10 frames per second, 600/2.8 lens or similar specialisation then you don't have a choice.

I have recently bought into M4/3 with a Panasonic GF1 and have been suitably impressed with its performance and it now follows me everywhere, takes over from my Canon G10, another superb camera for carrying everwhere. But I like the functionality of the Panasonic with interchangeable lenses and the flexibility in using my old and new pentax lenses via an adaptor.

'Spose some Canikonians will scoff at the very thought but I would too if I had spent a whole lot of loot where it wasn't necessarily required.

Lynn
Welcome to Lynn Webb's Photography Pages (http://www.lynnwebb.com.au)
Welcome to Lynn Webb's Photography Pages (http://www.lynnwebb.com.au)

[dmdigital]

Actually Lynn I won't bag your blatant ad but rather have to agree. Pentax is definitely over looked at that end of the market. They are a very decent value for money camera with good performance and optics.



Also who else makes a hot pink DSLR :p

[dirty130]

Blatant ad!!??? :wasntme: My good man, I was just stating fact!

[dmdigital]

That you were.

[isuzurover]

A further question... The D300 and D7000 bodies are around the same price. Some nikon-using friends have told me that they have heard to stay away from the higher numbered nikons...??? Any truth to this???

There seems to be a lot of model overlap?

[blitz]

both good camers but aimed at a different target audience (I think)

[Chucaro]

A further question... The D300 and D7000 bodies are around the same price. Some nikon-using friends have told me that they have heard to stay away from the higher numbered nikons...??? Any truth to this???

There seems to be a lot of model overlap?

There is not truth about that, the 1000 series are for the amateur photographers and the 100 series are more like a pro series.
The D300, supersided by the D300s is a very capable camera and perhaps the best crop sensor camera for action and wild life photography.
There are few nature photographers out there that have the D700 and the D300s and the camera that they are using most is the D300s.
I would love to have a D300s with the ISO capabilities of the D3s, it will be an awesome camera and excellent value.

[Offender90]

Ben,

Much of a muchness in terms of brand IMHO. Personal recommendation, spend most of your money on glass rather than the body. Both Canon and Nikon DSLRs have been around a long time, and although I haven't kept up with the model upgrades over the years, I would hazard a guess that there is not going to be too much of a "functional" difference between a 40D and a 60D for example. I would pick up a 2nd hand 30D or 40D (or the equivalent in Nikon) and invest in the glass range best suited to your needs.

As for a choice of brand, I would look around to what your friends use and get the same, so you can bum their gear... and vice versa.

[isuzurover]

Ben,

Much of a muchness in terms of brand IMHO. Personal recommendation, spend most of your money on glass rather than the body. Both Canon and Nikon DSLRs have been around a long time, and although I haven't kept up with the model upgrades over the years, I would hazard a guess that there is not going to be too much of a "functional" difference between a 40D and a 60D for example. I would pick up a 2nd hand 30D or 40D (or the equivalent in Nikon) and invest in the glass range best suited to your needs.

As for a choice of brand, I would look around to what your friends use and get the same, so you can bum their gear... and vice versa.

That's the problem - now you have moved all our local friends are Nikon fanbois (and girls). ;)

[flagg]

A further question... The D300 and D7000 bodies are around the same price. Some nikon-using friends have told me that they have heard to stay away from the higher numbered nikons...??? Any truth to this???

There seems to be a lot of model overlap?

The D300 is an older body and the D7000 is new. The D7000, while not in the 'pro' range is actually one of the most advanced Nikons available at the moment (as is has only just been released). It is also fantastic value for money.

For example, the focus system has been tweaked for video and is vastly superior to the current 'pro' models in the regard.

Between the D300(s) and the D7000, I'd go the D7000 - its a no brainer.. I agree with what Ken Rockwell has to say about it: Nikon D7000 (http://www.kenrockwell.com/nikon/d7000.htm)

I was hanging out for the upgrade to the D700 (a pro SLR).. and considering the D3s. When I got hold of some pictures that the D7000 had taken, I called my local shop and had a chat.. And then pre-ordered one. The images speak for themselves. The money I saved from the 'pro' ones (several thousand) I've spent on glass and my County.

[blitz]

I'm absolutely blown away by how good my D300s is; had the D7000 been released when I bought it, it would have been a much harder choice and I would have probably gone with the D7000. the D300s may have been overkill for me as I am an avid amature, who really only takes photos for my own enjoyment. I believe I will get years of enjoyment out of it because the quality of the professional jobbies is just that bit better than the others and a lot of my photography is in harsh conditions

Now just to get the following Nikkor lenses - 18-200mm zoom, 200-400mm zoom (dreaming) and tossing up between the nikkor 35mm, 50mm and 85mm primes but probably go with the 35mm as it will do most of what I want for fast indoor shots and sunsets, sunrises.

[PSi]

And the winner is ...

Nokia Xpressmusic 5800

https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2011/01/295.jpg



The judges' comment: Although picture quality is crappy, it is there when you need it while the D3s (or 1D Mk 4) was in the dry box at home.

[blitz]

probably not exactly appropriate for this post as it is a nikon V canon but

I played with a mates D5000 today it's a very nice camera but hells bells I am glad I got the D300s. of course it's like comparing umm apples with truffles so not a fair comparison

[SwedishBloke]

Neither. There are other alternatives than Canikon. I'm a K-mount kind of guy.:D

A rule of thumb of what brand to pick imo is what brand your mates are using. If you buy the same brand you can swap lenses with them.

None of my friends are into photography much so that wasn't much help when I decided to enter the realm of DLSRs.;)

[ozscott]

probably not exactly appropriate for this post as it is a nikon V canon but

I played with a mates D5000 today it's a very nice camera but hells bells I am glad I got the D300s. of course it's like comparing umm apples with truffles so not a fair comparison

Why? What was the big issue with the cheaper (much) unit? Cheers

[Chucaro]

Why? What was the big issue with the cheaper (much) unit? Cheers

Among many advanatges, the D300s is very fast in focus a moving subject. it is the best in the class.
If the use is only for family shots and scenery and snap shots, then the D300s and the Canon 7D will be an over kill, the cheap cameras will be the best choice.

[Offender90]

That's the problem - now you have moved all our local friends are Nikon fanbois (and girls). ;)

That should make your decision easy then, hey? ;)

[ozscott]

Among many advanatges, the D300s is very fast in focus a moving subject. it is the best in the class.
If the use is only for family shots and scenery and snap shots, then the D300s and the Canon 7D will be an over kill, the cheap cameras will be the best choice.

I understand. I thought you might have been referring to its handling which seems nice. I have to shoot my son at Tai Kwon Do in low light and high speed. It makes things difficult. The 5000 does that well. Interestingly see http://www.kenrockwell.com/nikon/d5000/high-iso-comparison.htm as to the low light high ISO comparo of the D300 and D5000.

The 300 higher shutter speed would be nice though, as would a 400 nikkor...



Cheers

[blitz]

Why? What was the big issue with the cheaper (much) unit? Cheers

Taking photo's yesterday of us playing cricket, I had perfect focus and a frozen ball just leaving the bowlers hand or just after it was hit by the bat. Couldn't get near the same with the D5000 also I find the heavier weight of the D300s better to use and controls on the d300s are easier to use

[ozscott]

Taking photo's yesterday of us playing cricket, I had perfect focus and a frozen ball just leaving the bowlers hand or just after it was hit by the bat. Couldn't get near the same with the D5000 also I find the heavier weight of the D300s better to use and controls on the d300s are easier to use

I am with you mate. I am willing to sacrifice that for low noise for what I do, but having said that having the best of both worlds would be nice...for a price..

Cheers

[blitz]

The other thing I dont like about the D5000 / D7000 is the fold out screen; If I owned one, as sure as I breath it would get snapped off. To me it is a gimmic, having said that I understand why - great for aiming if using a high shot or down low, or to get casual shots of people as the camera is not up to the photographers face. But not sufficient reason for me personally to get it.

I'm a dinosaur I like to look through the view finder!

[feral]

Yes they are a gimmick but they are so handy to have. I've just realised that the last two P&S camera's we've had are with the fold out screen. Now the 60D has one as well. It must mean we like to use it sometimes.

But it is not the reason why I bought the 60D. There are other factors involved.

[abaddonxi]

Couldn't find it on their website myself, but if anyone's after a Pentax Kx with kit lens - Pentax K-x DSLR Kit with 18-55mm Lens $499 at Officeworks - OzBargain (http://www.ozbargain.com.au/node/38422)

The officeworks price is cheaper than DWI, so looks good.

[Cap]

GO THE
NIKON!

Heck I thought ill throw in a totally selfish and biased opinion

[blitz]

GO THE
NIKON!

Heck I thought ill throw in a totally selfish and biased opinion


Browny box camera?

[ozscott]

The other thing I dont like about the D5000 / D7000 is the fold out screen; If I owned one, as sure as I breath it would get snapped off. To me it is a gimmic, having said that I understand why - great for aiming if using a high shot or down low, or to get casual shots of people as the camera is not up to the photographers face. But not sufficient reason for me personally to get it.

I'm a dinosaur I like to look through the view finder!

You can always leave it folded and clicked in so that the screen is facing outwards. I have had several camers now with folding screens that rotate and never had an issue. They can of course be very useful. I dont use liveview except for video recording, so for stills 99% of the time I do just use the viewfinder of my D5000.

Cheers

[blitz]

gimmick may have been a bit strong - flimsy, prone to break if not handled with care?

[ozscott]

gimmick may have been a bit strong - flimsy, prone to break if not handled with care?
:D It would be a bad day out if you managed to break it off. I dont find it flimsy but then again I am not shooting professionally where standard might be higher. There are however some articles by pro shooters about using the D5000 professionally (which I am sure will offend some people who simply cant see them in that category - and indeed they are not sold in that category) and they do not comment on the screen being flimsy, just on the small side.

Cheers

[blitz]

:D It would be a bad day out if you managed to break it off. I dont find it flimsy but then again I am not shooting professionally where standard might be higher. There are however some articles by pro shooters about using the D5000 professionally (which I am sure will offend some people who simply cant see them in that category - and indeed they are not sold in that category) and they do not comment on the screen being flimsy, just on the small side.

Cheers
If you saw how ham fisted I am you would understand my comment - it's also why I got the more robust camera. It's also one of the reasons why I own a landrover, it can survive me, I'm somewhat mangled and my fine motor nerves are stuffed so finesse, gentle, soft etc are words that will never be used to discribe me

[flagg]

The other thing I dont like about the D5000 / D7000 is the fold out screen;

The D7000 doesn't have a fold out screen... or at least mine doesn't! :angel:

[Ace]

I have now decided definitively that Nikon's are the best....

























Cause I just bought one :D

[ozscott]

I have now decided definitively that Nikon's are the best....

























Cause I just bought one :D


:D I am guessing from your posts you are a happy man Ace...

Cheers

PS. Its a good feeling hey...now for the speedlight/speedlite...

[Ace]

:D I am guessing from your posts you are a happy man Ace...

Cheers

PS. Its a good feeling hey...now for the speedlight/speedlite...

Very happy, wasnt planning on getting it so soon, turns out the TV dying was a good thing :D

Got alot to learn and once its mastered i'll get more bits and bobs.

[ozscott]

Very happy, wasnt planning on getting it so soon, turns out the TV dying was a good thing :D

Got alot to learn and once its mastered i'll get more bits and bobs.

Mate - can I suggest a good book on your particular model. I got one from Peachpit press on the D5000 and it was excellent.

Cheers

[Ace]

Mate - can I suggest a good book on your particular model. I got one from Peachpit press on the D5000 and it was excellent.

Cheers

Thanks for that, I'll check it out. There is so much that this camera can do, and bar turning it on and pointing and shooting in auto mode i dont know any of it so a book would come in handy.

[greg-g]

Go Nikon
Lenses are far more important, especially if you can get good used ones. You probably need a camera body with focus motor.

[blitz]

What lenses did you get with it Ace?

[Cap]

Thought ill repeat my important message once more, in case :angel:


GO THE
NIKON!

Heck I thought ill throw in a totally selfish and biased opinion

[feral]

:Rolling::Rolling:

Oh look...another Nikon user justifying their insecurities :eek:

:tease: