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DPChallenge Forums >> Hardware and Software >> Nikon D5100 or my camera?
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 01/07/2012 10:00:57 PM · #1
Hi,

I have owned a Canon 40D and kit lens 28-135 f3.5-5.6 for the past three years. I previously sold my Nikon F100, several good Nikon lens and a flash to buy this as my kids were newborn and I wanted to switch to digital.

I have never loved this camera and do not like the lens. It does not go wide enough for my tastes. It had to be repaired a year ago and it never takes sharp pictures. Even when I think they look sharp in the camera, when I download them they are usually extremely out of focus. For most of this time, I attributed this to my poor photography skills, but now I am beginning to think that it is the camera and not me. I am not sure if I should send the camera back to Canon and see if it needs repair. That might be a waste of money.

I went to a camera store recently and tried the Canon 50mm and a Tamron 10-24mm. I didn't spend much time there, but I didn't think the photos looked any better with these lens on too.

So I have been seriously considering selling this camera and lens and buying something else. If I do that, I might be able to afford the Nikon D5100. I know that this is considered more of an entry level camera, so I am worried that this is a foolish choice. What are your thoughts on this? It has more megapixels than the Canon 40D, but it feels so light and plasticy. It would come with a kit lens or I could just buy the body and get a 35 or 55 f1.8 lens. There is no way that I can afford much beyond what my gear would sell for (and I don't know what that would be at this point) even though I wish I could go with a full frame camera.

Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated. I really need help figuring this all out.

Thanks so much,
Marina
 01/07/2012 10:16:49 PM · #2
If you're hoping for full frame, I don't think your expectations are in line with what you'll get with a 40D or a 5100. If I were in the same boat, I would lean towards a 40D, even if it is somewhat older. I've got an F100, so I know what you're remembering, and I find it pretty similar in feel and function to a D300/D200. I would caution you about constantly switching from one manufacturer to another, as you're losing some money each time. Obviously, you only have one lens now, so that isn't too bad, but it's still there. Kit lenses don't sell for much, because they're so common. If you go D5100, the kit lens is going to suffer from the same typical problems you normally see.
In any case, if you liked and used the F100 and are used to that class of camera, I wouldn't foresee you enjoying a step down to the 5100. Perhaps a used D90 if you're sick of Canon, or a 50D Canon if you can swing it or something. I can't address your issues with the 40D though, maybe your expectations are unreasonable, maybe the camera is out of wack. I know a few users on here had some issues with the 40D and Canon never really helped their problems. Were they pixel peeping too much or what was the issue? Who knows.
 01/07/2012 10:27:07 PM · #3
Another option is a used Canon 5D original. They seem to go for around $1000. So you may have to save. But it is the most affordable way, to full frame sensorness.
I sold my old 5D locally for $800. So just know, deals can be found. Nice image quality too! Nikon wise, a used D90 is a great choice.
01/07/2012 10:32:19 PM · #4
Nikon 18-55mm Kit Lens page

Check out this page. Pretty respectful photos with that kit lens. I have an older D5000 and I still take it along to Motorcycle and Car events to use the articulating screen. I think it's a great camera. Yes it is light but that's actually another plus in my book. The DX crop also comes in handy down the road for extended range on lesser telephoto lenses. You can also go the D5100 photo page and see some of the photos that have been submitted here.
 01/07/2012 10:32:58 PM · #5
40D on DPC
The 40D has a pretty good track record here at DPC. Since you already ditched your good Nikon glass, you may get the most for your buck by getting a mid grade or better wide lens for your 40D instead of changing your whole setup.
ETA, Read the manual and find out about locking the mirror up for sensor cleaning, then carefully inspect the sensor by reflecting a good strong light off the glass over it. You may find that there is an oily film or some such smutz on it, which could be causing the whole problem.

Message edited by author 2012-01-07 22:39:41.
 01/07/2012 10:57:16 PM · #6
Hi this is my 2c worth. first I would have your lens checked and re callibrated if required. you can have this done at any independant camera repair shop. These people have an instrument which can quickly measure the shapness of the lens and the technician can adjust the lens if required.the cost should be pretty reasonable.Check your yellow pages I am sure there would be one close to you. My local man is Phototronic services and they checked a lens for me at no chargetakes just a few minutes .
Have you a problem with camera shake? you can solve this by using a higher shutter speed, a good rule of thumb is to use a shutter speed greater than the widest f/stop on your lens ie if your lens is a F4/f5.6 you should hand hold no slower than 1/60th sec.
Try mounting the camera on a tripod and taking a series of photos at various fstop /shutter speed settings see if this increases the sharpness.

I think you should check all the variables before going headlong into a complete change of camera and or system. there are many users of your camera model in DPC perhaps PM some of these and see if they have or are having the same problem as yourself.

any way best of luck with the photography.BTW I use Sony and am more than happy with my current camera/lens.
maybe using a "L" canon lens would help. I have a Carl Zeiss made lens as my standard and it is fantastic

Message edited by author 2012-01-07 23:01:36.
 01/07/2012 11:11:16 PM · #7
The traditional adage for camera shake and shooting is 1/focal length of lens (this is FF equivalent, BTW). F Stop has no real bearing from one scenario to the next. Try handholding my 80-200 and shooting at 1/28...

01/07/2012 11:16:47 PM · #8
Originally posted by spiritualspatula:
The traditional adage for camera shake and shooting is 1/focal length of lens (this is FF equivalent, BTW). F Stop has no real bearing from one scenario to the next. Try handholding my 80-200 and shooting at 1/28...

sorry you are right 200mm lens= 1/200sec or higher oh dear silly me its the Alzheimers wot does it !!!
 01/08/2012 08:16:43 AM · #9
Thanks to everyone who has responded so far. It's been really helpful and certainly given me food for thought. I welcome any more comments and suggestions.

Thank you for your time.
Sincerely,
Marina
 01/08/2012 09:06:40 AM · #10
Originally posted by Magnumphotography:
Another option is a used Canon 5D original. They seem to go for around $1000. So you may have to save. But it is the most affordable way, to full frame sensorness.
I sold my old 5D locally for $800. So just know, deals can be found. Nice image quality too! Nikon wise, a used D90 is a great choice.


Ignore him, he's my bf and always trying to get me to part with my D90...;-)

And yes, there is quite a difference in weight and feel between the two brands. I had a D40, then at the urging of a couple of redheads, borrowed and shot a 20D and some lenses for a few weeks. I got perfectly good images with it, so issues there, and it didn't take long to learn how to do things bakcwards from Nikon (ie mounting up lenses etc).

But the sheer weight of the Canon gear, as it's mostly metal, was off-putting, and I found the camera body to be much bigger than the much lighter and more compactly made Nikon. So after a few weeks of playing with the 20D, I went and got the D90 and haven't looked back.
 01/08/2012 10:22:26 AM · #11
I think you should make sure your lens and sensor are clean and then give it a good workout/test. Take lots of images at different settings both on and off a tripod and then look at the results.I notice that you do have shots in your portfolio that are sharp so it could be camera shake or too slow a shutter speed causing the problem.
If you could take it to a local camera shop all the better,most would take a look for you. Changing makers to get better results is a mistake in my view. All the Best.
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