Choosing a DSLR - please help - DPChallenge Forums

Olympus 8mm f/1.8 M.Zuiko Digital ED Fisheye PRO Lens

05/04/2007 08:32:24 PM · #1

I don't want to start another Canon vs Nikon argument here, but I've almost got it down to a decision between those two.

I've been threatening to by a DSLR seemingly forever without ever being able to commit to one. I'd virtually made up my mind that Nikon D80 was going to be the one. Aside from stabiliser and anti-dust (which I really want), it seems to have pretty much everything I could hope for.

Then I saw and ad for Canon 350D at a really good price and despite its lesser features, I was tempted. I went to have a look, but the salesman seemed to know nothing about what he was selling and the camera didn't even have batteries in it. I decided I needed more time, but while I was at it, I wanted to get a feel for the D80 to see how they compare. Couldn't find one anywhere that day, but I did see the Nikon D40. That thing really is the right size for my tiny hands, but I don't want a camera that can't autofocus with some of the lenses I'm likely to want. I've since handled the D80 and found it rather large.

So now the question is, do I buy the camera I really want and put up with the size, or do I buy a Canon (probably 400D) just because it's smaller?

And how much should my choice of make be influenced by my past experience of point and shoot cameras of different makes? (If you check my portfolio, you'll see I've used most of them.)

pineapple

Canon EOS-5D

Canon EF 50mm f/1.4 USM

05/04/2007 08:42:43 PM · #2

P&S cameras IMO don't help much in making a transition to a dSLR. In fact, since most P&S use the back of camera LCD for composing the photo, it comes as quite a shock to have to use a view finder on a dSLR. Personally, I prefer the small body of the 350XT (or 350D). The 400XTi is similar. Just check the link and you will see that a lot of people have used this Canon technology to great effect here and as shown on other sites. The 350XT is small and I can operate that thing without even thinking these days one handed. I am well over the shutter limit on it as well (more than 35,000 clicks) and it is still going strong. I assume the 400XTi is similarly effective.

Olympus 8mm f/1.8 M.Zuiko Digital ED Fisheye PRO Lens

05/04/2007 08:52:15 PM · #3

I realise that P&S are totally different from DSLRs. I was just wondering if that fact that I like a particular camera better than any of the others I have used (I won't say which one), whether it follows that I will like the same make better when it comes to using a DSLR.

option

Nikon AF Nikkor 50mm f/1.4D

05/04/2007 08:55:48 PM · #4

Originally posted by GinaRothfels:

Aside from stabiliser and anti-dust (which I really want), it seems to have pretty much everything I could hope for.

Just to let you know, anti dust is a marketing gimmick that doesn't work all that well just yet, so dont let that be a dealmaker for you...

Delta_6

Canon EOS-7D

Canon EF 24-105mm f/4.0L IS

05/04/2007 08:55:51 PM · #5

Speaking of size, I have a Sony Alpha 100 and after handling that, my old olympus SP-350 feels like a toy. You'll get used to the size, just make sure it's comfortable in your hands.

Olympus 8mm f/1.8 M.Zuiko Digital ED Fisheye PRO Lens

05/04/2007 09:11:51 PM · #6

Originally posted by option:

Just to let you know, anti dust is a marketing gimmick that doesn't work all that well just yet, so dont let that be a dealmaker for you...

I've heard Olympus is the only anti-dust system that works, but it seems I would never be able to afford the lenses I wanted if I went for Olympus, so I'm not going to let that influence my decision, though fear of dust is probably one of the reasons I've delayed upgrading for so long. Well that and camera size.

option

Nikon AF Nikkor 50mm f/1.4D

05/04/2007 09:20:27 PM · #7

A blower works just fine for dust, otherwise you can just clone those little beasties out.

I still haven't decided whether my anti dust works or not. Tests would seem to indicate not, but I haven't had a dust problem and I change lenses fairly often... so, the start up shake remains on, for now.

S_Lanterman

Nikon D80

05/04/2007 09:20:35 PM · #8

I recently got the D80 and I absolutely love it, and similarly to you, I was tempted by the Canon 350 rebel xti (the North American name). Since I had more experience with Nikon, I went for the D80. It is a full size camera, but what you gain in features compared to the compact (only one scroll wheel!) I think it's worth it - you'll get used to it.

The new Olympus lineup does look quite nice - and they feature an image stabilizer in the camera instead of the lens, whereas not all Nikon lenses feature VR - their version - and you will pay more for it. It's nice because in lower light you can shoot up to four stops higher.

zardoz

05/04/2007 09:26:10 PM · #9

My partner used to use a compact camera and would not use my DSLRs because she said they were too big and heavy. I eventually convinced her to try my D70. I guess she got used to it because she has now sold her compact camera and just bought another lens for the D70! It was just a case of getting used to it. That is not to say size is not a consideration, she can not handle my D200 at all as she cant reach the buttons (phew..). Just for reference, my partner has very small hands and the D70 is larger than the D80.

zardoz

05/04/2007 09:32:17 PM · #10

As others have said, I have never had any problems with dust. I just use a hand blower now and then. I have never had to use any sort of wipe on the sensor and I do plenty lens changing. So self cleaning sensors would not influence my buying one iota.

Olympus 8mm f/1.8 M.Zuiko Digital ED Fisheye PRO Lens

05/04/2007 09:39:24 PM · #11

One of the things that makes me think the Nikon is probably the way to go is that if I were to buy the Canon and later want to upgrade, the 30D is even bigger than the Nikon D80. Somehow it seems less likely that I would want to upgrade if I bought the D80 to start with.

Of course the Canon 400D is a lot cheaper and the money saved could go towards lenses...

zardoz

Tamron SP AF 28-75mm f/2.8 XR Di for Canon

05/04/2007 09:52:15 PM · #12

Originally posted by GinaRothfels:

Around and around you go!! Been there done that... It's hard to make a choice. On the one hand ... and on the other... :-)

You are probably at the stage were no one other than you can break the circle. All other peoples advice will do is pile more things in each hand but never tip the balance. You need to get to a decent camera shop that has both in stock (with batteries in!) and have a play. Go with what your heart tells you and don't worry about minor technical differences. After all, it is something to make you happy, it's not a piece of life saving equipment that must be technically correct.

SamDoe1

Canon EOS-350D Rebel XT

05/04/2007 10:33:40 PM · #13

I would say just get the 350D/400D. The 400D, although smaller and has a lower build quality than the 30D, has the same 9 point focus sensor and a higher resolution sensor. It also has, don't know if really works all that well or not, a dust cleaning function. I am perfectly happy with my 350D and have no reason or intention of upgrading to a 30D anytime soon. If you need the better build and all that, spring for the D80. If you want to save some money and get a smaller camera go for either the 350D or the 400D and put the rest into some nice glass.

heavyj

Panasonic Lumix DMC-GH4

Panasonic Lumix 20mm f1.7 ASPH

05/05/2007 12:00:25 AM · #14

I think that you will get used to the size. The last thing you want is to hold a small camera, without the features you want. My wife was also a bit weary of using an DSLR having only used P&S...then she spent the day with the D80 in hand and now she wants a D200 (Even bigger...but she ain't getting it). You could always buy the handgrip making it easier to hold.

Olympus 8mm f/1.8 M.Zuiko Digital ED Fisheye PRO Lens

05/05/2007 06:32:25 PM · #15

Something that dawned on me after I logged off last night - if I'm already thinking upgrade in connection with Canon 400D, then it's hardly going to work out cheaper, is it? Somehow I'm going to have to pluck up the courage to get that Nikon D80 and live with the size of it. I'm feeling poor already:)

I just hope they don't announce a replacement model as soon as I finally fork out the money. Especially not one with anti-dust,

Artyste

Sony Ericsson W810i

Tamron SP AF 28-75mm f/2.8 XR Di for Pentax

05/05/2007 06:35:20 PM · #16

Originally posted by GinaRothfels:

Don't even worry about the anti-dust angle. The only company with an anti-dust that does ANYTHING is Olympus... and even it is only cursory.

Trust me, the anti-dust on the 400D is a marketing gimmick only, and is, for all practicality, completely worthless.

fotomann_forever

05/05/2007 06:44:27 PM · #17

Anti-dust doesn't work. Don't let that be a deciding factor. I know it's been said a few times, but drop that feature as a deciding point and invest in a blower bulb. :-)

Olympus 8mm f/1.8 M.Zuiko Digital ED Fisheye PRO Lens

05/05/2007 07:32:12 PM · #18

Thanks for the comments. I know I have to give up on anti-dust.

When Olympus announced the E510 (anti-dust, stabiliser, live-view screen) I thought that was going to be the way I would go. Until I saw the cost of their lenses. For the price of their equivalent to a Sigma 10-20 I could almost buy two cameras. And I really want that lens. So I guess it will be Nikon. It's certainly got some other features I would hate to be without.

EBJones

Tamron AF 55-200mm F4-5.6 LD Di-II for Canon

05/05/2007 08:11:14 PM · #19

I say go for the D80. We need more D80 ribbons. :)

Wildcard

Canon EOS-20D

05/05/2007 08:21:39 PM · #20

I had my heart set on a Nikon when I went ot buy mine but after reading here so many times to try them on I had a look at the Canons as well. I have tiny hands and the Nikon D80 just wasn't a good fit, my fingers barely curled around the end of the grip and I could reach the buttons without moving my hand. The Canon 20D was a nice fit, it was still a big step up from my little fugi but I feel secure holding it and can reach the buttons without moving my hand on the grip. It seemed huge and heavy at first but that took about an hour to get over. Now it has a lovely "workhorse" feel to it that I love. So my advice is buy the one that fits your hand, you'll get used to a larger size but if it's too big to reach everything comfortably you'll likely get frustrated with it.

Message edited by author 2007-05-05 20:22:49.

pineapple

Canon EOS-5D

Canon EF 50mm f/1.4 USM

05/05/2007 09:03:43 PM · #21

Originally posted by GinaRothfels:

Maybe, maybe not. Whatever. I started digital photography with an inherited Canon 2mp camera and was so impressed I did not even think of trying another brand. My thinking was that at that moment I had plenty to learn and no reason for being dissatisfied with Canon. My previous film experience was with Minolta and Olympus SLRs. I'm quite impressed with the Canon equipment I have owned to date and bought another Canon point and shoot recently. One day, I hope to get into a better body, again Canon. 0.02 cents which at today's exchange rate is worth F all.

Rebecca

Nikon D80

Nikon AF Zoom-Nikkor 18-135mm f/3.5- 5.6G ED DX

05/05/2007 09:05:38 PM · #22

Originally posted by pineapple:

Originally posted by GinaRothfels:
I realise that P&S are totally different from DSLRs. I was just wondering if that fact that I like a particular camera better than any of the others I have used (I won't say which one), whether it follows that I will like the same make better when it comes to using a DSLR.

Maybe, maybe not. Whatever. I started digital photography with an inherited Canon 2mp camera and was so impressed I did not even think of trying another brand. My thinking was that at that moment I had plenty to learn and no reason for being dissatisfied with Canon. My previous film experience was with Minolta and Olympus SLRs. I'm quite impressed with the Canon equipment I have owned to date and bought another Canon point and shoot recently. One day, I hope to get into a better body, again Canon. 0.02 cents which at today's exchange rate is worth F all.

I've been the same way with Nikon. When I upgraded from the 2mp to the 5mp Coolpix, I had been happy with Nikon and was already familiar with its menu style, and I saw no reason to change that.

emorgan49

Olympus E-5

Olympus 50mm f/1.8 MF Normal Zuiko

05/05/2007 09:12:38 PM · #23

I bought the Olympus E1 based on the tiny hand problem - it has the shutter button slightly to the front so I can reach it, on the Canon 350 it was too much of a stretch for me. Once you go down a road, it is hard to change so this is an important step> I guess I was already pointed towards the olympus road from the OM-1.

JeffryZ

Nikon D80

Nikon AF Zoom-Nikkor 18-135mm f/3.5- 5.6G ED DX

05/05/2007 09:32:27 PM · #24

Both Canon and Nikon have great cameras and quality lenses. Most features will be pretty similar too. I would suggest you go and hold a couple of both in your hands and see which you feel the most comfortable with. Comfort means you will be more likely to use it. Then let your budget decide which model. Remember to include the price of a memory card and lens in your budget. Either one will be new to you so there will be a learning curve for both. Then just go out and shoot!

The danger with going DSLR is that you start to see more things you want to buy to go with your camera. More lenses. Flash. Tripod. Bag. Software. Hide your credit card for the first six months as you learn what you will need for the shots you like to take.
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