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04/29/2008 04:51:12 PM · #1 |
| I was comparing different cameras on dpreview.com, and I can't figure out what makes one camera worth more than another. For example, comparing the canon 5D with the 1Ds. The 1Ds costs about $700 more on average, yet the 5D hasa higher resolution, more MP, a larger sensor, and a larger lens. So what makes the 1Ds more valuable? Is it a better camera? I find this happens a lot, so I'm wondering what component of the camera has the largest impact on performance. When buying a new camera, should I be looking for better resolution, higher MP, or a better sensor? Any comments are appreciated. |
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04/29/2008 04:55:10 PM · #2 |
| Also, I just want to say that right now I am shooting with a canon powershot G7. I know it's a compact, but it still seems to have better 'stats' than lower end dlsr's, yet I feel that lower end dslr's still take better photos, why is this? |
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04/29/2008 04:56:47 PM · #3 |
Originally posted by MechHaus:
I was comparing different cameras on dpreview.com, and I can't figure out what makes one camera worth more than another. For example, comparing the canon 5D with the 1Ds. The 1Ds costs about $700 more on average, yet the 5D hasa higher resolution, more MP, a larger sensor, and a larger lens. So what makes the 1Ds more valuable? Is it a better camera? I find this happens a lot, so I'm wondering what component of the camera has the largest impact on performance. When buying a new camera, should I be looking for better resolution, higher MP, or a better sensor? Any comments are appreciated. |
Which 1Ds are you looking at that's only $700 more than the 5D?
The 1-series cameras are designed for pros. They are weather sealed, big, heavy and nearly bombproof while still performing at a very high level. They also have faster AF, 100% finder image, generally higher frame rates, write speeds etc.
Message edited by author 2008-04-29 17:02:03. |
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04/29/2008 04:58:53 PM · #4 |
Originally posted by MechHaus:
Also, I just want to say that right now I am shooting with a canon powershot G7. I know it's a compact, but it still seems to have better 'stats' than lower end dlsr's, yet I feel that lower end dslr's still take better photos, why is this? |
It's the sensor.
The itty bitty sensors used in PnS cameras (The G7/G9 included), despite having gobs of megapixels, have lots more noise than even an APS-C sensor in a DSLR. |
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04/29/2008 04:59:09 PM · #5 |
The larger sensor is the biggest difference. I've done some comparison testing between my Powershot S5 and my Rebel XT. In good light I can see some modest difference in clarity, and as the light gets worse, the difference becomes more apparent. After a certain resolution, other things affect image quality more.
As far as the difference between those two higher end SLR's, someone else will have to answer that one.
Message edited by author 2008-04-29 17:00:03. |
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04/29/2008 05:01:45 PM · #6 |
You have to remember that DSLRs have interchangeable lens. You buy the lens and they make a real difference, along with the bigger sensors. Quality will always shines thru.
But, the person behind the camera makes all the difference. |
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04/30/2008 02:39:29 AM · #7 |
| thanks for the feedback, I'm now looking at two cameras, the canon EOS 40D and the nikon D40. These cameras seem to be comparable, but the canon is twice the price. Is it worth it? |
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04/30/2008 03:17:46 AM · #8 |
I admit openly that I am baised against Canon, that said...
The Canon 40D has almost twice the megapixels, 6->10.
It also has a CMOS sensor which means less noise.
It also has twice the shutter speed, 4000->8000.
It also has a pentaprism vs a pentamirror which means the viewfinder is brighter.
The view finder also has 0.95x magnification vs the D40's 0.8x, both being 95% coverage that means the Canon's viewfinder will look larger and take up more of your vision.
Over all the Canon appears to be better, at twice the price. However even Nikons D40X and D80 which are both much more comparible in features, mp, and price get much worse ratings on dpreview.com than the Canon.
Message edited by author 2008-04-30 03:20:17. |
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04/30/2008 05:02:02 AM · #9 |
Originally posted by MechHaus:
What camera component makes the most impact? |
The person pressing the button ;)
Seriously though,
the d40 is far more comparable to the EOS 400D, or 450D which is the newer model (Rebel Xti I think in Canada)
the 40d also has a 3 inch screen vs 2.5 of the d40
the 40d has 6.5fps burst vs the d40 2.5 fps, depends what you want but this was important for my choice as I photograph motorsport and airshows and also very useful for HDR
The 40d has far more features, it depends what you want from the camera. If you want to learn and use the features in an SLR then the 40D is far superior, if you are going to stick it on P and just want the SLR for the extended range of lenses then buy the d40 and use the difference to buy some lenses
DPreview is a good site, I would also go and but a copy of a digital camera magazine (or two) and see what they say
Message edited by author 2008-04-30 09:51:22. |
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04/30/2008 08:34:27 AM · #10 |
| What camera component makes the most impact? Easily the tripod. Fully extended, and with a big swing, you can really make an impact. |
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04/30/2008 09:38:05 AM · #11 |
What makes the difference?
Sensor size of course, but also build quality and features- the 1D models are weatherproof, to the point you can put them underwater and they'll work (not recomended!). The 1D and 5D models have better focus systems, better mirrors, more software features, the 1D models have 2 card slots (for overflow if a card fills, or write Jpg to one and RAW to the other). You can custom name folders on your cards too, to seperate jobs during a day or teams at a shoot, etc. Higher ISO, and cleaner high ISO is something else you get as you move up the price ladder.
The mid grade (40D) is alum/magnesium buiild, better mirror box than the consumer bodies (and therefore better focus). It also has features that the lower model cameras lack (custom functions, settings, etc).
The Rebel line are plastic, have fewer/harder to access buttons, fewer features, plastic (less bright) mirrors, etc
If you shoot for a living it makes a difference. The things a 1D can do just about make it worth the extra money - the extra capabilities are certainly useful.
However, if you have limited resources like most of us, spend the money on glass - For the same investment a 40D and $3000 in lenses will do you much better than a 1D3 and a 50 1.8.
Message edited by author 2008-04-30 09:38:44.
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04/30/2008 10:52:53 AM · #12 |
forget the stats. The number of megapixels is one of those things that is less important than every other feature on a camera.
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04/30/2008 10:57:50 AM · #13 |
>What camera component makes the most impact?
the eye that decides which direction to point it in ? |
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04/30/2008 11:18:41 AM · #14 |
Side by side at dpreview
//www.dpreview.com/reviews/compare_post.asp?method=sidebyside&cameras=canon_eos40d%2Cnikon_d40&show=all
Is the price difference worth it? That depends on what features are important to you.
Canon 40D 6.5 fps
Nikon D40 2.5 fps
This is just one feature that stands out for me. What features are important for you?
The rating for each camera is about the same. |
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04/30/2008 11:39:50 AM · #15 |
| The Nikon D40 is more comparable to the Canon 400D or 450D than the 40D - the prime disadvantage of the Nikon for me is the limited number of lenses available that autofocus, due to the lack of internal focus motor. |
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04/30/2008 12:43:22 PM · #16 |
Originally posted by Tez:
forget the stats. The number of megapixels is one of those things that is less important than every other feature on a camera. |
It isn't the least important but it is one of the lesser ones. It is one of the things that burned me with Canon and the S5 IS, stuffing 12mp into a small sensor and charging $400 for it, geeze that is just stupid.
I think 10 for an APC-S and 12 for a full-frame sensor seems about right performancewise. The small sensors seriously should not be going above 8 at the most. However they do, because megapixels sell cameras, sighs.
It is also worth noting that the use of the camera might depend on the megapixels, for example some stock photo companies require 10mp images, while magezines require up to 12 for some jobs.
There is certainly a sweet spot though, where the detail of the image is the highest without ruining the quality with noise and stripping dynamic range. Since the higher the MP the more cropping can be done to get the same size image, therefore the subject can be enlarged. However it also requires a tack sharp focusing system and premium lens to take advantage of.
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04/30/2008 01:22:17 PM · #17 |
Shutter button. Without a doubt, the most useful item on all my cameras. : )
I use Fuji cameras, with Nikon lenses. I like their SCCD sensor for the dynamic range and color capture quality.
Canon is most likely the best choice if you shoot a lot in lower light or at night because of the brighter viewfinder, and noise control.
Ruggedness and better software higher speed writing to card ect. adds to the prices of cameras and lenses.
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04/30/2008 01:26:28 PM · #18 |
Originally posted by Prof_Fate:
...The 1D and 5D models have better focus systems... |
The 5D has the same 9pt AF system that is found in the 30D/40D while the 1D series has the higher performance 45pt AF system. I believe that the other mechanical/software systems on the 5D are far more similar to the 30D/40D as well than they are to the 1D series. |
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04/30/2008 02:38:24 PM · #19 |
Originally posted by Spazmo99:
The 5D has the same 9pt AF system that is found in the 30D/40D while the 1D series has the higher performance 45pt AF system. I believe that the other mechanical/software systems on the 5D are far more similar to the 30D/40D as well than they are to the 1D series. |
The thing I remember most about when I compared a 1DII to the mid range cameras was how much faster lenses focused with the 1D.
I was surprised, given that the focus motors are in the lens, but the higher end camera certainly felt like it tracked and locked
on much more quickly, with the same lens and similar subjects. I shot them both side by side for a couple of hours and it was
pretty obvious at the time. not sure how the 5D compares to the 1 series, but given the very different focus systems, I suspect
it is more like the mid-tier bodies too.
That 45 point system is one of my favourite things about my camera. I was using my 3 point D60 a few weeks ago and aside from
the huge response time difference, the AF points were the big missing piece. I don't even much like the 9 point diamond. It works
but I miss the coverage. |
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04/30/2008 03:20:24 PM · #20 |
Originally posted by Gordon:
Originally posted by Spazmo99:
The 5D has the same 9pt AF system that is found in the 30D/40D while the 1D series has the higher performance 45pt AF system. I believe that the other mechanical/software systems on the 5D are far more similar to the 30D/40D as well than they are to the 1D series. |
The thing I remember most about when I compared a 1DII to the mid range cameras was how much faster lenses focused with the 1D.
I was surprised, given that the focus motors are in the lens, but the higher end camera certainly felt like it tracked and locked
on much more quickly, with the same lens and similar subjects. I shot them both side by side for a couple of hours and it was
pretty obvious at the time. not sure how the 5D compares to the 1 series, but given the very different focus systems, I suspect
it is more like the mid-tier bodies too.
That 45 point system is one of my favourite things about my camera. I was using my 3 point D60 a few weeks ago and aside from
the huge response time difference, the AF points were the big missing piece. I don't even much like the 9 point diamond. It works
but I miss the coverage. |
I agree 100%. While I bought my 1DmkII for a variety of reasons, I appreciate the speed and accuracy of the AF system every time I use it. |
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04/30/2008 04:58:33 PM · #21 |
I would use a 1DsMKIII with a 24-70mm lens on it.
With the 1Ds weighing 1205g and the 24-70 weighing 950g. That's 2,155g or 4.75lbs. You can really crack someones head open with that.
That'll make an impact. |
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